Posts by Bob Bong
Pizza Castle moving from Gage Park to Hickory Hills
By Bob Bong Pizza Castle has had a long run at its Gage Park neighborhood home on the Southwest Side. But after almost 50 years, the Jensen family is pulling up the roots on the family business and moving to the suburbs. The pizzeria, which was founded in 1973, will be moving to 7737 W.…
Read MoreMacy’s grand opening Friday in Evergreen Park
By Bob Bong The new Market by Macy’s and Macy’s Backstage stores will hold their grand openings this weekend at Evergreen Plaza in Evergreen Park. The new stores will open in the former Carson’s at 9700 S. Western Ave. Market by Macy’s will occupy the first floor and Macy’s Backstage outlet store will take over…
Read MoreCommunity turns out to salute Orland firefighters at open house
Nearly 500 people attended an open house hosted by the Orland Fire Protection District on Saturday that featured an up-close look at the techniques firefighters use to respond to emergencies. Demonstrations by firefighters included a rope rescue showing how individuals can be rescued from apartment buildings; the dive team demonstrated how they can rescue individuals from…
Read MorePalos Township hosts recycling event Saturday
Palos Township and the Cook County Sheriff’s Recycling Program are holding a paper, electronics and drug recycling event on Saturday, October 1, at Township Hall, 10802 S. Roberts Road in Palos Hills. Township residents only are eligible to bring paper for shredding, electronics for recycling and unwanted or expired drugs for proper disposal from 9…
Read MoreWarrant issued for man wanted in attempted Oak Lawn carjacking
An arrest warrant has been issued for one of four men suspected of being involved in an armed carjacking in Oak Lawn that took place April 18 near the intersection of 99th Place and Minnick Avenue. Jerome D. Fears Jr., 20, of Chicago, is wanted for the attempted vehicular hijacking that happened in the early…
Read MoreComings & Goings: Halloween stores are in full swing
By Bob Bong Frost is in the air, pumpkin spice is everywhere and spooky decorations have exploded in front yards across the Southland, which means it’s time for the seasonal Halloween stores to start popping up like zombies from the boneyard. Spirit Halloween, a seasonal retailer that operates in empty storefronts in the weeks leading up…
Read MoreWorth Fall Fest set for Sunday at Gale Moore Park
The Worth Park District will hold its annual Fall Fest from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at Gale Moore Park. The festival will include a hayride through the park, a pumpkin launcher and find the penny in the haystack. Pony rides, jugglers, a face painter, a petting zoo, pizza, concessions and food trucks…
Read MoreGlendora Banquet Hall closes as owners retire
By Bob Bong The Glendora Banquet Hall closed August 17 in Chicago Ridge after longtime owners Stanley and Mary Bielanski decided to retire. “They want to enjoy life,” said their son, Stan Jr., explaining why the couple decided to close the restaurant at 10225 S. Harlem Ave. after operating it for 31 years. He and…
Read MoreCook County Board unanimously repeals county wheel tax
Cook County commissioners last week unanimously voted to eliminate the so-called wheel tax for residents in unincorporated areas. The vote on September 22 will permanently end the county’s vehicle registration fines and fees. “Anytime we have an opportunity to cut or eliminate taxes it’s always the right thing to do for Cook County taxpayers,” said…
Read MoreSummit Police Department launches new crime website
By Carol McGowan The Summit Police Department has launched a digital crime fighting tool. The department is the second in Illinois to join the CrimeWatch Network. It’s a new website that offers direct access to crime and public safety-related information. Interim Police Chief Mel Ortiz announced the launch of the site, saying it gives people…
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