Worth police ready to take another Polar Plunge

By Joe Boyle

While the temperatures have been milder so far this month, Worth residents are reminded that winter is still here.

And the Worth Police Department, along with some hardy volunteers, will take part in the 2024 Law Enforcement Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 9, in the parking lot of the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot St.

The announcement was made during the Worth Village Board meeting on Tuesday night. Trustee Brad Urban, a member of the post, said some time changes have taken place for this year’s plunge.

The first plunge is scheduled to occur at 11:30 a.m. Two other plunges will take place between 1 and 1:30 p.m., Urban said.

“We wanted to change the times so people aren’t waiting all day,” Urban said.

The Worth Police Department “Copsicles” will lead the way for the plunge. The event is open to everyone and lunch will be served. Post members said donations would be appreciated but not required.

The event is held to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois. Donations can be sent online at https://support.soill.org/team/558165.

Board members also discussed several future ordinances during the meeting, including one amendment regarding the parking of motor vehicles. Regulations require trailers, SUVs, RVs and even snowmobiles to be parked on concrete.

Urban and other trustees mentioned that it should be written into the ordinance that this should not include residents dumping stones on grass near homes that suddenly become unofficial driveways.

An ordinance addressing these concerns is scheduled to be brought up at the next board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

The municipal code regarding water connection regulations was amended and approved by the board. The change in code will promote the public health and safety by establishing amended regulations necessary to ensure safe drinking water, according to the ordinance.

Trustee Laura Packwood, chair of the golf committee, said that fish frys will begin on Wednesday, Feb.14 (Ash Wednesday), at the Water’s Edge Golf Course Restaurant. The fish frys will then be held each Friday through March 29.

Due to the frigid weather that gripped the area through most of January, only four people golfed at Water’s Edge last month, Packwood said.

“Golf is doing really well.” Packwood said. “They have a new chef at the restaurant who is putting together new menus with daily specials.”

A business license was tentatively granted for Mandi King, 6925 W. 111th St. The restaurant is under new ownership of Basheer Al Zahar.

Al Zahar said that the menu will be similar but some changes will take place. The menu had been Mediterranean-based but now will accentuate Yemen dishes.

A business license was tentatively granted for Al Khal Bakery and Sweets, 10712 S. Harlem Ave. Owners Mohammed Mustafa, Raed Abunemeh and Osama Alshaiebi said the bakery will provide bakery and a variety of sweets for pick-up only.

Express Tours and Travel, 11403 S. Harlem Ave., was given tentative approval to open for business. Owner Kefah Abu Laila said the business has gone through a name change.

Abu Laila added that the business is under the same ownership and in the same building.