Several residents are complaining about motorists who repeatedly speed and ignore stop signs in the Village of Worth.
One resident stated during the public comments portion of the Worth Village Board meeting on April 2 that he was nearly hit by a passing motorist who blew through a stop sign. The resident said this took place along 115th Street.
“I just want to know what can be done, why can’t a police officer be out there? I yelled at the person and they drove by me and smiled. This happens all the time now,” the resident said.
Mayor Mary Werner said that police do patrol the area frequently. She is considering a few options to curtail the speeders.
“It just seems like over the past three years, it has just been getting worse,” Werner said. “I’m not sure what the answer is. But I see this on Facebook and people are complaining about it in Chicago Ridge, Palos Heights and Palos Hills. They are all saying the same thing. Does anyone stop for stop signs anymore?”
Police Chief Tim Denton sensed that the resident was frustrated and reminded him to call the department when this occurs.
“Don’t have that mindset,” Denton said. “So, please call us. I assure you will be looking for them.”
Denton added that they receive numerous calls about drivers going over the limit and ignoring stop signs. He added that Worth may not have the manpower that nearby municipalities have but they will respond. Denton said that they receive as many calls about negligent drivers as other communities.
“Don’t ever think you are bothering us,” Werner said. “Please call us.”
Another resident suggested installing speed bumps, but Trustee Pete Kats ruled out that possibility, pointing to the expense and the fact they would have to be removed during the winter.
“We just don’t have the manpower for that,” Kats said.
Werner knew that the frustration had grown after a man was hit by a passing motorist and died from his injuries in what was an apparent road rage incident on March 24 in the 6500 block of West 115th Street. A Worth man was charged with reckless homicide in the incident.
“We can look into restrictions on who can drive down certain streets,” Werner said. “We will look into this.”
Election day results
Kats congratulated Werner, Village Clerk Bonnie Price, and trustees Rich Dziedzic, Brad Urban and Tedd Muersch Jr. on winning their elections on April 1.
“I want to congratulate you for serving another four years for the village,” Kats said.
Werner and Price were both unopposed. According to unofficial totals, Urban collected 31.82% of the vote and Dziedzic had 29.25%. Muersch received 22.08% of the vote.
All three of the trustees were incumbents. Donald Dambek was running for trustee but trailed the three with 16.85% of the vote.
New businesses
A business license was tentatively granted for Astro Smoke & Vape, 6604 W. 111th St. Yazan Al Naimi becomes the new owner of the tobacco shop.
Jaba Jewelers, 7101 W. 111th St., Suite 110, received a tentative license. Saif Jaber and Maan Yousef will be the owners of the jewelry store.
A business license was tentatively granted to owner Muayad Muzahem for Alfalah Market, Inc., 11501 S. Harlem Ave., Unit B. He will be selling a variety of meats and vegetables.
Price mentioned that the 2025 MFT street resurfacing project will be done by Lindahl Brothers in the amount of $465,442.85. Price added that this was the lowest responsible bid. The village has utilized the company previously, she said.
The purchase of a 2025 Ford Interceptor has been approved for $49,362. Denton said that taxpayers will not have to pay for the vehicle.
Werner mentioned that the annual Spring Arts, Crafts and Vendor Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, in the gym and cafeteria at Shepard High School, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights. Entrance to the event is in the rear of the building at door 14.
Residents can drop off clothing from noon to 7 p.m. Monday, April 21, through Wednesday, April 23, at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot St., for the “New To You” Rummage Sale. The event is sponsored by the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Auxiliary.
The rummage sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 25, at the post.
Will Martin, of Scout Troop 668 of St. Mark Lutheran Church, is working on his Eagle Scout project. He is working with Mrs. Jacky’s Soldiers to send care packages to local soldiers serving overseas. More information can be obtained by contacting willmartineagleproject@gmail.com.
Yes there’s a lot of people that blow the stop signs in Chicago Ridge also, I hope they read this message, their children can be playing or simply crossing the street and can get hit by a vehicle speeding and going through a stop sign.