MERLE’S CORNER

At the Monday, April 21, 2025, City Council meeting, there was a proclamation honoring Mayor Ruben Pineda covering his 27 years in West Chicago government. Starting in 1998, he served as an alderman until 2012 when he began serving as mayor on the death of Mayor Michael Kwasman. It listed some of his accomplishments. These included encouraging an incentive program to attract businesses to west Chicago, leading an initiative with federal. state and county leaders to reinstate money to end the thorium removal in West Chicago, ensured public safety personnel were properly funded, and became a champion for residents during the pandemic with organizing vaccine clinics. He also was responsible for the establishment of Educare West DuPage in West Chicago. West Chicago Elementary School District33 was in need of land for this facility. “He strongly argued for and eventually convinced a once divided City Council to sell land owned by the City on Pearl Road for this purpose.” Mayor Pineda said, This is one of my proudest accomplishments, educating the children is so very important.” Yet many residents recall the violent storm that hit the City in 2013 and how he hit the streets assisting with the removal of branches from yards and talking to the homeowners who suffered damage to their properties. “I love this community. It has been an honor to serve.” https://merleburl.com

The four outgoing Aldermen also were honored with proclamations. They are Ward 1 Alderman Lori Chassee, Ward 3 Alderman Christine Dettman, Ward 6 Alderman Jeanne Short and Ward 7 Alderman John F. Banas. Chassee was elected to the office of alderman in 2001 and as Deputy Mayor since 2012. She served on the Development, Finance and Public Affairs Committees. She played an integral role in the determination that West Chicago would not access Lake Michigan water , but instead build its own Water Treatment Plant.Her concern with community health led to the creation of Healthy West Chicago. Christine Dettman was elected Alderman in 2021, serving on the Development and Finance Committees. She was a n advocate for the Veteran’s Day Banner Project, for homeowners with disabilities, championing a a change in City Code to have permit fees waived for homeowners who needed to make ADA Compliant improvements. Jeanne Stout was elected Alderman in May 2021, serving on the Infrastructure and Public Affairs Committees. She listened to her constituents, and had the willingness to place the1public good ahead of her personal interests. John Banas was elected in May 2013, serving until April 2027. He was appointed again in 2024 to fill an unexpired term. He served on the Development and Public Affairs Committees. He championed wise and frugal spending on projects. All stated that it was an honor to serve on the Council, work with the other aldermen to serve the residents of the community and thank City staff for their assistance.. https://merleburl.com

AROUND AND ABOUT

• West Chicago Public Library Program, “Researching Online Update for 2025: New Genealogy Sources & Ideas,” is at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, in the meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Professional genealogist Peg Kapustiak presents the program, providing both experienced and beginner genealogy enthusiasts with extremely practical tips and ideas. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.

Attendees receive a handout with detailed tips, links and sources. Kapustiak has been a Genealogist/Family Historian for 47 years and has researched her family history in the Chicago area, the Midwest, New England, and New York state plus ten countries in Europe and Asia, when she lived overseas. In the past 25 years she has provided more than 190 talks on history and genealogy topics both nationally and internationally. She is the author of one book and 56 research articles. She served as President or on the Boards of Directors of 13 different professional or historical/genealogical organizations, both in the United States and Internationally and currently volunteers for five historical/genealogical organizations.

• The West Chicago Park District program,“Plant Trees with Us” is a volunteer planting event, taking place at 9 a.m Friday May 2, 2025, at Cornerstone Lakes Park, 2199 Smith Road. Supplies and trees are provided. To sign up, email info@we-goparks.org. Date is subject to change depending on weather.

In 2024-2025, the West Chicago Park District, with the support of a grant from Trees Forever, will enhance three local parks, Cornerstone Lakes Park, Meadow Wood Park, and Dyer Riverwoods Park with the planting  of 12 new tree species, including Autumn Blaze Maple, Burr Oak, and Hornbeam. Not only will this initiative increase tree diversity and improve ecosystem health, it also will  beautify public spaces.

• “Art in Full Bloom” is the exhibit for the month of May at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. The display highlights the beautiful artwork of thirteen artists. They are Maria Ananieva, Sarah Comoda, Corinne Condos, Patty Donahue, Emilia Hajduczenia, Dan Hoalt, Sharon Malec, Owen O'Reilly, Laurie Parker, Kari Pozzessere, Britta Renwick, Rita Skarha, andStarla Snead. Using a variety of mediums, artists display the delights of Spring with flowers, butterflies, garden art, and more. The artists’ reception is from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2025.

• West Chicago Park District holds a Cinco de Mayo 2-mile Color Crawl at 6 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2025, at Kress Creek Farms Park, 30W150 Wilson Road. Along the route, participants are showered with vibrant color made from safe, food-grade, biodegradable cornstarch and by the time they cross the finish line are covered by a color palette of hues. The cost is $30 for residents, $36 for non-residents. Persons registering by Sunday, April 20, receive a run t-shirt.There is no deadline for registering; people can register the day of the event. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.

• Through Illinois Libraries Present, the West Chicago Public Library presents the virtual special program “Art and Adventures with Dan Santat “ at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. His collaborator is author Minh Lê. To register, visit.https://bit.ly/ILP_DanSantat

Santat is the author and illustrator of more than 100 books for young people, including “The Adventures of Beekle,” “The Unimaginary Friend, ” “Are We There Yet?,” and “After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again).” He won the Caldecott Medal for most distinguished picture book in 2015, the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2023 and Golden Kite Award for Middle Grade Fiction in 2024. He is the creator of the Disney animated hit, “The Replaements.” Minh Lê is the award-winning author of picture books including “Drawn Together,“ “ Re  al to Me, ” “Lift,’ and graphic novels such as “Green Lantern”: and “ Legacy and Enlighten Me.” https://merleburl.com

• Healthy West Chicago in partnership with West Chicago Public Library hosts “Qigong with Gabriella” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/. Gabriela de la Mora, a certified Spring Forest QiGong Group Leader, leads the class.

It is an ancient Chinese practice involving mindful movements, breathing techniques, and meditation, aiming to cultivate and harmonize the body's energy for improved health and well-being. It involves a variety of movements, postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques, often practiced in a slow and deliberate manner.

• The West Chicago Community High School art exhibit, “My 2 Worlds,” is at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., until 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

• 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.

• West Chicago Park District offers the 2024-25 Paramount Theater series season program for adults. The fourth of the four musical productions is “Cats,” a regional premiere. The time frame is noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. June 7, 2025. The $48 charge includes the bus ride and the show. Persons purchase lunch at a local restaurant. Seats are on main lower floor. Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline is noon Thursday, May 1. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. This vibrant production brings T.S. Eliot's poems to life with unforgettable music, exploring themes of identity and redemption. https://merleburl.com

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• Some of the local businesses have specials to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

• Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave., hosts “Something for Mom Market” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday May 10, 2025. A variety of crafters and vendors are on hand with many items that make a perfect Mother’s day gift. The Garden Center is open with a special sale of purchasing one hanging basket and buying the second one for half price. In the General Store and Sweet Shop, attendees can find seasonal gardening items, decor, jams, dressing and local honey. This can be a memory making day with mothers. https://merleburl.com

• Some of the local eating establishments and businesses have specials for Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025.

• Andrews Golf & Country Club, 2241 Route 59, hosts a Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Sunday, May 11, 2025. Seatings are 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 am.,noon and 12:30 p.m. The charge is $54.95 for adults, $23.95 for children ages 6 to 11, and no charge for children age 5 and under. Reservations are required and can be made at 630 231-3100, extension, 114. The menu includes breakfast items, seafood and salads, carving station, buffet dinner items, kid’s corner, dessert station and beverages.

• Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2025. Each month there is a special event with the grand celebration taking place in June.

In May is the Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 11, 2025. The charge is $57 for adults, $29 for children ages 4 to 14, and no charge for children under the age of 4. There are special rates for members. Reservations are due by Monday, May 5, and may be made at 630 208-7641 between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Monday through Friday. Included on the menu are omelet and carving stations, breakfast and lunch favorites, fresh seafood station and kids buffet.

• La Taverna West Chicago, 956 N. Neltnor Blvd., has reopened. There is a change in the menu. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, a11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The telephone number is 331 240-2432. https://merleburl.com

• Ken Linkevich is the new Fleet Manager at Kramer’s Tree Specialists, Inc. He has more than 25 years of experience in fleet repair and management, especially with diesel trucks and heavy equipment. https://merleburl.com

• Muy Cool Party Balloons, 135 Turner Court, celebrated its one year Anniversary Thursday, April 17, 2025. With the creation of a four story Bluardin installation by guests. Members of the community were able to enjoy this wondrous sight until Friday afternoon, April 18. And to top it off, owner Melissa M. Martinez designed and wore a dress made completely with blue balloons and a silver trim. https://merleburl.com

• Vincent’s permanently closed its doors at 213 Main St. Sunday, April 27, 2025. It is moving to a new location, address not stated yet. Reopening is planned for June. The building is for sale. https://merleburl.com

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Carolyn Lee Wille, who at the age of 81 passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025.
• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Alice Anand, who at the age of 84 passed away Friday, April 18, 2025.
• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Benjamin Arnold, Jr., who at the age of 78 passed away Friday, April 25, 2025.

SCHOOLS

• The Senior Prom of West Chicago Community High School is Friday, May 2, 2025, in theAON Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier in Chicago. Appropriately the theme is "Sunset on the Shore.”The charge is $160 and includes transportation, dinner and dancing. The buses leave the high school at 5:15 p.m an arrive back at midnight. https://merleburl.com
• Four Wheaton Academy students on the Mock Trial team competed at State and received Certificates of Merit. They are Eli Halpin, Sofie Barton, Marion Anderson, and Maddie Griffin.
• College of DuPage Horticulture students placed tweelfth overall and third out of all community colleges in the annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition. The NCLC hosted 727 students from 54 universities and colleges, connecting them with industry professionals and testing their skills in 28 competitive events, including exterior landscape design, plant identification, hardscape installation, sales presentation, robotics and technology in landscape design and maintenance, and plant installation. https://merleburl.com

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. Ticket price is $17, $15 for senior citizens and $7 for students; $1 of each ticket sold supports the COD Applied Music Scholarship. Fund to support music students who cannot afford private lessons. To order tickets, visit, https://atthemac.org/events/dupage-chorale-may11/ or call 630 942-4000. Tickets are available at the door. Patrick O’Shea is the Director and William Buhr is the accompanist. https://merleburl.com

• The new artwork of West Chicago resident Giovanni Arellano (a.k.a. Fiendsco) is on display at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. The inspiration is from his recent murals found throughout downtown, which celebrate the natural wildlife of Illinois. Giovanni stated, “As we progress through life, it gets busy, complicated, and we can easily be distracted when pursuing our dreams. Taking the path less traveled is easier said than done, and I wanted to depict that through an 'incompleted-ness' aspect with my display.” Gallery hours are from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, and closed Monday and Tuesday.

• West Chicago resident and president of Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, Fernando Ramirez, recently spent some time in St. Paul, Minnesota. At the (Neo)Muralismos de México event for the Minnesota Latino Museum event, he was one of the speakers at a meeting entitled “Imagining Futures,” which was seeking feedback from directors of Latino and Mexican museums and cultural centers from across the United States, local artists and members of the West Side community. Johnson-Ortíz has been working on the museum project since 2015 and created his own not-for-profit (Neo)Muralismos de México in Minnesota, to oversee it. The Minnesota Latino Museum has launched a $20 million capital campaign to build a center for Latino arts, culture and heritage in the historic West Side Flats area of St. Paul. The Minnesota Latino Museum has launched a $20 million capital campaign to build a center for Latino arts, culture and heritage in the historic West Side Flats area of St. Paul. St. Paul-based 4RM+ULA is leading the design of the building. The company is owned by Paola Sánchez-Garret, an Afro-Latina architect of Dominican descent. The initial design was completed last March for the 25,000-square-foot museum. If the funding materializes, the Museum would be completed in 2027. The Latino community in Minnesota is the largest minority group in the state. According to the 2020 Census, 345,640 people identified as Hispanic/Latino, about six percent of the state’s population.

• The ALEBRIJES Keepers of the Island exhibit opens Sunday, June 1, and ends Sunday, Oct.26, 2025, on Raspberry Island in St. Paul. On display is the 2022 Alebrijes, which was at Cantigny. Thus Ramirez is quite involved in the layout and setting up. He said, “We are very excited to be collaborating with them and getting that build out.” https://merleburl.com

• In 2012 former West Chicago residents Cheryl and Ray Waterman first started attending Christ's Anglican Fellowship in High Springs, Florida. Then Ray became Interim Pastor in 2014, when the priest at the church retired. His service as priest at the church ends Sunday, April 27, 2025, when Bishop Alex Farmer comes for the Farewell service. CAF ends a an officially incorporated church. Ray and Cheryl are not certain what their next steps in life are, but they will continue to come north to visit family in West Chicago.https://merleburl.com

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• GardenWorks Project is building new beds at New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St. Volunteers are needed to help transform this space into a flourishing garden that will directly support local food pantries. From noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2025, they clean out existing beds , build and install 12 new beds. 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 4 and May 18. For further information, email info@gardenworksproject.org. This community garden is supported by the Community Services Block Grant from the DuPage County Community Services Department. https://merleburl.com

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., offers 2025 Spring art classes. To view the classes and to register, visit https://www.gallery200.net/art-classes. Also there are brochures at the gallery. Classes are beginner friendly, intermediate and advanced artists are welcome. For further information, call 630 639-2599.

Fused Glass Plant Stakes classes are from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, May 5, or 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 7.; classes are for those age 10 and older.The charge is $45.Students make three plant stakes while learning the basics of glass fusing and design. Rita S. is the instructor.Viking Wire Weaving Bracelet classes  are 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, or 6 p.m. Monday, May 5. The charge is $30. Viking knit involves wrapping wire around a tool to create jewelry; it is one of the oldest jewelry making techniques known. Britta R. is the instructor. Artful Flower Wire Crochet Workshop is at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, to June 28. The charge is $30. Marita V. is the teacher. Participants make a flower jewelry set. https://merleburl.com

• WeGo Together for Kids and the West Chicago Parks Foundation sponsor a Spring Cleaning Coat Drive through 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.

• 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 $40 ticket includes meal, beverage and five raffle tickets. More information will be available in my May 7 column. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Sister Cities is planning a trip to Taufkirchen (Vils), Germany from Friday, Aug.1 through Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. For further information, call Dave Sabathne at 630 231-3003 or email wcsistercities@gmail.com. https://merleburl.com

• Although the sun was not shining brightly Saturday, April 19, 2025, the children attending the American Legion Post 300 Easter Egg Hunt had fun gathering the many eggs. As usual, the Hunt was officially over in less than three minutes. There were prizes for the children finding the two special eggs in their age category.The basket winners were  Anelise and Keegan, Olive and Easton on the 3 and 4 age category, Yaelen and Yaileny in the 5 an 6 age category, and Maelani and Yamilet in the 7 and 8 age category. https://merleburl.com

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• The City’s 2025 monthly Brush Collection Program begins Monday, May 5, 2025. Brush may be placed at the curb up to two days prior to the initial brush pickup date for the month.

• West Chicago’s 21st annual Bulk-Wide Collection, previously called Citywide Collection, takes place on regularly scheduled garbage pickup days beginning Monday, May 5, and ending Friday, May 9, 2025. Using eight “refuse” stickers, residents can dispose of an unlimited amount of acceptable items. These include barbecue grills, bicycles, furniture, box springs and mattresses and household fixtures excluding electronics. Also included is carpeting, if rolled into sections not exceeding four feet in length and not weighing more than 50 pounds per roll; and household construction materials such as lumber, drywall, plywood and doors if bundled or placed within 33-gallon refuse containers and/or not weighing more than 50 pounds.

Some unacceptable items are hazardous waste; tires; automotive parts, fluids and batteries such as oil, transmission fluid, windshield washing fluid, starters and brake shoes, household batteries, oil-based paint, pesticides, and propane tanks, and large household appliances. Small household appliances such as toasters, televisions, microwaves, computers, monitors, speakers, stereo equipment are no longer acceptable items as they are now banned from Illinois landfills from all sources under penalty of law. Helpful hint -attach your eight stickers to your garbage container, as your junk may be someone else’s treasure. For a list of acceptable items or for more information, visit, https://www.groot.com/waste-management-chicago/city-of-west-chicago

• Tuesday, April 22, 2025 was the 55th anniversary of Earth Day—a global celebration of environmental protection. A proclamation for Earth Day was read at the Monday, April 21, 2025, City Council meeting. Members of the West Chicago Environmental Commissions accepted the Proclamation. Members are Robert Blaus, Thomas F. Cherrington, Nazree Diane Williams, Allen A. Rodriguez, Tyler Kesler and Victoria Burris. The purpose of the Environmental Commission is to research, discuss and recommend to City Council various environmental programs and policies that would facilitate the protection and improvement of the environment, efficient management of natural resources, promote a sustainable community, and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the City. Commission members also explore and discuss innovative practices implemented in other communities to gain insight on environmental trends and to bring recommendations to City elected officials. Accomplishments for this year so far are organizing the annual rain barrel program, planning the upcoming Community Shredding Event on Saturday, June 7, cleaning a section of Hawthorne Lane between Harvester and Powis Roads through the Adopt-A-Highway initiative and touring the City’s Water Treatment Plant to gain deeper insight into local operations. There currently is one open seat available. Residents interest in serving can compete a Boards and Commission Application form, https://westchicago.org/boards-and-commissions/ and submitting it to the Office of the Mayor or emailing it to  info@westchicago.org. https://merleburl.com

• In the Arbor Day proclamation read at the Monday, April 21, 2025, City Council meeting, it mentions West Chicago is recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Foundation.The Tree City USA program, providing direction, assistance and national recognition for a community, is the framework for a healthy, sustainable urban forestry program. There are four standards to qualify for a Tree City. They are having a tree board or department, a public tree care ordinance, community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The City met all these qualifications. The Public Works Department planted an Ivory Silk Lilac tree on Arbor Day, Friday, April 26, at the Public Works Street Division on Grandlake Boulevard. For further information, visit https://www.arborday.org/our-work/tree-city-usa/standards.  https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago City Museum started a new series, “Museum Monday.” The April 21, 2025, series highlighted exhibits. “At its simplest, an exhibit is a way of organizing information—whether that information is historical, scientific, cultural, or artistic. But a good exhibit is so much more than a display case with labels. It's an intentional narrative environment. A space that invites curiosity and guides interpretation. It combines objects with context, questions with storytelling, and visual cues with emotional resonance…. At the West Chicago City Museum, we believe in the power of exhibits to foster connection, celebrate local stories, and spark curiosity. Our exhibits are rooted in the unique history of West Chicago—shaped by railroads, industry, immigration, and community resilience.”

Exhibits are a different kind of learning by inviting persons into a share space of exploration . They are community-minded and people-powered. “Whether it’s a single object or an immersive experience, an exhibit is an invitation: to learn, to feel, to wonder, and to belong.” For further information on exhibits, visit https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheWestChicagoCityMuseum/.

• At the Monday, April 23, 2025, meeting, City council approved the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of West Chicago and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150.

Also approved were Ordinances 25-O-0012 and 25-O 0013. Ward 1 Alderman Lori Chassee explained these two items just updated the West Chicago ordinance to align with state law and gather all fines in one place.

• Council approved a Special Use Permit for Outside Storage Ancillary to a permitted use at 800 W. Washington St. This allows Frain Industries to have outside storage. The Item Summary states, “Frain Industries, a processing and packaging equipment supplier, proposes to store roofing materials on pallets outside the building at 800 W Washington Street in a paved area where the truck/trailer parking formerly occurred…The property contains a 345,000 square foot industrial building that was previously used by General Mils. The petitioner has been using it for warehousing of products. ”

• City Council also approved Ordinances 2025-O-0008, Comprehensive Plan Amendment, and 2025-O-0009, Zoning Map Amendment. The Item Summary states, “Educare West DuPage, a non-profit specializing in care for and educating children from birth to 5 years old, requests approval of an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and a Zoning Map Amendment for a portion of the property at 525 N Neltnor Boulevard. The property consists of two parcels and is roughly 4.3 acres with frontage on Neltnor Boulevard, Grove Avenue, and Ridgeland Avenue. The western parcel is approximately 2.68 acres and is improved with a 2-story brick building previously used as a place of worship,( Real Life Church and previously Congregational Church)… The amendment to the Comprehensive Plan will change the land use designation of the western parcel of the subject property from Multi-Family Residential to Corridor Commercial on the Future Land UseMap. The amendment to the Zoning Map will change that parcel from R-2 Single-Family Residence to B-2 General Business. No change in zoning is proposed for the eastern parcel at this time, despite prior consideration of such….Educare plans to use the existing structure as a daycare.”

Approved by City Council was a contract for the West Washington Street Soil Removal Project for an amount of $579,931.45 to Bluff City Construction, LLC in Bartlett. The Item Summary states, “the City currently owns a series of properties (collectively measuring 14 acres in total) located near 119 W. Washington St….The city wishes to redevelop the site for various potential uses (municipal, commercial, and/or residential) However, the Site has been found to be contaminated due to historical operations, the City wishes to pursue a No further Remediation letter for the Site to both protect the human health of potential future uses and to enhance the  Site’s marketability to potential developers…The scope of work generally consists of contaminated soil removal and disposal, clean construction demolition debris removal and disposal, concrete and asphalt removal and disposal, backfill excavation areas, site restoration and all incidental and miscellaneous work necessary to complete the work.”

City Council agreed to the appointment of Ward 7 Alderman Joseph Moreno as Mayor Pro Tem.

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 will 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. 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. https://merleburl.com
• At the Monday, April 21, 2025, City Council meeting, Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists presented certificates to two West Chicago Police officers for their outstanding commitment to impaired driving enforcement. The officers are Adam Chapman for 200 DUI arrests and Blake Bertany for 200 DUI arrests. Alcohol impaired drivers are responsible for a significant amount of motor vehicle crashes involving serious injury and loss of life. https://merleburl.com

The West Chicago Police Department remembers the service and sacrifice of Officer Michael Browning. Officer Browning was murdered on Monday, April 20, 1992 after responding to a burglary in progress at an automobile dealership. Officer Browning exited his patrol car as the suspect exited the showroom of the dealership with a stolen vehicle, striking Officer Browning with the stolen vehicle. Officer Browning served the residents of the City of West Chicago as an officer for five months. Prior to being an officer, he served two years as a cadet. He was survived by his fiancée and parents. I remember as the funeral procession drove by the West Chicago Press office, we all quit working to watch it, shedding some tears.

 

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

• Around 1:50 pm Wednesday, April 23, 2025, a two-vehicle accident occurred near the intersection of Harvester and Powis. A passenger car veered off the road and smashed into a tree, and a semi-truck continued traveling and eventually hit a building. The semi-truck caught fire. The occupants of both vehicles were able to exit safely and were uninjured from the accident or subsequent impacts. Although the semi-truck struck the building and caught fire, the fire was extinguished quickly before it could spread inside the building. Some minor building systems were damaged and building representatives worked to make repairs. Due to the damage and disconnection of utilities, the City posted Not Approved for Occupancy sign. https://merleburl.com

• Six years ago, April 17, 2019, the West Chicago Fire Protection District faced one of its toughest days in its history when the Grand Lake fire changed the department and the community. The District shared a few important reminders that were learned from t the tragic day and apply to businesses, families and individuals. The steps include a fire-safety check up and an escape plan. Through its partners of local businesses, neighbors, and schools, there is community support with fire drills, open houses and CPR workshops. These help make the community safer. For further information , visit https://www.wegofpd.org/.

The following is what I wrote about the fire. “At approximately 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2019, the West Chicago Fire Protection District received a call for a reported fire at 141 West Washington Street. On arrival firefighters found a 2-story residential home with a significant amount of fire throughout the home. The alarm was raised three times from a working fire response, to a box alarm, to a second alarm.

Initial reports were of 3 residents, two men and one woman, trapped in the home. Firefighters began rescue and suppression efforts immediately. Firefighters were evacuated from the home due to the amount of fire and structural stability of the home. Firefighters applied water from the outside and attempted to make entry to the home by ground ladders.

Firefighters found the woman had self-evacuated, the second victim, a 92-year old man, Richard Henning, was removed by firefighters from a second floor window, down a ground ladder and transported to Northwestern/Central DuPage Hospital and then transferred to Loyola University Medical Center.  Sadly, he did not survive; he passed away Saturday, April 20. A third victim, a 53-year old man, Brian Bachman of Winfield, was found deceased in a rear bedroom.

Assisting at the fire were fire departments from surrounding communities such as Carol Stream, Wheaton, Winfield, Geneva, St. Charles, Warrenville, Bloomingdale, Roselle, Bartlett, Glenside and Addison, plus West Chicago Police Department,West Chicago ESDA and West Chicago CERT. Assistant Chief Tim Leidig explained, “ DuPage County Fire Investigative Task Force, Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal and DuPage County Coroner office were called to the scene to assist in the investigation due to the civilian fatality and the extensive damage to the residence. ” Per Facebook messages, the residents had 2 black and white Boston Collies. One was found right away; Missy, the smaller one, was found several days later.” 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. https://merleburl.com

• 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 Thursday, May 1. WAYS, a community-based 5501(c)3 not-for -profit agency, 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. https://merleburl.com

• At the Tuesday, April 8, 2025, meeting, the DuPage County Board gave special recognition to Nick Kottmeyer, Director of Public Works and Operations, for his outstanding contributions to public works. He recently received the Public Works Leader of the Year Award from the Chicago Suburban chapter of the American Public Works Association.

• As part of the Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative, the West Chicago Park District was awarded a grant to go toward tree planting, invasive removal, pruning, staff training, a forest management plan, and an updated tree preservation ordinance in West Chicago. This funding allows the Park District staff to plant 210 trees from 2025-2028, increasing tree canopy and improving tree diversity in the community. Funding for this project is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative. https://merleburl.com

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.