I’m just wondering who’s responsible for cutting the weeds along the overpass on the Great Western Trail on St. Charles Road. They’ve become pretty unsightly. If that was my lawn, I’d probably get a ticket.

Your question was forwarded to the Village of Lombard, which provided the following answer:

“While DuPage County owns the Great Western Trail, the Village [of Lombard] is still responsible for the maintenance of the overpass until the vegetation is fully established. Native grasses and flowering plants were approved by DuPage County for the new bridges in order to help support a healthy ecosystem of plants indigenous to the area. Any questions may be directed to Lombard Public Works at 630-620-5740.”—blm

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Once again, it is time for the law-abiding citizens of Lombard to travel out of state to buy fireworks that are illegal in Illinois. They are teaching their children how to break the law. And, once again, the police will do nothing to stop the illegal activity. The village trustees will not pass a law with a steep fine to stop this activity. And, once again, I must sedate my dog because of the illegal noise. And, once again, if I find out who is shooting off illegal fireworks, I will go to small claims court and sue for the medication. If the village would enforce the law, this activity would stop. If you must blow off fireworks, set them off in front of the police station. Maybe they will enjoy the illegal activity and you can be an example to your family. After all, you are “special” and the law does not apply to you.

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With the Taste of Lombard being discontinued, can we expect to have the Lombard police available to curb the neighborhood fireworks near Madison Meadow park? Neighbors living near Madison Meadow are already “practicing” with loud fireworks. Dangerous. It has been going on for years. Neighborhood fireworks are illegal, correct?

Your comments were forwarded to the Village of Lombard, which provided the following answer:

“The Village of Lombard recognizes that the discharge of fireworks including firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles or large and loud explosives is a violation of state law and village ordinances. Calls made to the Lombard Police Department are taken very seriously and each call is followed up by police officers, and violators are fined and reprimanded accordingly. We encourage any violations to be reported to the police department as our primary concern is our residents’ safety and well-being. The village maintains no special treatment for any law violators and we encourage residents to call 9-1-1 to report violators and dangerous situations.”—blm

This is Lombard calling in regard to the Helen Plum Library. To the west of the library is a sign, staff parking only. When I walk by there’s usually just two cars there and I know there are more employees at the library. How about changing that so the handicapped people will have parking closer to the library and then the area can be used? Thank you.

Your question was submitted to Barb Kruser, director of the Helen Plum Library, who explained: “We looked at that area when deciding where to add additional handicap parking because of the proximity to the building. The area to the west is rough pavement so it would be difficult for wheelchairs. Also, because of the narrowness of part of that area, it is difficult to get a car back out. So, although it is a little further from the building, we worked with Elmhurst Memorial Hospital to add two library handicap spots on the southwest corner of the hospital parking lot. I am still looking into that west space to be available for additional parking, but first need to look into what work would have to be done.”—JAC

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Hello. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Ale Fest, another successful event. Thanks for buying a beer to support our local high school athletes.

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We are working with last year’s data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, but Illinois is ranked No. 2 in the nation in new start-up companies. The U.S. Department of Labor tells us that last year Illinois saw some of the biggest drops in unemployment. The Tribune headlines that Illinois CEOs got bigger raises than their peers. All of this took place during the Quinn administration, without a “Turnaround Agenda,” without “Right to Work” legislation, without restrictions placed on workers’ compensation and without a move to eliminate unions from this state.

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Hi, I’ve had a lot of friends talk about their distress when they realize they’ve turned into their own mother as they grow up or age. I’ve noticed that myself but what I’ve also realized is recently, now that I’ve lived long enough, I’ve turned into my grandmother. But it’s a little difficult to accept. Just thought I’d share. Bye.

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To the person who commented about the lack of yellow ribbons: If you want to put a yellow ribbon on a tree, go for it. If not, who cares? It’s just an empty symbol. How dare you state that our villages don’t support the military because we don’t wrap ribbons around trees? How does wrapping a yellow ribbon around a tree in Lombard or Villa Park support the military? It’s meaningless, in my opinion. I’d say it’s about as supportive of Tony Orlando and Dawn as it is of our armed forces. What about those of us who send care packages and greeting cards to American troops overseas? Are we less supportive of the military than you?

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We suffered some pretty severe winters in the last couple of years. The environmental zealots, however, pointed out that the last two years were two of the hottest years on record. I’m assuming they’re about to tell us that June of 2015 will go down as the driest month in the history of mankind.

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Regarding joggers in Butterfield East, I can only speak for myself but the sidewalks are uneven and present a tripping hazard. I also like to give dog walkers ample space so as to not welcome a confrontation. 

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Hi, this is Lombard calling. I don’t know if people are aware of this, but the DuPage County Fairgrounds is only leased through 2020. So, there are politicians who want to get rid of the county fair and develop that property. The fair goes for five days out of the year but the fairground itself is used 24/7 for several non-profit groups including 4-H, which we are part of. They have dog shows, cat shows, clothing sales for children; it’s used all the time. Please support the county fair. Go out July 22-26, show your support. There’s going to be rodeos, demolition derbies and just show that you care about the fairgrounds and the fair, and we keep this going for the next 50 years. Thank you.

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Hi, this is Lombard calling. Who do I speak to about a fence that was recently put up and is way over the 6-foot limit, actually 6 1/2 feet? Thank you.

Your question was forwarded to the Village of Lombard, which provided the following answer:

“The village cannot speak to any particular case of possible code ordinance violations without being made aware of the location. For most residential properties, the rear and interior side yards are allowed to have a maximum 6-foot fence height. However, Section 155.205(A)(1)(c)(v) of the zoning ordinance allows for fence heights to slightly vary to account for undulating grades and/or decorative fence posts. If you have questions regarding the village’s fence regulations, please contact the Community Development Department at 630-620-5750.”—blm

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If we don’t make changes and sacrifices now, Illinois will keep going downhill. Regardless of your party, pay attention to the facts. Don’t let the red herrings make you lose focus. It’s all about cause and effect. People should pay as much attention to politics as they do sports. Every educated vote does make a difference. Talk to all your friends who don’t read SPEAK OUT. Thank you.

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Hi, Villa Park calling. I have to agree with last week’s caller about the burning here. Someone was burning yard waste and garbage this morning, after it rained all night. Who burns in 100 percent humidity and heat? Just sick of this stupidity and the health risks, not to mention my air conditioning bill because of this.

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I’m watching TV and this commercial for Bruce Rauner—I’m not taking political sides—about how Mike Madigan and the Democrats, all they want is higher taxes. I’m sorry, but if it’s plural shouldn’t it be all they want are higher taxes, not all the want is higher taxes? Teachers, I believe I’m correct on this one. Rauner goes out and spends millions to have a publicity company do this and am I wrong? Teachers? Anybody?

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I have an idea how we can solve the immigration problem and there are three rules. No. 1, when you enter the country, you must sign a documented statement verifying your allegiance to the United States of America. If you violate that it’s an automatic expulsion from the country. No. 2, you must learn to speak English and if you can’t speak English, you must attend a school that will teach you English. And No. 3, if you get a job, you must get paid in a special currency that can only be spent in this country. It can’t be sent out of this country no matter what. A violation of that rule, you’re automatically expelled from this country. There will be a lot of second thoughts, should I enter this country with those not-too-restricted rules? If they really want to stay here it should be no problem.

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To those of you who are delusional enough to believe that minimum wage is a good pay and that the minimum wage jobs are all occupied by kids just out of school and starting up and happy retirees to augment their income, we all know there are families trying to live on minimum wage. And, think about this. I went to a fast-food restaurant the other night to pick up my dinner. I did not add drinks. I did not add any extra sides. Two meals, for my husband and myself, were $18. So, you’re saying someone’s got to work over two hours to pay for one meal at their own restaurant that they work for? Wake up. Their money needs to go up; minimum wage needs to be raised. Thank you.