(Photo provided by village of Crete Emergency Management Agency)Democratic state Sen. Michael E. Hastings from Frankfort called on Gov. JB Pritzker and the state of Illinois to declare communities affected by Monday’s storms a disaster area. Hastings thanked public works crews, police officers, firefighters, ComEd lineworkers, tree removal crews and volunteers, saying, “Your dedication has made a tremendous difference during a difficult week.” Public works crews have completed “about 60% of initial branch and tree debris removal along village roadways,” according to the EMA’s statement. Mutual Aid resources from Aurora Public Works and Plainfield Township Highway Department continue to work alongside Crete crews.