The County Weekly
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🌤️ 44° | New Homes for Heroes and a $140M District 86 Shakeup

Published 2026-03-02

🌷 Good Morning!

Let's Get Monday Started Right!

Today’s high is a brisk 46°F with a low of 24°F. Expect mostly cloudy skies and only a 10% chance of precipitation. Perfect weather for a warm cup of coffee or a stroll through a local museum. Bundle up and enjoy!

🐝 Top Stories

New Housing for Homeless Veterans

The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans is expanding its efforts to provide housing for veterans in need. The organization is planning new housing developments aimed at ensuring that no veteran is left behind. This initiative reflects a growing commitment to support those who have served our country, addressing the pressing issue of veteran homelessness.


For nearly two decades, the corner of Main and Willow in downtown Wheaton has stood as a quiet observer of the city’s growth. But as of this week, that vacant lot is slated to become the foundation for a transformative mission: "Hero Homes." The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans (MSHV) is moving forward with a bold $10.1 million expansion that shifts their focus from temporary beds to permanent stability. For a county that currently tracks roughly 20 veterans experiencing homelessness, this single 20-unit development has the mathematical potential to bring DuPage to "functional zero"—effectively ensuring that no one who wore the uniform is left without a roof.

The proposed four-story building isn't just a housing complex; it’s a full-service support system designed to keep families together. In a first for the MSHV, the "Hero Homes" project includes five two-bedroom apartments alongside 15 one-bedroom units, allowing veterans to live with their spouses and children while receiving care. Residents will have on-site access to case management, mental health services, and employment assistance, all housed within a modern facility featuring a community room and fitness center. By integrating these services into the fabric of downtown Wheaton, the project aims to bridge the gap between isolation and community belonging.

This milestone is a deeply personal one for the MSHV, an organization founded in 2007 by local veterans Bob "Doc" Adams and Dirk Enger. Their work began in a small house on West Street named in honor of Nicholas Larson, a Wheaton teen lost in the Iraq War. Today, backed by a massive grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority and project-based vouchers, that legacy is scaling up to meet a modern crisis. As the Wheaton City Council reviews the final plans this week, the "Hero Homes" project stands as a testament to a community promise: that in DuPage County, the road home for a veteran should never be a dead end.

🏀 Bluejays vs. Titans

Illinois Wesleyan officially claimed the 2026 CCIW Men’s Basketball Tournament title on Saturday night, defeating Elmhurst 69–59 in a game that was truly a tale of two halves. The Bluejays appeared to have the championship in hand early, storming out to a commanding 37–19 halftime lead thanks to a red-hot shooting performance.


However, the top-seeded Titans mounted a massive 18-point second-half comeback, holding Elmhurst to just 19 points after the break to force overtime. In the extra period, Illinois Wesleyan’s defense took over completely, outscoring the Bluejays 13–3 to secure their second consecutive conference crown. While the loss is a tough pill to swallow for Elmhurst, the intensity displayed at the Shirk Center proved that March Madness has officially arrived in DuPage

Hinsdale D86 Changes Architectural Firms

Hinsdale District 86 has decided to replace the architectural firm responsible for designing $140 million in projects, citing issues that arose during construction, particularly with pool facilities. This change comes after the firm received nearly $10 million for its services over six years. The district aims to ensure better oversight and quality in future projects. 

🌿 Quick Hits

  • Nadiia Shymkiv of Glenbard East is coming home with a state title. Over the weekend, she won a thrilling overtime match to claim the 105-pound championship at the IHSA girls wrestling state finals.
  • Wise Guys Pizzeria in Bloomingdale is hosting a Chamber of Commerce fundraiser on Monday evening. Mention the Chamber to have a portion of your bill donated.
  • The Addison Public Library is hosting an Origami Challenge and an English Conversation Group March 2nd

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This edition was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor. Learn more