Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Fear and dread in the USA Coronavirus is now all we think and talk about By Steve Metsch “It’s the end of the world as we know it It’s the end of the world as we know it” – R.E.M. That song, released in 1997, was playing in my head this morning when I strolled…
Grace aims for MWRD seat La Grange resident has 10 years local experience By Steve Metsch Mike Grace – who has spent the last 10 years learning all about wastewater, sewers, huge rainstorms and overflows – wants to bring his expertise to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Grace, 52, of La Grange, is one of…
St. Laurence wins thriller Vikes beat Mount Carmel, advance in regional By Steve Metsch Trey Davis lived up to his name, hitting five three-point shots in St Laurence’s regional opener against Mount Carmel. But his defense sealed the victory Wednesday night. With the host Vikings clinging to a 75-72 lead and 13.9 seconds left, Mount…
Bogan blasts Johnson Thirteen Bengals score in 63-21 regional opener By Steve Metsch Regional trophies are nice. Sectional championships? They’re great. But the Bogan basketball team – driven by the memory of last year’s 68-63 loss to East St. Louis in the Class 3A state title game – has a bigger prize in mind. The…
“I hate to see this go” Patrons mourn Bakers Square in La Grange By Steve Metsch Eddie Mele stood for a moment outside the front door of Bakers Square in La Grange, turned and slowly walked back to his vehicle in stunned silence. “Holy mackerel,” Mele, of Orland Park, said. “I hate to see this…
Donating to the future Township of Lyons helps The LeaderShop By Steve Metsch The Township of Lyons is giving a sizable contribution of $12,500 to The LeaderShop, a program based in La Grange that helps teenagers. Township Supervisor Christopher Getty and other township officials think the program is a worthwhile recipient. “We previously this year…
Cool under pressure Lyons boys rally late past Bulldogs By Steve Metsch Capping an intense rally, Lyons Township seniors Josh Heath and Michael Niedermeyer were cool when the heat was on. Each senior hit two free throws in the closing moments to seal a 56-49 victory over Riverside-Brookfield (19-10) in La Grange on Feb. 22….
Local pols plan strategy WCMC wants fair share of income tax By Steve Metsch Several hundred elected officials gathered Feb. 8 for a breakfast meeting to discuss the West Central Municipal Conference’s legislative priorities for 2020. The group, which includes communities in western Cook County and eastern Du Page County, met at Elmcrest Banquets in…
FedEx coming to Bridgeview Company agrees to deal for 79th and Harlem By Steve Metsch FedEx and Bridgeview have hammered out a deal that will provide the company with needed space along busy Harlem Avenue and get the village a guaranteed income stream. FedEx will acquire 80 acres at the northeast corner of the intersection…
Family celebrates Ed Sprinkle Bears’ HOF member lived in Palos Heights By Steve Metsch Seldom has a trip to Canton, Ohio, been greeted with the enthusiasm of, say, a vacation to Hawaii. But the induction of a former Chicago Bears star, the late Ed Sprinkle, to the Pro Football Hall of Fame has his family…
Nazareth girls squander lead Whitney Young rallies from 18-point deficit for win By Steve Metsch Whitney Young’s Olivia Vick may be a freshman, but she plays with the poise of a seasoned veteran. Consider Saturday afternoon when the 14-year-old’s precise shooting from beyond the arc proved fatal for Nazareth. Vick scored five three-pointers in the…
44 years later Argo hockey team honored for 2nd place in ’76 By Steve Metsch Forty-four years after its run to glory, Argo Community High School’s hockey team has finally been honored. Some members of the team, as part of Argo’s centennial celebration Friday night, unveiled a banner honoring their 2nd place finish in the…
Poise pays off Lyons boys rally at hostile Hinsdale Central By Steve Metsch When playing in a hostile environment – with pre-game jeers by Hinsdale Central students that would make their grandmothers blush – it’s important for a team to prepare mentally. That’s why Lyons Township senior Grant Niego, who’s played there before, reminded his…
Summit’s Katie 3rd in “Voice” Sad fans see a bright future for singer By Steve Metsch In one moment, pure elation morphed into utter despair at a watch party cheering Summit’s own Katie Kadan in the finals of “The Voice.” When host Carson Daly made the nation wait what seemed an eternity to find out…
Nazareth girls tune up Edge De La Salle; Montini tourney next By Steve Metsch One play can mean so much in a basketball game. Such was the case in Friday night’s non-conference game for the Nazareth girls. In a tight contest with a scrappy De La Salle team, host Nazareth found itself clinging to a…
Mount Carmel wins Class 7A Defense and running game ruin Nazareth repeat By Steve Metsch As Mount Carmel Head Coach Jordan Lynch noted Saturday night, “defense wins championships.” Boy, does it ever. The Caravan defense shut down a prolific Nazareth offense that came in averaging 44 points in the playoffs. Mount Carmel held Nazareth…
Summit loves Katie Big crowd at “The Voice” watch party By Steve Metsch There was a buzz in the air at Fergie & Foz, a tavern at 7245 Archer Avenue, and it wasn’t about Monday Night Football. Dozens of friends, family and Summit residents had gathered to watch and cheer one of their own, 38-year-old…
Nazareth one win away Tyler Morris scores five TDs in semifinal rout By Steve Metsch Thanksgiving morning will find Nazareth Head Coach Tim Racki, his assistants and team practicing on their football field behind the school. They don’t mind one bit. “It’s the best practice of the year,” Racki said Saturday. “You go in the…