Drivers who pass through Oak Lawn had been warned and police have responded.
The Oak Lawn Village Board had asked police a couple of months ago to patrol and monitor certain intersections where motorists were increasingly speeding down residential streets and blowing stop signs.
This has not only been an issue in Oak Lawn but in other neighboring communities. Trustees had worked with the police specifically to crack down on these offenders.
Trustee Ralph Soch (6th) said police have made an impact this summer.
“Since July 15, we have issued 148 speeding tickets and 100 stop sign violations,” Soch said during the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting Tuesday night. “And 54 other violations were issued.
“The program is proving to be a success and the police have done a great job,” Soch added. “Some people were not happy about it but everybody has been warned. The police department is doing what we asked of them.”
Soch added that most of the violators are residents of the community who have developed some bad habits behind the wheel. Board members have been complaining for the past couple of years about motorists exceeding speed limits and either rolling through or not stopping at all at stop signs.
Board members indicated that police will continue to monitor specific intersections and will ticket violators.
In a related matter, Soch reminded board members and residents that a suspect was arrested in Indiana and Oak Lawn detectives transported him back on armed robbery charges related to the robbery of Reichman Jewelers in Oak Lawn in July of 2022. Two other offenders are still being sought, Soch said.
“I just want to mention it because sometimes people will say that they never get caught,” Soch said. “Well, our Oak Lawn police never give up and keep working hard.”
Trustee James Pembroke (4th), who was formerly a driver’s ed instructor, said he was concerned about a proliferation of youths and young teens riding motorized scooters through the village. Pembroke said he was concerned that one of these youths was going to get seriously hurt.
“The kids are not paying attention to stop signs,” Pembroke said. “I think this is a growing problem. These young kids are traveling in packs and they can go as fast as 20 miles per hour. Most of them are doing it right but a lot of them just don’t know.”
Pembroke mentioned that some people don’t want them riding on sidewalks while others don’t want them on the streets.
“I don’t think it’s any better on the streets,” Pembroke added. “It’s a recipe for disaster.”
Trustee Paul Mallo (3rd) said that parents probably should take a more active role in informing youngsters about riding these scooters safely.
Mayor Terry Vorderer said the village would look in to this but would prefer for now not to have police get involved.
“We should look into this before something tragic happens,” Vorderer said.
Successful carnivals
Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd) said that the St. Gerald Parish Carnival that took place last weekend was a success. Good weather allowed for large crowds to attend the event.
Olejniczak thanked all the volunteers who took part in making the carnival a wonderful time for adults, teens and kids. But he was also appreciative of the efforts of the police and fire departments.
“I’m very proud of our village because we still do this carnival,” Olejniczak said. “It means a lot to the kids.”
The trustee added that the police kept everyone safe and said that he was especially proud since many other villages have decided not to hold carnivals due to safety concerns. However, due to the hard work of the first responders, St. Gerald Parish is still able to hold the carnival.
Soch added that the St. Catherine of Alexandria Carnival held earlier this summer also was held with no problems due to the efforts of the police.
Mallo said the last summer concert will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at the Village Green. He also said the Oak Lawn Fall Fest will be held next month.
“We look forward to the community coming out,” Mallo said. “It makes me proud to be part of this village.”
New fire chief
New Fire Chief Michael McMillin took the oath of office from Village Clerk Claire Henning during the board meeting. His family and many friends attended the meeting to see him sworn in.
The Officer Ruben Flores Scholarship recipient was Kylee Tenison, who graduated from Marist High School in May and will be attending the University of Iowa this fall. She plans to major in business.
Kylee is the daughter of Oak Lawn Police Cmdr. Todd Tenison. Police Chief Daniel Vittorio presented the award to Kylee. The scholarship is named in memory of Officer Ruben Flores, a 20-year veteran who died in 2021 from cancer.
The police department then made available support Oak Lawn police yard signs. Funds raised from the sales of the signs were made available for the scholarship.
Vorderer also proclaimed the first week of September Payroll Week. Vorderer also mentioned that the village will also recognize Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month during August.