Bridge named after Brooks

Almost 75 people gathered in Veeck Park Saturday morning for a ceremony to commemorate the naming of the 47th Street bridge after Brooks Tonn, who passed away in December of 2017 after a yearlong battle against cancer. Brooks' mom, Nora, along with state Reps. Deanne Mazzochi and Jim Durkin, stand alongside a large portrait of Brooks while his father, Rob, thanks those gathered for helping with the memorial. State Sens. John Curran and Suzy Glowiak-Hilton also spoke. All four legislators were instrumental in getting the bill through the Illinois House and Senate. Brooks' sister, Scarlett, and her parents unveil the sign that will be installed on Interstate 294. The Tonns are working with the village to have plaque installed on the approach to the bridge on 47th Street as well. (Jim Slonoff photos)