"This was an avoidable death. He was arrested last July in Joliet when he allegedly disrupted a Black Lives Matter demonstration and brandished a hunting knife and held it in a threatening manner, police said. District 99 Students Earn Awards at FCCLA State Competition. Downers Grove North Student, 17, Hit By Car, Not Expected To Recover Police found unprescribed medication in the car including Suboxone, and items commonly used for people to smoke crack cocaine. The graphic novel they targeted, Gender Queer, is one of several works that have come under fire nationwide as part of a larger movement by conservative politicians, activists, commentators and small networks of parents to denounce and ban progressive teachings in schools. ELMHURST, Ill. (CBS) Police are investigating the death of a Downers Grove teen who fell at a parking garage in Elmhurst Saturday morning. That was me? Newsome said he and another parent have a meeting scheduled with district administrators this week to discuss the book. 4436 Main Street In the filing, her lawyers allege officials at Downers Grove North failed to supply the right mats to catch the fall of 15-year-old Billy Pennington when he tumbled off the course and landed on his head. You can unsubscribe at any time and can contact us here. Kucharski's blood-alcohol content measured .031. You are required to complete all questions on the form noted with an asterisk *and provide transfer documents as noted at the beginning of the application. Republican Mary Miller faces ethics complaint over misuse of House resources for campaigning, by the Washington Examiner. In some cases, school board members have been threatened and needed police protection. But he said thats not why hes pushing term limits now; he said just wants to hold Lightfoot to her own campaign promise, by Sun-Times Fran Spielman. Her club team just returned from a three-day tournament in St. Louis last weekend. Newman statement: My heart breaks for the Casten family for the devastating loss of their daughter. They were joined by Proud Boys associate Brian Kraemer, who has appeared at demonstrations with members of the group and who was charged with brandishing a knife at a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Joliet last summer. The entire field of 177 candidates ran at-large that year. Yet students at Downers North and Downers South high schools said they didn't see a big impact on their lives until the parents sought to remove a graphic novel by a nonbinary author from the school libraries over concerns it included a few sexually explicit illustrations a fight that caught the attention of the Proud Boys, a far-right gang Dunlap read a victim-impact statement to the court earlier in the afternoon. Police said Dunlap was legally crossing in a marked crosswalk just steps from her high school when she was struck. Prosecutors say Dunlap was crossing Main Street Tuesday morning within the marked crosswalk, and obeying the "Walk" sign at the time, when she was struck by the driver headed southbound. Attacks on literature about race and gender that have spread throughout the country in recent weeks made their way to a west suburban high school board meeting Monday night as conservative protesters and some parents objected to the availability of a book on sexual orientation and gender identity in the school library. Kucharski eventually admitted that he had been on a four-day cocaine bender, and had taken Xanax in an attempt to calm down and get some sleep. I will be speaking against child porn in my kids [sic] school. TODAYs QUESTION: Who was the 20th century Illinois Republican governor who likely would have become president had it not been for opposition from the Chicago wing of his party at a presidential nominating convention? Man charged with DUI in death of Downers student ordered back to jail 2. library book porn, but students decry censorship, larger movement by conservative politicians, activists, commentators and small networks of parents, school board members have been threatened and needed police protection, removed Gender Queer from its high school libraries, told the states education department last week, featured prominently in Virginias gubernatorial race, Obama relatives sue Milwaukee school alleging racial bias, Enter the Sun-Times student art contest The Imagination Project with your take on Spring ahead, Pandemic-delayed memorial planned for Jan Bach, prolific composer who taught at NIU, Every day feels unsettled: Why educators are burnt out these days, State asks CPS to repay $87M it mistakenly received over 3 years, Teachers union proposes common good plan for City Colleges of Chicago that would expand medical and child care services, Shoplifter stabs Loop Target employee, leading to temporary store closure, The Edgar haircut is one more thing kids, parents can disagree on, Dear Abby: When I travel, friend checking my home also snoops through my things, Coffee machine broken? Here's What Downers Grove Moms Really Want For Mother's Day! After asking them to choose, a total 65 percent favored Brady; with 35 percent for Milhiser, according to pollster Matt Podgorski, himself a Republican candidate for the Cook County Board, said. Fax: 630-795-8499, Administrative Service Center On the squad-car video, when the officer was out of the vehicle, Kucharski is heard saying "It was a matter of time" and that he had "dozed off.". IF ANYTHING IS MISSING, IT HALTS THE PROCESS. Then, some area Proud Boys caught wind of the complaints against Gender Queer, a book that has been targeted by conservatives nationwide. Also in this race is incumbent Commissioner Luis Arroyo Jr., whose father, former Rep. Luis Arroyo, was just sentenced in a bribery scheme. District 99 - DGN, Student Support Services At the meeting, members of the group joined parents and others in the audience holding signs saying No Porn and jeered at the board and any students or parents who spoke in support of the book, but the group of men largely did not make any public remarks themselves. Amended as of January 26, 2022 Congratulations to the following students named to Downers Grove North High School's Honor Roll for first semester of the 2021-22 school year. WFXT. A Fox 32 poll shows Dan Brady defeating John Milhiser in the Republican Secretary of State race. This morning, Congressman Castens beloved daughter, Gwen (17), passed away. She spoke of the devastation the school community experienced that day, and said the impact lingers, even extending to graduation this year. Joseph Kucharski, accused of running a red light and striking and killing a 17-year-old Downers Grove North junior, enters the courtroom at the DuPage County courthouse in Wheaton on March 15, 2019. Images of McCall were. The Army is not a defendant in the lawsuit, and attorneys for the Heberts said they did not plan to sue the Army or the federal government. DGN First Semester Honor Roll 2021-22 | North High School Edgar Remy Del Toro Delatorre, a leader of the groups northern Illinois chapter who was at the Jan. 6 insurrection in Washington, D.C., said he was among roughly 10 Proud Boys in attendance. Students from North High School in Downers Grove won first place and students from Sout. Pocket. My Congressman. A teacher who had been standing next to Dunlap at the light was so devastated by the crash that she had to take a medical leave of absence that school year, and ultimately quit permanently, Downers Grove North Principal Janice Schwarze testified. Gwen Casten, the 17-year-old daughter of Rep. Sean Casten has died, according to a statement from his office. Joseph Kucharski, 52, entered a blind guilty plea Thursday before Judge Liam Brennan, according to the DuPage County state's attorney's office. The endorsement is raising some eyebrows since Clerk of the Court Iris Martinez is endorsing Natalie Toro for the same seat. Newsletter, Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (WLS) -- A Naperville man is facing drunk driving charges after allegedly running a red light and critically injuring a student Tuesday morning in front of Downers Grove North High School. The mother of a Downers Grove North High School freshman who died last month after falling from an inflatable obstacle course at the school's health fair is suing the school district for negligence. If you have moved, please contact the registrar's office to update your address. My prayers are with Sean, Kara, and the entire Casten family.. Naperville man pleads not guilty to charges in Downers Grove North Authorities say Kucharski was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he drove in the wrong lane and ran a red light on Feb. 19, 2019, striking Dunlap as she crossed Main Street at Grant Street in front of the school. She was 17. Using a new type of DNA analysis DuPage County prosecutors say they've identified her attacker as Bruce Lindahl, who died in 1981. Delatorre, 34, of Chicago, was previously seen outside the U.S. Capitol as rioters stormed the building Jan. 6. Wednesday at 10 a.m. DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. -- A girls track coach at Downers Grove South High School has been charged with paying two minors to produce child pornography, according to the U.S. attorney's office.. Downers Grove North High School in Downers Grove, IL - US News "As a result of the irresponsible decisions by a derelict, we have a life sentence of pain and sadness," he said. 'It is wholly inadequate': Family disappointed after driver gets 7 Dear Abby: Is it cheating if nothing physical ever happened? Phone: 630-795-8400 Elmhurst police investigating Addison parking deck death . The Army was using the 70-foot-long obstacle course as a recruiting tool at the school's annual Wellness Fair. Joseph Kucharski, accused of running a red light and striking and killing a 17-year-old Downers Grove North junior, enters the courtroom at the DuPage County courthouse in Wheaton on March 15, 2019. Martinez helped Pacione-Zayas get her appointment to the General Assembly, so political insiders expected their endorsements to be aligned . The mother of a Downers Grove North High School freshman who died last month after falling from an inflatable obstacle course at the school's health fair is suing the school district for. Bruce Lindahl has been identified as the suspect in the 1976 murder of Downers Grove South High School student Pamela Maurer authorities said Monday. Illinois rainy day fund grows, with push expected to do more, by Bond Buyers Yvette Shields. This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software. Hundreds of people packed a Downers Grove District 99 High School board meeting Monday where some parents demanded the book, "Gender Queer," be removed from library shelves but students . Police investigation: Downers Grove teen dies from fall at parking Joseph Kucharski, 52, entered a guilty plea to charges of aggravated DUI and reckless homicide in a hearing in DuPage County court. She was 42. "Those who. Lockers Looted, Tires Stolen: Downers Grove Crime Blotter, Seniors Earn Scholarships From Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club, ClaySpace Spring Open House: Pottery & Plant Sale, Hortons Spring Kick-Off Truckload Sale - May 6th & 7th, BOUNDLESS with Chicago Sinfonietta Orchestra, Sip & Shop Mother's Day Market @ Noon Whistle Naperville, Morton Arboretum Photographic Society Nature Photography Exhibit. We envision that Downers Grove North High School students will graduate as well-rounded individuals who are ready to pursue their college and career goals. Downers Grove, IL 60516 WHEATON, Ill. (WLS) -- Authorities in DuPage County announced Monday that the 1976 murder of Downers Grove South High School student Pamela Maurer has been solved. Dear Abby: Is it cheating if nothing physical ever happened? "Beth was a setter that led her team with phenomenal defense, a tough serve and sweet, soft setter hands.". But students have been divided since last Monday, she said. He added that some Proud Boys are parents concerned on what [is] being shown to their sons and daughters, though its unclear whether he has children. All Rights Reserved. When a group of conservative Downers Grove parents organized this year to oppose mask mandates and equity initiatives at schools, it led to some tense school board meetings in the western suburb. Dunlap's backpack was wedged in a corner of the hood of his car; her head cracked the windshield. District 99, North High School (DGN) | North High School ELMHURST, Ill. (CBS) - Police are investigating the death of a Downers Grove teen who fell at a parking garage in Elmhurst Saturday morning. He could have been sentenced to as little as probation or as many as 14 years in prison. Culture wars hit Chicago suburb after protesters call 'Gender Queer Former Gov. Woot woot! Police say she was in the crosswalk when she was hit and had a "walk" signal. The storm traveled over 100 miles, via ABC 7. Quinerly had seen Kraemer mulling around other protests, and just a few weeks earlier allegedly had called her a Black antifa b----, she said. Kucharskis negotiated plea did not include an agreement on a sentence, which will be decided at a March 6 hearing before Judge Liam Brennan. Dunlap's coach and former coaches have noted her competitive spirit. Click on the link below to access the enrollment form. After voting last week in favor of gun safety legislation, Casten talked about Gwen in a message to supporters. "Those who know Beth know that she was a fierce competitor and a strong person. Not having this provision in there wasnt a threat to public safety. Feb 28, 2023, 7:24pm PDT. Inside Biden's new mortgage fee rules. Primary election crib sheet, courtesy of Sun-Times and WBEZ. But it kind of fell apart after the board meeting.. February 22, 2019 / 4:01 PM / CBS Chicago. Robert A. Clifford, an attorney for the Heberts, said he plans to file a separate emergency injunction in DuPage on Wednesday to prevent the school from discarding medical records that may show other students being injured on the slide. Parents who want to remove the book sought to distance themselves from the Proud Boys. Pascente currently serves as CMS chief of staff. DGN Spring Musical: CHICAGO -teen edition! First published on August 13, 2022 / 10:16 AM. Pictures taken of the mats--photos Clifford said he received from Downers Grove North officials--show a caution tag on one of them stating the mat should be used for tumbling activities only and not as a "crash or landing mat. . DOWNERS GROVE, IL Downers Grove North students and staff observed 18 seconds of silence Tuesday to remember Beth Dunlap, 17, who was hit by a car outside of the school Tuesday. Downers Grove South Student Commits Suicide | Lisle, IL Patch Phone: 630-795-7100 Man pleads guilty to DUI, reckless homicide in crash that killed I dont understand. Tribunes Alice Yin reports. He repeatedly called Kucharski "selfish.". He will have to post an additional $25,000 cash bond, on top of $75,000 he has already posted, if. The only place I had access to information and stories about transgender people was in media mainly, in books.. In the runup to the 2024 election, the Sun-Times, WBEZ and the Center for Effective Government at the University of Chicago will be collaborating on a project to educate our audience about the threat to our democracy and how we can form a more perfect union., Proud Boys join effort to ban Gender Queer book from school library rattling students in suburban Chicago, Culture wars explode in Chicago suburb after protesters call H.S. I was Channel 2 producer for Tim Weigel and Howard Sudberry and we couldnt see the action on the court, so it wasnt until hours later when we saw the last shot after our live coverage was over!, Cynicism aside, what issues do Republicans and Democrats agree on? The district canceled classes for five days as the deal was negotiated, by Tribunes Tracy Swartz. A group of Downers North students attended the meeting to ask the school board to ignore calls for Gender Queer to be banned. In Southern Illinois, people see a land of possibility with just transition from coal: As state efforts to spur a new clean energy economy in Southern Illinois coal country run up against reality, residents in the far southern part of the state are coming up with their own visions for what a just transition looks like, by Energy News Networks Kari Lydersen. / CBS Chicago. Hynes is a nephew of the late Cook County Assessor Tom Hynes and cousin to Dan Hynes, who was charged by Pritzker with finding candidates to run for the Democratic State Central Committee. Mason Walters Downers Grove Il Mason Walters Death - Obituary: Mason Walters, member of Hawks Youth Hockey Club has been identified as the victim that lost his life in a fatal car accident on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. Cause of the death is under investigation. It was the first time it was used at Downers Grove North. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Sun-Times Patrick Finley answers the biggest questions facing the Bears after the draft: On this International Workers Day, were committed to fighting for a better future for all workers in our city and state, two labor leaders write. Call (630) 963-1306 today. JB Pritzker to succeed Janel L. Forde as director of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services. It aint the book.. Pennington bounded through the course, climbed over its last 15-foot wall and down the slide, then landed on his head and was rushed to the hospital, school officials said. Vandenberg now works with Homeward Health, a healthcare provider focused on serving rural communities. He will have to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. He previously was director of government relations and comms for the Illinois Restaurant Association. The groups Telegram channel, however, includes multiple recent posts that appear to be homophobic and transphobic.