Local News
Orland Park Christmas parade lights up the season
“Even in the cold, this parade warms your heart,” said Cathy Garner, an Orland Park resident who joined her twin daughters in Sunday’s Christmas Parade. With temperatures hovering at 25 degrees but feeling like 15 due to the wind chill, residents bundled up in blankets, winter coats, and hats for the beloved tradition. The parade…
Chicago poll a ‘North Star’ amid 2025 budget disputes, local aldermen say
Change Research conducted an online survey of 801 general election voters from Nov. 18-21, focusing on Chicago’s budget negotiations. The city-wide poll was conducted to discover residents’ opinions about various topics such as politician and group favorability, property taxes, city spending, Chicago’s sanctuary city status and more. The majority of poll respondents identified as Democrats;…
Grandma’s legacy: Patsy’s gaming and golf brings fun and community to Palos Heights
Jim Ostry grew up in Evanston, across the street from Northwestern University. He spent his summers of his youth working as a caddy at Westmoreland Country Club. “That was when I started golfing and fell in love with the game,” said Ostry, of Lakeview. Ostry turned his passion for golf into a career with a…
Historian Kevin Wood brings Lincoln to life in Thanksgiving program
Standing over 6 feet tall and wearing a wide-brimmed stovetop hat, Kevin Wood cuts a striking figure as Abraham Lincoln. The historian from Adrian, Michigan, began portraying the 16th U.S. president—who served from 1861 until his assassination in 1865—due to their uncanny physical similarities. Wood and Lincoln even share the same height. As Lincoln once…
Mac and cheese, please! Mad Chicken brings comfort food flavors to Palos Park
Melted cheese dripped off the fork as Sawyer Schweikert took another bite of her favorite meal: mac and cheese. She’s nearly two years old and already has found her go-to dish at Mad Chicken, a new comfort food spot at 13037 LaGrange Road in Palos Park. Mad Chicken hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony…
Palos Heights council makes waves, approves $1.8M pool upgrade plan
Fifteen years after a citizens’ group fundraised to save the city’s aging pool from closure, the facility is undergoing a $1.8 million transformation. The upgrades, partially funded by a $600,000 grant, include decking repairs, concrete replacements, and a new pool house. “This pool is 50 years old,” Alderman Jeffrey Key said. “We’re essentially getting a…
Contested races mark Palos Heights’ April election
Palos Heights voters are set to cast their ballots on April 1, 2025, in an election featuring key races for mayor, city treasurer, and City Council seats. Mayor Incumbent Mayor Robert Straz, who has served in various capacities in Palos Heights for more than 40 years, is seeking another term. Straz’s campaign highlights his tenure…
In the holiday spirit, YSV Candles and Gifts nurtures creativity, connection in Garfield Ridge
Mildred Rivera, owner of YSV Candles and Gifts, is more than a businesswoman. She’s a candlemaker and community advocate whose Garfield Ridge store is a hub for artisan wares and creative workshops. Located at 6623 W. Archer Ave., YSV Candles and Gifts offers handmade candles, natural cosmetics, and unique artisan creations from 20 local makers.…
Area Lions clubs ready to sing ‘O Christmas Tree’
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time for local Lions Clubs to hold their annual sale of Christmas trees to raise money for the wonderful causes they support during the year. The Palos Lions will get the tree sales rolling early this year because Thanksgiving falls so late, Nov. 28. The club…
Pekau, Dodge to duke it out in Orland Park
At one time, Keith Pekau and Jim Dodge were on friendly terms. Pekau said he even supported Dodge for Illinois treasurer in the 2018 election. But things went sour during their time on the village board with Pekau being the mayor and Dodge a senior trustee and the two frequently locked horns until Dodge declined…
Park Lawn Queen of Hearts picks a winner – finally
After two years with no winner and a jackpot exceeding $2 million, Park Lawn’s longest-running Queen of Hearts raffle will conclude with a draw-down that was scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at At the Office sports bar, 4901 Cal-Sag Road, Crestwood. An exceptionally large crowd turned out for the Nov. 13 drawing, where…
Hickory Hills honors veterans with annual ceremony at Veterans Park
As the sun set on Veterans Park Thursday evening, residents, city officials, and veterans gathered to honor the strength, dedication, and sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The annual Hickory Hills ceremony, held in celebration of Veterans Day week, paid tribute to veterans and the values they fought to protect.…
‘Tis the season: Palos Lions Club kicks off Christmas tree sale Saturday
Thanksgiving is falling late on the calendar this year, but there’s no need to delay your holiday cheer—Palos Lions Club’s Christmas tree sale opens for business on Saturday. Since the early 1950s, the Palos Lions Club has hosted an annual Christmas tree sale in the south parking lot of the Old National Bank building at…
Stickney promotes first female police sergeant, 2 corporals
Three officers from the Stickney Police Department were promoted at the Nov. 6 Stickney Board of Trustees meeting. The board approved Police Chief James Sassetti’s promotion recommendations unanimously. Before a full boardroom of family, fellow officers, and residents, Ashley McDonald, Brian Kelliher, and Mitchell Hattan were elevated in rank. McDonald, previously a watch commander, was…
Residents, Chicago activists react to shooting near Garfield Ridge tavern
Garfield Ridge residents expressed fear and frustration Sunday night after a shooting Friday night in the 7000 block of West Archer Avenue killed one person and injured two. Residents and Chicago activists held a press conference Sunday night outside the former Halina’s Pub at 7023 W. Archer and called for the tavern’s permanent closure and…
1 killed, 2 hurt in Garfield Ridge shooting
One man was killed and two others were wounded in a shootout Friday night in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood. The shooting took place in the 7000 block of West Archer Avenue in what may have been an illegally operating bar. Police said two men – ages 27 and 31 – were walking down the street…
Rhine VFW Post pays tribute to veterans
Veterans Day was celebrated last week by members of Rhine VFW Post 2729 in a ceremony that welcomed veterans, family and guests. The post at 5858 S. Archer Ave. has members from Garfield Ridge and Clearing and a number of suburban members who moved over after the VFW Post in Summit closed a few years…
Stagg High students explore trade careers at vocational fair
Stagg High School students had a chance to explore careers in the trade industry on Tuesday during a Vocational Fair at the school’s campus, 8015 W. 111th St., aimed at broadening their exposure to post-secondary options. “Every student has an individual path and goal for their future, and each should have the opportunity to learn…
Justice board OKs purchase of upgraded Tasers
Justice Village Board members have approved purchasing seven Taser 10 devices for $52,656 from Axon Enterprises Inc. The new equipment is expected to be ready for use in early 2025 after officers complete training. Deputy Police Chief Fred Schuerg highlighted the advancements of the Taser 10s compared to the older Taser 7s during the board’s…
UPDATE: Priest cleared of abuse charges
A local priest who was asked to step aside over allegations of sexual abuse of a minor was reinstated by the Chicago Archdiocese on Saturday. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services closed their investigation of the Rev. Martin “Marty” Marren, who was temporarily relieved of his duties on Nov. 9. The priest had…
Illinois News
Pritzker signs bills targeting wage theft, expanding HIV care options
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker has signed 401 bills sent to him this calendar year, leaving just 10 of those passed by lawmakers this year awaiting his action as of Monday. His most recent crop of signed bills from Friday, June 10, included a measure taking aim at…
ANALYSIS: Pritzker, Mendoza see record ‘rainy day fund’ balance as proof of fiscal achievement
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com The state’s “rainy day” fund – spent down to essentially nothing during the 2015-2017 budget impasse – now has its highest-ever balance of $750 million after a $320 million deposit this week. While statutory fund transfers don’t usually make for headline fodder, the fact that the state is…
New poll shows Bailey ahead in GOP primary; Irvin ‘reassessing’ strategy
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowick@capitolnewsillinois.com A new poll from the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago radio station WBEZ shows downstate state Sen. Darren Bailey with a 15-point lead on Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin in the GOP governor race, a major reversal with 18 days to go before polls close on Tuesday, June 28. Irvin’s…
Pritzker signs bill to expand mental health workforce
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill Friday aimed at expanding the state’s mental health workforce and improving access to mental and behavioral health services throughout the state. Senate Bill 3617, an omnibus mental health bill, passed unanimously out of both chambers this spring. Among other things,…
ANALYSIS: Poll shows Illinoisans more moderate than GA on abortion
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – A new survey released this week suggests Illinoisans are more moderate on the issue of abortion than the current Democratic-controlled General Assembly, but it is unclear whether that will cost Democrats votes in November. The poll by the Chicago-based firm Ogden & Fry – which is…
DCFS timeline shows agency visited family one day before 8-year-old’s death
By BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois bhundsdorfer@capitolnewsillinois.com Amaria Osby’s friends and family were to gather Tuesday, not to celebrate her eighth birthday, but to attend her funeral. Andrea Hagler, Amaria’s mother, won’t be there. She is charged with the first-degree murder of her daughter. Amaria’s death once again drew scrutiny of Illinois’ child protection agency,…
Pritzker willing to call out National Guard to Chicago, if asked
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker indicated Monday he would be willing to deploy the National Guard to help deal with a violent crime spree in Chicago, but only if he’s asked to do so. “Well, I think you know that I have called up the National Guard whenever…
CAPITOL RECAP: GOP candidates on the attack in recent debate
By CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD – All six Republican candidates participated in a single debate Thursday, June 2, and for the most part, candidates aimed criticisms at the man who has recently had a slight polling lead, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. Darren Bailey, a state senator from Xenia best known for challenging Gov. JB Pritzker’s…
Pritzker announces progress in processing rape case evidence, signs highway camera expansion
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police announced Friday that all sexual assault evidence is being processed within the 180-day timeframe outlined in state law – bringing to zero the number of legally “backlogged” cases that rose as high as 1,815 in March 2019. It’s the first time all…
ANALYSIS: More attacks as GOP governor field takes single stage for 1st time
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsilllinois.com Things got a bit chippy Thursday night when the six Republican candidates took the stage together for the first time for a debate in Chicago. For the most part, candidates aimed criticisms at the man who has recently had a slight polling lead, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. Darren…
