Issuu

RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD Also serving North Riverside $1.00

Vol. 33, No. 51

December 19, 2018

To the rescue Riverside Children’s Theater Guild saved Christmas last week PAGE 14

103 fires teacher accused of attempted murder PAGE 3

rblandmark.com @riversidebrookfieldlandmark @riversidebrookfield_landmark

Former Riverside pain doctor faces prison time PAGE 10

@RBLandmark

RBHS pool fix will cost almost $800,000 Plagued by problems from the start, air-handling system to be replaced By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

After dealing with complaints about poor air quality at the Riverside-Brookfield High School swimming pool ever since it opened nearly 10 years ago, the District 208 Board of Education has decided to bite the bullet and spend nearly $800,000 to install a new air-handling system. On Dec. 11, the school board voted 6-0 to award a contract to Mechanical Concepts of Illinois to install the system, which will replacing a unit that turned out to be too small to adequately circulate the air around the swimming pool. “It’s had nothing but problems for eight years,” said school board member Ramona Towner of the RBHS pool. “My kids have swum at Oak Park because of that. Kids have been sick because of it. It’s worth doing it right, I think.” The new ventilating system will not be installed until the current school year is almost over, so the See RBHS POOL on page 9

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

DOGGING IT: Brookfield Police Officer Ed Weissgerber and his canine partner, Sire, hit the streets in mid-November as the department’s new K-9 unit, made possible by a $75,000 donation be the Brookfield Kiwanis Club.

Local police going to the dogs Brookfield, North Riverside K-9 units hit the streets

By BOB UPHUES Editor

If you live in North Riverside or Brookfield, you may have bumped into a pair of new police officers. They don’t say a lot,

but they make an impression when they walk into a room. That’s because both are German shepherds, the canine half of new K-9 patrol units just initiated by each village. “This is one of the reasons I got into law

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The Landmark, December 19, 2018

District103 board fires teacher charged with crime

Middle school instructor reportedly misrepresented himself on job application By BOB SKOLNIK

on paid administrative leave in February after learning that he had been charged with attempted murder the previous summer. In April, the District 99 school board The Lyons School District 103 Board of Education on Dec. 17 fired a George Wash- voted to terminate him at the end of the ington Middle School teacher who was hired school year. “He misrepresented himself in his applilast summer while he was facing charges of attempted murder, stemming from a shoot- cation,” Patt said. Rodriguez has pleaded not guilty in his ing on a street in Tinley Park in July 2017. criminal case and has a court date Without any discussion in in January. open session, the school board District 103 school board Presimembers voted 6-0 to fire Andent Marge Hubacek also said dres Rodriguez, who was hired that not disclosing his terminain August as a sixth-grade lantion from District 99 was the reaguage arts teacher. Board memson for firing Rodriguez, not the ber Sharon Anderson was abpending court case. sent from the meeting and did “He’s not been convicted of not cast a vote. anything,” Hubacek said. “It has Rodriguez had been on paid nothing to do with the incident, administrative leave since Oct. ANDRES RODRIGUEZ because that’s in court.” 19, one day after District 103 ofRodriguez and his lawyer, ficials learned that he was facEugene Keefe, met with the school board, ing attempted murder charges. Co-Interim Superintendent Patrick Patt Patt and the school district’s attorney, Phil said after the school board meeting that Gerner, in closed session for about 30 minRodriguez was fired because he did not utes on Dec. 17. Rodriguez had the right to a answer a question on his job application termination hearing before being fired. He truthfully. Patt said that Rodriguez did not and his lawyer had also met previously with check the box asking if he had ever been District 103 administrators. Patt declined to go into specifics about fired or asked to resign from a job. On his job application for Lyons District case Rodriguez and his lawyer made to the 103 Rodriguez made no mention of work- board, but he noted that Keefe did most of ing for Cicero District 99 during the 2017-18 the talking. “They said what they wanted to say, and school year. District 99 placed Rodriguez Contributing Reporter

that was fine,” Patt said. District 103 officials say that when they ran the standard background check on Rodriguez this summer prior to hiring him, everything came back clear because he has not been convicted of a crime. “Everything came back the way it should have,” Hubacek said. Rodriguez was employed as a teacher in Joliet District 86 at the time he was charged with attempted murder in 2017. According to a story in the Daily Southtown, George Washington Middle School Principal Don Jones checked Rodriguez’s references by calling the people Rodriguez listed on his job application. Those references reportedly included some former colleagues in the Joliet district. Rodriguez had been placed on paid administrative leave in Joliet District 86 about a month after his arrest. For much of the 2017-18 school year, Rodriguez apparently was being paid by both District 86 and District 99. A spokeswoman for District 86 told the Landmark that no one from District 103 called the school district’s central office to inquire about Rodriguez. District 103 board member Shannon Johnson, herself a teacher, said that once a teacher passes an initial background check, arrests are not flagged on a teacher’s license or record, a process she said needs to be changed.

Grand Boulevard home struck by gunfire Bullets reportedly meant for house next door

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Brookfield police say at least seven shots were fired at a house in the 3400 block of Grand Boulevard about 10:35 p.m. on Dec. 17, with two rounds hitting the home next door to the one police say was being targeted. No one was injured, but the incident drew a large police presence, including Cook County evidence technicians and a

police K-9 unit. Brookfield Deputy Police Chief Edward Petrak says investigators believe one home in particular was targeted. “We believe this was not random,” said Petrak in an email. “We’re looking at video and following up on leads.” According to the police report, a tan sedan was seen fleeing the area from the Ushaped alley, which connects Madison Avenue and Washington Avenue, west of the 3400 block of Grand Boulevard. One witness told police she heard six to

seven shots. Police later reported recovering seven spent shell casings from the alley near a garage in the 9200 block of Washington Avenue. The shooter appears to have fired at the target house from roughly a 45-degree angle. Police reported that two of the bullets struck the south wall of the home immediately north of the shooter’s actual target. The weapon used in the shooting was reported to be a .380 ACP handgun, similar to a 9 mm weapon.

lauren cody wishes you happy holidays and a very happy new year! Cell: 708-514-3367 email: lauren.cody@bairdwarner.com • www.laurencody.com

IN THIS ISSUE Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Editor Bob Uphues Sports Editor Marty Farmer Staff Photographer Alexa Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea Advertising Production Manager Philip Soell Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Mark Moroney, Debbie Becker IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Bill Wossow Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Ad Coordinator Nonna Working Event Coordinator Carmen Rivera Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Wakeelah Cocroft-Aldridge Front Desk Maria Murzyn, Carolyn Henning Publisher Dan Haley Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Business Manager Joyce Minich Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL buphues@wjinc.com ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published weekly on Wednesday by Wednesday Journal, Inc., an Illinois corporation. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $27 within Cook County and $36 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2018 Wednesday Journal, Inc.

The Landmark, December 19, 2018

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Former student trespassed at RBHS, cops say Riverside police charged a 20-year-old former student with one count of criminal trespassing and one count of disorderly conduct after he was involved in a disturbance inside Riverside-Brookfield High School, 160 Ridgewood Road, on Dec. 12 about 7:15 a.m. According to police, the man walked into the building before school hours and was confronted by security personnel. The man, said police, was “acting strangely” and wouldn’t take his hands out of his pockets when told to do so. When a security officer approached him, the man ran through a hallway and out the doors of the school. Brookfield and Riverside police flooded the area around the school and located the man a few minutes later at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Kimbark Road where they took him into custody without incident. Police said the man was not armed at any time. He reportedly told police he went inside the school to get a drink of water and said he didn’t take his hands out of his pockets because “he doesn’t follow orders that police officers give.”

Sts. Peter and Paul

Vehicle break-ins ■A

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23rd

Liturgy of Holy Communion with Christmas Pageant, 10:15 a.m.

Christmas Eve

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250 Woodside Road, Riverside, IL 60546 Telephone (708) 442-5250 Rev. Dennis J. Lauritsen, Pastor www.stspeterandpaulriverside.org

Festival Liturgy of Holy Communion with Candlelight, 7 p.m.

Christmas Day

Liturgy of Holy Communion, 10:15 a.m.

First Sunday of Christmas, December 30th

Liturgy of Holy Communion, 10:15 a.m.

Saint Barbara Catholic Church

4008 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield • 708-485-2900 www.stbarbarabrookfield.org

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Monday, Dec. 24th 4:00pm – Christmas Pageant Family Mass 9:00pm – Christmas Cantata, before Mass 10:00pm – Candlelight Christmas Mas Tuesday, Dec. 25th

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Please Call (708) 613-3362 to add a listing in the Church Guide

Poplar Grove man contacted Brookfield police on Dec. 11 to report that his truck, which he parks in a rented spot at a property in the 9300 block of 47th Street, had been burglarized at some point in the recent past. The victim said three checks, amounting to $1,280, had been cashed without his authorization. Those checks, he said, would have been found in the center console of the truck, which is often left open during the day because employees need to access it throughout the day. The checks were cashed at TCF bank branches in Countryside, Stickney and North Riverside. ■ A resident of the 4500 block of Maple Avenue, Brookfield, called police on the morning of Dec. 12 to report that, during the overnight hours, someone entered her vehicle, which was unlocked, and removed a backpack containing identification cards, an insurance card and a debit card.

Stolen packages recovered Brookfield police united a resident of the 4500 block of Blanchan Avenue with a package that was apparently stolen from her front porch and found in the alley behind the 4100 block of Arthur Avenue on Dec. 16 about 6:30 p.m. The Arthur Avenue resident called police after finding two open packages in the alley behind her home. One of the packages was addressed to the Blanchan Avenue address while the other was addressed to someone in LaGrange.

Alley rage North Riverside police responded to the alley north of the 7900 block of 26th Street on Nov. 30 about 6:35 p.m. after someone called to report a confrontation with a man wielding a baseball bat. The victim, a 56-year-old North Riverside man, told police he was driving his work van through the alley and pulled over to the side to allow a silver Jeep to pass by, waving the vehicle through. The other driver began shouting profanities at the victim, according to the police report, and then got out of the Jeep with a baseball bat. The offender then pounded on the hood of the van with his fist, causing no damage. The offender left the area after the victim said he was calling police.

DUI central Riverside police made at least four arrests for impaired driving between Dec. 10 and Dec. 16. ■ On Dec. 10 about 2:50 a.m. police charged a 28-year-old Chicago man with drunken driving, illegal parking on a roadway, transporting open alcohol and other traffic offenses after he was found passed out at the wheel in his vehicle on southbound Harlem Avenue at East Burlington Street, police said. His blood-alcohol content reportedly was .194, which is more than twice the legal limit of .08. ■ On Dec. 15 about 12:15 a.m., police charged a 41-year-old Burbank woman with driving under the influence of alcohol after stopping her for driving 71 mph in a 30 mph while southbound on Harlem Avenue from East Quincy Street. She was also charged with resisting arrest and aggravated speeding. Her blood-alcohol content reportedly was .13. ■ On Dec. 16, Riverside police made two DUI arrests within 15 minutes while patrolling Harlem Avenue around 12:15 a.m. Arrested were a 50-year-old Riverside woman, who allegedly made a slow left turn in front of an oncoming squad car from northbound Harlem Avenue onto Addison Road, and a 27-year-old Berwyn woman, who was observed driving on three tires and one rim while northbound on Harlem Avenue at 32nd Street. Both women appeared intoxicated, according to police, and admitted drinking alcohol prior to driving. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Nov. 30-Dec. 16, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

The Landmark, December 19, 2018

Riverside police chief named co-chair of kids’ advocacy group Takes on higher profile role in lobbying for program funding By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside Police Chief Thomas Weitzel has been named co-chairman of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Illinois, a group that lobbies state and federal legislators to fund early childhood education and other programs to help children, particularly children from low-income families, succeed. The other Illinois co-chairs are Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, Union County State’s Attorney Tyler Edmonds and Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim. “I’m really honored,” said Weitzel, who has been a member of the Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Illinois board of directors for nine years. Weitzel was first introduced to the organization through his participation in the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and his involvement with that group’s legislative committee. As co-chair, Weitzel will continue to lobby legislators to fund early childhood education but will take on a more visible role, such as representing the group at me-

state programs such as Redenership of law enforcement, ex-military, business executives, ploy Illinois, which was estabcoaches and athletes and paslished to offer programs aimed tors which seeks to “promote at providing alternatives to jailsolutions that ensure our next ing juvenile criminal offenders generation of Americans will be and reducing recidivism. citizen-ready,” according to its “You either pay on the front website. end or on the back end,” said One of Fight Crime: Invest in Weitzel of the value of fundKids Illinois’ most recent initiaing early education and other tives is lobbying state lawmakprograms aimed at children. ers to fund programs targeting “That’s really one of the big anyoung parents, especially mothTHOMAS WEITZEL gles as far as law enforcement ers, who are opioid dependent. Riverside Police Chief goes.” The goal of the programs Much of what Fight Crime: would be to reduce the number of Invest in Kids Illinois advocates children who are born addicted for receives bipartisan support to opioids, because studies have in Springfield, said Weitzel, shown those who are dependent though funding programs faced as infants are more likely to become addicted additional hurdles during the past four to opioids later in life. According to a press release issued by the years with the state enduring lengthy budorganization earlier this year, part of the so- get impasses. “Most of our legislation gets bipartisan lution involved voluntary home visits where “nurses and other trained professionals can support,” Weitzel said. “We’re not asking coach at-risk parents during pregnancy or for something for ourselves, we’re asking during the first three years of a child’s life.” for something that benefits the whole state The group also lobbies for funding of and children.”

“You either pay on the front end or on the back end.”

FILE

Riverside Police Chief Thomas Weitzel dia events. Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Illinois is an initiative of a nationwide nonprofit called the Council for a Strong America, a part-

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The Landmark, December 19, 2018

BIG WEEK

Stuffed Animal Sleepover

December 19-26

An Old-Time Radio Christmas The Riverside Township Radio Players present their annual holiday show on Friday, Dec. 21 with a pair of Christmas-themed show re-creations from Radio’s Golden Age. The troupe will start off with “Department Store Contest” from the classic comedy show “Our Miss Brooks.” That’ll be followed by the drama “Out for Christmas” from radio’s outstanding theater of thrills, “Suspense.”

See what your stuffed animals are up to when you’re not around courtesy of the North Riverside Public Library’s Stuffed Animal Sleepover and Breakfast Bash. Kids ages 3 and up are invited to drop off a stuffed animal at the library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., by 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20. Then on the next morning, on Dec. 21, at 10:30 a.m. come back to be reunited with your stuffed pal at a breakfast bash, where you’ll see the antics the animals were up to all night. If you are in grades 6-12, you can volunteer to “supervise” the Stuffed Animal Sleepover at a special lock-in event on Dec. 20 from 8 to 10 p.m., where you’ll help design and document the stuffed animals’ amazing adventures before recharging with pizza. To register, call the library at 708-4470869, in person at the Youth Services desk or online at www.northriversidelibrary.org/kids/youth-servicesregistration.

The free performance starts at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road in Riverside. For more information, visit riversidetownshipradioplayers.com.

Lions collecting unwa unwanted t d lilights h

The Riverside Township Lions Club is collecting unwanted Christmas lights for recycling. Working and non-working lights for both indoor and outdoor use can be dropped off at the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, or the North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., during normal business hours through Jan. 15. Lights will be forwarded to Lions Clubs International and eventually shredded and their parts sorted before being recycled into useful products. Proceeds benefit Lions Clubs International.

And more

their lists and pop them in the mail box, so Santa receives them in time. Letters received by noon on Dec. 20 are guaranteed a response.

Holiday Magic, the annual festival of lights at Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road in Brookfield, returns Dec. 22-23. The zoo is open each day of the event from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Come early and stay later for the festivities, which begin at 4 p.m. Guests should park in the north lot. Regular admission and parking fees apply. For more, visit www.CZS.org/HolidayMagic or call 708-688-8000.

Compassion Factory Art Gallery and Studio, 9210 Broadway Ave. in Brookfield, presents artwork by Heather Kadlec Stock and Don Mendenhall through Dec. 29. Free. Open Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and first Fridays from 7 to 10 p.m.

Santa’s mail box has been posted in front of the water tower, 10 Pine Ave., in downtown Riverside, which means it’s time for local children to write

Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., presents “While Here,” a solo exhibition of work by painter Kim Piotrowski as part of its Spotlight Exhi-

■

bition series highlighting artists who are part of the RAC community through Jan. 5, and “We Are Beasts” featuring the work of Sarah and Joseph Belknap in the outdoor sculpture garden through December. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

a.m. to noon in the Meeting Room. Play cards and socialize every Friday.

Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd., presents Cutting the Cable Cord on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. Learn to access your favorite TV shows without a pricey cable bill. Register to attend by calling 708485-6917 or visiting www.brookfieldlibrary.info.

The community is invited through March 22, 2019, to jog, walk or run inside on the indoor track at the Lyons Township High School South Campus fieldhouse, 4900 S. Willow Springs Road in Western Springs, from 6 to 7 a.m. on days when school is in session. Free.

■

North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., hosts a Senior Drop-in on Dec. 21 from 10 ■

For kids, there’s Lapsit Storytime (toddlers thru 5) on Dec. 20 at 10:30 a.m. and Do-It-Yourself Craft Hour (grades 2+) on Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. ■

■

The Brookfield Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts

The Landmark, December 19, 2018

A Child’s Christmas in Brookfield

O ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’

Plymouth Place, 315 N. LaGrange Road in LaGrange Park will host a screening of “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” a movie dramatizing poet Dylan Thomas’ memories of Christmas from the viewpoint of a young boy and portraying a nostalgic, simpler time on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 7:15 p.m. in Dole Hall. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Call 708-354-0340 or email to rlopienski@plymouthplace.org.

Pajama Extravaganza at Brookfield Library

Celebrate the season at a Holiday Family Pajama Extravaganza, a special after-hours night of holiday festivities at the Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd., on Friday, Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy stories, crafts, music and refreshments, and be sure to bring your list, because Santa Claus will be there. Advance registration required at www.brookfieldlibrary.info or by phone at 708-485-6917. The free event is for all ages with adult.

bingo every Monday night. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. minimum cash payout of $2,275 a night, plus pull tabs, lightning, tic-tac and raffles.

CALENDAR EVENTS ■ If you would like your event to be featured here,

please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights. Email calendar@wjinc.com.

ne Christmas was so much fun like the other in that snow-filled suburb. I reach into the snow bank of memory and pull out a gingerbread man. We carved their shapes on a flour-dusted table. After they were baked, we slathered them with frosting and sprinkles. We hung them with string from the tree. Edible ornaments we could grab any time for a snack. In that gingerbread world, we decorated the fresh-cut spruce. The strings of lights were tangled into a Gordian knot and if just one bulb was out, the whole string didn’t work. After we found enough lights that worked, we wound them around the tree. Then we hung tinsel and delicate glass ornaments. The glorious tree was ready for presents. There were the practical presents: the blankets, hats and mittens. Scratchy wool sweaters we had to wear for Christmas pictures. There were also a few impractical presents: board games, electric football and jigsaw puzzles. My mother feared the puzzles, because my dad would get so obsessed he’d stop going to work. When he did go to the office, he brought large quantities of booze to give out to lawyers, insurance adjusters and the other clients who made presents possible. We prayed for money to come in, but not many payments were processed during that season of office parties. Our family always had its own Christmas party. Because there were so many of us, we were never invited anywhere. Cleaning and decorating the house for Christmas was exciting in those flax soap days. Polishing the silver candlesticks and cleaning the glass of our hurricane lamps. Setting out the red-patterned china that we used for every holiday. The best part was the aroma from two ovens, as we baked a turkey in each one. Not that we were inside much to enjoy it. Playing outside was mandatory. Snow would fill our boots and soak our mittens. When we couldn’t stand it anymore, we shivered our way into the house. Feeling the warmth return to our fingers

JOHN RICE

“My mother feared the puzzles, because my dad would get so obsessed he’d stop going to work.”

PROVIDED

DIFFERENT DRUMMER: The Rice family in 1961, parents Ed and Betty (top row) and eight kids (the ninth still had not arrived) including young John – the one with the crew cut, looking away from the camera. They lived on Maple Avenue, next door to the Fishers, who owned the downtown Brookfield drugstore. and toes almost made the suffering worth it. To warm our insides, there was marshmallow-melting cocoa. As we thawed, we not only thought of the presents we’d get but also of the presents we had made in school. Homely creations of paper, sparkles and glue. We prayed our parents would be pleased. At the Christmas dinner, there were no aunts, uncles or grandparents. They had their own parties. We gorged on turkey, mountains of mashed potatoes and rolls hot from the oven. On Christmas morning, there was a frenzy, as we ripped open packages. We didn’t take turns, or even acknowledge the gift-giver. We just ripped. The younger ones were convinced that all of these gifts were from Santa, and no blasphemer could shake their faith. After the frenzy subsided, we painfully posed for pictures in our scratchy sweaters. Then we had the Christmas bonfire, burning the packaging and wrapping in the backyard. We slept deeply that night, knowing we

had new toys to play with in the morning. We’d wake up early to find my father, unshaven — his hair sticking up, fitting another piece into the puzzle. It was a letdown, after the excitement of Christmas. But the tree stayed up for a few days, and the decorations hadn’t yet returned to their attic prison. Among these, were a set of figures. Crowned men on camels, a rough wooden stable with a cow, a young couple watching over their tiny baby. They were fun to play with and must have had something to do with Christmas. John Rice grew up on Maple Avenue with eight siblings. He lived next door to the Fisher family, who owned the local drugstore. He briefly attended S.E. Gross School before being kicked out of kindergarten. He briefly attended first grade at St. Barbara School, where he led the school in demerits. He moved from Maple Avenue when he was 6 years old to attend Ascension School in Oak Park, where he got into more trouble.

The Landmark, December 19, 2018

District 103 board appoints new member 10 candidates file nominating petitions for 2019 election

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

The Lyons District 103 Board of Education is back to full strength as Costello School PTO President Tom Weiner was appointed to the board at a special meeting held Dec. 10. He fills the vacancy created when Coleen Shipbaugh was booted off the school board last month for not attending meetings. Weiner was of eight people who applied to fill the position and complete Shipbaugh’s term, which expires next year. All eight applicants were interviewed by the board in closed session before the vote. The interviews lasted about 10 minutes each. Weiner’s appointment was approved by a 4 to 1 vote. Sharon Anderson, Shannon Johnson, Joanne Schaeffer and board President Marge Hubacek voted to appoint Weiner. Board member Jorge Torres voted against appointing him. Torres declined to comment about why he voted against Weiner, saying that he had to hurry off to another closed session portion of the board meeting. Weiner, 58, is the father of a first-grader at Costello School. He is a graduate of Morton East High School and works as an inventory

control specialist for GF Machining Solutions. He said that he took a couple college classes and wishes that he had continued his education further. “That’s why now I realize, this late in my life, how important education is, and I want to do what I can to help the board make sure the teachers have what they need to make sure our kids get the best education possible,” Weiner said Weiner also has filed to run for a full four-year term in the April 2, 2019 election. He made clear that he supports the current board majority of Anderson, Johnson, Schaeffer and Hubacek. “I’m just going to try and do what I can to help the board keep on going forward, because this board has made great strides in the last year and a half,” Weiner said. “It was a mess when they took over.” Hubacek said Weiner was chosen from the field of good candidates including Lyons Township Assessor Barbara Weyrick and former LaGrange Fire Chief Bill Ruting. “For me the swaying factor was that he has attended almost every board meeting this school year and last school year,” Hubacek said. “In my mind, he’ll hit the floor running; there’s no bringing him up to speed.”

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Hubacek also liked that Weiner is running for a full term on the board next spring. “I was looking for somebody who was going to at least try to be elected,” Hubacek said. Weiner will be running on a slate that Hubacek is supporting. The slate consists of Weiner, Schaeffer, former board member Connie Esparza, who was defeated in 2015, and Stickney resident Jacqueline “Jacquie” Magsaysay, who also applied to fill Shipbaugh’s seat on the school board. Hubacek made clear who she is supporting. “I’m endorsing Tom and Jacquie and Joanne and Connie,” Hubacek said. “That’s who I’m supporting. I’m real thrilled that Connie has decided to make another run.” Esparza served on the school for about a year. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2014 and was defeated when she ran for a full term in 2015. Schaeffer, a longtime board member, confirmed that she, Weiner, Esparza, and Magsaysay are running as a team. “The four of us are going together,” Schaeffer said. “We have the same beliefs, we have the same thoughts. We want to make sure that the kids are put first, that the district

stays on track the way that we’re going now.” Magsaysay is a Stickney resident and mother of a son who is a seventh-grader at George Washington Middle School. Magsaysay works as a computer-assisted design and drafting manager and holds an associate’s degree from Morton College. She is a Boy Scout den leader, has been active in the Stickney-Forest View Little League and served briefly on the Stickney Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. They will be opposed by what appears to be a slate of candidates, led by Torres, which includes Olivia Quintero, Vito Campanile and Winfred Rodriguez. Quintero ran in 2017 on a slate with two incumbents backed by Lyons Village President Christopher Getty. That slate lost and the board majority slipped from Getty’s control. Torres, who was elected as part of a Gettybacked slate in 2015, declined to comment on the slate of candidates. Also filing at about 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 were incumbent Michael Bennett and McCook resident Shakana Kirksey-Miller. Bennett was elected alongside Torres as part of the Getty-backed slate that took control of the school board in 2015.

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The Landmark, December 19, 2018

Former RBHS board president makes comeback bid Competitive race as six people file for four seats in D208

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

How badly does Matt Sinde, the former president of the Riverside-Brookfield High School District 208 Board of Education want to get back to the board table? Apparently badly enough to be first in line on the morning of Dec. 10 to file his nominating petitions. Sinde, a Brookfield resident, served on the RBHS school board for eight years, four as president, before losing a bid for a third term in 2017. He has not returned multiple phone calls or text messages sent to him by the Landmark asking him what prompted him to make another run for the school board. Also filing to run on Dec. 10 were incumbents Laura Hruska and John Keen, also residents of Brookfield. Two other candidates, Tom Jacobs and Deanna Zalas, both of Riverside, filed nominating petitions on Dec. 14, and a third Riverside resident, Bill Durkin, filed less than two hours before the filing period closed on Dec. 17, ensuring the campaign for the four seats up for election on April 2,

RBHS POOL

‘Lot of service issues’ from page 1 boys swimming team and the boys and girls water polo teams this year will still use the pool with its current ventilation system in place this winter and spring. “The current unit should get us through the rest of the school year,” said District 208 Superintendent Kevin Skinkis. But Skinkis said that the unit is nearing the end of its life expectancy. When the water polo season is over, the pool will be shut down for six to eight weeks in May and June to install the new system. Skinkis said that he hopes the pool will reopen with the new units in place by July 4. At the Dec. 11 school board meeting Skinkis said the original design of the natatorium called for a drop-ceiling and the current air handler unit was sized for that design. But at the time the pool was built, it was decided to eliminate the drop-ceiling to save money. However, the specifications of the airhandling system were not changed to take into account the larger space that needed to be ventilated and dehumidified. As a result, the unit that was installed turned out to be too weak for the size of the natatorium. “The one now is overworking itself because it’s smaller than it is supposed to be,” said board member Wes Smithing, a

2019 will be contested. In 2017, Sinde finished fifth in a five-candidate race for three seats running in the aftermath of a controversial decision by the school board not to rehire a teacher who was especially popular with activist students. Sinde may have also suffered from the fallout from the school’s fight, ultimately resolved, with the village of Brookfield over a new parking lot. He was elected to the RBHS board in 2009 and re-elected in 2013, when he ran as part of slate with Mike Welch. Ed Jepson was also part of that slate in 2013. Jepson was also not re-elected in 2017. Welch chose not to run for a third term. Zalas is the mother of three children, a RBHS sophomore and twins who are in 7th grade. She works as the director of risk management for the Cook County government. Her husband, Michael Marrs, serves as village attorney for Riverside. A 1996 graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, majoring in history and political science, Zalas earned a master’s degree in political studies from the University of Illinois Springfield. Zalas could not be reached for comment.

Jacobs, 50, is the father of a daughter who graduated from RBHS in May, and of a son who is a sophomore. He has lived in Riverside for 14 years. An architect and principal/ partner at the firm Krueck and Sexton Architects, Jacobs is also an adjunct professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology College of Architecture. Jacobs grew up and was educated in Switzerland and came to the United States in 1996. Jacobs has written occasional opinion columns for the Landmark and is known for his strong views about climate change. He says that he believes RBHS is an excellent school academically, but can do more in the area of civic education. “It isn’t driven by a concern over academics or anything like that at all,” Jacobs said of his reasons for running. “We need to achieve more on other levels. “I actually think that the true purpose of education should be to make our young society members effective citizens. I see in my teachings at the college level that they are underprepared when it comes to thinking about our democracy, the overall systems, their responsibilities as citizens. It’s

just not in the front of their minds.” Durkin is the brother of Illinois state Rep. Jim Durkin, who represents the 82nd District and serves as Republican leader of the Illinois House. As previously reported, Hruska and Keen are both running for their third consecutive terms on the District 208 Board of Education. Hruska, the certification director for the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, has a master’s degree in education from University of Illinois at Chicago and has bachelor’s degrees from both UIC and the Moody Bible Institute. She previously served on the District 208 school board from 2005-09. Keen is an RBHS graduate who is a radiologist at the John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Stanford, an MBA from the University of California, and received his medical degree from the University of Illinois. Incumbents Garry Gryczan, who is presently the RBHS board president, and Tim Walsh, have chosen not to run for a third consecutive term on the school board.

member of the board’s Facilities Advisory Council. Over the years some swimmers and others have complained about poor air quality in the pool. Some suffered from persistent coughs. Skinkis said it is recommended that there be four air exchanges an hour at swimming pools. The existing unit was barely meeting that standard. The two new units will completely exchange the air in the natatorium six times an hour Skinkis said. In December 2013, the school district spent between $5,000 and $7,000 on repairs to the system. At the same time Wight, the architectural firm that designed the pool, spent thousands of dollars more at its own expense to try to fix the issues with air flow. The district had dumped Wight, which de-

signed the entire addition and renovation of the school in 2007-09, as its architect earlier in 2013. A third air-circulating unit that was installed over the pool’s spectator area at that time will remain. While some have noticed improvements since 2013, the problems with air flow continued. Sometimes the doors to the natatorium are left open to get more air into the pool area and fans are placed on the pool deck to increase air flow. “We’ve had a lot of service issues over my eight years for sure, so we thought we it would be better to stick with the other two units being supplied,” Skinkis said. The cost of the new units will be about $785,000, including installation. Another $14,000 will be spent painting the ceiling and

duct work to match the wall paint. Extensive new duct work also will be added so air does not linger just above the water where swimmers breathe it. The base bid includes an allowance of $20,000 for unforeseen expenses. The cost of the project has increased by about $180,000 since the school first got a cost estimate about 18 months ago. The price increase is the result of an increase in the price of steel because of steel tariffs that were imposed earlier this year and an increase in the cost of labor, according to a memo to Skinkis by the district’s architect, Carrie Matlock, president of DLA Architects. Four companies submitted bid proposals. Mechanical Concepts of Illinois’ bid was $23,000 less than the next lowest bidder.

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The Landmark, December 19, 2018

Riverside Caucus pulls plug on campaign committee Remaining funds will go to the state; group’s future is unclear

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The Riverside Community Caucus, which for nearly a century has recruited and endorsed candidates for village president and trustee, will dissolve its official political committee, effectively ending its mission, for now. Jill Mateo, vice chair of the caucus, confirmed that the organization, on the advice of its attorney, was filing paperwork to shut down the political committee. The roughly $3,200 remaining in the committee’s account will be sent to the Illinois State Board of Elections to satisfy fines levied over the past two years. The caucus will continue to exist as a community organization, but its future role has not been determined, Mateo said. “We’re still discussing what we want to do going forward,” she told the Landmark in a phone interview on Dec. 17. “We met last week and we’ll meet again in February. We’re

looking at other models, seespent any funds for years. ing what groups do in other John Mathews, the former president of the caucus who towns and what we want to resigned the position this fall, do moving forward.” said he simply assumed the The Riverside Community Illinois State Board of ElecCaucus began to unravel eartions would inactivate the lier this year after the Illinois caucus’ political committee State Board of Elections levdue to inactivity. ied $17,275 in fines against But in November 2015, the the political committee for Illinois State Board of Elecsix violations for either filing JILL MATEO tions started fining the caucampaign disclosure reports Vice chair of the Riverside cus for the late or non-existent late or failing to file them at Community Caucus filings. In July of this year, all from 2015 to 2018. the state sent a letter informThe caucus leadership at ing Mathews that it was terthe time was trying to move minating the caucus and that the organization away from $17,275 in fines remained in a traditional campaign comforce and payable. mittee that would help fund The caucus subsequently updated all of its political activities to one that was solely there filings to make them current and on Dec. 3 apto identify and vet candidates for office. Riverside’s last contested election was in pealed to the Illinois Board of Elections to ac2009 and the committee had not raised or cept $1,597 — half its fund balance — to settle

“We’re still discussing what we want to do going forward.”

its fines. The state board denied the appeal. Matt Dietrich, public information officer for the Illinois State Board of Elections, said the caucus could choose to make another settlement offer if they wished. By caucus officials paying the balance of its funds to the state and dissolving the political committee, they likely have put an end to the state’s pursuit of the balance of the fines. However, according to state law, if any officer of the Riverside Community Caucus creates a new committee for the same purpose within two years, they would still be liable for the balance of the fines. That’s why caucus members are trying to determine how to proceed. The caucus already decided to not interview or endorse candidates for the April 2019 election. Village voters will elect a new president and three trustees in April 2021. “The interest is still there, but what format is unclear,” Mateo said.

Former Riverside pain doc faces prison time Dr. Paul Madison convicted for health insurance fraud

By BOB UPHUES Editor

A physician who operated an alleged “pill mill” out of a downtown Riverside office from 2013-16 faces the prospect of prison after a jury convicted him on all 11 counts in a federal medical insurance fraud case. Dr. Paul C. Madison, 65, was convicted on six counts of health care fraud, three counts of making false statements in connection with the delivery of health care services and two counts of aggravated identity theft on Nov. 29 in U.S. District Court in Chicago. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each count of heath care fraud and up to five years for each count of making false statements. The identity theft counts carry mandatory consecutive sentences of two years each. Judge Robert M. Dow has set sentencing for March 25, 2019. The case is not related to Madison’s office in Riverside. Rather, the suit stemmed from actions that took place between 2005 and 2009 at his outpatient surgical center in Water Tower Place on North Michigan Avenue.

He and a nurse who worked at Watertower Surgicenter LLC were indicted by a federal grand jury of fraudulently billing insurance companies for some $3.5 million in medical claims. Prosecutors charged that insurance companies lost a collective $783,000 as a result of the fraud. The charges against Madison’s nurse were dropped in 2014 in exchange for her cooperation with prosecutors. During the trial, which began Nov. 7, prosecutors charged that Madison ordered his employees to submit false bills to insurance companies for a chiropractic procedure called manipulation-under-anesthesia that chiropractors at Watertower Surgicenter had not performed. Part of that scheme included Madison directing employees to falsify patient records to support the fraudulent insurance claims. Madison’s legal troubles are not over. He and two other doctors are named in a series of lawsuits being filed by municipalities and other entities in Illinois to recoup costs related to the national opioid epidemic that is being blamed in part on pill mills like Riverside Pain Management, which Madison operated in downtown Riverside.

Also named in those suits are Dr. William McMahon and Dr. Joseph Giacchino, a disgraced former physician who served as the Riverside clinic’s “administrator.” Giacchino had his medical license revoked by the state of Illinois in 2011 for improperly prescribing controlled substances and providing medications to female patients in exchange for sex. Both McMahon and Madison had their Illinois medical licenses suspended in late 2016. Giacchino tried to keep the Riverside clinic running by hiring other physicians who were still able to prescribe medications, but the operation closed down in March 2017. Meanwhile, Madison remains an unindicted co-conspirator in a federal case filed in 2016 against the executives of the Massachusetts-based drug company Insys Therapeutics. The firm is accused by the U.S Attorney’s Office of playing a role in a “nationwide conspiracy to profit by using bribes and fraud to cause the illegal distribution of a Fentanyl spray intended for cancer patients experiencing breakthrough pain.” The company is accused of paying doc-

tors, including Madison, to host sham speaking engagements in exchange for prescribing their powerful fentanyl spray. Madison was allegedly paid $87,000 to participate in the program and was accused by federal prosecutors of aggressively prescribing the drug to non-cancer patients. Madison reportedly was the state of Illinois’ top prescriber of the fentanyl spray, accounting for 60 percent of all such prescriptions in the state. He was a prolific prescriber of other controlled substances as well, according to court documents. In the two years prior to his Illinois medical license being revoked, Madison reportedly prescribed about 1.6 million doses of controlled substances out of the Riverside clinic. In March, five New York City physicians were indicted and charged with accepting bribes and kickbacks from Insys Therapeutics for participating in the company’s alleged sham speakers’ programs. At the same time, the U.S Attorney’s Office announced that two Insys Therapeutics employees had pleaded guilty for their roles in the bribery and kickback scheme and were cooperating with prosecutors.

Read it online at www.rblandmark.com

The Landmark, December 19, 2018

K9 UNITS

Intense training from page 1 Weissgerber’s love of animals, and dogs in particular, can be traced to his high school and college years when he worked in veterinary clinics that boarded and treated dogs, including police K-9 dogs. “I like helping people and using animals to help people, so this is kind of the perfect job,” said Weissgerber, who was chosen the department’s K-9 officer after an interview process earlier this fall. While Brookfield had never before had a K-9 unit — and frankly never really had such a unit on the radar — the opportunity came out of the blue this summer, when the president of the Brookfield Kiwanis Club offered to donate $75,000 to the police department to create the K-9 unit. It would be the club’s lasting legacy to police and the final act of the century-old fraternal organization, which has dissolved. “We wanted to do something for the village itself,” Brookfield Kiwanis Club President Joy Klang said in September. The North Riverside Village Board, meanwhile, earmarked funds in its annual operating budget to bring a K-9 unit to the village’s police department. While Weissgerber’s family has always owned dogs, and he’s spent countless hours with them in clinics, it’s a different story for North Riverside Officer Ted Roberson, who has always been more of a cat guy. “This is my first dog,” said Roberson, who has served as a North Riverside police officer for six years after serving as a military police officer for nine years in the U.S. Army Reserve, including a 2011 tour in Afghanistan. But Roberson has always liked dogs, and his wife, Riverside police officer Tammy Roberson, grew up in a household that owned dogs. Through the years, he’s interacted with K-9 officers and their dogs and

PHOTOS BY ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

CZECH, PLEASE: North Riverside Officer Ted Roberson communicate with his dog, Gunner, by using commands in Czech. That way, he says, the dog won’t misinterpret what he’s saying. Brookfield’s police dog, Sire, responds to commands in Dutch. (Below) Officer Theodore Roberson, left, and Mayor Hubert Hermanek, Jr. give K9 Officer Gunner a pat on the head after being sworn in on Dec. 10. began advocating for a local unit to his command staff. “I’ve always wanted to be a K-9 officer,” said Roberson, who also graduated from his training program, along with his dog, Gunner, in mid-November. The training for the dogs and their new handlers is intense. Both men spent six to seven weeks away from their families — Roberson in Ohio and Weissgerber in Penn-

sylvania — coming home on weekends when they could. And that initial training is just the tip of the iceberg. Now that they’re home, both the North Riverside and Brookfield units formally train together, and the training continues, informally, on a daily basis. K-9 units are required to train 16 hours each month. “Regularly at work you conduct training with the dog because you want the dog at top caliber,” Roberson said. Both Sire and Gunner hail from the same part of the globe. Sire was born in the Czech Republic while Gunner was born in Slovakia. Most police dogs in the United States are imported from Europe because they’re bred to be working dogs. As a result, the dogs also respond to commands in languages other than English. Weissgerber’s commands are in Dutch while Roberson communicates to Gunner in Czech. According to Weissgerber, that’s typical. German is also widely used for communicating with service dogs, said Weissgerber. One reason for that, said Roberson, is to avoid confusion on the dog’s part. “The language is so different from English that I know when I give my dog a command, he won’t misinterpret what I’m saying,” Roberson said. Both dogs are also trained to perform similar tasks, including drug detection (for cannabis, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine), tracking people, and searching for articles. So far the K-9 units have been involved in

some suspect searches — Weissgerber and Sire recently were called out to search the area near Leo’s Liquors at Eight Corners after it was robbed — and searches for narcotics during traffic stops. When on duty, both Roberson and Weissgerber will perform their regular patrol duties, though they are also on 24-hour call since K-9 units are not very numerous in the area. When off duty, Sire and Gunner go home with their police handlers, though they aren’t treated as family pets. The dogs spend a lot of their down time in their kennels. “It’s not a house pet,” Weissgerber said. “You need to treat them a bit differently. My dogs at home have bad habits, and I don’t want [Sire] to pick up those bad habits.” Meanwhile, Gunner and Roberson’s cat have agreed to tolerate one another. “The cat doesn’t like it, but they get along,” Roberson said. The dog handlers and their colleagues at each police department are still getting used to having the K-9 unit as a resource and are still learning exactly how to deploy them. “[Gunner] is a very social dog, so I try to keep him around people,” Roberson said. “We’re learning how to integrate the unit in North Riverside, and the guys are interested in how to use the dog, carrying into daily operations.” For Weissgerber, every day is a learning experience. “It’s exciting to watch him work,” he said. “I’m amazed at what he’s able to do.”

The Landmark, December 19, 2018

Opinion

THE LANDMARK VIEW

Better late than never

or years, Dr. Paul Madison had skated along the margins of his profession, making a living as a notorious prescriber of powerful pain medications. During four of those years he worked out of a non-descript office building in downtown Riverside in partnership with a disgraced former doctor. During those years, Madison was described in court documents as a power prescriber of controlled substances, doling out more than a million and a half doses of pain addictive pain medications in a two-year period. At the same time, Madison was, according to a federal lawsuit filed in 2016, involved in a scheme where he was paid money to host sham speaker events in exchange for pushing an incredibly powerful fentanyl spray manufactured to provide pain relief for late-stage cancer patients. Court documents allege that Madison was the state of Illinois’ No. 1 prescriber of the medication and that he prescribed it to patients who did not have cancer. Earlier this year, Madison was named as a defendant in a series of lawsuits filed by Illinois municipalities and other government agencies who are seeking to recoup money they have spent to wage war against an opioid epidemic that doctors like Madison allegedly have helped create. Madison has had his medical licenses suspended in Illinois but he so far has escaped other legal consequences for his penchant for prescribing controlled substances. But the feds nailed him in November when a jury convicted him on more than 10 counts, including insurance fraud, making false statements and identity theft related to $3.5 million in fraudulent medical claims another of Madison’s clinics made between 2005 and 2009. The feds filed the lawsuit in 2012, right around the time Madison was employed at the local pain clinic to prescribe painkillers by the hundreds. Madison successfully delayed the trial for six years, as lawyers came and went. On Nov. 29, it was game over. Madison faces up to 10 years in prison for each of six counts of insurance fraud and up to five years each for the three counts of making false statements in connection with delivering healthcare. The identity theft counts carry two-year mandatory consecutive sentences. Dr. Madison, at age 65, is going to jail.

Screen time

If the strange saga of Andres Rodriguez, until Dec. 17 employed as a middle school teacher at George Washington Middle School in Lyons, teaches anything, it’s that the hiring and reference checking procedures in the school district are seriously inadequate. Rodriguez was hired late in the summer, just before classes started. He apparently had done some selective editing of his background on his application and the references he gave apparently didn’t think to mention that he’d been forced out at Joliet District 86 after being accused of attempted murder. Apparently, the school district allows references to be checked but does not require directly calling a former employers’ human resources department. That ought to be an easy fix, a way around friendly references who might be inclined to keep troubling details under wraps. Whatever the solution, they need to be mandated for all hires, no matter how under the gun districts may be to hire someone, anyone to occupy a classroom. Perhaps the Illinois State Board of Education or regional education agencies should mandate reasonable teacher hiring processes.

HERE COME THE CLAUSES

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Santa and Mrs. Claus (John Dumas and Alison Bihun) ponder just how to save the holidays during the Riverside Children’s Theater Guild’s show “Saving Christmas” at the Riverside Township Hall on Dec. 15. See more photos on page 14.

KOSEY CORNER

If it’s Christmas, bring on the bakery

oes anybody really like mincemeat pies? I know I will hear from people on this, but it was never a favorite in our house. It is British in origin but contains no meat, although the medieval tradition dating back to the 13th century supposedly was made up of “minced” mutton. Now we know it as a sweet mixture of dried fruits and spices. Or how about fruitcake? Another not-too-big favorite in the Kosey house, although I will admit to having a slim piece once a year. My parents yearly were sent a fruit cake in a tin. My mother would put a shot glass of brandy in the center of the fruitcake and close the tin tightly, so that eventually it became good (potent) fruitcake. What made me think of this was a gift from Pam at church who gave us a homemade potica, an eastern European nut loaf. The potica is made of paper thin dough which is rolled around a filling made with nuts or apple. It’s lots of work but worth it for those who receive it. Thanks, Pam. Other traditional holiday sweets are stollen from Germany, a buttery fruit bread. Anything from the Black Forest of Germany also qualifies as good, like pfeffernusse, glazed spice cookies.

Hard to pronounce but good to eat, rugelach, a crescent-shaped Jewish pastry is right up there with its flaky pastry dough and different flavors. And, yes, there is something called “figgy pudding,” an English dessert made with figs, currants and dark rum which is steamed to make it moist. Then there’s pannetone, what I refer to as the Italian answer to the Czech houska. There’s nothing better than to take a slice, toast it and slather on some butter for a real comfort time. Aunt Inez’s biscotti, now made by her daughter, my cousin Josephine, brings back memories. The holidays not only bring back memories of food but of the people we shared it with; that is really what it is all about. So as you make new memories this year, whatever you are celebrating, enjoy it all with a spirit of peace. My wish for all is a happy and peaceful holiday. To the family residing at Gage and Delaplaine roads in Riverside, you’ve done it again: a Christmas display better than ever. I appreciate all your hard work. And if you see a silver Honda slowing down pass your house, it’s just me enjoying it again, not a stalker. Congrats!

JOANNE KOSEY

The Landmark, December 19, 2018

OBITUARIES

Joseph Garbarski, 88

Lois Reven, 85

Draftsman, offset printer

Registered nurse

Joseph E. Garbarski, 88 of North Riverside and formerly of Berwyn, died on Dec. 10, 2018. Born on June 1, 1930 in Edgar, Wisconsin, he was a retired draftsman and offset printer for a printing company. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Mr. Garbarski was the husband of Maryann (nee Wisnew); the father of Judith (Terry) Gray, Carolyn GarJOSEPH GARBARSKI barski and Barbara Garbarski; the grandfather of Allyson; the brother of Rena Young, Dotti (Paul) Urshan, Geri (Dale) Wenzel, the late Walter Garbarski, late “Sonny” Clarence Garbarski, late Leona (late Nick) Hosch, late Mary Ann Garbarski, late Rita (Ken) Ganser and the late Nancy (Jim) Stewart; and uncle, great-uncle and friend to many. Services have bene held. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park. Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, North Riverside, handled arrangements.

Lois Reven (nee Zezulak), 85, of LaGrange Park, died on Dec. 11, 2018. Born on Oct. 9, 1933, she graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing and worked as a registered nurse for many years. Ms. Reven was the wife of the late Lewis E. Reven; the mother of Lewis Reven, Leon (Connie) Reven, Linda (Ken) Johnson, Lawrence Reven and Laura (Dave) Sherman; the grandmother of Nicole (Andy) LOIS REVEN Miele, Megan (Pat) Keesling, Melanie Sherman, Daniel Sherman, Grace Reven and Julia Reven; the great-grandmother of Maddie Miele; and the sister of Wesley Zezulak. A funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 15 at St. Louise de Marillac Church in LaGrange Park followed by interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park. The family appreciates memorials to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123. Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

Daniella Kratochvil Accountant Daniella H. Kratochvil, of North Riverside and formerly of Chicago, died on Dec. 7, 2018. Born in Prague, Czech Republic to the late Paul and the late Kvetoslava (nee Mrazek) Kratochvil, she worked as an accountant for 30 years for the Hyatt Hotel Corporation. Ms. Kratochvil enjoyed traveling, golf, skiing, and swimming. She had an incredible sense of humor and will be missed by all. She was the lifelong companion DANIELLA KRATOCHVIL of the late Donald Hill Jr.; the sister of Kvetoslava (late Joseph J.) Skach and the late Eva Ulrich; the aunt of Joseph P. (Krista) Skach, Paul J. (Donna) Skach, Donna M. (David) Skach, Kathleen A. (Michael) Skach-Spinelle; and the great-aunt of Jordan and Justyn Skach, the late Libby Marie and the late Michael Joseph Spinelle. Services have been held. Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, North Riverside, handled arrangements.

Joyce Wood, 88 Former Brookfield resident Joyce Wood (nee Schneider), 88, of LaGrange Park and formerly of Brookfield, died on Dec. 14, 2018. Born on March 23, 1930, she worked in purchasing in the electronics field. Ms. Wood was the wife of the late Charles “Pat” Wood; the mother of Dennis (Diane) Wood, Gary JOYCE WOOD (Conny) Wood and David Dubois; the grandmother of Mark Wood; the sister of Edward (Gail) Schneider and the late Michael Schneider; and aunt to many nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Barbara Church in Brookfield, with interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

XMAS EVE NEW YEARS EVE

The Landmark, December 19, 2018

SAVING

CHRISTMAS The Riverside Children’s Theater Guild staged its latest holiday production, “Saving Christmas” in the auditorium of the Riverside Town Hall on Dec. 15. Clockwise from top, Lucy Ballesteros, as Snow White, belts out a number; the audience settles in prior to the performance; among those helping save the day were Santa’s elves; Mrs. Claus (middle) was played by Alison Bihun, while John Bihun played the role of Prince Charming. For more photos, visit online at www. RBLandmark.com.

PHOTOS BY ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

The Landmark, December 19, 2018

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The Landmark, December 19, 2018

Sports

@RBLandmark

RBHS not standing pat on the mat Bulldogs focused on daily improvement in stamina, technique and strategy

By MARTY FARMER

Sports Editor

n his third season as the head coach of the Riverside-Brookfield High School wrestling team, Nick Curby has established both credibility and success in relatively short order. Before taking over the RBHS program, Curby was the head coach at Plainfield East for eight seasons and an assistant coach at Providence Catholic for five years. A 1998 Lyons Township High School graduate, Curby placed fifth at 189 pounds in the state finals and then wrestled at the University of Illinois. Although Curby has enjoyed his share of success in wrestling, there is no time for Curby or the Bulldogs to rest BROCK HOYD on their laurels this Freshman season. There’s simply too much work to do. In fact, it’s a daily process for the RBHS grapplers. “I want to see each wrestler improve every day,” Curby said. “We have a lot of talented and committed athletes that just need to improve their wrestling every day. The wrestlers have been doing that [this season].” The Bulldogs had a 19-11 record last season, highlighted by a 9-1 mark and secondplace finish in the Metro Suburban Conference last season. “There are several new teams in the conference so it’s hard to determine how everything will shape up,” Curby said. “We look to contend for the conference title and see how we size up against these new teams.” Other than the loss of Sam Fletcher (2117 record last season) to graduation, RBHS returns plenty of talent to hang with most teams on the mat. Notable returners include seniors Riley Shaw, Dominick Rowe, Irvin Valdes, Jaimion Wise, Will Briolat, juniors Corey Dishmon and Jake Stewart and sophomore Edwin Valdes. Curby offered assessments on several of the Bulldogs’ top wrestlers. “Jaimion Wise is a talented athlete that is improving with evert match he wrestles,” Curby said. “Irvin Vales is a hard worker who leads by example. Will Briolat stays calm and cool in matches. He can pin guys from any position. When Jake Stewart

“We have a lot of talented and committed athletes that just need to improve their wrestling every day.” NICK CURBY Head coach

Courtesy Nick Curby

LIFE OF RILEY: RBHS senior Riley Shaw attempts to pin an opponent during a match. Shaw is a three-year varsity starter. better wrestler by asking quesbrings the fire, he can be a very tions. He can also make a mark tough upper weight wrestler.” individually at the end of the Shaw is a three-year varsity year.” starter, while the rest have started Other contributors include on varsity for two seasons. Quintin Godlewski, Cristian “Many of our wrestlers have only Vasquez, Adrian Hernandez, wrestled for a couple of years,” said Julian Rivas, Antonio Vargas, Curby, “but they have made huge George Donnamario, Alex strides in each match they wresGedwill and Alex Chavez. tle, win or lose. We have a young, While the Bulldogs’ growth relatively inexperienced team that CRISTIAN VASQUEZ has been considerable, Curby looks to improve every day.” Senior is looking for more. Shaw and Rowe, who both played “I want our wrestlers becomfootball in the fall, anchor the lineing students of the sport,” he said. “I want up with their talent and experience. “Riley works to improve his wrestling them to learn about what it takes to make daily and striving to do big things at the end the next step so we become a team that can of the year,” Curby said. “Dom Rowe puts contend.” At the Pontiac tourney on Dec. 8, RBHS the team before himself. He works to be a

finished 12th with a score of 100 in the 19team field. Joliet Central won the title with a score of 222.5, followed by Normal Community (207), Prairie Central (205) and Shepard (199.5). The Bulldogs placed seven wrestlers overall. Freshman Brock Hoyd recorded the best result, finishing fourth in the 120-pound weight class. He won four of six matches, including three victories on falls. Sam Halwaji earned fifth at 182 at Pontiac. Sophomore Antonio Vargas (145) and Shaw (195) both came in sixth place, while Irvin Valdes (138) and Garrett Weimer (170) each placed eighth. RBHS travels to Bensenville to take on host Fenton and Immaculate Conception in a 5:30 p.m. triangular on Thursday, Dec. 20.

S P O R T S

The Landmark, December 19, 2018

Roadrunner wrestlers ready for success Carrillo, Pesek, Gurley and Suter lead Nazareth this season By MARTY FARMER Sports Editor

Although the Nazareth Academy wrestling team finished with a 12-9 record last season, the Roadrunners enjoyed a historic season. The team placed third in the East Suburban Catholic Conference tourney, which is the program’s best finish ever. In the postseason, the Roadrunners produced seven individual champions and a runner-up result in the team standings at regionals. Nine grapplers qualified for sectionals and two advanced to the state tournament. Gavin Smith and Jack Faine, the team’s only significant losses to graduation, won regional titles and fell one match shy of qualifying for the state tournament last season. Entering his eighth year at Nazareth, head coach Denis Laughlin is optimistic about the team’s potential this winter. In addition to a bevy of skilled wrestlers, Laughlin cites assistant coach Brian Daly as a key contributor in the program’s success.

This season, the Roadrunners (11-3) have dual-match victories against Kennedy, St. Laurence, Hillcrest, Walther Christian and Fenton. On the flip side, Riverside-Brookfield edged Nazareth 35-33 and they also lost against Lisle and Joliet Catholic Academy. Nazareth took third place at the 21st Annual Walther Christian Invite on Dec. 8 with four first-place showings and two runnerup results. The Roadrunners scored184.5 points, trailing only champion Birmingham Seaholm from Michigan (259) and Walther Christian (186). Several wrestlers have started well for the Roadrunners, notably Anthony Greco (138-pound weight class), Alex Carrillo (152/160), Elijah Pesek (160/170), Robert Gurley (182) and Stan Suter (195). Greco, Carrillo, Gurley and Suter each won his weight class title at Walther Christian. Carrillo, who also played on the Nazareth football team which won the Class 7A, is a two-time state qualifier. Greco, a transfer from St. Patrick, and Gurley are off to fast starts, while Pesek and Suter are also wres-

Courtesy Denis Laughlin

CHAMPS: Nazareth wrestlers (left to right) Stan Suter, Anthony Greco, Alex Carrillo and Robert Gurley won titles at Walther Christian. tling at a high level. Gurley and Suter lost in blood round matches at sectionals. A blood round is a match in which the winner qualifies for state. “The key for us is staying healthy and spreading the guys out,” Laughlin said. “Many of our wrestlers have no experience before high school.” Other wrestlers penciled in the lineup

include returning sectional qualifiers Josh Fowler (126-pound weight class) and Oscar Lopez (132), along with Fenwick transfer Jackson Fowler (120), and seniors Ted Bucor (145) and Joe Seidel (220). Freshmen Javaughn Jossell and Zach Milos were slated to hold down the lower weights, at 106 and 113, respectively. However, Jossell broke his leg during football season and Milos is trying to get his weight down.

Fenwick wrestlers headed in the right direction Four pillars of strength in Friars’ promising program By MARTY FARMER Sports Editor

In his second season as the head coach of the Fenwick High School wrestling team, Pete Kowalczuk believes the program is probably a year away from being truly competitive. “It’s a numbers game,” Kowalczuk said. “In basketball, you need five guys to start. In wrestling, you need 14 [starters]. I think a healthy wrestling program has between 35 and 40 wrestlers. That’s about 10 kids per grade and 40 overall. Right now, we are at 25. “To be honest, I’m not really too concerned what our record is at this point,” he added. “The primary focus is on building a winning program. I think our kids are getting better. They wrestle with passion and a lot of fight, which is all I can ask for as a coach.” Kowalczuk’s patience is admirable, considering all he has ever known is winning on the mat. A 2007 Oak Park and River Forest High School graduate, Kowalczuk went 40-2 and placed second in the state tourney in the 285-pound weight class that year as a standout for the Huskies. He also wrestled globally, including stops in Finland and Bulgaria, along with a strong showing in Greco-Roman wrestling at the World University Games. In 2010, he was a U.S. Open Wrestling champ. The Friars’ arrival for success appears to be a question of when rather than if. Fenwick currently has the most wrestlers in the program since 2009. The Friars had three state qualifiers (Jacob Kaminski, Matt Zuber, Liam Mahon) last year, the most in 10 years. Kaminski, also an outstanding defensive end/linebacker, won the 195-pound class state title in Class 2A and finished with

a 31-2 record overall. He left Fenwick after his sophomore year and now attends Wyoming Seminary in Pennsylvania. Zuber went 23-18 at 132 and Mahon 23-10 at 285 last season. “I think the program is going in the right direction,” Kowalczuk said. “I am really focused on retention of the kids in the program and getting as many kids out as I can. If we project to next year, I think we will have 13 to 14 kids in the starting lineup which should make us competitive.” Despite the loss of nine starters, four wrestlers are in the fold as varsity anchors this season. “We have four kids who are studs,” Kowalczuk said. “They are pillars of the program and going to be around for a while. We build our depth a bit more and we can be very competitive next season.” According to Kowalczuk, the hardest worker on the team is Zuber, who moved up to the 145-pound weight class this year, and also runs cross country at Fenwick. “Matt is a leader, captain and go-getter,” Kowalczuk said. “Conditioning is a weapon for him. He’s super long and lean. He just gets after it as a grindy wrestler who never stops moving.” Sophomore David Capron (160) and Brandon Navarro are two other wrestlers that the Friars will rely on. Both won their weight class titles at Hinsdale South a few weeks ago, while Zuber finished second at the same invite. “Capron has freakish athleticism,” Kowalczuk said. “He’s really exciting to watch and very dangerous in a lot of positions. He’s only a sophomore and never wrestled before. David knows judo, so he’s still figuring out how judo works into wrestling.” Like Capron, Navarro is a promising underclassman with natural tools to excel on the mat.

Courtesy Pete Kowalczuk

The Friars’ Brandon Navarro took first in his weight class at the Hinsdale South Invite. “Brandon has a great mix of power, strength and quickness,” Kowalczuk said. “Even though he is very young, he’s learning each day as a coachable kid who gives maximum effort at all times.” Freshman Jimmy Liston is the fourth key grappler. He is a freshman heavyweight, who also started at center on the Fenwick football team during the fall. Injuries have limited his impact on the varsity level, but Kowalczuk already likes what he sees.

The Landmark, December 19, 2018

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CEMETERY LOTS CONCORDIA CEMETERY Two lots near entrance in Concordia Cemetery in Forest Park. $1600 for both, or best offer. Email: russ.home@gmail.com

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PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â€œAn Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â€? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D18156001 on November 26, 2018. Under the Assumed Business Name of THE RUSTIC WINDOW SHOP with the business located at: 1116 WASHINGTON BLVD APT 305, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: CICELY V. FORD 1116 WASHINGTON BLVD APT 305, OAK PARK, IL 60302. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2018_

The Bid Opening will be on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Oak Park Elementary School District #97 Office located at 260 Madison Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302. At this time sealed bids will be publicly opened and read. A Bid Security of 10% of the Bid is required with the proposal. The Contractor must pay the Prevailing Wage Rates for all work per Illinois Law. A Pre-Bid Meeting is scheduled on Thursday, December 27, 2018. Pre-bid Meeting will be starting at Lincoln Elementary School at 9:00 a.m. Copies of specifications may be secured prior to the Pre-Bid Meeting date from the offices of Jacob & Hefner Associates, Inc., 1333 Butterfield Road, Suite 300, Downers Grove, IL 60515, (630) 652.4680. Cut-off date for picking-up plans is 4:00pm, Wednesday, December 26, 2018. Contractor shall demonstrate experience of at least five IDPH asbestos abatement projects in projects with a contract value of $100,000 or greater within the last 5 years. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive irregularities in the bidding procedure, or accept the Bid that, in its opinion, will serve the best interest of the School District. Any such decision shall be considered final. The Owner reserves the right to set aside a Bid from a Contractor who, in the Ownerâ€™s opinion, does not exhibit past experience equal to the size and scope of this project. The bidder shall have a written sexual harassment policy in place in full compliance with Section 2-105 of the Illinois Human Rights Act. All questions shall be directed to Jacob & Hefner Associates, Inc., 1333 Butterfield Road, Suite 300, Downers Grove, IL 60515, (630) 652.4680. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/19/2018

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RBLandmark.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â€œAn Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â€? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y18000107 on December 12, 2018. Under the Assumed Business Name of JANET VARN TRAVEL CONSULTANT with the business located at: 1123 PLEASANT STREET, UNIT 4, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JANET VARN 1123 PLEASANT STREET, UNIT 4, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Published in Wednesday Journal 12/19, 12/26/2018, 1/2/2019

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Oak Park on Wednesday evening, January 9, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois on the following matter: Cal. No. 01-19-Z: 320 Chicago Avenue, SAC Wireless (Joe Goldshlack) o/b/o AT&T Property Index Number: 16-05-321-031-000 Applicant SAC Wireless, as contractor for AT&T, filed an application pursuant to Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance, requesting the issuance of a special use permit authorizing the attachment of a small wireless facility to an existing Com Ed utility pole on private property at the premises commonly known as 320 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois. Those property owners within 300 feet of the Subject Property and those persons with a special interest beyond that of the general public (â€œInterested Partiesâ€?) wishing to cross-examine witnesses must complete and file an appearance with original signatures with the Village Clerk no later than 5:00 PM on the business day preceding the public hearing. All papers in connection with the above matter are on file at the Village of Oak Park and available for examination by interested parties by contacting the Zoning Administrator at 708.358.5449. The Zoning Board of Appeals may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/19/2018

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PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE LAW OFFICE OF LINDA EPSTEIN Attorney for Petitioner 722 W. Diversey Parkway Ste. 101B Chicago, IL 60614 STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF COOK, ssCircuit Court of Cook County, County Department Domestic Relations Division In re the Marriage of KORNELIA ERDELYI, Petitioner, and LEO RIVERA, Respondent. No. 2018 D 010236 The requisite affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, Leo Rivera, Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, Kornelia Erdelyi, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief: and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before January 9, 2018, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage Entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2018

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTâ€“ CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE FDIC 2013-R2 ASSET TRUST Plaintiff, vs. DIANA R. DEGORI, AKA ROSE DEGORI; KENNETH P. DEGORI;

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.; JOHN WILLIAM LEVINE, AKA JOHN LEVINE Defendants, 18 CH 7120 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-323-052-1006. Commonly known as 426 WISCONSIN AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g) (1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiffâ€™s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 18014935 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3106357

Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-18-313-020-0000. Commonly known as 1015 S. Kenilworth Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304. The mortgaged real estate is a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashierâ€™s or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. James M. Crowley at Plaintiffâ€™s Attorney, Plunkett Cooney, P.C., 221 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. 312-670-6900. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3106349

South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 522 NORTH HUMPHREY AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-326-0080000. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â€œAS ISâ€? condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTâ€“ CHANCERY DIVISION WINTRUST MORTGAGE A DIVISION OF BARRINGTON BANK AND TRUST Plaintiff, vs. SARAH GULLETTE-JOHNSON; AARON N. JOHNSON; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 17 CH 10102 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTâ€“ CHANCERY DIVISION STERLING NATIONAL BANKAS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ASTORIA BANK Plaintiff, -v.CARL M. WAHLSTROM A/K/A CARL M. WAHLSTROM JR., SUSAN I. WAHLSTROM, PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, TARGET NATIONAL BANK, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A. Defendants 17 CH 009087 522 NORTH HUMPHREY AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 2, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 25, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One

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Mortgage rates are accurate as of Monday afternoon. Due to the fluctuation of mortgage rates, the rates may vary before publication. Contact your mortgage lender for complete details. Mortgage rates vary in APR and other qualifying factors.

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The Landmark, December 19, 2018

RBLANDMARK.COM

CLASSIFIED

(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@RBLANDMARK.COM

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know

In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year RBLandmark.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com REAL ESTATE FOR SALE issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-07164. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-07164 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 009087 TJSC#: 38-9287 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3107527

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this

newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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The Landmark, December 19, 2018

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