Worth bean bag tourney aids Special Olympics

Worth Mayor Mary Werner was pleased that participants enjoyed competing in a bean bag tournament while assisting the Illinois Special Olympics.

The Worth Police Department sponsored the annual Fall Bean Bag Tournament on Sept. 7 at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991.

Cash prizes were awarded to the top three teams. But what was most important, according to the mayor, was the event raised a large amount for Special Olympics.

“The bean bag tournament at Marrs-Meyer Post raised over $1,000 for Special Olympics,” said Werner during the Worth Village Board meeting Tuesday night. “I wish Trustee (Brad) Urban was here because I want to thank him personally for all the cooking he did that day.”

Urban was not able to attend the meeting but board members said he was grilling hot dogs and hamburgers throughout the day, which he usually does at events at Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post.

Board members had a general discussion on a moratorium on schools in the village. The moratorium was established for a period of six months and is set to expire on Oct. 16. However, the board can ask for an extension.

The concern for Werner and the trustees is that a proliferation of educational facilities are opening throughout the village, ranging from daycare centers, tutoring facilities, commercial or trade schools, or similar centers.

While these institutions are a plus to the community, they are opening in locations that once housed businesses. Board members would like to see some restrictions imposed, such as limitations of the educational facilities in certain zones.

While the board is considering changes to these facilities, this does not affect public schools.

“We are consistently losing sales taxes, if we don’t put in certain provisions,” said Trustee Rich Dziedzic.

Village Clerk Bonnie Price mentioned that a tag day will be set up for the Our Lady of the Ridge Knights of Columbus for Friday, Oct. 4, at 111th and Ridgeland Avenue.

Trustee Pete Kats, the chairman of the public safety committee, said that police were busy in the month of August. Police made 38 arrests last month.

“It was a very busy month for the officers and I want to thank them for all that they do,” Kats said.

Kats added that the police will be holding their child safety seat check day from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the police station, 7112 W. 111th St.

The public works department repaired two water main breaks last month at 109th and Oak Park and 111th Place and Depot Street. Bacteriological samples last month were taken and tested. All samples passed and are IEPA compliant.

An amendment was approved for an agreement between the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the village concerning Water’s Edge Golf Course.

This has been a lengthy process in which Altman Park will eventually become the property of the Worth Park District.

An ordinance approving an agreement between the village and Hyper IT LLC was approved.

A business license was given tentative approval for Al-Noor Fashion, 11326 S. Harlem Ave. Owner Mohammad Ayesh said he will be selling traditional women’s clothing through an online store. Occasional store pickups will be provided, Ayesh said.

The recent Worth Cruisers Car Show had over 170 cars featured at the event. Gross sales were over $1,500 and a profit of over $1,000 was collected, Dziedzic said.

Trustee Laura Packwood, who chairs the golf committee, said Water’s Edge has raised $63,000 more than last year. The Youth Golf Organization is providing golf for youngsters at a nominal price.

“Water’s Edge is actually rated number one for youth golf in the area,” Packwood said. “There are a lot of kids out there. It’s important because they are our future golfers.”

Werner also mentioned that the last outdoor music fest will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot St. Admission is free and the featured band is Big Milly & The Mayhem. Food and refreshments are available for purchase.

The Worth Park District will hold its annual Fall Fest from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at Gale Moore Park, 109th and Nordica. Hayrides through the park, penny in the haystack, a teen zone, pony rides and a playground will be part of the festivities.

A beer and wine garden will be available, along with food trucks, bingo and a bags tournament at the fest. Guests can also watch football.