Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Lobbyist correctly predicted beverage tax repeal Nearly two weeks before vote, Walsh correctly called result By Steve Metsch Nearly two weeks before the Cook County board voted to repeal its unpopular beverage tax, Tom Walsh, a former state senator who works as a lobbyist for Lyons and others, said he expected that result. “My hunch…
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Summit boat launch may get new life National Park Service grant to help village By Steve Metsch The weed-covered former boat launch along the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, once an extremely popular site in Summit, may be resurrected for boaters, fishermen and lovers of the great outdoors. Mayor Sergio Rodriguez, at the Oct. 2…
Acting no more Torres to head Summit Parks; Tala steps up in Lyons Steve Metsch After two years, Frank Torres can remove the “acting” from his title and replace it with “executive.” Torres has been hired as the executive director of the Summit Park District. Board members made it official with a unanimous vote on…
10-year-old rides to the rescue Willow Springs boy saves lives of neighbors in house fire By Steve Metsch It’s been said that timing is everything. Just ask the Pelko family in Willow Springs. If 10-year-old Michael Pelko III had not decided to take a bicycle ride on the evening of Sept. 19, his neighbors may…
Demolition planned for Lyons landmarks Old village hall and recreation center will soon meet wrecking ball By Steve Metsch Two Lyons landmarks — one that has stood on Ogden Avenue for more than a century, and another in the heart of a residential neighborhood — will soon meet the wrecking ball. The Lyons Village Board…
Argo High opens “amazing” Portillo Center Donation from hot dog chain founder helps build $17 million center By Steve Metsch Moments before the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Richard and Sharon Portillo Performing Arts Center at Argo Community High School, school board trustee Nick Caprio smiled when asked about the interior. “It’s beyond my expectations….
Bridgeview looks to add hotel Lodging near Toyota Park for soccer and music fans By Steve Metsch The Bridgeview Village Board voted 6-0 at its Aug. 2 meeting to rezone 2.2 acres of the south parking lot at Toyota Park with an eye toward future development. During the meeting, Mayor Steve Landek said, “That’s rezoning…
Eclipse viewing downstate for Lyons Township students Chance to witness rare solar event is too big to ignore By Steve Metsch About 40 students from Lyons Township High School will have a memorable first day of school Aug. 21. They will arrive at the north campus no later than 5:15 a.m., climb into a coach…
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Portillo Center opens Aug. 18 at Argo High $1 million donation from hot dog chain founder helped fund arts center By Steve Metsch A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 18 for the $17.6 million Richard and Sharon Portillo Performing Arts Center at Argo Community High School, 7329 W. 63rd St., Summit….
Countryside Criterium packs ’em in Racers love the course, hope event returns in 2018 By Steve Metsch The first-ever Countryside Criterium on Saturday attracted bicyclists from around the Chicago area and Midwest, all dressed in colorful racing gear as they sped around the course at speeds up to 35 mph. The competitors were having a…
New police dog already a star in Summit Harley has sniffed out narcotics worth about $4 million this summer By Steve Metsch The newest officer on the Summit Police Department has four legs and weighs 52 pounds. And, although he’s only been on the job since June, he’s already proven his worth and then some….
Hundreds attend Bridgeview Night Out Event touts services offered by village to residents By Steve Metsch Several hundred people attended the National Night Out festivities at the Bridgeview Village Hall on Aug. 1. “it’s a way to visit with neighbors and to learn more about our village,” Mayor Steve Landek said. There was plenty to…
La Grange hosts state baseball tourney 13-year-old Babe Ruth All-Stars start play tonight, winner crowned Sunday By Steve Metsch La Grange Babe Ruth Baseball is again hosting the Northern Illinois 13-year-olds All-Star Tournament at Sedgwick Park, 47th Street and East Avenue. Play begins today, July 20, with Evergreen Park playing Downers Grove at 5 p.m.,…
La Grange Babe Ruth wins 16-18 state title All-Stars win five straight, begin regional play July 20 in Crown Point By Steve Metsch Thanks to an impressive run – winning five straight and beating one team twice in one day – the 16-18 Year-Old All-Star team from La Grange Babe Ruth Baseball is the Northern…
Lyons, Justice, Willow Springs team for 911 Not doing so would cost communities in state funding By Steve Metsch The village of Lyons is teaming up with Justice and Willow Springs for its 911 services. The villages are following a trend of other smaller communities in Illinois, many of which are doing the same thing…
Summit looking at handicapped parking signs Property owner suggests posted fines good idea for residential streets By Steve Metsch Summit will look into whether it can post fines on handicapped parking signs on residential streets after hearing from a concerned property owner. Former Summit resident Bill Ally, who co-owns a house in the village, said…
Where to celebrate Fourth of July Parades, parties and fireworks throughout the South Side Here’s a rundown of some of the area Independence Day events planned to celebrate America’s 241st birthday between now and the Fourth of July. The Bridgeview Park District will celebrate with a fun evening starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, July…
Fire shuts down The Dugout Owner pledges return after repairing legendary Burbank eatery By Steve Metsch There’s bad news and good news regarding The Dugout, a longtime fast food restaurant in Burbank that last year joined the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame. First, the bad. A fire swept through the kitchen in the…