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At Home with Merle Burleigh – May 21, 2025

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At Home with Merle

MERLE’S CORNER

The annual Community Memorial Day ceremony is at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue and York Street. The service, organized this year by American Legion Post 300, is comprised of members of the Legion Post, its Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 and VFW Auxiliary. Legion and VFW member Kevin Driscoll is the moderator. The ceremony includes the 21-gun salute and the laying of the wreath at the base of the monument. West Chicago Community High School Band, under the direction of Marissa Janiszewski, plays a patriotic medley. The echoing sounds of “Taps” reverberate throughout the cemetery as the two WCCHS seniors, George Kotke and Dominik Mohai, play their trumpets. Prior to the community ceremony, members of the Legion and the VFW visit Glen Oak Cemetery on Arbor Avenue, Calvary Cemetery on East Washington Street, and St. John Cemetery in Winfield. At each stop, they honor those who have served with the 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.” American flags are on the gravesites of veterans. If it rains, the service takes place at the Legion post location, 123 Main St.

This year American Legion Post 300 Auxiliary is responsible for the annual poppy distribution and is asking for donations. Persons wanting to make a donation can drop off at Legion post or mail to American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., West Chicago, IL 60185. Make checks payable to American Legion Auxiliary and write Poppy Fund in the memo line. Each poppy is handmade by a disabled veteran. Donations received from poppy distribution are used for relief and aid of service men and women through veteran affairs and rehabilitation programs. Legion 300 contributes a majority of its funds locally to support residents at the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and those residing at the DuPage County Care Center and Franciscan Way, as well as by contributing to the DuPage Veterans Foundation. The reason for the poppies is reflected in the World War I poem, “In Flanders Field,” by John McCrae. It is about the battlefield of Flanders, Belgium, where McRae served and reflects on the sacrifice and final resting place of soldiers killed in battle.

Also this year there are several memorable anniversaries.

On April 3, 1775, 250 years ago, the American Revolution War began. The first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts.

It is the 160th Anniversary of the end of the Civil War, April 9, 1865. It was America’s bloodiest conflict. Nearly as many died as were killed in the whole Vietnam War. “For more than a century, the most-accepted estimate was about 620,000 dead. A specific figure of 618,222 is often cited, with 360,222 Union deaths and 258,000 Confederate deaths.”

England celebrated VE Day, May 8, 2025, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies are on display at the Tower of London positioned to resemble a cascading "wound" at the heart of the Norman fortress, which was bombed during the Blitz. The display ends November 11.

In the U.S, the 80th Anniversary of the end of WWII is September 2, 2025, when the Japanese surrendered. The worldwide casualties are approximately 15,000,000 battle deaths, 25,000,000 battle wounded and 45,000,000 civilian deaths.

It is the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, June 25, 1950. Approximately 37,000 died, 92,000 wounded and 8,000 missing. Combat ended July 27, 1953.

In the Vietnam War, there are three memorable dates. It is the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the war, Nov. 1, 1955. Although the United States provided military advisors and aid to the South Vietnam in the 1950s, the deployment of the first combat troops was in March 1965, 60 years ago. The 50th anniversary of the end of the war was April 30, 1975. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., lists more than 58,300 names of members of the U.S. armed forces who were killed or went missing in action.

“This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn't come home. This is not Veterans Day, it's not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom." —Tamra Bolton. https://merleburl.com

 

AROUND AND ABOUT

  • The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park presents its Date with History series program at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, in the Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road. The program is free; there is a $6 charge for parking. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Coffee, iced tea and water are complimentary. The program is “Omaha Beach – War Art on a Grand Scale.” To make a reservation, visit https://cantigny.org/event/date-with-history-omaha-beach/. Artist Keith Rocco discusses how he creates war art on a grand scale. Keith’s large mural works of dramatic moments in military history are displayed in museums in the United States and Europe, allowing him to carry on the tradition of the great 19th-century cycloramas. His two most recent murals, on permanent exhibition in the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, depict the landing of the Big Red One (1st Division) on Omaha Beach. Through a visual presentation, he discusses the research, preparatory work, and execution of these sizable works. His Omaha Beach murals have been made into a book, “The Big Red One, D-DAY June 6, 1944: Featuring the Art of Keith Rocco,” which is available for purchase at this event. https://merleburl.com
  • West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, in the conference room, 118 W. Washington St. Topics covered include layout and basic functions; entering and editing data; using multiple spreadsheets in the same workbook; formatting and sorting data; writing and understanding formulas. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.
  • West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, May, 22, 2025, in St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. Social time is at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7 p.m., and program at 7:15. The meeting is open to the public. Presenting the program, “Birds in the Garden,” is Pam Karlson. She transformed her small one-tenth of an acre in urban Chicago into a haven for more than 100 different bird species. Karlson discusses which native plants, shrubs, trees, and water sources provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. She also talks about Chicagoland’s importance along the migratory route, bird species diversity, diet, foraging, nesting, and citizen science opportunities.

Karlson spent her spent her career as an artist working in graphic design and illustration for marketing, promotion, and advertising. She also is a watercolor landscape painter and alumni of the American Academy of Art. Karlson is a certified professional gardener and garden designer through the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

  • The West Chicago Public Library program, “Container Gardening,” is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/. A DuPage County Master Gardener discusses how to select, plant and maintain container gardens for the season. Program includes directions for outstanding container displays.
  • West Chicago Park District hosts Wine in the Park from 1 to 4p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Reed Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. The price for tickets is $40 for residents and $52 for non- residents. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. The event includes eight three-ounce wine tastings and entertainment by Adam Cartwright, guitarist and singer. He has played more than 250 gigs in the Chicagoland area and Midwest, plus played with the band, BackForward. https://merleburl.com
  • West Chicago Parks Foundation hosts a Children’s Sensory Garden Fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 Hawthorne Lane. The funds raised go towards the installation of the garden in honor of Melissa Medeiros, a long-time employee of the West Chicago Park District. The foundation plans to construct it in phases with the first stage of demolition, hopefully this summer. Persons unable to attend the fundraiser but want to donate can visit https://www.westchicagoparksfoundation.org/. The foundation also plans to look and apply for grants.

The $40 ticket includes meal, beverage and five raffle tickets. The meal includes appetizers, a pig roast, BBQ chicken, mac & cheese and baked beans; a vegetarian meal is available upon request. Raffle prizes include a $100 gift card to The Forge, wine tasting for six to Lynfred Winery, four tickets to a Chicago Fire Game, four tickets to a Kane County Cougars Game and four tickets to an Ice Hogs Game, Battle House Laser Tag and a Portillo’s swag bag. The West Chicago Fire Protection District and West Chicago Police Department compete in a game of volleyball. Attendees can participate in a Trivia game, play whiffle ball, bags or lawn pong. To order tickets, visit https://www.westchicagoparksfoundation.org/sensory-garden/. https://merleburl.com

  • The West Chicago Parks Foundation also hosts a small fundraiser for the Garden in Alter Brewing & Kitchen, 12 S. First St. in St. Charles, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. A dollar from each adult beverage served is donated to the Foundation for the children’s sensory garden. Members of the foundation will be present at 3 p.m. to talk about the garden. https://merleburl.com
  • There are three events happening on Saturday, June 7, 2025. City of West Chicago Paper Shred & Medical Disposal from 9 a.m. to noon, Touch-A- Truck from 9 to 11 a.m. and Wayne Township Recycle from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. I will have more details in the May 28 column.

 

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES 

  • La Taverna West Chicago, 356 N. Neltnor Blvd, Suite 320, has a special for the graduates of the Class of 2025. Graduates receive a free entree of sandwich when they show their diploma. The offer is good through the end of June. Telephone number is 331 240-2432; website is https://westchicagotaverna.com/. https://merleburl.com
  • Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, has a full line of musical entertainment for Memorial Day weekend. Friday, May 23, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Scott Murray performs. Taking stage from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24, is J.Munger. Prairie Station Acoustics play from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 25. https://merleburl.com
  • Ko's Yong In Tae Kwon Do recently opened at 956 N. Neltnor Blvd., Suite 410. The business offers Taekwondo and Hapkido classes for children, teens, adults, and families, from beginners to black belts. Taekwondo is an ancient Korean martial art known for its emphasis on high, fast kicks and powerful striking techniques. Hapkido is a Korean martial art focused on self-defense, blending joint locks, throws, kicks, and strikes with fluid motion and redirection of an opponent’s energy. Telephone number is 630 326-3222. Hours are 1 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 1 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday; walk-ins are welcome. For further information, visit the website, kosyongin.com.

The owner is Grand Master Seoung Ko, a graduate of the famous martial arts school, Yong-In University and has been teaching for more than 25 years in the Chicagoland area. He also is licensed in sports massage. Other instructors are Gunil Ko, Head Master; Tulio Otero, Senior Head Master; Howard Proberts, Head Master; Sunny Ko, Master; and Jin Ko, Master. https://merleburl.com

  • Club SciKidz West Chicago offers four one-week sessions in June and July at New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St. The club offers one of the finest summer and technology camps. The franchise owners are Rupali with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Krupali with a Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management. Assisting them is their uncle, Ketan Navadiya, who brings more than 15 years of IT management experience along with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Computer Science. For further information, visit: https://westchicago.clubscikidz.com/ or call (630) 659-6472. (telephone number is CORRECTION from May 7, 2025 column).

 

REMEMBRANCES

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Timothy J. Carstens, who at the age of 58 passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Faith Dugan Wiesner, who passed away at the age of 93 Monday, May 5, 2025.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of John Krygler, who at the age of 86 passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Barbara J. Ritzenthaler, who at the age of 94 passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Flavel George (George) Shurtleff, who at the age of 57 passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025.

 

SCHOOLS

  • St Charles East High School Commencement Ceremony is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, in the Convocation Center at Northern Illinois University.
  • Bartlett High School Commencement Ceremony is at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025, in the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates.
  • Eighth graders in Benjamin Middle School have some busy times ahead of them before their last day of school Tuesday, May 27, 2025. They have a reward trip to Great America Friday, May 23. Tuesday, there is the class picnic. Graduation takes place at 7 p.m. May 27, in Community Fellowship Church.
  • Romeo Alfaro, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, was named to the 2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association All-State Journalism Team, one of the most competitive honors available to high school journalists in the state of Illinois. He is among 19 students statewide selected for the 2024-25 team - the largest All-State class in the 20-year history of the award. Chosen from more than a dozen schools, these students represent the best in scholastic journalism based on their writing, leadership, service, and commitment to ethical, impactful storytelling. Alfaro and the other All-State honorees will be honored at a luncheon on Saturday, June 7, in the Illinois Press Foundation headquarters in Springfield. “Wildcat Chronicle” adviser is Leslie Fireman.

A first-year member of the “Wildcat Chronicle,” Alfaro quickly established himself as a standout contributor. From writing and video production to mentoring peers and co-hosting the school’s weekly video broadcast, wtw WEGO?, he brings energy, empathy, and technical precision to everything he does.

This spring, Alfaro’s work earned additional state and regional recognition. He received second place in IJEA’s Division 3 Best Alternative Storytelling category for an October 2024 episode of “wtw WEGO?,” which he co-produced. He also earned third place in Best In-Depth News Story for his feature “Masculinity Reimagined: A Deep Dive into Modern Conceptions,” praised by judges as “well researched” and full of “great interviews.” Most recently, Alfaro earned a Blue Ribbon for review writing at the 2025 Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association conference, the organization’s highest distinction. https://merleburl.com

  • Patrick McGill is the new Superintendent of Benjamin School District 25, effective July 1, 2025. He replaces Dr. James Woell, who resigned in December 2024. Since then, John R. Langton has been the Interim Superintendent for the 2024-2025 school year.

Currently Dr. McGill is the Executive Director for teaching and Learning in Glenbard Township High School District 87. His leadership was instrumental in redesigning the districtʼs strategic work plan, developing key partnerships with Glenbard's six K-8 sender districts, and increased student achievement across the district.

Prior to this, he was principal of George Westinghouse College Prep. During his time there, he improved the graduation rate from 85percent to 98 percent, increased college enrollment rates from 77 percent to 93 percent, and led the school to exceed both district and state SAT growth in all grade levels.

Dr. McGill has a Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University, a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago, and a Doctor of Education in Urban Education Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. https://merleburl.com

  • The NAMM Foundation named West Chicago Elementary School District 33 one of the Best Communities for Music Education. This national honor celebrates the district-wide commitment to music, from band and orchestra to choir, mariachi, and general music in every elementary school. Only 935 districts across the country received this recognition. “Your collective efforts — teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders — have been instrumental in making music part of a well-rounded education for every child. We applaud your community’s unwavering commitment to creating an environment where each child can learn and grow with music.”

The NAMM Foundation is a not-for-profit organization supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 10,300 members around the world. It works to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. https://merleburl.com

  • May 14, 2025, the final day of school for seniors at West Chicago Community High School, started early with the Senior Sunrise. Surprisingly enough, most seemed alert. Many smiling faces were seen throughout the day. Other activities included the annual paper toss, the lunch hosted by the Wildcat Boosters Club, and receiving yard signs. However, two people seen at these events will not be seen in the 2025/2026 school year.

After six years, Will Dwyer, Principal, resigned and will take the same position at Deerfield High School. His face was a familiar one to the students as he greeted them each school morning and was present at most of the school activities. Marc Wolfe, Division Head of Career & Technical Education, and Director of Student Activities, is leaving after 15 years at the high school. He accepted a position at Hinsdale Central High School. He said it was a difficult decision, and he will miss West Chicago. I enjoyed watching his Fun Friday videos, so many different topics. Both men will be missed. https://merleburl.com

  • At its meeting Thursday, May 1, 2025, West Chicago Elementary School District 33 Board of Education honored four, groups and individuals, with Board Salutes. The Technology Coaches were honored for their innovation, dedication, and behind-the-scenes work that makes tech integration seamless in D33. Their efforts were especially instrumental in launching the district’s first annual STEM Fair. Also honored for their work on the STEM fair were Jenny Brunke and Instructional Technology Coaches. Nancy Godinez was recognized for her outstanding parent partnership and dedication to her child’s success. Tiffany Kennedy, a paraprofessional at Turner School, goes above and beyond every day to support students and staff alike. https://merleburl.com
  • For the fourth straight semester, Wheaton Academy’s stock trading team, FTX Bros, took first place in the Calamos MarketWatch Investment Competition. The team outperformed 30 to 70 teams each semester from schools across the Chicagoland area, accumulating an impressive $850,000 in gains over the four competitions. Team members, all from the class of 2026, are Charlie Scherer, Daniel Ciszek, TJ Sias and Alex Bounds. https://merleburl.com
  • Mayor Daniel Bovey visited the students in the class of Paul Reyes at Gary School Tuesday, May 13, 2025. He discussed the role of mayor, how the City of West Chicago government operates and the role of local government. He showed them the giant scissors used at ribbon cuttings with the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. https://merleburl.com

 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

  • West Chicago resident Jake Muzzy is the guest soloist cellist in the Candlelight Classics, which features Embellished Baroque Ensemble. The concert takes place a 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 330 W. Highland Drive in Chicago Heights. There is no charge, but donations are accepted at the family-friendly concert. For further information, visit https://www.lakesideartistsguild.com/
  • West Chicago resident, Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi, is one of the 110 participants in the 27th annual juried St. Charles Fine Art Fair. She is in Booth 133. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 24, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025. For further information, visit https://www.stcharlesfineartshow.com/. https://merleburl.com
  • Former resident John Watanabe recently was a guest on the show, “Wrestling & Everything Coast To Coast,” mainly to discuss his participation in the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival in California Saturday, May 24, 2025. His first appearance is at the Celebrity Breakfast. Then he and his wife, April, are in the parade. Following the parade, he is one of the celebrities at the autograph signing event.
  • When Don Voelz participated in the Northern Illinois Food Bank 5K Saturday, May 3, 2025, he saw the artwork of his daughter Courtney, an employee of the Food Bank, in many different places, especially on the medal he won. Her other designs were on the shirts and images along the course. https://merleburl.com

 

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

The panel covers everything from municipal grant opportunities to comprehensive entrepreneurial training. Highlights include the “Owner to CEO” program from Innovation DuPage, which helps business owners scale operations and leadership capacity, and free expert-led workshops from Fox Valley Score covering essential business areas such as marketing, accounting, and legal compliance.

Panelists are Dave Sabathne, Chamber President/CEO, who has an extensive background regarding business development and resources; Kelley Chrisse, City of West Chicago Business & Community Relations Director, who leads economic development initiatives, connections and opportunities; Jim Bell, director of Operations, who is a key representative of Innovation DuPage, supported by College of DuPage; Larry Bussow, Master Mentor/Co-Chairman, who represents Fox Valley SCORE, an organization that mentors entrepreneurs, and organizational leaders; and Amy Emery, City of Warrenville Community & Economic Director, who focuses on supporting the business community. https://merleburl.com

  • Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, West Chicago Park District, Warrenville Park District and West Chicago Parks Foundation host the 3-W Golf Classic Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at St. Andrew’s Golf & Country Club, 2241 Route 59. It starts at 8 a.m.; the banquet is at 2 p.m. The event includes 18 holes of golf including cart, and an awards banquet, plus a raffle. There are trophies for certain golfing accomplishments. The cost is $175 per golfer, $700 for a foursome, $65 for banquet only. To register visit https://westerndupagechamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/3-w-golf-classic-11850 . This is not a member only event. https://merleburl.com

 

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

  • Interior demolition work started Monday, May 12, 2025, at the historic 1869 Chicago & Northwestern train depot, 119 W. Washington St. The work is scheduled to end by Memorial Day, May 26. This is the first step in a broader effort to preserve the iconic structure. Crown Coverings, Inc. in Roselle has the contract to perform the partial interior demolition, funded by a grant from the State of Illinois.

The depot is a rare surviving example of Italianate railroad architecture, with tall brick walls, wide eaves, and decorative brackets. The building was moved in 1912 and many original features, like arched windows and doors, were later altered or infilled by World War II. Even with these modifications, the depot remains a powerful symbol of West Chicago’s railroad heritage. https://merleburl.com

 

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

  • The West Chicago Police Department reminds drivers to buckle up as part of the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign. This high-visibility seat belt enforcement initiative runs through Tuesday, May 27, 2025, coinciding with the Memorial Day holiday. Illinois enacted its seat belt law 40 years ago on July 1, 1985, becoming the third state to require seat belt use for drivers and front-seat passengers aged eight and older. Children under eight were required to be secured in appropriate child safety seats. In July 2003, Illinois strengthened the law to allow officers to pull over and ticket drivers solely for failing to buckle up, a change that led to a significant increase in compliance. A key focus of the "Click It or Ticket" campaign is nighttime enforcement, as Illinois crash data indicates higher rates of unrestrained fatalities at night. The "Click It or Ticket" campaign is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
  • Madison was the winner in the Norton Creek Elementary School PTO Basket Raffle. She won a ride to school in a West Chicago Police Department car. She invited her young brother Myles to join her. Before driving them to school, Officer Alex MacDougall let them check out the squad car. https://merleburl.com

 

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

  • West Chicago Fire Protection District firefighter/paramedic Tim Latas celebrated his 12th work anniversary, Thursday, May 15. 2025. https://merleburl.com

 

ODDS AND ENDS

  • At the meeting Tuesday, May, 13, 2025, the West Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners held the swearing in of newly elected officials and had the election of officers. Ben Nelson, Superintendent of Recreation, administered the oath of office. Frank Lenertz, filling a two-year unexpired term, is President. Elected Vice President was Don Voelz, filling a four-year unexpired term. Elected to a six-year term, Kathy Riendeau is Treasurer. Mathieu Enrico "Ricky" Plumlee, elected to a six-year term, is Assistant Secretary. https://merleburl.com
  • DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced a DeKalb man found guilty of shooting an innocent man in the face during his dinner break from work in 2021 has been sentenced to forty-five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Ahmad Steele, 38, was sentenced by Judge Daniel Guerin Wednesday, May 14, 2025. The jury found Steele guilty of one count of Attempt First Degree Murder and one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. Steele will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before eligible for parole.

At approximately 7:50 p.m. January 28, 2021, West Chicago Police officers responded to Mapei Corporation on Industrial Drive for a report of a subject with a facial injury. Upon their arrival, officers discovered the victim walking around the building’s parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to his face. Authorities immediately transported the victim to a local hospital for medical attention. An investigation into the shooting found that the victim had been sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot during his dinner break from Mapei Corporation. At approximately 7:31 p.m., a Chevrolet Blazer entered the parking lot and parked several spaces away from the victim. The driver of the Chevrolet, later identified as Steele, then exited his vehicle with a shotgun and walked toward the victim’s vehicle. Once at the driver’s side of the victim’s vehicle, Steele raised the shotgun and fired into the vehicle, shooting the victim, whom he did not know, in the face. After the shooting, Steele initially returned to his vehicle but then went back to the victim’s vehicle and raised the shotgun at the vehicle a second time before returning to his vehicle and fleeing the scene. Steele has remained in jail since his arrest in February 2021. The victim underwent five surgeries to rebuild his jaw. He died of an unrelated illness in 2023.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.