CAPITOL RECAP: Multi-year infrastructure plan laid out
Local News
Marist tops York for its fourth boys volleyball state title
By Randy Whalen Correspondent What does it take to make a state champion? “We had guys that I’ve been hard on for nine months,” Marist boys volleyball coach Jordan Vidovic said. “All for a five-point stretch. “None of them ran away from the challenge.” How big were some of those five-point stretches? The proof is……
Boys Volleyball State Finals | Hilltoppers prove to be thorn in Lions’ paw
By Randy Whalen Correspondent After finishing state runner-up in 2023, Lyons knew it had the potential to be in position for another run at a state championship this season. The Lions did that, advancing to the state tournament for a second straight season. But they ran into an old foe in a rematch of last year’s……
Coyne Schofield continues to make hockey history
By Jeff Vorva Correspondent Kendall Coyne Schofield has earned numerous significant accolades during her hockey career, including an Olympic gold medal and a pair of Olympic silver medals. The Sandburg graduate and Palos Heights native added to that collection by helping PWHL Minnesota win the inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League championship on May 29 in……
Red Stars ready for Wrigley
By Jeff Vorva Correspondent After weeks of hype and anticipation, the Chicago Red Stars are finally ready to invade Wrigley Field. While the Red Stars may not draw the NWSL record of 34,130 spectators they were hoping for on June 8, they do have a shot to surpass the franchise record 23,951, which was set……
Area Sports Roundup | New coaches named at Richards and Stagg
By Jeff Vorva Correspondent A few area high school coaching vacancies have been filled, including those for Richards boys basketball and Stagg football. Jamal Thompson takes over at Richards for Kyle Rathbun. Thompson has experience coaching at Seton, Leo and St. Rita. Jacob O’Connor will lead Stagg football, where he takes the reins from Colt……
Memorial service honors longtime Independence art teacher
By Kelly White Palos School District 128 honored the life of one of its beloved educators with a Memorial Service. The service at Independence Jr. High School, 6610 W. Highland Dr., Palos Heights, May 24 honored the legacy of longtime art teacher, Mike Maholland, of Hickory Hills, who passed away on February 18. “Mike Maholland……
Oak Lawn Chamber to sponsor Restaurant Week
By Bob Bong More than a dozen restaurants have signed up to take part in the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Restaurant Week in June. “This is a new endeavor for us,” said Anne Fritz, chamber executive director. “This will be our unofficial kick off to summer.” Fritz said the chamber’s marketing committee came……
One-in-a-million blue-eyed cicada found in Orland Park
By Jeff Vorva Kelly Simkins is an aspiring musician and someday she just might hit the stage and perform a Frank Sinatra song. Meanwhile, the Crestwood resident is partnering with another “Ol Blue Eyes” for a little fame. So, start spreading the news… Simkins, who owns Merlin’s Rockin’ Pet Show, was in Orland Park looking……
Summit looks to replace aging pedestrian bridge
By Carol McGowan Generations of Summit residents have used the 74th Avenue pedestrian bridge and village officials are now getting ready to replace the aging structure. Village Engineer Tim Klass from Novotny Engineering recently discussed replacing the bridge with a crowd of about 75 people at a community meeting on May 15 at Graves School.……
Flagg Creek golfers will pay more for greens fees
By Steve Metsch It will cost more to play at Flagg Creek Golf Course in Countryside this summer. The Pleasant Dale Park District, by a 4-1 vote, recently approved a rate increase that had been unanimously approved by the Countryside City Council in April. The park district and city are co-owners of Flagg Creek. The……
Neighbors
St. Rita’s season comes to end against Kenwood
By Jeff Vorva Staff Writer If this St. Rita team returns intact next season, look out. The Mustangs were six minutes away from winning their first sectional championship, holding a six-point lead against top-seeded Kenwood at the Class 4A Thornwood Sectional on March 4. The Broncos, however, roared back and went on a roll the……
New director joins Worth Public Library
By Kelly White With a love of books and knowledge, Rachel Snyder is happy to take on her new role as director of the Worth Public Library. “It sounds so stereotypical, but I have always loved books and felt most at home when I was around them,” Snyder, of Lemont, said. “So, a chance to……
Catholic kids ditch school masks
Public schools stick with pandemic regs By Tim Hadac Reports of local Catholic school children rejoicing over the lifting of mask mandates were widespread this week, while their parents reacted with a mix of opinions. “I’ve seen kids jubilant over this—some so much so that they appeared to be crying tears of joy,” said Garfield……
Say man shot 3 in Back of the Yards
Accused trio of plotting to have him killed By Tim Hadac A 59-year-old man has been charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in connection with the shooting of three men in his Back of the Yards home. Jesus Hernandez has confessed to the slayings, according to published reports, allegedly……
Espresso Palette in Chicago Ridge hosts D218 art show
By Kelly White As a young artist, Jason Milne, enjoys spending his free time building his talent. “I grew up in a huge family, so getting some time to myself was difficult; but, whenever I did I always loved to draw,” Milne, 19, of Blue Island, said. Milne attends the Adult Transition Program at District……
Students show off their strength at Stagg powerlift meet
By Kelly White Powerlifting shows your strength. The sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. Male and female Stagg High School students showcased their lifting talents with a Powerlift Meet at the high school, 8015 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, on February 26. “What I……
Standing with Ukraine
While the Southwest Side’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine appeared to be limited to prayers in churches last weekend, one Southwest Side elected official, 15th Ward Raymond Lopez, joined retired 11th Ward Ald. James A. Balcer and a handful of military veterans in a display of solidarity in the Loop. “Chicago must stand……
Rush anti-lynching bill passes House
Inspired by Emmett Till’s 1955 murder From staff reports A bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-1st) that would — for the first time in history — designate lynching as a federal hate crime passed the House of Representatives earlier this week by a 422-3 vote. The bill (H.R. 55) is called the……
Head in the stars, feet on the ground
‘Astro Joe’ brings astronomy to the people By Kelly White When Joseph Guzman was a child, he used to swipe his father’s binoculars and lie out in the backyard, exploring the urban skies with great fascination. The young boy did not know what he was observing, but he felt a strong attraction to the……
Don’t get sidelined by sports scams, BBB warns
By Better Business Bureau staff When shopping for a team jersey or other sports memorabilia, watch out for fakes. Scammers know that authentic game-used and/or autographed items can fetch big bucks – especially for items commemorating big games. When shopping online, it can be hard to trust that a seller or product is genuine. Follow……