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Published in the Chicago Skyline on November 5, 2025
Where we're at
This newspaper promised to keep its readers informed about the legal battle now underway over a lawsuit that grew out of our coverage of Sudler Property management and the goings on at 175 E. Delaware Place, the building formerly known as John Hancock Center, a property whose condo association they manage.
In our original coverage on July 2, and then a July 16 follow up story, we published a story on issues related to Illinois Homeowners Associations [HOA] and examined Sudler Property Management and the 175 East Delaware Place HOA in our coverage.
This coverage created angst at Sudler Property Management, and they sent this newspaper a letter, demanding an immediate retraction ... or else!
Coverage on condo and homeowner associations appeals to our north Side readership as a great deal of our readers live in buildings managed by co-ops, and homeowner and condo associations. Stories of troubles emanating out of these associations are not rare. In fact, one of this newspaper's regular writers - Don DeBat and his wife Sara Benson - wrote an entire book about the trials and tribulations of HOA governance: "Escaping Condo Jail," the ultimate survival guide for condominium living (www.escapingcondojail.com).
On July 11, Sudler Property Management's attorney, Kathryn a. Formeller at Tressler LLP, sent us a letter supporting their client and demanding an immediate retraction, claiming an article we published contained "materially false and defamatory statements."
Well... 'or else' happened, and lawsuit paperwork showed up at our front door in late September, over two months after Sudler filed the case in the Circuit Court of Cook County - on July 17.
That summons demanded we file an appearance in court by Oct. 24, and our lawyers did just that, submitting a memorandum in Support of Defendant. your friendly neighborhood newspaper is said "defendant."
Frankly, we had initial hopes that things would not go this far, as stated in our July 16 article, we invited Sudler and their attorneys to meet with us—on the record—to present the evidence they claim exists. We said back then, and again now, that if corrections to our original reporting are warranted by credible documentation, we will make them promptly and transparently. This newspaper fully endorses the concept of 100% transparency.
It is this newspaper's position that this lawsuit is an attempt to intimidate us, and to shut us up. So, we're now forced to fight. and we will stand our ground as a member of the free press. We intend to fight as long as we have to, and we continue to stand by our July 2 and July 16 stories.
We took Sudler's allegations seriously back in July when they first raised them and remain committed to correcting the record—if the facts warrant it. But we cannot do so without seeing verifiable proof from Sudler that the HOA board noted in our coverage gave informed approval for the financial matters in question, that were the basis of our reporting.
If Sudler cannot produce this documentation, their claim of HOA board approval is procedural at best—not substantive or legitimate.
Sudler never responded to our July 16 offer to meet and share information. The evidence we requested should show why Sudler may or may not have had approval. We're ready to defend our position and will do so in the public's eye. We have nothing to hide. We think our reporting speaks for itself.
At this point we do not yet have a court date, but our attorneys are initially asking our judge to throw out the case. We could go on in great detail about the case law we have cited, but that is likely more detail than our readers care to consume right now.
In our pleading, we did state that Sudler Property Management filed this lawsuit against their own small, friendly local neighborhood newspaper "as retaliation for reporting on an investigation into matters of public concern."
"The complaint's shoddy claims for defamation, false light invasion of privacy, and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage fail at this threshold stage as a matter of law. Plaintiff Sudler Property Management, a corporation, cannot claim invasion of privacy, which is a personal tort."
We stated that, "Sudler does not properly allege actual malice, because it relies on irrelevant communications that occurred after the publication at issue.
The tortious interference count is pleaded in wholly conclusory fashion, alleging none of the tort's required four elements. none of the counts survive, and Defendant" - that's us, your friendly neighborhood newspaper - "Inside Lincoln Park Inc. respectfully requests that the Court dismiss this action with prejudice pursuant to 735 IlCS 5/2615."
While the fight goes on, the staff here at the newspaper office would like to publicly thank those who have contributed to our defense fund. That includes support from the Illinois Press Assoc., and many of our readers, including one who only last week anonymously sent us a $10 bill in the mail with an unsigned note saying, "thank you and love to [our] reporters." No name, no return address, thus nowhere to send a 'thank you' note. So this is your public "thank you."
The work our lawyers are doing is solid, but expensive. If you haven't yet, and if you are feeling generous, we encourage our readers to donate to our legal fund, care of GoFundMe. The page is titled "Your Friendly Neighborhood Newspapers," visit: www.gofundme.com/manage/yourfriendly-neighborhood-newspapers. Every little bit helps.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
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