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At Home with Merle Burleigh – May 7, 2025

By

At Home with Merle

MERLE’S CORNER

Through House Joint Resolution 0009 introduced by State Representative Stephanie Kifowit, the stretch from Route 64 (North Avenue) to Route 38 (Roosevelt Road) is designated as the SFC Theodore Katsoolias Memorial Highway as a lasting tribute to his bravery, sacrifice, and the legacy. He, a 1948 graduate of West Chicago Community High School, served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant First Class 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry in the Korean War and still is Missing in Action.

The Dedication Ceremony, organized by Ruck to Remember and Rolling Thunder Illinois Chapter 1, took place at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025, in the parking lot at Menards. His family, now residents of St. Charles were in attendance. Singing the National Anthem was Milly Mora-Zarco from WCCHS. Speaking at the dedication were Representative Kifowit, State Senator Karina Villa, State Representative Maura Hirschauer, Robert Patterson from Rolling Thunder and Ted Harrison from the family of Katsoolias.  Unfortunately his mother did not live to see this honor to her son. Mayor Ruben Pineda also spoke on behalf of the City of West Chicago. In his speech, Mayor Pineda said it was honored and thankful to be a part of this ceremony for the West Chicago High School graduate and this is well deserved, adding it was good his family was able to see this.

Denise Carson of Parting Ways gave the Honor and Remember Presentation. Dominik Mohai from WCCHS played “Taps.” The unveiling of the route sign followed the ceremony.

Ruck to Remember is a registered not for profit dedicated to the support and service of the military and first responder community. Rolling Thunder is an organization dedicated to POW-MIA awareness as well as helping all Veterans. https://merleburl.com

This is some additional information on Katsoolias from West Chicago City Museum Director Sara Phalen and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. He was West Chicago’s only Korean War casualty. A graduate of West Chicago Community High School, class of 1948, and played on the football team. After high school he worked as a conductor for the Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad. He entered the Army in January 1949, when he was 19 years old. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington where he played on the army football team. In August of 1950 Ted left for Korea, where he was placed with the 2nd Division. Coincidentally the 2nd Infantry Division suffered the most casualties in the Korean War, with a loss of 7,094 men. Late in November that year, Katsoolias’ company was involved in heavy fighting with the Chinese. In early January 1951, his family was notified by telegram that as of November 27, 1950, Ted was listed as Missing in Action. His last letter to his family was dated November 17, written near the Chinese border. Today, Sergeant First Class Katsoolias is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.  His name is also inscribed on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC, which was updated in 2022 to include the names of the fallen.

AROUND AND ABOUT

  • The West Chicago Community High School art exhibit, “My 2 Worlds,” is at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St, through the end of May. The opening reception is from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2025. It is an autobiographical photograph exhibit by young immigrants attending the high school. Accompanying the photographs are short explanations of the experiences of the students, as they left behind their homeland, and at the same time, embraced their new homes.. The exhibit tells a meaningful story, and one needs to take the time to gain the understanding. https://merleburl.com
  • Southbound, a Southern rock and country band, performs from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2025, at American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St. The Friday Night Fish Fry is served from 4 to 8 p.m., other menu items available also. https://merleburl.com
  • 2025 Artéculture, under the auspices of West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, is at the Gallery 200 Main Street location during May and June. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The opening reception is from 6 o 8 p.m. Friday, May 16. During Blooming Fest, the hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Organizing the exhibit it Buddy Plumlee. Artéculture features work of local artists and those in the Chicagoland area. The two-dimensional artwork features paintings, photographs, drawings, prints, mixed medias, computer art, stained glass and fiber.
  • The West Chicago Public Library Saturday Crafternoon program, is at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10 2025, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants make a sign of their choice using discarded puzzle pieces. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.
  • Through Illinois Libraries Present, the West Chicago Public Library presents the special virtual program “Poverty:A Discussion With Matthew Desmond” at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 13, 2025, in the meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Joining Desmond is award-winning journalist Natalie Moore..To register, visit https://bit.ly/ILP_MatthewDesmond

Desmond is a professor of sociology at Princeton University and author of the award-winning book, “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City.” His research focuses on poverty in the United States, city life, housing insecurity, public policy, racial inequality, and ethnography. Moore’s reporting tackles race, housing, economic development, food injustice and violence. She is the author of “The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation”

  • West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m.Thursday, May 15, 2025, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is “Changes in the Land: Indians, Colonists and the Ecology of New England” by William Cronon. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, com or call 630 231-3376. It is not necessary to read the book to attend.

First published in 1983, the book is referred to as the one that launched environmental history and was the winner of the Francis Parkman Prize. Macmillan Publishers states, “In this landmark work of environmental history, William Cronon offers an original and profound explanation of the effects European colonists' sense of property and their pursuit of capitalism had upon the ecosystems of New England. Reissued here with an updated afterword by the author and a new preface by the distinguished colonialist John Demos, Changes in the Land, provides a brilliant inter-disciplinary interpretation of how land and people influence one another. With its chilling closing line, "The people of plenty were a people of waste”

Cronon is an American environmental historian and the Frederick Jackson Turner and Vilas Research Professor of History, Geography, and Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is the recipient of the Bancroft Prize, MacArthur Fellowship, Guggenheim Fellowship for Humanities, United States and Canada. One of his favorite quotes is “History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.” https://merleburl.com

  • The West Chicago Public Library program,“Our Wild Animals, ” is at 7 p.m Thursday, May 15, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. A representative from DuPage County Animal Services, discusses the wild animals in Chicagoland, explains how every animal benefits the environment and how to keep them safe. To make a reservation, , visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/.
  • Blooming Fest takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the historic downtown district. The blossoming event includes West Chicago Garden Club Plant sale, craft, jewelry and gift vendors, live music, Kid Zone and food vendors. Stage entertainment includes Mary Marconi and the Impastas, Leman Middle School Mariachi, Andy Head Juggling, West Chicago Elementary School District 33 Choir, and Crosstown Exotics Reptile & Bug Show. Activities in the Kid Zone include petting zoo, bubble creation station stilt walking, face painting, and balloon twister.Sponsors for Kid Zone are Groot Industries, Ball Horticultural Co, Daniel and Associates Real Estate, Fifth Third Bank, Buck Services, and FNBC Bank and Trust. https://merleburl.com
  • The Bilingual Gettin’ Crafty program, “Embossed Corazon,” is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 Washington St. Participants make the popular Mexican craft, Sagrado Corazon or Flaming Tin Heart. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.
  • West Chicago Park District hosts Wine in the Park from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Reed Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. The price for tickets purchase by Friday, May 17 is $35 for residents and $42 for nor-residents; after this the price is $40 for residents and $52for non- residents. Walk up registration is $55. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. The event includes eight wine tastings, light snacks and entertainment by Adam Cartwright, guitarist and singer, at the Shell..

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

  • May is the month of much play at Dane’s Games, 1895 N. Neltnor Blvd. Heroclix Smash Ultimate Tournament is at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10. Board Night is at 5 p.m. Monday, May 14. The Pokémon League Cup is scheduled for May 17. For further information call 331 240-2432. https://merleburl.com
  • LaTaverna West Chicago, 956 N. Neltnor Blvd., hosts a Mother’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 11. 2025. Patrons have a choice of A La Carte or PreFixe menu.The charge for the PreFixe menu is $34.95 and $19.50 of children age 10 and under; it includes a pastry platter, entree and dessert. Items on the a la cart menu are choices of a pastry platter, classic eggs Benedict, French rolled omen, crepes, French toast casserole, three eggs, Nicosia Tuna Baguette, WCT prime cut burger, classic Caesar with chicken, steak frites, grilled Faroe Island Salmon and desserts. Prices range from $8 to $29. The telephone number is 331 240-2432. https://merleburl.com
  • Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave., hosts “Something for Mom Market” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday May 10, 2025. In addition to the Garden Center being open, there are a variety of crafters and vendors are on hand with many items that make a perfect Mother’s Day gift.
  • Andrews Golf & Country Club, 2241 Route 59, hosts a Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Sunday, May 11, 2025. Reservations are required and can be made at 630 231-3100, extension 114.
  • Opening the first Sunday Live Entertainment for the season at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill,1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, is Guitars 4 Vets. The benefit concert is from noon to 4 p.m. May 18, 2024. Student performers play their guitars. Guitars 4 Vets, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to providing guitars and music lessons to military veterans affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. The organization operates through volunteers, partners with medical facilities, and offers structured programs to promote self-expression and healing through music.

“Nearly one million of our Military Veterans are afflicted with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In fact, more soldiers have committed suicide since the Vietnam War than have died in actual battle. But many are finding hope in an unlikely place: behind the wood and strings of an acoustic guitar. The healing power of music helps soldiers cope. That’s why we provide Veterans with guitars and a forum to learn how to play.” https://merleburl.com

  • Reshop 4 Less, 108 Galena St., recently opened. Hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Telephone number is 630 473-0169. The shop is well organized and prices are reasonable. Items for sale include clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, electronics, computers, speakers, cell phones, games, home decor, glassware, kitchen appliances and furniture.
  • Outside dining is now available at The Bunker Bar & Grill, 216 Main St. On Fridays, there are many choices on the fish menu.https://merleburl.com
  • We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1005 W. Washington St., celebrates its Twentieth Anniversary this year. As part of the celebration, the greenhouse is featuring “the hard-working individuals that are the driving force behind We Grow Dreams and our mission!” Featured now is Eric,“who has been involved with We Grow Dreams since the very beginning as part of one of the original founding families that began this adventure way back in 2004. He and his mother are the two main creative minds and executors of the craft section in the greenhouse. He likes to work at the front area and working the cash register. His father is the board’s president and is very handy at fixing some of things that break. Greenhouse hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday https://merleburl.com

REMEMBRANCES

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Walter F. (Wally) Baxendale, who at the age of 92 passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Patricia A. Sneen (nee Salerno), who at the age of 76 passed away Monday, April 28, 2025.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Mike Cherry, who at the age of 55 passed away Wednesday April 23, 2025.

SCHOOLS

  • District 33 Ballet Folklorico performs a special program to celebrate its 10th Anniversary. It takes place at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the cafetorium at Leman Middle School, 238 E. Hazel St.Doors open at a 5 p.m. Ticket price is $3; tickets are available at the door. https://merleburl.com
  • For the first time in the history of Wheaton Academy, its Math Team is the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2A State Champion. Twenty-three students competed.

Leading the Algebra Team 1 to a state championship were Ethen Chen (1st out of 153), Sally Chen (5th out of 153), Ethan Lin (7th out of 153) and Betsey Wang. The Precalculus Team members Simon Zhou (2nd out of 142), Elliot Poland (3rd out of 142), and Luke Osterholm (10th out of 142) and Everett Miglio won First Place. The Junior-Senior 8 person team of Sasha Barpanda, Andy Chen, Danny Ciszek, Isaac Kim, Andrea Ngo, Billy Yang, Simon Zhou, and Everett Miglio took second place. Isaac Kim (6th out of 153) led the Algebra II team of Kristy Sun, Billy Yang, and Andy Chen to its second-place finish. Leading the Geometry Team to a seventh place finish was Grace Zhong (5th out of 133). Other team members were Ruth Yang, Will Shang, and Ryan Norris.

The Calculator team of Phoebe Barton, Ethan Lin, James Ke, Grace Zhong, Andy Chen, Luke Osterholm, Elliot Poland and Everett Miglio won state championship. This is the second time the calculator team  won  the championship in four years. The Freshman-Sophomore 2 person team of Ruth Yang and Sally Chen won fifth place. In Oral Competition, Elliot Poland and Luke Osterholm won first place with perfect scores of 50.They were given 10 minutes to prepare solutions to 3 questions, immediately after which they presented their solutions at a whiteboard before a panel of judges. They were allowed 7 minutes to present their solutions, after which they were asked to take no more than 3 minutes to solve and present solutions to three to four extemporaneous questions with no time to prepare.  https://merleburl.com

  • Daniel Ball, English teacher and Head Coach of Girls Cross Country, is Teacher of the Year and the recipient of the 2025 Wilbur A. Hiller Memorial Teaching Award. Hiller served on the Wheaton Academy Board of Trustees for four years, from 1971 until his death in 1975. In 1976, the family and friends of Hiller established the Wilbur A. Hiller Memorial Teaching Award to carry on his dream to stimulate and encourage teaching excellence. Faculty and students select the recipient of the award. (https://merleburl.com
  • Fourth and seventh graders in West Chicago Elementary School District 33 participated in the District 33 STEM Fair at Leman Middle School. Their projects focused on reducing the impact of natural disasters. https://merleburl.com
  • Wheaton Academy students from its Entrepreneurship classes pitched their business plans at Olivet Nazarene University’s Creature Conference and Pitch Competition. Kolonati “Typ” Zibaya presented HIS Athletes, a faith-based fitness business, and Daniel Ouchakov pitched RideRite, a durable mountain bike tire pump. Kolonati finished in the top five, earning a cash prize. https://merleburl.com
  • At the Thursday, April 17, 2025, of the Board of Education of West Chicago Elementary School District 33, there were four Board Salutes. In his final year in education, Mark Truckenbrod stepped up as interim principal at Wegner With heart, energy, and purpose, he led staff, connected with students, and inspired a school communit. West Chicago Police Officer Pat O’Neil for going above and beyond in our classrooms from co-teaching Life Skills lessons to building heartwarming connections with students and staff. Diamond Jones is the quiet force powering District 33’s digital systems. Her ability to turn complex needs into clear solutions, and doing it all with optimism and precision, keeps everything running smoothly. District 33 Technology Team gave outstanding support during registration nights. Their behind-the-scenes magic ensured smooth, stress-free experiences for families and staff alike. https://merleburl.com

CHURCHES

  • Shining Light/Children of Mary yearly fundraiser showcases its seventh annual theatre production,“We Can Fly,” with excerpts from Disney’s “Peter Pan” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” with vocals and dance. It takes place at noon, Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Resurrection Parish, 30W350 Army Trail Road. This production is specially designed to help families of special needs children and adults. The ticket price is $10, $80 for a table of 10, and are available at the door. Refreshments are finger foods; there are more than 30 raffle baskets, a silent auction and a grand raffle prize.Shining Light works from St. Mary’s parish and provides various services . Many of their participants live below the poverty level and cannot afford the expenses involved. The funds raised got toward this.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

  • West Chicago resident Louise Handel is a participant in the DuPage Chorale concert, “The Spirit Speaks: Brahma and Rutter.” It takes place at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Belushi Performance Hall in the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd, in Glen Ellyn.
  • West Chicago resident Mike Hensel does a reading and book signing of his book, “Unicorn, Go To Bed,” at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Harvey’s Book Store, 216 James St. in Geneva. The book, geared for three to 6 year old, has a five star rating on Amazon. “Silly, colorful illustrations and engaging rhyming text bring this all-too-familiar bedtime tale to life, as each exasperated plea to go to bed is met with a seemingly innocent last request for a snack or a favorite stuffy, which inevitably spirals out of control.”
  • Mike Hensel is the son of the late David and Linda Hensel, and the nephew and godson of West Chicago resident Dona Smith. The owners of the book store, Chuck and Roxanne Osborne, also have a connection with West Chicago. Chuck was a science teacher at West Chicago Middle School, now Leman Middle School. He retired in 2018. https://merleburl.com
  • Josh and Zoeie Kreiner celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

  • The Spring Cleaning Coat Drive sponsored by WeGo Together for Kids and the West Chicago Parks Foundation ends Friday, May 16, 2025. In addition to the donation of gently used winter coats, hats, scarves, gloves and boots also are requested. Drop off locations are ARC Center, 201 W. National St.; all West Chicago Elementary School District 33 schools; West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St.; Both Republic Bank locations, 101 Main St. and 105 Roosevelt Road; St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road; Wheaton Bible Church, 27W500 North Ave.; and West Chicago Public Library, 118 W Washington St.
  • After nearly a decade of leading the coordination of Mexican Independence Day Fest, the Mexican Cultural Center announced it will step away from its organizing role to focus on its expanding public art and cultural programs throughout DuPage County.

The City of West Chicago is now seeking a community organization to coordinate the 2025 Mexican Independence Day Festival, scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2025. The City has budgeted for a one-day event and will provide City services to support operations on the day of the festival. The festival typically features music, food, vendors, a large piñata, and other activities, which draws residents and visitors from across the region.

Organizations interested in helping celebrate West Chicago’s vibrant Mexican heritage and playing a leading role in this longstanding community tradition, can email Nicolette Stefan, Special Events Coordinator, at nstefan@westchicago.org no later than Friday, May 16, 2025.

The City of West Chicago has proudly hosted the Mexican Independence Day Festival for many years, celebrating the rich heritage and cultural traditions that are such an important part of our community. Since 2015, the event has been organized by the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, which has helped elevate the festival into a signature celebration of music, food, art, and community spirit.

Fernando Ramirez, President & Founder, Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, stated, “Since 2012, I've greatly valued the opportunity to contribute to our community through initiatives celebrating Mexican culture. Coordinating the city's Mexican Independence Day celebration since 2015 has been a particular honor. Our goal has been to foster enthusiasm and pride, providing a space for residents of Mexican heritage to share their traditions and strengthen West Chicago's community spirit. Over the years, the festival successfully promoted civic pride through initiatives like the 11,000-cup mosaic art piece (a world record!), the cultural exchange between Tlaxcala, Mexico, and West Chicago during the pandemic, and the establishment of the 13-foot burro piñata tradition, among others. We believe these have set a strong foundation for future celebrations…While we will be passing the torch for the Mexican Independence Day celebration, our connection to West Chicago and our commitment to its cultural vibrancy remain steadfast. We will continue to serve our community through our gallery art installations, programs for our schools, artist residencies at our 103 W. Washington St. space, and our ongoing public art endeavors in DuPage County. We are excited to see the innovative spirit a new team will bring to this beloved annual event.” https://merleburl.com

  • GardenWorks Project is building new beds at New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St. Volunteers help transform this space into a flourishing garden that will directly support local food pantries.. Seedlings are added to the gardens from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 18. To register for volunteering, visit https://gardenworksproject.org/volunteer/#volunteerform, and scroll down to May 18. For further information, email info@gardenworksproject.org.
  • 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 for 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, four tickets to an Ice Hogs Game, Battle House Laser Tag, a Portillo’s swag bag and six tickets to Zanies Comedy Club Chicago and a $100 gift card to Ana Restaurant in Chicago. 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

  • West Chicago American Legion Post 300 has been servicing our veterans and community for almost 75 years; in the downtown district for more than 50 years The Legion needs some maintenance and updating at its location, 123 Main St. The projects are replacement of the HVAC unit, addressing several plumbing issues and updating of the restrooms. To make a GoFund Me donation, visit https://www.facebook.com/alpost300/.
  • Zoeie Kreiner, Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce board member and Executive Director/Founder of Support Over Stigma, announced SOS is one of the not-for-profit partners selected for the Lt. Dan Sinise Band Concert, “Rockin’ For Our Vets,” featuring Gary Sinise Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Cantigny Park. The opening band, Stolen Silver, start at 6 p.m., Dan Sinise starts at 7 p.m. The ticket price is $50, plus a service fee which includes parking, entry and on-site transportation. The concert not only is to honor veterans, but also the proceeds support the West Suburban Foundation for Disabled Veterans mission to help provide housing and other living needs to disabled veterans and their families. For further information and to order tickets, visit wsfdv.org, https://merleburl.com
  • The Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 hosts Bingo on Sundays at the post, 431 N. Neltnor Boulevard. Doors open at noon, games start at 1:30 p.m.
  • Through a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Delia Ramirez recognized two West Chicago organizations, Educare West DuPage and Mexican Cultural Center DuPage. She talked about uplifting the role of civil societal and named Educare West DuPage among the organizations helping strengthen our communities every day. Accepting the official copy of the speech, Marcela Sweeney, Educare Executive Director said, “From warm meals to early childhood education, nonprofits like ours aren’t just helping people—we’re helping build a stronger democracy. Thank you, Rep. Ramirez, for reminding the nation that it truly does take a village. Together, we’re shaping brighter futures.” Also on hand to accept the official comp of the speech were Jackie Ocampo and Omar Espinosa, board members of Mexican Cultural Center DuPage. They thanked her for the recognition and “to our community for your continued support!” https://merleburl.com

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

  • The City of West Chicago is the recipient of a $2 million Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets grant through the State of Illinois. It supports the construction, repair, and modernization of public infrastructure and amenities to boost jobs, improve quality of life, and stimulate economic activity in downtown West Chicago. As part of the grant application letters of support from stakeholders in the community were required. Providing letters of support were State Senator Karina Villa, State Representative Maura Hirschauer, Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, Republic Bank, The Whistle Stop, West Chicago Library District and Western DuPage Chamber Commerce.

Aesthetic Improvements include way finding signage, planter beds, festoon lighting, and new street furniture. Included among Safety Upgrades are replacement brick paver sidewalks, making ADA-compliant enhancements, installation of decorative stamped crosswalks, upgrading street lighting, and resurfacing pavement to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility. Service Enhancements are modernization of the infrastructure, which includes upsizing water mains, replacing lead service lines, sanitary sewer lining, and stormwater management improvements, which will support future growth and development.

The Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets project aligns with the City’s long-term vision as outlined in the West Chicago Forward Comprehensive Plan and the Central-Main Street Revitalization Plan Update, both of which prioritize the revitalization of downtown as a thriving, accessible hub. Kelley Chrisse, Business & Community Relations Director, said, “We are very excited to begin discussing the opportunities with the community and will be sharing more on the various ways the public can shape the future of the downtown as the project progresses.”

  • West Chicago City Museum started a new series, “Museum Monday.” The April 28, 2025, series highlighted artifacts in exhibits. “Behind each label, artifact, an interactive experience is a carefully woven tapestry of choices, voices, and goals. In this post, we’re pulling back the curtain to explore the essential building blocks of an exhibit—and why each one matters.”

Artifacts are the tangible anchors of an exhibit. Choosing artifacts is about more than visual appeal; it’s about finding pieces that carry meaning, evoke emotion, and spark questions and represent a part of the story. Labels are the quiet narrators of an exhibit. They help visitors understand what they’re seeing, provide context, and invite deeper thought. An exhibit isn't a lecture; it's a conversation. Exhibits don't end at the gallery doors. Programs like gallery talks, workshops, tours, and family days extend the learning and offer more ways to engage.

Beyond artifacts and programming, there's a hidden world of exhibit development: research, conservation, design, accessibility planning, marketing, and community partnerships. “At the West Chicago City Museum, we see each exhibit as a living project—something that grows and shifts with the community it serves.” For further information on exhibits, visit https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheWestChicagoCityMuseum/. https://merleburl.com

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

  • To heighten awareness and raise donations for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Illinois, West Chicago police officers participate in the 22nd annual Dunkin’ “Cop on a Rooftop” It takes place from 5 a.m. to noon Friday, May 16, 2025, at four Dunkin’ businesses. Locations are 185 W. North Ave., 330 S. Neltnor Blvd. 1491 W. Roosevelt Road and 110 W. Roosevelt Road. Persons making a donation to the Torch Run receive a free doughnut coupon. Persons donating at least $10 receive a Law Enforcement Torch Run travel mug and a coupon for a free medium coffee. Also on sale are Torch Run t-shirts and raffle tickets.

In conjunction with personnel manning the local Dunkin’ locations, Police Chief Colin Fleury and Deputy Chief Anthony Cargola are once again be delivering fresh Dunkin’ donuts and coffee to local businesses and organizations that make a $100 donation. To receive this special delivery, business and organizations can email Officer Jake Fuller at JFuller@westchicago.org. At this time 20 businesses are currently taking advantage of our delivery service The West Chicago Police Department hopes to raise $5,000 during this event. In honor of the Special Olympics athletes and police officers participating in the rooftop event, Dunkin’ donates $15,000 to the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run.

  • The West Chicago Police Department launched tip411, an internet-based tool from CitizenObserver that enables the public to text message an anonymous tip to the police and lets officers respond in real time to create an anonymous two-way conversation. Persons with a cell phone may send an anonymous tip to the West Chicago Police Department by texting WCPDTIP and their message/tip to 847411. Anonymous web tips can also be submitted to the police website at policerecords@westchicago.org. For further information, call 630 293-2222. https://merleburl.com
  • DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and West Chicago Chief of Police Colin Fleury recently announced Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to detain a West Chicago man accused of sexually abusing a minor female earlier this month. Joseph Simmon swas charged with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 2 Felony. Simmons, a registered sex offender, is currently on probation for three separate offenses and on pre-trial release for burglary. Simmons’ next court appearance is scheduled for May 19, 2025, in front of Judge Mia McPherson.

On April 7, 2025, the victim, a sixteen-year-old female from Chicago, was found alone at a West Chicago gas station after she had not been home for three days. After authorities spoke with the victim, it is alleged that on Friday, April 4, 2025, the victim had taken the train from her home to West Chicago to meet with Simmons, whom she had met in November 2024, in Chicago. It is alleged that weekend, the victim wanted to return home, but Simmons would not allow her to leave his residence and instead took her cellular phone and forced the girl to perform oral sex on him. On April 7, 2025, Simmons took the girl to the train station and then back to another West Chicago residence. While at the residence, Simmons fled the scene. Following an investigation into the matter, West Chicago police officers located Simmons in a car that had been reported stolen. It is alleged that when officers found Simmons, he attempted to flee the police on foot by climbing over a barbed wire fence but was unsuccessful and apprehended at that time.

  • Foreign Exchange students from Grenoble, France recently visited the West Chicago Police Department. Both the police officers and the students enjoyed the time exchanging information. https://merleburl.com

ODDS AND ENDS

  • The letter carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive is Saturday, May 10, 2025. Residents leave a bag of non-perishable food next to their mailbox for the letter carrier to pick up while delivering mail along their route. The food is donated to local food pantries. The National Association of Letter Carriers have hosted this food drive since 1993.
  • Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services offers Summer Day Camp for children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade in the Wayne Township building, 27W031 North Ave. It takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Monday, June 2, and ending Friday, August 8, 2025. Persons can enroll for all the weeks or just weeks they need. The charge is $125 a week; a sliding scale is available for eligible families. The daily rate is $45. To register, call 630 231-7166. Activities include indoor and outdoor games, sports, arts and crafts, movies, Camp Olympics and field trips. The weekly calendar, org/summer-camp, is available. WAYS, a community-based 5501(c)3 not-for -profit agency that provides counseling in English and Spanish, Parenting classes in English and Spanish, Anger Management Classes in English and Spanish, Youth Tutoring, Summer Day Camp. and other social services for the residents of West Chicago, Winfield, Wayne, Warrenville, Bartlett, Carol Stream and Hangover Park.
  • During his final official days as mayor of West Chicago, Mayor Ruben Pineda continued his visits to schools and his participation in school events.

On Wednesday, April 23, he visited Educare West DuPage. The school posted on its Facebook page, “We were honored to welcome Mayor Ruben Pineda for his final visit to Educare West DuPage as the Mayor of the City of West Chicago. His dedication to our community—and to our children—has made a lasting impact. Thank you, Mayor Pineda, for your years of support and leadership.” https://merleburl.com

He once again participated in the Wellness Walk of West Chicago Elementary School District 33. Due to sunny and then rain, the event was held outside for some schools and indoors for others. The district posted on its website, “Thank you to Mayor Pineda for visiting every one of our schools today, cheering on students, inspiring healthy habits, and showing once again why he’s such a true champion for education in West Chicago.” The Wellness Walk, held annually, celebrates wellness and encourages physical  activity. Health snacks and water are provided. I did the walk at Turner School for several years (definitely in my young years). Most of the children enjoy the activity, smiling as they walk at a pretty fast clip. https://merleburl.com

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.