Worth police were busy last month arresting more than their fair share of drivers who were charged with a variety of traffic offenses.
Police made 45 arrests during February, according to reports. Seventeen of those arrested were driving with either a suspended or revoked license, according to police.
Another 16 were arrested for driving without a driver’s license, police said.
“It seems like nobody gets the message,” said Trustee Pete Kats, who serves as chair of the public safety commission. “It is pretty amazing.”
Kats made his remarks during the Worth Village Board meeting Tuesday night. Kats added that this seems to be a monthly occurrence and blames in part the court system that he said does not punish these offenders appropriately.
On a more positive note, the board approved a request by Police Chief Tim Denton to hire two new officers for the police force. Denton said the officers needed to be hired as quickly as possible due to the fact that they are on multiple police eligibility lists.
The new hires would start employment on April 1, to begin their field training period so they are ready to become Worth police officers as soon as possible. These officers would bring the police department to full strength.
“This staffing would bring our staffing level to 28 sworn officers and allow each shift to be at full strength,” Denton said.
The board approved a fine schedule for violations for businesses and residential homes. Board members decided that a flat fee fine of $150 will be issued to offenders.
An ordinance was also approved for structural engineering services for the Worth Fire Station at 7112 W. 111th St.
A resolution was approved for improvements for the Worth Avenue Plahm Court to 107th Street for $404,037 for engineering and construction services. Another resolution was approved for the 2024 Motor Fuel Tax Sidewalk project for $1,800.
Trustee Laura Packwood, chair for the golf committee, said the fish fry dinners being offered each Friday through April 18 at the Water’s Edge Golf Clubhouse, 7205 W. 115th St., are extremely popular.
“The fish fry has been unbelievably packed,” Packwood said. ”I hope people who go there are patient.”
The fish fry dinners are available from 4 to 9 p.m. each Friday. No reservations are required.
The mayor also noted that fish fry dinners are also being offered each Friday through April 18 at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot St. The dinners are served from 4 to 7 p.m.
“People can go to one place and go to the other the next week,” Werner said. “They are both great.”
Urban, who serves as chair of the public works committee, said the village now has the new vactor-jetter truck to clean sewers and streets more efficiently.
A business license was tentatively granted to owner Arsalan Uddin to open Rodeo Burgers and Chicken, 11111 S. Harlem Ave., Unit E. The business is now under new ownership.
Ahmed Abughosh was granted a business license for Friends Market, 10722-10726 S. Harlem Ave. Abughosh was also granted a business license for Fresh Market, 6925 W. 111th St., Unit 106.
Hussein Akhattab was approved to open the Meat House, 11300 S. Harlem Ave. Akhattab is the new owner of the business and plans no new changes.
Werner mentioned that the “Welcome Home Luncheon” to mark Vietnam Veterans Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Marrs-Meyer Post. More information can be obtained by calling Curt Miller, 708-229-7503, or Joanne Bertram, 708-606-9456.
The Stagg Music Booster Spring Craft Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 22, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at the high school, 8015 W. 111th St., Palos Hills. The entrance fee is $3 for ages 12 and over. More information can be obtained by emailingAAStaggMusicBoosters@gmail.com.
Worth Scout Troop 668 and Cub Pack 3668 will hold their 68th annual All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 5, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11007 S. 76th Ave.