Original News, Features & Opinion
Steve Metsch Writer, author, blogger Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers and the Chicago Tribune. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago. He covers politics, community and neighborhood events, as well as writing slice-of-life observations and…
Stevenson toll lanes a tough sell Public leery of IDOT proposal to add two pay lanes By Steve Metsch Judging by the reaction of folks who attended a public meeting last week about a proposal to install toll lanes on the Stevenson Expressway, the Illinois Department of Transportation has a lot of convincing to do….
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band are still rockin’ Three hours and 26 songs have fans happy at Wrigley By Steve Metsch If your Friday night is open and you have money to spend, consider heading to Wrigley Field. No, the red-hot Cubs are not playing in their ivy-covered baseball shrine. But Bruce Springsteen…
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Weathering personal storms Lyons woman writes book to help folks cope By Steve Metsch Diane Marie Lumpkins has spent much of her life helping others. She works as a case manager who specializes in housing for the DuPage County community services department, using her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. The Lyons resident recently…
Countryside solution irks some Say speeders, not shortcuts, are the problem 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…
Former Lyons trustee Alonzi dies Served 12 years; started block party By Steve Metsch As do many people in Lyons, Village Trustee Dan Hilker has fond memories of former Trustee Pat Alonzi. “I sat next to Pat (at board meetings). … She was fun to deal with. She was concerned about the citizens of the…
Lyons’ Music in the Park First of seven free shows is tonight in Veterans Park By Steve Metsch Are you looking for a fun summer night with free music? Lyons has you covered the next seven Wednesdays. Lyons’ Music in the Park – delayed one week because of tornados and huge storms on July 12…
Buddy Holly comes to life New show at Marriott Lincolnshire a rockin’ good time By Steve Metsch Kieran McCabe turns in a star performance playing Buddy Holly, whose meteoric rise up the charts in the late 1950s is still the stuff of legends. “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story” debuted June 28 to a sold-out…
Parkland for the future: convert Tinley Park Mental Health Center to recreational center Sen. Hastings, others urge Pritzker to sign bill for Tinley plan By Steve Metsch State Sen. Michael Hastings recalls the fun he had as a boy at the Tinley Park Park District facilities. He wants more kids to have such fun. “I…
McCook names new Police Chief McCook’s new police chief is mayor’s brother By Steve Metsch McCook’s new police chief has a familiar last name. Jeremy Carr is the younger brother of Mayor Terrance Carr. His promotion from commander to chief, effective July 1, was unanimously approved by the village board on June 19. Mayor Carr…
Countryside to get pedestrian bridge Will span dangerous intersection near bike trail By Steve Metsch We all know you can get your kicks on Route 66. But soon, thanks to $2.5 million grant from the state, you will get your kicks crossing over Route 66. The historic highway – known as Joliet Road in Countryside…
Youth charged with attempted first-degree murder of fellow Lyons Township student By Steve Metsch A juvenile has been charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with a May 1 beating outside the north campus of Lyons Township High School that left one juvenile “injured severely,” La Grange Police said in a news release late Wednesday….
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James Koc rejoins Lyons ZBA Village also honors longtime dentist By Steve Metsch One familiar face is returning to the Lyons Zoning Board of Appeals. And another familiar face was honored by Mayor Christopher Getty when the village board met on Oct. 18. First, the board unanimously approved appointing James Koc to the ZBA. Getty…
“It’s time,” says McCook top cop Svetich McCook Police Chief Steve Svetich to retire in June By Steve Metsch Saying the time has come after 35 years on duty, McCook Police Chief Steve Svetich is planning to retire on June 30. Appointed chief in June of 2021, Svetich has submitted a letter notifying the village…
No town too small, Pritzker visits Southwest suburbs Gov. Pritzker stumps for votes in tiny Hodgkins By Steve Metsch It’s not often the governor of Illinois knocks on your front door. But such was the case Thursday afternoon in the 8800 block of Lyons Street in Hodgkins at the home of Joanna Filkins. Filkins’ house…
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By Steve Metsch Lyons Township’s bid for a fifth win and probable playoff spot was put on hold Saturday by York and running back Jake Melion. The junior ran for three touchdowns, including one with 2:19 left, to seal a 27-14 win for undefeated York in Lyons’ homecoming game. Lions Head Coach Jon Beutjer said…
See Elton John if you can Rocker’s farewell to Chicago simply fantastic By Steve Metsch It’s been two weeks since I saw Elton John’s concert on an incredibly steamy night at Soldier Field. And I’m still thinking about it. Yes, that’s how good he and his band were. Shortly after the show on Aug. 5,…
Too old to rock? Elton John, in town tonight, turning back the clock Looking back at some great rock-n-roll performances from Elton John to Rod Stewart By Steve Metsch On a bike ride this morning, thinking about tonight’s Elton John concert at Soldier Field, I couldn’t help but start wondering how long the rockers of our…
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