![PeggyZabicki Peggy Zabicki](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PeggyZabicki-1024x768.jpg)
Peggy Zabicki
Rats are on the run, thank goodness
By Peggy Zabicki
Your correspondent in West Lawn
3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327
As I drive around our West Lawn neighborhood, I have noticed a decrease in rodent activity. I still see rats running up and down the alleys, but not as bad as it was a year ago. I thank all my neighbors who called their aldermen to report the rodent sightings. Your calls bring attention to this problem.
I also thank 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn and 23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares for seeing that rat poison was placed in alleys and other locations where rats gather. I hope this action will continue.
Here’s something else we can do. Please do not throw bread crumbs on the ground with the intention of feeding squirrels and birds. I have noticed that well meaning but misguided neighbors do this. Any food on the ground will attract rodents.
![Rats are on the run, thank goodness 1 PeggyZabicki](https://www.southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PeggyZabicki-300x225.jpg)
Peggy Zabicki
Also, bird feeders present a problem. People want to feed birds, but what they do not understand is that birds leave their droppings, which are a favorite of rodents. If you have a bird feeder in your yard, you will have rats in your yard.
I love birds and want them to be fed and happy; but at this time of year, there is an abundance of natural foods for birds. Plants and shrubbery are drying up and they are producing seeds galore for birds. There is also a lot of autumn insect activity, and birds do love to eat those as well.
If you see feral cats in the neighborhood and feel that you’d like to feed them, go ahead; but I strongly suggest you put their food on a paper plate and remove the plate immediately after the cat has eaten. Cats are the number one rodent deterrent. We do want to encourage their presence in our neighborhood because they provide such a great service to us.
Continue to call your alderman to report rodents. Call Ald. Quinn at (773) 581-8000 and Ald. Tabares at (773) 582-4444. Please let nature provide food for birds.
This was just some seasonal animal information I wanted to share. I learned a lot about animals when I worked at Lincoln Park Zoo during my younger years.
Now I’m retired and enjoying my free time. One thing I love to do is attend the Calvary Lutheran Church Senior Club. This lively group meets once a month at 6149 S. Kenneth. They welcome all seniors.
Their next meeting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at noon. Bring a sandwich and a few dollars for bingo. Call Elaine at (773) 424-3031 to let her know you’re coming.
There is no CAPS meeting for Beats 823 and 825 this month, but there will be a meeting for Beats 813 and 833 at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 at West Lawn Park, 4233 W. 65th St.
The West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St., will be having a book discussion for adults. The book is Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Palermo’s Restaurant, 3751 W. 63rd St., from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Call the library for more information at (312) 747-7381.
The Hubbard High School Class of 1972 used their recent reunion to make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project. Congratulations!
Did you know the school was named after Gurdon Saltonstall Hubbard? He was born in Vermont on Aug. 22, 1802 and later moved to the Chicago area. Hubbard was an insurance underwriter, land speculator, fur trader, stockyard builder and meat packer. He was a member of the military and helped defend Fort Dearborn. He was a friend to Native Americans, an adopted son of Chief Waba and the husband of Watseka, who was the niece of Chief Tamin of Kankakee.
Thank you for your newsy calls and texts last week. I’m always happy to hear from you.
Local News
![joanhadac Joan Hadac](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/joanhadac.jpg)
It’s a busy January in Gage Park
Spread the loveBy Joan Hadac Neighborhood correspondent at large Greetings, Gage Parkers! I’m pleased to be filling in this week for Karen Sala. It’s fun for me to report on Gage Park, the neighborhood where I lived for the first 26 years of my life. There’s always something happening in this big, exciting part of…
![kathyheadley2021 Kathy Headley](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/kathyheadley2021-869x1024.jpg)
You can bank on good service here
Spread the loveBy Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 In this world of corporate takeovers, it is kind of hard to feel safe in the hands of big business. First, we have to supply some of our personal information to the automated system. Then there’s…
![GSWNH_HeavenlySound_012122 GSWNH_HeavenlySound_012122](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GSWNH_HeavenlySound_012122-1024x647.jpg)
A heavenly sound
Spread the love In what is arguably the most ornate and beautiful house of worship on the Southwest Side—St. Joseph Church in Back of the Yards–the Polonijna Orkiestra Chicago played liturgical music selections last Sunday. Founded in 2011, the orchestra is designed to teach young musicians Polish music and culture. St. Joseph parishioner Konrad Pawelek…
![Screen Shot 2022-01-14 at 8.10.36 PM Screen Shot 2022-01-14 at 8.10.36 PM](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-14-at-8.10.36-PM.png)
Crime images spark outrage in Gage Park
Spread the loveRobbed at gunpoint in his own garage By Tim Hadac Home-security camera images of a 48-year-old Gage Park man being robbed at gunpoint in his own garage outraged a number of Southwest Siders this week. Images showed the man driving his car down the alley in the 5500 block of South Richmond at…
![HANNAH Former Mother McAuley star Hannah Swiatek (right) smiles and walks off the court with Justene Charlesworth after a recent University of St. Francis victory over Cardinal Stritch. Photo by Jeff Vorva Former Mother McAuley star Hannah Swiatek (right) smiles and walks off the court with Justene Charlesworth after a recent University of St. Francis victory over Cardinal Stritch. Photo by Jeff Vorva](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HANNAH-1024x678.jpg)
College Report: McAuley grad Swiatek plays hero for St. Francis
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Hannah Swiatek comes off the bench for the University of St. Francis and is averaging 3.1 points per game. But when called on for the biggest shot of her college career, the 5-foot-8 junior guard from Oak Lawn delivered. Swiatek scored the winning basket in a wild 99-97…
![Screen Shot 2022-01-16 at 9.42.00 PM Screen Shot 2022-01-16 at 9.42.00 PM](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-16-at-9.42.00-PM.png)
Tax exemptions will be automatic, Kaegi says
Spread the loveFrom staff reports In response to the ongoing pandemic, the Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office will continue the automatic renewal of the Senior Freeze, Veterans with Disabilities and Persons with Disabilities Exemptions. The Homeowner and Senior Exemptions will continue to auto-renew every year. If a homeowner received any of these five exemptions…
![GSWNH_StMaryEagleScout_012122 New Eagle Scout Adrian Ayala with his parents, Lorena Sanchez and Lazaro Ayala. --Supplied photo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GSWNH_StMaryEagleScout_012122-1024x836.jpg)
Troop 1441 Scout earns Eagle rank
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A journey that began years ago for Adrian Ayala recently culminated in Boy Scouting’s highest honor. Ayala, a member of Boy Scout Troop 1441 (sponsored by the St. Mary Star of the Sea Holy Name Society) was honored at an Eagle ceremony at Duggan Hall on Jan. 13. The Eagle rank…
![MariaPappas Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MariaPappas-949x1024.jpg)
Scavenger Sale different this year, Pappas says
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ 2022 Scavenger Sale will look different, as the Treasurer’s Office takes steps to help small developers, homeowners and investors rebuild neighborhoods and create generational wealth. Under Illinois law, the Treasurer’s Office is required to conduct a Scavenger Sale every two years, offering at auction the…
Neighbors
![After 9 months, state data begins to detail new pretrial detention system After 9 months, state data begins to detail new pretrial detention system](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SCOIL-FILE-JN-opt2-cbthEX-1024x683.jpeg)
After 9 months, state data begins to detail new pretrial detention system
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com Nine months after cash bail ended in Illinois, the state is taking its first steps in publishing the data that crafters of the bail reform law saw as essential to judging its effectiveness. The data shows that judges in the 75 counties served by the Illinois Supreme Court’s…
![ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS: Pritzker keeps economic development at forefront in exclusive interview ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS: Pritzker keeps economic development at forefront in exclusive interview](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ILLINOIS-LAWMAKERS-PRITZKER-opt1-JMjS50-1024x753.jpeg)
ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS: Pritzker keeps economic development at forefront in exclusive interview
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com With fiscal year 2025 slated to begin Monday, Gov. JB Pritzker continues to tout available state tax incentives and promote Illinois as a site for business development. On the season finale of “Illinois Lawmakers” this week, Pritzker pointed to a pair of developments in East Alton and Normal…
![Pritzker calls SCOTUS emergency abortion ruling ‘small respite’ as state protections await his signature Pritzker calls SCOTUS emergency abortion ruling ‘small respite’ as state protections await his signature](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240627-AVELAR-AA1-MkHa17-1024x682.jpeg)
Pritzker calls SCOTUS emergency abortion ruling ‘small respite’ as state protections await his signature
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com Abortion remains legal as an emergency medical procedure in Idaho, for now, after a Thursday U.S. Supreme Court ruling, while a bill that would cement those protections in Illinois law awaits Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature. The 6-3 decision saw the three liberal justices concur with the order. Three…
![‘We don’t really know what we’re voting on,’ top Dem says of Pritzker’s prison plan ‘We don’t really know what we’re voting on,’ top Dem says of Pritzker’s prison plan](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240614-Logan-Prison-yard-signs-DoZFBM-1024x768.jpeg)
‘We don’t really know what we’re voting on,’ top Dem says of Pritzker’s prison plan
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com LINCOLN – On the eve of a scheduled vote to advise Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration on plans to close and rebuild a pair of dilapidated state prisons, hundreds filed into a junior high school gymnasium Thursday evening clad in matching green T-shirts. Printed on the shirts was a…
![SCOTUS ruling could upend federal corruption cases for Madigan, allies SCOTUS ruling could upend federal corruption cases for Madigan, allies](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240103-MADIGAN-ALT-AA-Rcr9BK-1024x683.jpeg)
SCOTUS ruling could upend federal corruption cases for Madigan, allies
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday narrowed the scope of a federal bribery law prosecutors have relied on in their cases against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and several of his allies convicted of bribing him. A jury last spring found those allies – former lobbyists and…
![Quantum technology companies set for big tax incentives under new law Quantum technology companies set for big tax incentives under new law](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240626-PRITZKER-AA-1ErpEg-1024x682.jpeg)
Quantum technology companies set for big tax incentives under new law
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday gave final approval to a plan to bolster the state’s tech industry, including an incentives package – backed by $500 million in the state budget – aimed at making Illinois the nation’s leader in quantum computing. The package also expands tax…
![Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it? Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ctc-calcArtboard-1-4x-1001-t2mth2-1024x682.jpeg)
Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com In the final hours of their spring legislative session, Illinois lawmakers approved a tax credit of up to about $300 for families with young children. The credit is available to Illinoisans with children under age 12 who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Although…
![Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240614-PRITZKER-AA1-ViOzVJ-1024x682.jpeg)
Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – An Illinois law banning the sale and use of “bump stocks” and other devices that increase the firing power of semiautomatic weapons remains in place, at least for now, despite a U.S. Supreme Court decision Friday striking down a federal ban on such items. “Illinois law…
![Another Choate Mental Health Center employee indicted for abuse of resident Another Choate Mental Health Center employee indicted for abuse of resident](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240610-CHOATE-CHARGE-OPT1-FB1xpE-1024x503.jpeg)
Another Choate Mental Health Center employee indicted for abuse of resident
By BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois bhundsdorfer@capitolnewsillinois.com Another caregiver at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna is facing charges for abusing a patient. A grand jury indicted Joseph A. Clark, 24, of Grand Chain, on a felony charge of aggravated battery and a misdemeanor charge of battery. Clark pinned a Choate resident to…
![State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’ State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FLASHING-LIGHTS-SQUAD-POLICE-00971-ilpWzw-1024x682.jpeg)
State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinois State Police say an automated license plate reader program has helped the agency identify witnesses or suspects in 82 percent of highway shooting cases this year, including all eight that resulted in a death. But as the state looks to further expand its network of more than…