Two new police sergeants added in Worth

By Joe Boyle

Two new sergeants have been added to the Worth Police Department with enthusiastic community approval.

“You will notice that the room is crowded more than usual tonight,” said Mayor Mary Werner during the Worth Village Board meeting Tuesday night. “We are excited to add two new sergeants to the department.”

Michael Cozzi, who has served as the school resource officer for Worth School District 127, was sworn in as a sergeant by Village Clerk Bonnie Price. Cozzi is also the primary handler of the department’s therapy dog, Louie.

Nicholas Boynton was also sworn in by Price as a sergeant. The two new sergeants then posed for photos with family and colleagues.

On hand to congratulate the two new sergeants were Police Chief Tim Denton and deputy chiefs Cris Fernandez and Rob Petersen.

Werner also noted that Patriots Day will be recognized on Friday, Sept. 9, at local schools. School staffs are inviting local public officials and first responders to several schools throughout the day, beginning with Worth Junior High School at 8:20 a.m.

Trustee Brad Urban also mentioned that a 9-11 Remembrance Day ceremony will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the eternal flame monument at 111th and Harlem. The Burbank Marine Corps will be on hand along with the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post Color Guard.

A 9-11 ceremony will also be held at the Worth Car Cruiser Night on Monday night.

“If you miss the one on Sunday, you can come by the cruise night for the ceremony then,” Urban said.

A free child safety seat event will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Worth Village Hall, 7112 W. 111th St. More information can be obtained by calling Sgt. Travis Pirtle at 708-448-3979 or email tpirtle@villageofworth.com.

The Worth Lodge 143 Fraternal Order of Police will host the Chicago Comets beep baseball team. The seventh annual beep game exhibition game will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Gale Moore Park, 10895 S. Nordica Ave.

All proceeds will be donated to the Comets, who are the Chicago area’s only visually impaired beep baseball team. Donations can be made by contacting mcozzi@villageofworth.com.

Several Tag Days will be offered in the next couple of months. Tag Days will be held for Blue Cap on Oct. 7 and 8, and the Marrs-Meyer Post Sons and Riders will be held Oct. 1.

The Tag Days for the Worth Lions for Candy Days will be held Oct. 14 and 15 at the intersections of 111th and Harlem and 111th and Ridgeland. The Worth Lions were also seeking permission to go door-to-door for the Ton of Food Drive on Saturday, Nov. 19.

A Tag Days request for Family Outreach Program for Nov. 11 and 12 will also be held. The purpose of the fundraiser will be to fund fall and winter charities requested by the Family Outreach Program for residents in need and to fight hunger.

The Family Outreach Program Tag Day collections will be held at 111th and Harlem and Southwest Highway and Harlem Avenue.

An ordinance extending the term of a temporary moratorium on tobacco-related uses in the B-1 and B-2 zoning districts was approved. The Real Estate Development Board will consider regulations governing tobacco businesses at public hearing scheduled for Monday, Oct. 3.

An ordinance was amended to modify the number of Class A-1 and A-2 tavern liquor licenses. The number has changed from six to five licenses. Beer and wine will be sold only at these businesses.

A resolution for a revised request for proposals clarifying the zoning designation and redevelopment of property at 11138 S. Ridgeland Ave. was approved by the board.

An ordinance authorizing the disposal of personal property of village departments ranging from old cellphones and aging devices was approved.

Trustee Laura Packwood, who is the head of the golf committee, said that August was very profitable for the Water’s Edge Golf Course.

“And the rains stayed away for most of the month, so that was good,” Packwood said.

The Chili Open will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Water’s Edge, Packwood said. And the $5 burgers will continue on Monday nights during the Worth Car Cruisers Night through October.

A business license was granted to Jadore Nawal Salon, 11228 S. Harlem Ave. New owner Nawal Abuelhawa said her business, which was also previously a hair salon, will remain the same.

Hair To Please, 6946 W. 111th St., is another salon that received board approval. The business owner is Jamie Theunnissen. The manager is Jenna Theunnissen.

Rodeo Burgers and Chicken, 11111 S. Harlem Ave., also received approval. Rami Abuisneineh is the owner.

The Worth Lions will also be selling Christmas trees at 116th and Harlem from Nov. 14 through Dec. 31. The Worth Lions Club will receive permission from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to provide the necessary insurance documents.

The board also voted to have trick-or-treat hours run from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31.