Posts by Steve Metsch
Bridgeview Fire Department partners with Moraine Valley Community College
By Steve Metsch The Bridgeview Fire Department has signed on with Moraine Valley Community College for a firefighter internship program with an eye on future hires. Village officials hope this will result in well-trained men and women joining the fire department. The Moraine Valley Fire Service Internship Program is for students who want to become…
Read MoreSouthpaw slides into Lyons, visits kids at public library
By Steve Metsch A tall, furry and green creature who loves baseball visited the Lyons Public Library the morning of July 18. Southpaw, the mascot of the Chicago White Sox, received a hero’s welcome from about 45 children gathered on the patio south of the building. It was a fun way to spend a summer…
Read MoreRodriguez takes charge of Lyons Public Works
By Steve Metsch After 18 months, Tito Rodriguez can remove “interim” from his job title. Rodriguez, 60, was sworn in as Lyons Public Works Director at the July 18 meeting of the village board. He had held the job of interim director since January 2022. That’s when former public works director Ryan Grace left Lyons…
Read MoreNot all residents like Countryside’s plan for busy side streets
By Steve Metsch In attempt to stop motorists from cutting through a neighborhood – and to the chagrin of some residents there – the Countryside City Council has approved installing “no right turn” signs along East Avenue at 56th, 57th and 58th streets. More motorists have been using those side streets as shortcuts between East…
Read MoreLyons woman writes a book to help weather personal storms
By Steve Metsch Diane Marie Lumpkins has spent much of her life helping others. And now she’s written a book with that goal in mind. Lumpkins, who works as a case manager specializing in housing for the DuPage County community services department, has written “When the Moon Goes Dim,” published by London-based Europe Books. “The…
Read MoreState Police honor Bridgeview Sgt. Stein for bravery
By Steve Metsch It’s true, Bridgeview Police Sgt. Jason Stein said. When death seems imminent, your life does indeed flash before your eyes. “You see your life pass before your eyes. You do. Oh, yeah. Everything. Some stuff I didn’t want to remember,” Stein said. For his death-defying moment – a gun was pointed at his head nearly four…
Read MoreMinneci joins Lyons Township Mental Health Commission
By Steve Metsch Barbara Minneci is very familiar with the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission, so she should fit in comfortably. After having worked eight years as an assistant to the commission’s executive director Ron Melka, Minneci is now a member of the nine-person commission. Minneci, a Willow Springs resident, was sworn in by Township…
Read MoreSuspected tornado slams Countryside, nearby towns
By Steve Metsch A suspected tornado slammed into the south part of Countryside around 6 p.m. Wednesday, causing plenty of damage but no known injuries. Damage was also reported in Hodgkins, Lyons and McCook. “There’s lots of damage, but no injuries have been reported. That’s great news,” Countryside Mayor Sean McDermott said at 8:45 p.m.…
Read MoreLa Grange tennis courts will soon re-open after settlement
By Steve Metsch Tennis balls will soon again be flying at La Grange courts that have been closed for more than a year. Thanks to an agreement between La Grange School District 105 and the La Grange Park District, three courts at the northwest corner of 53rd Street and Catherine Avenue will again be open…
Read MoreNazareth retires Julian Love’s No. 20, inducts him into Roadrunners Hall of Fame
By Steve Metsch Julian Love was not happy when he fell short of making the Nazareth varsity football team as a freshman. During the summer before bis sophomore year, he worked out every day, improved his skills and earn a varsity spot. And he did not disappoint, helping the Roadrunners to back-to-back state championships in…
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