At Home with Merle Burleigh – October 16, 2024

MERLE'S CORNER

Part of West Chicago Community High School 2024 homecoming is the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1974 state winning football team.The recognition takes place before the homecoming football game at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18.The late Dr. Richard Kamm was the principal; he passed away Sept. 27, 2021. The late Paul Unruh was the Wildcat coach;he passed away Oct. 30. 2009.

In 1974, the West Chicago Community High School Wildcats football team was among the five schools to win the first state football titles awarded by the Illinois High School Association. There were only 16 teams on each of the five playoff classes, with the games taking place in Normal.They won the game against Mt. Carmel High School with a score of 32-0. Upon the arrival back to West Chicago, the team was greeted by most of the community, followed by an impromptu pep rally in the gymnasium.

Scott Hall, a senior, was the quarterback. Team players were Mike Novosad, a senior; Roarke Anderson, a senior; Bob Unruh, a junior; Paul Bakken, a junior; Frank Fernandes, a senior; Scott Edminson, a junior; Jim Brach, a senior; Dan Farrell, a junior; John Crittendon, a senior; Mark Hook, a junior; Brett Bussler, a junior; Dave Holderman, a junior; Henry Antes, a senior; and Tim Hager, a senior.

Team members included Gary Tredup, a senior; Steve Ferro, a junior; Tobin Kelley, a junior; Jeff Olson, a senior; Jose Toledo, a junior; Pat Lyne, a senior; Doug Schmidt, a senior; Jim Nellis, a junior; Mike Alden, a junior; Don Brach, a senior; Dan Lenertz, a senior; Bob Dively, a senior; Bob Forbes, a senior; Ed Paar, a senior; and Larry Fry, a senior.

Also on the team were Mark Henricker, a junior; Jim Gunnell, a junior; Rany Hill, a senior; Hector Alfaro, a junior; Bill Dettmann, a senior; Jerry Stockton, Jerry Stockton, a senior; Jeff Nottingham, a junior; Howard Metcalf, a junior; Steve Kovac, a junior; and Jon Minter, a junior. merleburl.com

AROUND AND ABOUT

• West Chicago Park District holds a free CPR and AED Training from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at the ARC Center, 201 W. National St. This hands-on training session equips participants with essential life-saving skills to respond confidently in an emergency. The class is open to all, ages 12 and older. Pre-registration is not required; walk-ins welcome.

• "Bulb Basics," hosted by Healthy West Chicago, is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2024, in the West Chicago Public Library meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. During the interactive meeting, a Master Gardener teaches the basics of bulb care during the late summer and fall months. To register, visit healthywestchicago.org. Attendees can enter into a drawing for a free bulb planter.

• West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m.Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is "The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of the Donner Party" by Daniel James Brown. 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.

• The Fall Choral Concert of West Chicago Community High School is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. Brandon Fantozzi is the director. The concert is streamed on the high school's athletics youtube page, (https://www.youtube.com/@westchicagowildcatathletic7074)

• The West Chicago Park District offers Parents Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. 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 $15 per child for residents and $18 per child for non-residents. To make a reservation, visit we-goparks.org/youth-programs.

• West Chicago Park District hosts a Recreational Adult Bags Tournament from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in the ARC Center, 201 W. National St. The per team fee of $40 for residents and $48 for non-residents includes game play, lunch and prizes for first, second and third place.To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/athletics. The competition involvesplayers from different skill levels across the DuPage and Kane County area. Players must form their own teams. Games are self-officiated. Alcohol is available for purchase for players age 21 and over.

• The West Chicago Public Library program, "Bats and Other Misunderstood Creatures," is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in the meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. .Incredible Bats, Inc. features live bats, spiders snakes and a rat, plus a skunk. Daniel and Sharon Peterson present a fun and informational program about these creatures. To register for the family-oriented program, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

• Through Illinois Libraries Present, the West Chicago Public Library presents the special program "Raise Your Voice with Jason Reynolds," at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.22, 2024. Reynolds is New York Times bestselling author, advocate, mentor, and 2020-2022 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. New this season with ILP, is a watch party at the library, 118 W. Washington St., or via Zoom.To register for in person or on line, visit https://bit.ly/ILP_JasonReynolds He is the recipient of a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, a Carnegie Medal, an NAACP Image Award, and multiple Coretta Scott King honors. He is on the faculty at Lesley University, for the Writing for Young People MFA Program. com

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., hosts a Pumpkin Carving Community Event from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. The charge is $15 minus the 10 percent discount on classes. The fee includes one pumpkin, access to carving and artist' expertise.The charge is per pumpkin, not per person. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 22. To determine how many staff are needed at different times, persons are asked to sign up by time frame. To register, visit https://www.gallery200.net/gallery-200-shop/art-classes. Adding a little taste to the event is snacks. Participants can leave their pumpkins to enter the contest at the Gallery; judging takes place Saturday, Oct.26. In addition to the judging Contest, the Gallery has Halloween treats and crafts for all ages Saturday. com

• The West Chicago Public Library Gettin' Crafty program, "Quilled Autumn Leaf.," is at 7 p.m.Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Participants create a unique quilled fall leaf using shades of red and orange. All materials are provided; no experience is necessary.

• West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct.. 24, 2024, in the conference room, 118 W. Washington St. Topics covered include layout and basic functions; entering and editing data; using multiple spreadsheets in the same workbook; formatting and sorting data; writing and understanding formulas. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.

• "Monster Mayhem of the Midwest" is the West Chicago Public Library program Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in the meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. It is geared for persons in grade six and up. Terrence Lynch tells the frightening stories about Murphysboro Mud Monster, Headless Horseman, Nellie the Lion, Bigfoot sightings, and the Mad Gasser of Mattoon-all here in Illinois. There is the warning that these tales can send chills down the spines of the attendees. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.

Lynch has been an actor in the Chicagoland area for more than 30 years. He has been heard in numerous regional radio spots, television programs, and will be seen this holiday season in the made-for-television movie, "Lacy's Christmas Do-Over. "He and his wife wrote two books, "Mistakes Happen: An Historical Guide to Overcoming Adversity," and "Nicholas Comes to America, the Story of Santa Claus." Also he and his wife manage Histories for Kids/HFK Presents, which relates history in a fun and engaging way.

• West Chicago Park District hosts Spooky Trail, "The Curse Awakens," from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, and from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct 25 and 26, 2024. The haunting begins on the chilling 0.33 mile trail just west of Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National Street.The charge for the horrific time is $12 in advance, $17 at the entry. To register, visit, https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.

Generations of residents have quietly whispered the urban legend of the hex surrounding the woods. The entrance was cut off in 2009 after a series of unsettling disappearances sent shockwaves through the town. Through hard work, researching records and searching through the density of the forest, the Park District found the entry, reopening the woods to the public, and now the air is thick with foreboding. Locals report spine-chilling phenomena, disembodied screams, ghostly sobbing, and the eerie sound of carousel music (remember the Railroad Days Carnival took place in the park) haunting the night. It is said the restless spirits trapped within the forest's depths are eerily moving, hoping to capture others to become part of the legend. merleburl.com

• West Chicago Park District offers the 2024-25 Paramount Theater series season program for adults. The second of the four musical productions is "Frozen," a regional premiere. The time frame is noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Nov. 23, 2024. The $49 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 Sunday, Oct. 20. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. The Giant Christmas tree and holiday decorations adorn the lobby of the theater.

"Frozen" is a musical with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and book by Jennifer Lee, based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios' 2013 animated film. The story centers on the relationship between two sisters who are princesses, Elsa and Anna, who navigate love, loyalty, and Elsa's uncontrollable powers.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• Sonny Acres Farm Night Time Festival features Wicked Hallow Haunted Hayride and Curse of the Scarecrow Haunted Barn at 29W310 North Ave. Hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 27, 2024. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/sonnyacresfarm/. com)

• It is that time of year again when the thoughts of mankind turn toward the carving of pumpkins for Halloween. To assist persons in the creation of this art, Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, holds an Artistic Pumpkins Carving Masterclass Workshop from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. It is for persons age 16 and over. The $35 fee includes a deluxe professional carving tool kit and guidance from artist Kelley Cappell. Participants bring their own pumpkins. Registration ends Monday, Oct. 14, and can be made at https://www.hawthornesbackyard.com/upcoming-events

• Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, hosts its annual Pumpkin Carving event from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in the heated tent. There is no entry charge for youths age 12 and under. Hawthorne's supplies the pumpkins, participants supply the carving tools. There are cash prizes for first, second and third place. There are free cookies, brownies and spooky kiddie cocktails for all youths in attendance.(com)

• Cool Party Balloons, 135 Turner Court, has new in-store hours. Times are from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, and by appointment Sunday. To shop online, visit ccom. merleburl.com

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Loane "Loie" Dierking, who passed away at the age of 88 Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024,

SCHOOLS

• Homecoming week is coming to the end. Saturday Oct. 19, 2024. The theme is "Once Upon A Time" with each class having a color. Senior color is blue, junior color is purple, sophomore color is green, freshman color is yellow, and staff color is pink. For the first time in several years, West Chicago Community High School Homecoming themes are painted on the windows of businesses in the downtown area. The high school Pep Club organized it and various clubs teams helped. They were student council, volleyball and soccer.

Thursday is class shirt day. The Fall Choral Concert, under the direction of Brandon Fantozzi, is at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Friday is the busiest day of the week. Students wear Blue and WhiteWeGo wear for dress day. School spirit abounds at the Pep Rally, when the Homecoming King and Queen are announced. The Food Fest begins at noon. Members of student clubs sell hot dogs, hamburgers, tamales, walking tacos, beverages, snacks and desserts. The public is welcome to participate.

The Homecoming Parade kicks off at 12:45 p.m. from the west parking lot. Led by the West

Chicago Police Department and West Chicago Fire Protection District, the parade goes south on Wood Street and turns east onto Ann Street, proceeds south on Joliet Street, turns east on Hazel Street, south on Bishop Street and west on Brown Street, then turns north on Joliet Street, ending at Memorial Stadium.

Parade participants include West Chicago Police Department, West Chicago Fire Protection District, Homecoming Court, Principal, Dr. Will Dwyer;, Marching Band, Teachers and Support Staff, Horticulture Club, Orchestra, Tennis, Boys' and Girls' Cross-country/track, InterAct Club, WeGo Global, Football, Student Council, OLAS, ROAR,,HOSA, Business Professionals of America, B Soccer, Art Club and Photo Club,Volleyball, Poms/Cheerleaders, WeGo Drama & Speech, and WeGo Buddies.

The Powder Puff Game with juniors competing against seniors is at 2:00 p.m. The Junior Varsity football game is at 5 p.m. in Memorial Field. The Hospitality Tent for alum and guests at the game opens at 6 p.m. Since this is the 50th Anniversary of the 1974 Football Team State Championship, some members of the original team enter the Field about ten minutes prior to the varsity game against Riverside-Brookfield High School at 7 p.m. During half time, the band,

cheerleaders and dance team perform, followed by fireworks for five minutes. The Wild Cat Booster Clubs sells a variety of foods including pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs and nachos. Spirit wear also is available. Homecoming dance is from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday in Bishop Gym. Usually the dance signals the end of homecoming. However, since there was no school on Columbus Day, the dress theme is extended to Monday, Oct. 21-"Sleeping Beauty" pajama day.

• The Marching Band Showcase of West Chicago Community High School is at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Bishop Gym, 326 Joliet St. Marissa Janiszewski is the director. The Showcase features all of the band's songs from the football season. The highlight is from the halftime show, "Earth, Wind & Fire." The concert is streamed on the high school's athletics youtube page, (https://www.youtube.com/@westchicagowildcatathletic7074.

• West Chicago Boosters Club launched a new spirit wear store. There is a 25 percent discount during the Grand Opening Sale, which ends Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. com

• In the Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, soccer games, West Chicago Community High School lost to Glenbard East High School with a score of 0-4, Wheaton Academy won against Bishop McNamara Catholic School with a score of 9-0, Bartlett High School had a tie game against Aurora East High School with a score of 1-1, and St Charles East High School lost to Geneva High School with a score of 0-1. In the Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, soccer game , Bartlett won against St. Charles East High School with a score of 3-2. In the Aug. 10, soccer game Wheaton Academy won against Ridgewood High School with a score of 6-3. In the Saturday, Oct. 12, game, West Chicago Community High School won against Ridgewood High School with a score of 5-0.

• In the Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 football games, West Chicago Community High School lost to Glenbard East High School with a score of 15-49, Wheaton Academy won against Christ the King Catholic School with a score of 56-8, St. CharlesEast High School lost to Batavia High School with a score of 7-56, and Bartlett High School lost to South Elgin High School with a score of 25-48.

• SBLive, a third party Sports Illustrated partner, scoured the state and narrowed down the best of the top 25 rushers in Illinois. Robert Lee, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, is on the list. It sated, "He nearly doubled his offensive output from Week 1 to Week 2 this year. The 5-foot-11 back ran for 144 yards and a touchdown in the opener and followed up 293 yards and three scores against Joliet Central, including a 90-yard score."

• Annaliesa Herbst, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, is the recipient of the National Hispanic Recognition Award. She is one of the more than 90,000 students from across the country who earned academic honors from the College Board's National Recognition Program. The National Recognition Programs honor the strong academic achievements of underrepresented students. The programs not only benefit students, but they also help nonprofit colleges and scholarship providers looking to recruit talented students. com

CHURCHES

• Catholic Daughters of America's at St. Mary's Catholic Church hosts an eat out fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday Oct.17, 2024, at Hawthorne's Backyard, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane. Fifteen percent of the monies spent benefit Catholic Daughters of America. Persons present the flyer to the server.com

• New Hope United Methodist Church is a participant in the Northwest 2024 DuPage United CROP Hunger Walk Sunday, Oct. 20, starting at Little Home Church by the Wayside, 232W128 Army Trail Road in Wayne. Registration is at 1 p.m., prayer service at 1:15 p.m. and step-off at 1:30 p.m.Twenty-five percent of the monies benefit Neighborhood Food Pantries and Hanover Township Food Pantry. The remaining 75 percent goes to Church World Services.

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• Disinformation Awareness features West Chicago resident Barbara Laimins, Co-Chair of the Mis/Disinformation Task Force of the League of Women Voters of Illinois. It takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in the Clayton Room of the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, 535 Duane St. Her discussion focuses on the spread of mis/disinformation, its impact on voters' ability to discern fact from falsehood, and the importance of making informed decisions for the upcoming Presidential election.

League of Women Voters of Wheaton includes West Chicago, Warrenville, Winfield, Wheaton and Carol Stream. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate, but whose purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., offers various art classes from September through December
  1. Class sizes are limited. Brochures are available at the Gallery. To view the classes and register, visit https://www.gallery200.net/gallery-200-shop/art-classes. Three upcoming classes are Drawing Fur with Pastels, Intro to Painting and Creative Pumpkin with Alcohol Ink.

The Drawing Fur with Pastels class is From 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. The charge is $28, including all supplies. Daniel R. teaches how to draw fur using pastel sticks and pencils with a few special techniques.

Intro to Painting is a four-class series from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturdays, beginning Oct. 19, and ending Nov. 9. The charge is $80. Maria A. Teaches techniques suitable for both acrylic and oil, and how to combine these mediums together safely Participants supply their own reference photos.

Creative Pumpkin with Alcohol Ink is from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 26, and is for person age 8 and over. The charge is $40. Starla S. teaches about alcohol inks to create a colorful and vibrant pumpkin; perfect for a holiday center piece. merleburl.com

• "Fall Into Art" is the 2024 Artober Fest exhibit in Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., for the month of October. The seventeen artists participating are Lynda Brown, Patty Donahue, Emilia Hajduczenia, Marge Hall, Dan Hoalt, Shari Hohl, Blue Kubica, Kathi Kuchler, Sharon Malec, Owen O'Reilly Tom Bright,, Laurie Parker, Kari Pozzessere, Britta Renwick, Elisa Rijos, Mary Ellen Segraves and Starla Snead. Artoberfest includes a variety of paintings, drawings, photographs and three dimensional work, plus some whimsical pieces for the fall season. To savor even more of the fall season, persons should take the time to view the wonderful art on display. com

• There was more than fun involved at the "Green & Greet Par-Tee Mini-Golf Outing," hosted by the Young Professionals group, of the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, there also was philanthropy. This year the giving was dedicated to Educare DuPage. Participants donated diapers and baby wipes, plus purchased raffle tickets. The total raised was $3,500, which was presented to Educare Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.

Winning first palace and still champions was the combined team of Gorski Chiropractic, Groot Industries and Trust Bank of Wheaton. Taking second place was the combined team of Manna Real Estate, Frank Lenertz and USAgain. Third place trophy winner was FNBC Bank & Trust. Winning the prize for "Most Fun Foursome" was the West Chicago Park District. "The Best Dresses Foursome" prize went to the City of West Chicago; players were Ward 1 Alderman Lori Chassee, Ward 4 Alderman Melissa Ferguson and Ward 7 Alderman Joe Moreno.

Planning the event were committee members Efrain Aguilar of Artsition, chairman; Jacob Buchholz of Buck Services, Vice Chairman; Danielle Spence of West Chicago Park District, Secretary; Yarelli Yanez-Reyes of FNBC Bank & Trust; and Calen Colbert of Groot Industries. merleburl.com

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• West Chicago resident Kathy Steere is a participant in the 2024 Quilt show of the Prairie Star Quilt Guild at DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Road in Wheaton. It takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Her entry is the re-emergence of the seven and a half foot "Cicada."

The fee is $9, cash only. Children under the age of 12 are free. The show consists of judged quilts, quilter's boutique, fabric resale, merchant mall, book pattern and magazine sale, raffle baskets and quilter's cafe. The 2024 Raffle Quilt is "Flying to the Stars." For further information, visit, www.psqg.org. merleburl.com

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• West Chicago Police Department hosts "A Semple Night Out" Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at St. Andrew Country Club, 2241 Route 59. Doors open at 7 p.m. It is a fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Attendees enjoy a large variety of appetizers, plus a three-hour open bar. The ticket price is $75 purchased before Thursday, Oct. 31, $80 after this date. To purchase tickets, visit https://semplersvpify.com/. There are only 300 tickets available. Persons unable to attend can sponsor a special Olympics athlete to attend.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• The West Chicago Public Library District hosts "Trunk or Treat" from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in the library parking lot, 118 W. Washington Street. Eighteen businesses and organizations decorate the trunks of cars and pass out pre-wrapped candy or toys. Also the library has carnival games and other fun activities. City of West Chicago hosts the annual Business Downtown Trick or Treating during this time frame. At this time, there are 26 confirmed business, which include American Legion Post 300, Gorditas Liselena, Creative Feeling, Muy Cool Party, Kindred Coffee Roasters, Gallery 200 and,West Chicago City Museum. Participating businesses have a poster in their window. For information, visit org/halloweenfestivities. merleburl.com

• At the Monday, Oct. 3, 2024 meeting, City Council approved a second amendment to Retail & Restaurant Grant for 124 Main St, Raised Bakery and Cafe. The Item Summary states, "The business has received the Certificate of Occupancy, but has not had the required Health Department inspection so the business is not yet open. Pursuant to the terms in the agreement, the Grantee is requesting an amendment to accommodate the opening of the bakery by November 30, 2024. As a reminder, Raised Bakery and Cafe will be a full-service retail bakery, offering a selection of menu items including baked goods and gourmet coffees, as well a a full breakfast and lunch menu."

ODDS AND ENDS

• Some DuPage County state representatives offices and libraries are collection locations for the DuPage Love Ours Drive now through Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. The movement collects new purses filled with personal care items and words of encouragement to distribute to women in need and survivors of domestic abuse. The local locations in Wast Chicago are West Chicago Public Library, 118 W, Washington St., and the office of State Senator Karina Villa and State Representative Maura Hirschauer, 946 N. Neltnor Blvd., Suite 104. Suggested toiletries to include with the purse donation are feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm shower slipper socks, hairbrush shampoo and conditioner and deodorant. com

• The following is a repeat for those who may have missed this item under the high school homecoming activities. For the first time in several years, West Chicago Community High School Homecoming themes are painted on the windows of businesses in the downtown area. The high school Pep Club organized it and various clubs teams helped. They were student council, volleyball and soccer.It truly was nice to see them, a great and artistic way to let the community know about homecoming.

• In the evening of Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, the homeowner found the rear deck of a home in the 700 block of Main St on fire. He called 911 and the family evacuated the home. The fire was contained mostly to the rear and exterior of the house, with some fire communicating into the attic. Once the fire was extinguished, the home was determined to be uninhabitable. One occupant was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation, and two other occupants were evaluated, but refused transportation to the hospital. No firefighters were injured. The fire appeared accidental in nature, with no definitive cause determined. Utilities to the home were turned off, and a board-up company was called to secure the house. The homeowners had arrangements to spend the night in a hotel and worked with their insurance company for further assistance. At 12:50 a.m. Monday, the West Chicago Police posted, "First responders have cleared the scene and the roadway is now open."

In addition to the fire, a water main break was reported about a block away from the fire. The City of West Chicago Facebook posted Monday, Oct. 14, "A portion of the westbound lane on Main Street between Easton Avenue and Prince Crossing Road will be closed to traffic through the afternoon while City crews work to repair a water main break in the area."

• DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin administered the oath of office to David Pederson, Police Chief of the Forest Preserve of DuPage County. He was selected to serve as the president of the DuPage Chiefs of Police Association. com

• The business owners in the historic downtown district thank the team members of We Grow Greenhouse & Garden Center for their planting of the fall plants. Peggy Whitman, owner of Happiness 'n Hair, said, "They did such a nice job.

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