City of West Chicago, Illinois

Where History and Progress Meet

At Home with Merle Burleigh – January 18, 2023

By

At Home with Merle

MERLE’S CORNER

 

This is a little update on the 24 families displaced by the fire Dec. 13, 2022, on the 800 block of Burr Oaks Drive at Main Park Apartments. Using community development block grant funds, DuPage County Board provided $$79,800 in emergency funding to Outreach, a community service organization, to assist the families.

The apartment building still remains uninhabitable. According to Outreach, four of the 24 families displaced by the fire have found housing. Another eight families have applications pending to rent apartments, three families remain in hotels and nine families are staying with other relatives or friends. Due to the shortage of rental units, finding available housing has been difficult, but it is hoped that half the families will have found housing by the end of January. Persons wanting to assist the displaced families can call Outreach at 630-682-1910.

AROUND AND ABOUT

 

  • West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission sponsors its 15th Annual Community Banner Project Competition. The theme is “Vitality/Vitalidad.” The artwork may be any media with no limitation to technique or subject matter. Persons may submit three separate artworks. An independent juror selects the 24 works of art. Each winning design is reproduced and featured in the 2023 West Chicago Banner Exhibition from May to September. All entries are due by Wednesday, Jan.18. For further information, visit org/artbannerexhibit.
  • To provide the public an opportunity to make their positions known for the potential construction and operation of a solid waste station facility in West Chicago, a series of dates were scheduled from Jan. 3 through Jan. 12, 2023. Two more hearing dates were scheduled after these. One was  held Monday, Jan. 16,. The second one is from 1 to 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, at City Hall 475 Main St. For further information, check the City’s website, https://westchicago.org/.

The City received a formal application and proposal from Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, for the facility to be located at 1655 Powis Road. As part of the siting and application process, the City is required to hold at least one public hearing no sooner than 90 days, but no later than 120 days from the receipt of the application.

The City Council’s role in the siting process is solely to determine whether the nine criteria have been met by the applicant. A statement justifying the siting decision must be made in writing by the City Council. The Council cannot simply decide that it does not want a transfer station or another transfer station located within the City limits.

  • West Chicago Public Library holds a virtual and in-person Gettin’ Crafty program, ”Quilled Snowflake,” Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. The virtual program is at 6 p.m. The in-person program is at 7p.m. in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Using several different techniques, participants make a quilled snowflake; remember each snowflake is different. To register visit info, under event calendar.
  • The West Chicago Park District offers Parents Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20 2023, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. Parents drop off children who are between the ages of three and 10 and then enjoy an evening together. Activities for the children include pizza dinner, games and crafts, plus staff-supervised free-play in the Tree Top Escape and gym. The charge is $5 per child for residents and $7 per child for non-residents. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org
  • The City’s holiday lights recycling program ends Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. This is the perfect way to dispose of strands of incandescent and LED holiday lights that no longer work. The offer is open to residents, businesses, clubs, churches and organizations. Drop-off locations are First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, by exterior door at 643 East Washington Street; Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 South Neltnor Boulevard; West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street; and the ARC Center, 201 West National Street. The West Chicago Environmental Commission coordinates the program with Groot Industries.
  • “Quick and Easy Decorating: Use What You Have” is the West Chicago Public Library program at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. It is a fun and fast-paced workshop on quick and easy decorations with existing items. Julea Joseph teaches the rules for decoration, using color, corralling collections and re-purposing old things. Along with insight on favorite hidden haunts, attendees learn how to make smart purchases. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.

Staging and styling homes since 1999, Julea’s work has been featured in print, along with HGTV, ABC, WGN and local cable.  Clientele centered, lifestyle focused, creative and innovative ideas are the backbone of her company, Reinventing Space. To view more about the company, visit https://www.julea.com/. (https://merleburl.com)

  • West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, Jan. 25, 2023, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. Social time is at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting 7 p.m. and program 7:15 p.m.
  • We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, 1055 W. Washington St., holds its Third Annual Seed Swap from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. Persons can bring in extra seeds they are not using and exchange them for a different variety of seeds available at the greenhouse. The greenhouse has four tables set up for different categories of seeds. For persons just getting started and not having seeds to exchange, they can receive one seed package for $5 or five seed packages for $20. Each seed packet comes with basic instructions on how to sow. Kits available are annual flowers, herbs, and vegetables. For further information, call the greenhouse at (630) 293-0100.

The greenhouse mission is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives and to train and work in a supportive, safe and caring environment while producing and providing products and services to the community. In this pursuit, we honor the concepts of human dignity, respect, hard work, fellowship and friendship. (https://merleburl.com)

  • Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, hosts its Thirteenth Annual Turkey Bowl Charity Event Fundraiser at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. The charity again this year is for Tessa Dante, a three-year old girl undergoing treatment of Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, which is a rare and aggressive form of pediatric cancer. Tessa has been undergoing treatment since early 2021. She is winning her Fight Against Cancer, but sadly now two of her biggest supporters, her Aunt Christina and her Great Uncle Joe are facing their own wars against cancer and need help.

The parking lot is transformed into a bowling alley and participants bowl with frozen turkeys. There are many prizes, give away items and a 50/50 raffle. The charge is $80 per four-person teams. Pre-registration is required. Teams must register at the bar or see a manager. The event is limited to 100 teams. For individuals not on a team, this is a fun event to watch and cheer on your favorite team. For further information call (630) 293-6700.

  • West Chicago Community High School offers a 12-week Wildcat Preschool for local children ages 2.5 to 5 years of age and is taught by students enrolled in Child Development 2 courses under the supervision of teacher Brittany Bauer. The classes are held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:05 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning Feb. 7 and ending May 4, 2023. The cost is $200. Orientation date is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. To register and for more information, visit d94.org/preschool. For further information, email bbauer@d84.org or call 630-876-6377.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

 

  • Hours at Something Else Resale #1 Shop are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. The business is located at 222 Main St. (https://merleburl.com)
  • Major renovations are underway at We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1055 W. Washington St.. The plastic poly roof in its retail area was replaced. Driving by, one can appreciate how the new roof improves the exterior appearance of the building. The new insulated ceiling is beneficial for the plants. (https://merleburl.com)

 

COVID-19

The DuPage County Health Department developed a dashboard to provide information on the total number of people, in DuPage County, who have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, the dashboard includes a map which shows the distribution of reported cases by municipality and is updated at 4:00 p.m. daily. DuPage County’s “COVID-19 Dashboard” is a one-stop-shop for all the information it offers including a town-by-town breakdown of cases. As of Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, there were 11,422 cases and 67 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.

 

REMEMBRANCES

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Lynn Rosemary Walsh, who at the age of 72 passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Winnie F. Molitas, who at the age of 78 passed away Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Stephen Ramirez, who at the age 35 passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Sara Gonzalez Heredia, who at the age 79 passed away Tuesday, Jan.10, 2023.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Robert “Bob” Miller Edwards, who at the age of 83, passed away Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Maryann Radkiewicz, who passed away at the age of 78 Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023.

SCHOOLS

 

  • Turner School holds its Winter Fest from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. Activities include food, games, crafts, igloo making and a 50/50 raffle. (https://merleburl.com)
  • West Chicago Elementary School District 33 needs Teacher Assistants. The starting pay is $16 to $17 per hour, benefits available. To apply, visit www.wego33.org. (https://merleburl.com)
  • The Community High School Foundation is seeking volunteers to join the Educational Foundation Board. Meeting are held at 8 a.m. the third Thursday of each month at the high school. For further information, visit https://www.d94.org/, Educational Foundation Application

 

WEST CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT

 

  • The Illinois Association of Park Districts presentedBest Green Practices Award to the West Chicago Park District at the Association’s Best of Best Gala.The IAPD presents this award to a park district, forest preserve, conservation, recreation or special recreation agency that has taken the initiative to incorporate and encourage environmentally-friendly business practices and policies. WCPD was the recipient in recognition of its new solar field.

The belief of the West Chicago Park Districts in the importance of renewable energy led to their  use of solar.  Solar is a renewable and clean energy source that reduces electricity costs and promotes environmental health. In 2021, the Park District partnered with Trane Ingersol to install one of the first ground-mounted solar fields in DuPage County.

The Park District’s four-acre solar field is southeast of the ARC Center. With an 862-KW system size and 2,135 solar panels, the field will produce 1,068,000 kWh per year, which generates 30 percent of the ARC’ electric energy and 80 percent of ZONE250’s electric energy. It is one of the largest single solar arrays by any park district in Illinois. From lighting and heating to gym equipment and computers, the community buildings are to serve the public more sustainably than ever before.

The Park District spent $197 per day on electricity in 2021. In 2022, it is $12 per day. With drastically reduced energy costs, the Park District is estimated to save more than $67,000 annually. Even better, the solar field exceeded expectations this last summer and produced more power than the Park District uses. The additional credit helps the organization manage resources and plan for future usage.

Per the press release, “The Park District utilized idle land and created a strategic partnership that will yield major results for years to come. Not only will this project save the community resources, but it will also give back to the environment and reduce carbon emissions. Unlike fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas), which deplete finite resources, solar absorbs energy from the sun and converts it to electricity. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the solar panel’s annual production of electricity is the equivalent of offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from 128 cars—or of adding 705 trees—every year. The project is an unprecedented triumph for the community and only one of many steps toward environmental conservation.” (https://merleburl.com)

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

 

  • West Chicago Fire Protection District promotes holiday decoration safety through the “Keep the Red” program. The wreaths were on display at all three stations, but this year, there was one white light due to a fire caused by a dry tree and lights. Red bulbs on the wreaths are replaced with a white bulb if the cause of a fire is holiday-related. During the 30-plus years of participation in the program of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, the wreaths have remained red most of the time.
  • At 11:10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, the West Chicago Fire Protection District responded to a reported house fire at 523 Claremont St. The firefighters found smoke and fire coming from the front of the house. They led out hose lines and started suppression efforts, made difficult due to a large amount of personal belongings in the home. The resident had already evacuated the house and was at the home of a neighbor. The firefighters completed searches for any other residents in the house. There were none.Several dogs were found in and around the home and were brought to the residence’s garage for refuge. Three dogs were found deceased. There were no injuries or deaths to civilians or fire personnel. The fire was extinguished at 12:30 p.m. The home was deemed inhabitable; The family is staying with relatives in the area. The fire is under investigation, but is not considered suspicious. Assisting at the fire were Winfield Fire Protection District, Carol Stream Fire Protection District, Wheaton Fire Department, Geneva Fire Department, West Chicago Police Department, West Chicago Building Department and DuPage Animal Control.

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

  • Two West Chicago residents are accused of luring a man to their apartment to rob him. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and West Chicago Chief of Police Colin Fleury announced that bond was set for the second of the two residents accused of robbing a man at knifepoint. Breanna Gardea, 22, of the 800 block of Burr Oaks Drive, appeared at a bond hearing Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, where Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $250,000. On Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, Gardea’s codefendant, Teron Russell, 20, (of the same address, appeared at his bond hearing where Judge Reidy set bond at $500,000. Both Gardea and Russell are charged with one count of Armed Robbery (Class X Felony) and one count of Unlawful Restraint (Class 3 Felony).

On January 4, 2023, at approximately 6:12 p.m., the West Chicago Police Department responded to a call of an armed robbery that had just occurred. Following an investigation into matter, it is alleged that the victim and Gardea, who met via Facebook with Gardea using an alias, had arranged to meet that evening at Gardea’s apartment. It is alleged that the victim went to Gardea’s apartment and that the two went out for food to bring back to Gardea’s apartment. It is further alleged that when they returned to her apartment, Gardea escorted the victim to the second floor of the building and opened a door at which time the victim turned on the lights to discover he was in the laundry room where Russell was waiting. It is alleged that Gardea left the laundry room and that Russell showed the victim a knife and a firearm magazine in his pocket. It is alleged that Russell then stole the victim’s phone, wallet and keys. It is alleged that Gardea returned to the laundry room and punched the victim in the face with a closed fist. It is further alleged that Gardea and Russell then forced the victim into the back seat of his car and that Russell then drove to an ATM and forced the victim to withdraw approximately $300 from his account and give it to them. It is alleged that the duo then dropped the victim off at a random intersection and fled, ultimately leaving the victim’s car in the apartment complex parking lot. The next court appearance for both defendants is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge Reidy.

  • DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and West Chicago Chief of Police Colin Fleury announced Thursday, Jan 12, 2023, that bond has been set for a Merrillville, Indiana man accused of beating his girlfriend with a belt for hours and leading police on a high-speed chase. Reginald Hubbert, 40, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Mia McPherson set bond at $200,000. Hubbert has been charged with two counts of Class 4 Felony Domestic Battery and two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, a Class 4 Felony.

 On January 11, 2023, at approximately 10:55 a.m., the West Chicago Police Department received a call from a woman at the Speedway gas station on the corner of Roosevelt Road and Washington Street claiming she was the victim of domestic violence by her boyfriend, Reginald Hubbert. Following an investigation in the matter, it is alleged that the victim was at her home with Hubbert when a verbal altercation began. It is alleged that the altercation became physical and that Hubbert hit the woman approximately one hundred times with a belt over the course of several hours and would not allow the victim to leave the home. It is alleged that the victim ultimately was able to call authorities from the gas station. West Chicago Police officers were able to locate Hubbert in his vehicle at the same gas station a short time later. It is alleged that when officers attempted to speak with Hubbert, he drove off. It is further alleged that as officers pursued Hubbert, he ignored their commands to pull over and at times drove approximately 70 mph in a 35-mph zone. It is alleged as Hubbert attempted to flee, he struck two police cars, one from West Chicago and one from Warrenville, before coming to a stop on I-88. He was arrested at this time.

Berlin said, “I thank the West Chicago Police Department for their quick response and professionalism in taking the defendant into custody without incident as well as the Warrenville Police Department for their assistance. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Heather Misura and Thomas Elsner for their work in securing charges against Mr. Hubbert.” Hubbert’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge McPherson.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.