All non-emergency City offices will be closed on Monday, May 26. Garbage and recycling pickup will remain on schedule, and all regularly scheduled City meetings will take place. In case of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
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
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 $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
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
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
REMEMBRANCES
SCHOOLS
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
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 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
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
COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS
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
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
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
WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
ODDS AND ENDS
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.
Explore downtown West Chicago and experience the 2025 Summer Art Banner Exhibit, featuring 17 stunning works by talented regional artists. Organized annually by the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, the exhibit lines Main Street from Washington Street to Wilson Avenue.
This year’s theme, “Sustenance/Sustento,” infuses each piece with a festive and meaningful spirit. Artwork was juried by local artist David Linneweh, who has embraced West Chicago’s blend of suburban and rural charm since moving to the city in 2021. Linneweh, a painter with a BFA from Illinois State University and an MFA from Southern Illinois University, has exhibited widely and taught college-level art since 2009. He also founded Studio Break—a home-based alternative gallery and podcast platform that highlights the stories of local and national artists.
The exhibit runs from May through the last week of August, offering visitors a chance to celebrate creativity during the spring and summer seasons—free of charge. In addition to enjoying the vibrant display, the public is invited to vote for their favorite piece for the 2025 People’s Choice Award.
Public parking in the downtown area is listed on the City’s website. For more information—including images of the 2025 artwork and instructions on how to vote—visit westchicago.org/artbannerexhibit.
2025 Exhibited Artists
The 2025 exhibited artists include: Bruce Treudt, Cassandra Swierenga, Celia Padilla, Eric Appelquist, James Rakow, Jen Schuda, Jessica Padilla, Kelley Cappell, Luis Picasso, Mike Stone, Natalia Toreeva, Patty Donahue, Paul Keenon, Ralph Chermak, Richard Pass, Salvador Tamayo, Siyuu's Art, and Uwe Gsedl.
Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures through November along Roosevelt Road (IL-38) from Technology Boulevard in West Chicago to Pierce Avenue in Wheaton. These closures are part of a large-scale resurfacing project being conducted by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
For more information on the project and its potential impacts, please read the full press release from IDOT below.
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[The following press release was issued by the Illinois Department of Transportation on May 5, 2025.]
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that a resurfacing of Roosevelt Road (Illinois 38), from Technology Boulevard, in West Chicago, to Pierce Avenue, in Wheaton, passing through Winfield, will require daytime intermittent lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Monday, May 12.
The $8.6 million project, which consists of resurfacing the 6.6-mile stretch of Roosevelt Road, modernizing traffic signals and constructing new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps, is expected to be completed in November.
The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Alternative routes are encouraged. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Five of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $16 billion of improvements statewide on 6,541 miles of highway, 686 bridges and 986 additional safety improvements.
For more information on IDOT projects, click here. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.
The West Chicago Fire Protection District is in the process of updating its Strategic Plan. To ensure the Plan reflects the needs and priorities of the community, the District is seeking input from a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, business owners, local government officials, faith leaders, and others.
To assist in gathering this input, the District has created a brief survey that is available on the West Chicago Fire Protection District’s website or by clicking the link below:
In addition to the survey, the District will host a public strategic planning meeting in the coming months, offering another opportunity for community members to share their thoughts. Details about the meeting will be posted on our website as they become available. Once finalized, the Strategic Plan and a summary of survey results will be shared with the public.