Oak Lawn police officer indicted for last summer’s beating of teen

reporter hadi abuatelah

By Joe Boyle An Oak Lawn police officer involved in a brutal confrontation and later the arrest of a 17-year-old last summer was indicted Tuesday by a Cook County grand jury. Officer Patrick O’Connell was indicted on counts of aggravated battery and official misconduct in connection with the July 27 arrest of Hadi Abuatelah. Zaid…

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Moraine Valley names two board members to fill vacancies 

reporter MVCC ODay swearing in

The Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees has selected two district residents to fill vacancies left by board members who resigned last month. Jaclyn O’Day, of Palos Park, was sworn in on Tuesday, Jan. 24, and Tiffany Robinson, of Robbins, was sworn in on Tuesday, Jan. 31. O’Day has over 15 years of experience…

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Sheriff warns public of phone scam  

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Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart is warning of a telephone scam where a caller identifying as a Sheriff’s Office employee tells victims they must pay a large fine for missing court or they will go to jail. The caller tells the victim to pay the fine using a money transfer app such as Zelle…

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Porfirio announces funding for lead service line replacement  

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From staff reports   The Illinois EPA announced a total of $300,000 in combined funds is coming to area south suburban communities to help identify service lines that may contain lead. “The exposure to lead in drinking water poses a serious risk to our communities,” said state Senator Mike Porfirio (D-Burbank). “This new aid will ensure…

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Evergreen Park police cited after domestic violence arrest 

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By Joe Boyle  Nine members of the Evergreen Park Police Department received commendations for making an arrest and possibly preventing further violence.  Police Chief Michael Saunders requested that the commendations be given to the officers during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting on Monday night.  “The commendations were given to the officers for responding to a case…

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Worth Park District wants Lucas-Berg site to become recreation area

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By Joe Boyle Worth Park District representatives have scheduled a meeting with Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison (R-17th) to discuss ways to develop an intergovernmental relationship to offer the Lucas-Berg site for public recreation. Mike McElroy, president of the Worth Park District Board, said during the village board meeting Tuesday night that the park district…

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Tri-State lane closures start Monday as area ramps prepare to reopen

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Overnight lane closures are scheduled next week to shift traffic on Interstate 55 and on the northbound Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294) between Willow Springs Road and Plainfield Road and reopen the ramp connecting northbound I-294 to southbound I-55 and Wolf Road. On Monday, February 6, beginning at 9 p.m. and continuing until 5 a.m. on…

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Comings & Goings: Orland Area Chamber installs new officers  

biz new orland chamber prez

Ramzi Hassan of Edwards Realty Company was installed last week as president of the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce. The 2023 board of directors was also installed and annual membership awards were handed out during ceremonies last Thursday at the Crystal Tree Country Club. Installation duties were performed by Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau.…

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Oak Lawn studio wants to be haven for artists 

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By Joe Boyle  An acorn may be the symbol that inspires the Oak Lawn community to unleash its artistic talents.  The first official session of the Acorn to Oak Studios will be presented from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, in the north wing of the Pilgrim Faith Church campus, 9411 S. 51st Avenue,…

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