Proposed DuPage County Budget:
Yesterday, DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin unveiled his proposed $476 million budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. It calls for a small property tax increase, with a $250,000 homeowner seeing about a $4 bump in their bill. It also adds money to the county sheriff’s office budget, allowing them to increase their staff and continue funding their state-of-the-art crime lab. One other increase of note is in election funding. The DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek had requested $7.84 million for the election division, to beef up both staffing and pay, and buy new equipment. Cronin’s proposal was more conservative at $5.87 million, allocating money for additional election judges and to buy new electronic poll books.
Chief Worthel Intersection Dedication:
A portion of a street in town has now been renamed in honor of the only Naperville Police officer killed in the line of duty. School Street between Washington and Ellsworth Streets is now known as Chief Robert Worthel Memorial Way. The dedication was made yesterday in a special ceremony, with several of Worthel’s relatives in attendance. Worthel was killed on September 24, 1927 in a motorcycle accident at the Washington and School intersection as he was tracking down suspects in a robbery. The group Saving a Hero’s Place also donated a handmade chair in honor of Worthel that will be placed in the police department’s roll call room in his memory.
Schuyler Bailar at Metea:
Last night nearly a hundred people gathered at Metea Valley High School’s auditorium to hear from Schuyler Bailar, the first openly transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA Division I men’s team. Bailar discussed his transition and opened up about the doubts he had during his journey. He said his transition was made a little bit easier thanks to the support of his family and friends. The discussion concluded with questions from the crowd and an impressive pose.
No Small Matter Premiere:
The DuPage Children’s Museum hosted a viewing of the documentary “No Small Matter” last night at the Hollywood Palms. The film explores early childhood education and the concept of “learning through play” as the best way for young children to develop. Educators and representatives from several area organizations attended the premiere, which was followed by a panel discussion.