Illinois
Illinois Valley college students make spring 2023 dean’s lists
The following Illinois Valley students have made dean’s list for the spring 2023 semester at their respective colleges.
University of Alabama
Jasmine Henry, of Lacon; William Goetz, of Ottawa; Elijah Hill, of Seneca; Alyssa Heitz, of Utica (president’s list).
Aurora University
Kylie Congdon, of Earlville; Madison Graham, of La Salle; Kaitlyn Siekierka, of La Salle; Madison Eads, of Leland; Drew Stralka, of Leland; Emily Schaibley, of Marseilles; Jonathan Alcantar, of Millington; Melinda Hansen, of Millington; Abby Sciarini, of Oglesby; Camryn Collins, of Ottawa; Andrew Higgins, of Ottawa; Preston McCulley, of Ottawa; Tyler Mooney, of Ottawa; Ethen Swords, of Ottawa; Brisa De La O, of Peru; Alexa Durham, of Peru; Madisen Chaplin, of Sheridan; Jenna Dervis, of Sheridan; Sierra Franklin, of Sheridan; Jenica Peura, of Sheridan.
Belmont University
Faith Anderson, of Mendota; Mayah Carlson, of Princeton; Karlee McBride, of Somonauk.
Bob Jones University
Marta Childers, of Oglesby.
Campbellsville University
Shea Griffin Reisel, of Sandwich.
John Carroll University
Drezdan Dale, of Peru, received the award for Academic Achievement in Data Science.
Cedarville University
Brynn Hieronymus, of Princeton; Emily Kennell, of Wenona; Alec Lockwood, of Peru.
Central College
Amber Vroman, of Seneca.
DePauw University
Rachel Schmitt, of Minonk.
University of Dubuque
Owen Feiner, of Marseilles; Paige Manning, of Mendota; Jaelyn Blakemore, of Streator; Anna McMullen, of Streator; Connor Brooker, of Granville; Dylan Croisant, of Hennepin.
Elmhurst University
Molly Roberts, of Sandwich
University of Evansville
Jenna Nink, of Ottawa.
Greenville University
Sydnee Plesko, of Streator.
Heidelberg University
Avery Shaw, of Amboy
University of Iowa
Avery Landers, of Ottawa; Brianna Blaine, of Ohio, Ill.; Christian Harms, of Streator; Courtney Ries, of La Salle; Curt Fitzgerald, of Mendota; Dominic Bianchi, of Ottawa; Dylan Gross, of Princeton; Erin Gray, of Streator (also made president’s list); Griffin Tondreau, of Streator (also made president’s list); Hannah Parente, of Ladd; Hannah Yerly, of Peru; Jack Theurer, of Sandwich; Madelyn Dzierzynski, of Hennepin (also made president’s list); Madison Mikolasek, of Mendota; Makenna Curtis, of Ottawa; Michaelene Testin, of Wenona; Sarah Camp, of Marseilles; Savanna Rietgraf, of Tonica; Sydnie Trager, of Seneca; Thomas Reinhardt, of Ottawa; Zoe Harris, of Ottawa.
Iowa State University
Matthew Zachary Haas, of La Salle; Ashley Rose Pacholski, of Marseilles; Emelia Grace Traina, of Marseilles; Sean Benjamin Dullard, of Mendota; Alexis Marie Clark, of Ottawa; Emma Louise Freebairn, of Ottawa; Jacob D. Schrik, of Ottawa; Aubrey N. Garretson, of Peru; Sterling C. Tunget, of Peru; Jenna Marie Goslin, of Seneca; Millie Jane Stewart, of Sheridan; Logan Michael Colter, of Streator; Luke Michael Mertes, of Utica; Eli Lucas Postula, of Mark; Nicole M. Carlone, of Princeton; Jillian Cihocki, of Princeton; Matthew Thomas Cihocki, of Princeton; Daniel William Dugosh, of Putnam.
Lewis University
Brady Neuhalfen, of Henry; Joshua Brown, of Serena; Luke Carlson, of Granville; Mandy Horn, of Ottawa; Aletheia Johnson, of Somonauk; Nicole Manke, of Sheridan; Anthony Pusateri, of Sheridan; Crocifisso Pusateri, of Sheridan; Joseph Quest, of LaMoille; Austin Schaibley, of Marseilles; Gracie Schultz, of Minonk; Duamira Zulbeari, of Granville.
Marquette University
Berklee Linnig, of La Salle; Isabelle Monroe, of La Salle; Ellyott Buettner, of Mendota; Brooke Carroll, of Mendota; Camille Carlson, of Tonica; Maddie Spayer; Ethan Borelli, of Ladd; Andi Cattani, of Ladd.
McKendree University
Joseph Ovanic, of Utica; Breanna Sampo, of Cedar Point.
Miami University (Ohio)
Peter Walsh, of Ottawa.
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Abigail Draper, of Dalzell; Jenna O’Donnell, of Mendota (honors list); Samuel Currie, of Granville (honors list).
Mississippi State University
John Kruswicki, of Sandwich.
Northern Illinois University
Tyler Stewart, of Amboy; Jose Hurtado, of DePue; Nelson Greer, of Earlville; Harrison Vallaro, of Earlville; Mary Miller, of Grand Ridge; Dylan Zupec, of Granville; Alex Ellerbrock, of La Salle; Madeline Link, of La Salle; Cole Phillips, of La Salle; Courtney Cameron, of Leland; Kaz Lockwood, of Leland; Mason Baker, of Manlius; Cody Marko, of Marseilles; Noah Trolinger, of Marseilles; Hannah Ambler, of Mendota; Kevin Cuevas, of Mendota; Katee Johnson, of Mendota; Kevin Lewis, of Mendota; Emma Anderson, of Oglesby; Sophie Bergagna, of Oglesby; Carly Eustice, of Ottawa; Brae-lyn Lieske, of Ottawa; Ashly Mauk, of Ottawa; Brendan Newkirk, of Ottawa; Edith Ochola, of Ottawa; Krish Patel, of Ottawa; Matthew Peterson, of Ottawa; Jaelyn Tipple, of Ottawa; Anthony Castaldo, of Paw Paw; Paige Champlin, of Peru; Zane George, of Peru; Aubrie Roda, of Peru; Billy Samek, of Peru; Cooper Vaske, of Peru; Jake Zeman, of Peru; Trace Erickson, of Princeton; Charles Korey, of Princeton; Alan Ruiz, of Seatonville; Zoe Hougas, of Seneca; Alexandra Koubek, of Serena; Alexis Miller, of Sheridan; Brooklynn Staton, of Sheridan; Shannon Casey, of Spring Valley; Erik Enriquez, of Spring Valley; MJ Janney, of Streator; Ebony Pickens, of Streator; Ivory Wright, of Streator; Jessica Linley, of Walnut; Natalie Bodmer, of West Brooklyn.
Olivet Nazarene University
Brittany Alsvig of Seneca; Maria Cano-Guzman of Ladd; Jazzmyn Deford, of Marseilles; Noah Delong, of Mendota; Emma Edens, of McNabb; Beau Ewers, of Ottawa; Hannah Harris, of Marseilles; Mia Hayes, of Ottawa; Alessandra Hoekstra, of Streator; Lana Krohe, of Streator; Kyle Petersen, of Peru; Sydney Van Conant, of Sandwich.
Quincy University
Joseph Byers, of Ransom; Caleb Boucher, of Hollowayville.
St. Mary’s College
Kaitlyn Magoonaugh, of Ottawa.
St. Norbert College
Brandon Green, of La Salle.
Southeast Missouri State University
Chance Resetich, of Spring Valley.
Southern New Hampshire University
Brittany Peoples, of Spring Valley; Faith Bateman, of Somonauk; Samantha Tamblyn, of Ottawa.
Trine University
Juliana Kitzmann, of Marseilles (presidents list).
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Madison Lineback, of Marseilles.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Lia Bosnich, of La Salle; Amanda Barrett, of Mendota; Ella Massey, of Mendota; Miah Ferracuti, of Ottawa; Keeton Kowalski, of Peru; Duncan Lawler, of Ladd; Cole Adams, of Princeton; Caleb Alter, of Princeton.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Gracie Williams, of Cherry; Samantha Satterfield, of Marseilles; Aaron Brandner, of Mendota; Grace Brandner, of Mendota; Emma Guelde, of Mendota; Maren Wise, of Mendota; Bailey Considine, of Peru; Gabriella Berry, of Utica.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Rebecca Schmidt, of Tonica.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Holly Hess, of Ottawa.
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Emma Pillion, of Ottawa.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Ashlyn Clancy, of Sandwich; Josh Heiman, of Sandwich; Faith Kemper, of Sandwich; Mason Lucas, of Oglesby.
Illinois
Upgrade Illinois' power lines to keep lights on as energy demands rise
Illinois is facing a looming energy crisis. As the state strives for a cleaner, more reliable electric grid in the face of rising demand and a growing economy, we can choose to meet the moment with the homegrown clean power we know we need, or we can fail to invest in the infrastructure to support our communities.
The men and women of the Laborers’ International Union of North America Midwest Region are the best-trained workers in the industry, and they are ready to build our clean energy future. Critical to that success is interregional high-voltage direct current transmission infrastructure.
Direct current, long-distance power lines — designed to efficiently deliver clean energy where it’s needed when it’s needed — are key to fixing the problem. These interregional power superhighways do not just help meet climate goals. They’re about creating high-quality jobs, bolstering energy reliability and lowering energy bills for Illinoisians.
Speaking as a proud representative of the union workforce that builds and maintains our nation’s critical infrastructure, I know that interregional high-voltage direct current projects have the potential to be a win for our economy, a win for our residents, environment and workers. It’s time we take these wins and build a better future for Illinois.
Constructing hundreds of miles of these transmission lines is no small feat. These projects demand a skilled workforce capable of handling intricate installations, often in challenging conditions. Unions, particularly my union are the best, and often only, resource for that workforce.
Modernizing and upgrading America’s electric transmission system could create an additional 150,000 to 200,000 good-paying, family-supporting jobs every year over the next two decades and make energy delivery more efficient and reliable.
Strengthening grid reliability
Safety is the top priority for LIUNA. Through our quality work, our members make Illinois safer every day by improving vital infrastructure. Many of us take for granted the safety provided by our power grid, assuming it will always be working or quickly returned to order. However, as extreme weather events become more frequent, our energy system must be strengthened. Interregional high-voltage direct current transmission lines are a critical solution for delivering high-capacity clean power to Illinois during times of peak demand.
Let’s say Illinois is facing a historic winter storm that threatens the ability to provide reliable and affordable energy to communities: these transmission lines can transfer surplus electricity from other parts of the country where energy generation is not impacted by the same dramatic weather. This capability doesn’t just prevent blackouts — it ensures that essential services like hospitals, schools and emergency responders have the power they need when they need it.
LIUNA members, like many Illinois residents, are grappling with the very real and present-day challenge of rising energy costs. Just as road investment reduces wasted gas money and time, transmission infrastructure will help save money for consumers too. A recent study by the Department of Energy found that $1.60 is saved for every $1 spent on transmission, with the greatest cost-savings from HVDC lines. Similar analysis has shown that interregional transmission between the two organizations that manage the power grid in Illinois (PJM and MISO) could provide $1 billion in savings each year.
HVDC transmission is the cost-effective solution Illinois needs as it considers its energy future.
In this moment of continued division and polarization, interregional high-voltage direct current transmission offers a rare unifying opportunity. It’s a chance to bring together labor, business and government to build a cleaner, more resilient energy system—one that works for everyone.
For union workers, these projects mean jobs that pay well and provide benefits. For communities, they mean a more stable power supply and lower energy bills. And for Illinois and the country, they mean a modernized grid capable of meeting the demands of the 21st century.
It’s time for policymakers to prioritize interregional HVDC transmission as the cornerstone of America’s energy future. By building these energy highways, we can create jobs for today, power a cleaner tomorrow, and ensure a stronger, more reliable grid for generations to come.
David A. Frye is a vice president and Midwest regional manager for the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), representing over 50,000 families throughout 10 states, including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Kansas.
The views and opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Chicago Sun-Times or any of its affiliates.
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Illinois
Illinois' first drive-thru DMV kiosk opens in Lombard
Illinois drivers can now update their license plate sticker from the driver’s seat.
The state’s first drive-thru DMV kiosk opened this week at the Lombard driver services facility at 837 Westmore-Meters Road, offering 24/7 access to renew registrations and licenses, and to obtain license plate stickers.
“This creates a better environment for folks who visit our office, and just adds a new level of convenience for people to fit things into their busy schedules,” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said ahead of Friday’s grand opening.
Other drive-thrus will eventually be launched in Chicago, Giannoulias said. More than 100 are slated to be installed statewide over the next 18 months.
Fifteen similar kiosks were installed inside grocery stores earlier this fall, including six in Chicago, but they’re limited to stores’ business hours.
The 24/7 drive-thru comes as part of this week’s reopening of the Lombard DMV, which relocated within the Eastgate Shopping Center. It has long been one of the state’s busiest facilities, with 134,000 vehicle transactions and 125,000 driver-related services completed last year.
It’s also the state’s latest “one-stop shop” DMV, with employees cross-trained on both driver and vehicle service, and with more payment stations for fewer lines. The first one in the Chicago area opened over the summer in Melrose Park.
The Lombard location will also host administrative hearings on suspended licenses, and is expected to launch 18 electric vehicle charging stations next year.
Appointments are required for driver services inside the building — not the drive-thru — and can be scheduled at ilsos.gov.
Illinois
LSU women pull away from Illinois-Chicago to win homecoming game for Aneesah Morrow
It took the LSU women’s basketball team three quarters to pull away from its first true road opponent of the season, an Illinois-Chicago team that played pesky defense in the lane.
The No. 5 Tigers (14-0) eventually found an offensive rhythm Thursday and won 91-73.
But not before they misfired on eight of their first nine shots, allowed Illinois-Chicago to hit five of its 11 first-half 3-point tries and entered halftime with only 15 field-goal makes on 36 attempts. Across the first and second quarters, LSU failed to build a lead larger than 11, ceding the overmatched Flames (2-6) opportunities to sniff a potential upset.
Flau’jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow helped take those chances away at the start of the third quarter.
Johnson, a junior, drew three fouls in just the first five minutes of the second half, earning trips to the free-throw line that helped the LSU offense warm up. The Tigers opened the third quarter by hitting Illinois-Chicago with a 12-2 run, and they closed it with a 67-46 lead. The Flames shot just 27% from the field in the frame.
Morrow — the star senior who played her high school ball just 12 miles north of Illinois-Chicago’s Credit Union 1 arena — finished her homecoming game with 19 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks, 4 steals and her nation-leading 12th double-double of the season. On Thursday, she also knocked in a pair of 3-pointers just two days after burying 2 of her 3 long-range attempts in LSU’s win over Seton Hall. Before that game, Morrow had hit just 1 of the 5 3-pointers she had taken this season.
Johnson finished with 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 11 rebounds and three assists. Star sophomore Mikaylah Williams added 17 points and 7 assists but shot just 1 of 6 from beyond the arc.
Illinois-Chicago shot 40% from the field and committed 19 turnovers, which LSU turned into 28 points. The Flames also missed 11 of the 15 field-goals — and 3 of the 4 3-pointers — they attempted in the third. In that quarter, they gave the Tigers 14 trips to the free-throw line.
In a Sunday win over UL, LSU committed 21 turnovers, matching its season high. Since then, it coughed up 13 possessions against Seton Hall and 13 in its win over Illinois-Chicago. It tallied more giveaways (17) in just the first half of the game against the Ragin Cajuns.
For the third straight game, LSU slotted Last-Tear Poa and Jersey Wolfenbarger into its starting lineup next to its three stars – Johnson, Morrow and Williams. Transfer point guard Shayeann Day-Wilson (ankle) sat for the third consecutive contest, and Sa’Myah Smith logged 23 minutes off the bench.
In that action, Smith played one of her most efficient games of the season. She scored 8 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and blocked a shot while shooting 4 of 4 from the field.
LSU next will break for the holidays, then play only one more nonconference game, a home contest against Albany scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29.
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