Hi, this is Lombard calling. I was hoping someone from Lombard would be able to answer my question. I’m traveling on Main Street and I notice on a regular basis there happen to be semi trucks driving down Main Street. This one happens to be tearing off the trees and causing traffic congestion. I understand that Main Street is a residential street and should not have semi truck traffic on it? I’m confused. Why do we allow semis to cut through our town and tear up the street? Please help me, thank you, and God bless all of Lombard.

The Village of Lombard provided the following response to your call:

“Due to law changes and GPS use by truck drivers, there has been an increase of truck traffic on local streets over the past few years. While trucks over 55 feet in length are not usually allowed to drive on residential streets, laws are in place to allow trucks access of local roads for 5 miles to load and unload items ordered for local businesses. Trucks may also access local roads for up to 1 mile for food, fuel, rest or repairs. If any resident believes that there is a specific local road location with too much truck traffic, please contact Sgt. Joseph Grage at 630-873-4667 and the Lombard Traffic Safety Unit will investigate.”—blm

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I see nothing but dollar signs in the eyes of Barb Kruser, library director. A 52-year-old boiler may be inefficient but the boiler itself does not cause “vastly fluctuating temperatures.” Should we start singing “Up up and away with our taxes”?

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We residents passed a bond referendum to fix streets but now are told that many streets cannot be properly fixed for lack of money to fix the sewers. But now $200,000 is spent to make an unused park refurbished by moving the sidewalks in different directions. The management seems to react and not plan long-term.

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I want to thank the Christian Church of Villa Park for the help they gave a good friend on Love Your Neighbor Day. I read about it in the Lombardian and knew of someone who could use the assistance. My friend had a small list of items that needed attention, but the biggest one was a non-working furnace since last spring. My friend was told then that it couldn’t be fixed—your volunteer replaced a circuit board, which got it up and running. Now this very grateful individual won’t have to face the cold again with no heat. I received a big hug for passing along the information, but it’s really the church that gets the thanks. These days, churches seem to be called upon more and more to help those in need, and they are stepping up to the plate. If even half the churches in town did one weekend project like this, imagine how many people could be helped. Surely there are people out there who are willing to donate their skills.

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The school teachers and the unions every year want to go on strike just as the schools start, so that way they can get more attention. And, they keep complaining that their job is extremely difficult to justify the high wages and the best pension in the country. But, how would they feel if they have to put a roof on a house in 90-degree temperature or fix old plumbing in an old house or mechanics working on cars or work in a hospital where there’s a life and death situation? Who says one job is more difficult than another? A teaching job is difficult but there are a lot of people who do jobs a lot more difficult than teachers. If they want to find out what a difficult job is, work on a garbage truck.

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Villa Park calling regarding the maintenance and appearance of this village. Trees not trimmed and in some cases making it difficult to walk on the sidewalk. Garbage cans left on the parkways for days. The Metra train station, filthy and broken shelter windows. Weeds and litter. What was once known as the Garden Village can now be called the Garbage Village. Thank you.

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Hello, I am a parent of a Glenbard East student and I had to pay a couple hundred dollars for my student to park in the parking lot. However, I drive up and down the street near the high school and continue to see 15-20 cars parked on the street illegally on a daily basis. Would you please start ticketing the students who park there and they have to buy their own parking passes or get a ride like everybody else. Thank you.

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Jesus did not care what people wore to church. He cared for all people, no matter what they had on. He clothed people, he blessed people and I totally think your reference to our declining society is emblematic of your thinking toward people. If you go to church and you have shorts on and a tank top and it’s hot, you’re covered. For whatever reason, but to call it a sign of declining society just shows that you have a declining understanding of people and of what going to church means. It means going to church for the Lord and not what you wear as long as you’re covered up.

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To the caller who feels that we are daring him or her to be thankful that someone came to church, I think you are taking it the wrong way. It is sarcastic to say that, “I should be grateful because you graced us with your attendance?” You, sir or madam, are missing the point. Nobody said you have to be grateful. And your example about the lawyer showing up for work in flip flops, etc. that is his or her job. Going to church is a choice. Big difference. Judge not lest ye be judged. Maybe some pastors could weigh in?

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Good morning. Northwest Lombard calling. I’m not a radical, however, trying to cross the street as a runner or a biker—I’m an athlete—watching moms with kids, watching other folks riding and walking and running crossing Main Street; it’s a crosswalk. I’m getting tired of people who don’t understand that. They’re breaking the law. They do not let you cross. They will run you over versus roll down their car windows and maybe see what’s going on. Let the mom and the kids cross. It’s beyond possibly oblivious, possibly ignorant, it’s definitely stupid. No, you shouldn’t run out in front of a crosswalk. It’s a state law. If somebody’s in the crosswalk you stop.

Your comment was sent to the Village of Lombard which provided the following response:

“Lombard truly is home to some excellent paths that are used by bikers, runners and walkers enjoying the outdoors. To help keep Illinois Prairie Path users safe, the Village of Lombard has installed several types of warning signs to help draw attention to the path’s crossing across Main Street. Signs are also posted on the trails to warn pedestrians and bicyclists of upcoming traffic. It is important for drivers to remember to be careful of pedestrians and drivers must yield to pedestrians who are in the crosswalk. Vehicles are required to stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, but are not required to stop for pedestrians waiting on the sidewalks. When crossing, it is important for pedestrians to avoid posing an immediate hazard by walking into traffic. Pedestrians are required to wait for an adequate break in traffic to cross. Cyclists are required to adhere to all traffic laws, including stop signs that are posted on the path. These stop signs require bikers to stop and wait for a break in traffic in order to cross. View a public service video, featuring [Lombard Police] Sgt. Joe Grage with the Lombard Safety Unit online at http://ow.ly/SDltp and visit www.villageoflombard.org/bike
lombard for additional information about biking in Lombard.”—blm

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Just want to let everyone know what a wonderful benefit was held at Maple Street Chapel to obtain finances for a fire sprinkler system. Fantastic benefit and banquet. I just hope it was as financially rewarding as necessary. We need to preserve that beautiful historic building forever. Bye now. And a million thank yous to all the people who worked so hard to make it possible. Bye bye.

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I’m with Donald Trump. He wants to be honest, not politically correct. Who decided he can only say what everyone wants him to say? And, who are these people who say something and then apologize for it? I think if you say it you should own it. Don’t apologize. You have a right to give your opinion. No one should tell you to apologize for what you say. Think before you say something hurtful or stupid, but if you say it, own it.

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What a beautiful day here in Villa Park. I got two nice little bills in the mail today thanks to our trustees, village president and some other people in the village. Number one, my mortgage went up by $120 only because of all these referendums for streets and sewers but they only do the streets. Then I got another lovely bill from my homeowner’s insurance which also almost doubled. I found out when I called my representative that it’s because the crime rate in the village is up. Gosh, I love living in the suburbs. Now I know why everybody’s leaving and as soon as I can, like the rest of my neighbors, I’m leaving too. Thanks to our trustees and president. What a great town.

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I’m calling from Lombard. My neighbor told me that at Sunset Knoll recently there was an older male with a badge who showed it to some young boys and wanted to play ball with them. What is going on here? Why didn’t I see anything in the police blotter or SPEAK OUT about this before? Nothing in the newspaper at all. Is this some kind of blue cover-up

The Village of Lombard provided the following response to your call:

“The Lombard Police Department was notified of a suspicious incident on Aug. 25. The incident was fully investigated, the suspicious person was identified and it was determined that no criminal activity had taken place. This incident was reported to the Lombard Police Department, was published on the daily blotter and available to the public through the police department’s Web site at www.villageoflombard.org/ dailypolicelog. Reports of these actions are taken very seriously by the Lombard Police Department and efforts are always made to ensure that it receives media attention so that the public can assist in identifying suspects. The Lombard Police Department would like to encourage residents to contact them directly at 630-873-4400 with safety inquiries to address these concerns, and to avoid unsubstantiated rumors and unnecessary worry in the community.”—blm

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It’s Wednesday, 3:30, this is the second freight train in a row that’s passing by. Your traffic is all backed up and your stoplights are timed horribly. It’s creating quite a traffic jam.