Worth welcomes new public works superintendent

By Joe Boyle

Worth has a new superintendent of public works, and officials did not have to go far to find him.

Ed Urban, who has served many years in the public works department, was unanimously chosen to become the new superintendent during the Worth Village Board meeting Tuesday night.

Urban replaces Wayne Demonbreun, who had served as the public works superintendent for the past 30 years. He retired last month after serving the village for the last 41 years.

While village officials said they were going to miss Demonbreun, the fact that Urban made it known that he could take on the role was a blessing, according to Mayor Mary Werner.

“I’m glad Ed was able to do this,” Werner said. “He has been here for so many years. We are happy that he is willing to do this.”

Village Clerk Bonnie Price, who has been the village clerk since 2001, was pleased that Urban is going to take on the duties of public works superintendent.

“I’m glad Ed Urban is taking on the superintendent position,” Price said. “I am excited to work with him.”

Several other trustees echoed those sentiments. Urban was moved by the reception he received by board members.

“I want to thank the mayor for all she has done for me,” Urban said. “I want to thank everybody.”

Werner announced that police officer Christopher Johnson has resigned effective on Thursday, Jan. 19. He had recently given his two-week notice to Chief Tim Denton.

“We are sorry to see him go, but I know the chief has been working on a replacement,” Werner said.

Price mentioned that the Illinois High School Association has requested hosting a bass tournament for 12 high schools. Each school can bring as many as two boats to compete in the event. The schools will meet at the Worth Boat Launch and will fish either in Blue Island or Lemont.

The bass tournament will take place on May 4. If the event is canceled due to inclement weather, the rain date will be on May 8.

Werner reminded the board and residents that the eighth annual Fraternal Order of Police Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot St.

The admission fee is $7 per person with children under the age of 4 attending for free.

“Needless to say, everyone is welcome,” Werner said.

Trustee Pete Kats, who is the head of the public safety committee, thanked the police department for their service. Police closed out the month of December making 22 arrests, with 13 of those for driving with revoked or suspended licenses.

Kats also mentioned that the FOP will hold their eighth annual golf outing on June 17 at the Water’s Edge Golf Course.

The fee for a single golfer is $120 and a foursome is $480. Denton reminded everyone that the outing is popular and will soon sell out.

Trustee Brad Urban, who is the head of the public works committee, said that when temperatures plummeted below zero before Christmas, eight water main breaks occurred.

He also said that residents or businesses who want to purchase or renew Hometown Banners in honor of local past and present veterans have up until April 30 to do so. The fee for the banners is $70.

Werner also said that the “Furry Hero for Shireen” fundraiser will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post, 11001 S. Depot St., Worth.

The fee to enter is $20 and includes a door prize entry. The first prize is an iPad and the second prize is $200. The third prize is $100. A buffet is included in the fee. A cash bar and more raffles will be offered at the event.

The event is being held for Worth resident and U.S. Marine veteran Shireen O’Brien, who has been dealing with threatening illnesses since serving her country. Members of the post said that she will be given a medical boost when money is raised for the purchase of Riley, a lifesaving service dog.

The post members have organized the fundraiser to raise funds to assist O’Brien with the extensive costs to acquire and train the dog. The veterans at the post said it will cost over $35,000 to accomplish this.

The village also passed ordinances to allow for licensing and regulating raffles in Worth, and the approval of a revised personnel policy manual. Another ordinance was approved to vacate part of the Worth Avenue right-of-way, located south of the intersection of 111th Street and Worth Avenue.

The Worth Cruisers Club Valentine’s Party will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at the Garden Chalet, 11000 S. Ridgeland Ave. The fee to enter is $20.

The board also approved a business license for Double Dealz, 6633 W. 111th St. Owner Abdal Karim Maala said he will have pallets of retail items for reduced prices. Products that can be purchased range from toys to tools, he said. Parking is available for 17 vehicles, but Maala said that only a few spots will be needed most days.

The fish fry will return to The Edge Bar & Grill at the Water’s Edge Golf Course. The kickoff event will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Fish fry dinners will then be held from 4 to 9 p.m. each Friday from Feb. 24 through April 7.