Hundreds of Prospect Heights residents lost their homes in a fire last week at the River Trails Condominium complex. The fire affected three buildings, two of which are considered “total losses.”

Local organizations are now accepting donations to assist the affected residents. Please consider donating if you are able.

Monetary contributions can be made to the Chicago Red Cross; the Katie Samsel Fund, which supports School District 21 families; and the School District 214 Wheeling High School fund to support families of Wheeling High School.

If you have any questions, please contact Prospect Heights City Hall at 847-398-6070, ext. 206.

Last week, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) congratulated Xenophon Doudalis on being awarded the French National Order of the Legion of Honour for his services in the U.S. Army during World War II.

The Consul General of France in Chicago awarded Doudalis the highest French government order recognizing military and civilian merit during a ceremony at Des Plaines City Hall.

“Sergeant Doudalis’ courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty played a significant role in the defeat of the German Army in France during World War II,” Murphy said. “I am truly honored to serve as his State Senator and I thank him for the personal sacrifices he has made to preserve our freedom at home and to keep us safe.”

Doudalis, a resident of Des Plaines since 1962, served in the U.S. Army during World War II from August 1943 until March 1946 as an engineer and helped construct bridges so that American tanks under the direction of General Patton could cross into Germany.

While serving in the 281st Engineer Battalion, Doudalis’ unit helped liberate French cities and villages between Le Havre and Filstroff. He was one of the first American soldiers to enter the Dachau concentration camp in 1945 to liberate its prisoners.

During his time in the Army, Doudalis rose to the rank of Sergeant and was awarded two Overseas Service Bars, the Expert Rifle Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the America Theatre Service Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Medal.

Murphy thanked Doudalis and expressed her gratitude for his service. She presented him with a Senate certificate of recognition.

If you were unable to make it to one of my summer town hall meetings, please see the presentation by Ralph Martire below for more information on resolving Illinois' pension crisis. Ralph Martire is the executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability.

A Sustainable Path to Resolving Illinois' Pension Crisis