Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Orland Fire Protection Board praises all first responders for emergency response to Monday’s storm OFPD, IL — The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) Board of Trustees said firefighters and dispatchers responded to hundreds of emergency calls during the heavy storms that swept through the region Monday, reporting no major injuries. Deputy Chief Joshua Girdick and…
Member of 10-Person Robbery Crew Targeting Chicago Suburbs Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison CHICAGO — A member of a crew that conspired to commit 11 brazen daytime robberies in the Chicago suburbs has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Between January 2022 and March 2023, Perry Maple, 23, participated directly in three…
Court Denies former Mayor Keith Pekau’s Motion to Dismiss lawsuit Former Mayor Must Answer Village’s Complaint, Village of Orland Park says countering misleading information released by disgraced for mayor Keith Pekau Orland Park, IL (July 16, 2026) – The Village of Orland Park announced that on July 6, 2026, the Cook County Circuit Court denied…
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Orland Fire hosts Independence Day celebration for Seniors Orland Fire Protection District, IL – The Orland Fire Protection District Senior Club hosted an Independence celebration for the district’s Senior citizens on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 to celebrate the nation’s 250th Anniversary. The celebration included a barbecue luncheon prepared by Fire District firefighters and was held…
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Fatal Four-Vehicle Crash Closes Lagrange Road for Several Hours A fatal four-vehicle traffic accident occurred in the area of 149th street and Lagrange Road today resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries on Monday morning, June 29, 2026. Orland emergency crews responded to the scene and found four vehicles involved, with three sustaining heavy damage….
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Village of Orland Park to Host Summer of Free Concerts at Centennial Park West The Village of Orland Park invites residents and visitors to enjoy a summer filled with free live music at Centennial Park West (15609 Park Station Blvd). Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the entertainment at one of the…
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Orland Park Centennial Park Aquatic Center to Reopen Tuesday Centennial Park Aquatic Center (CPAC) will reopen on Tuesday following a thorough review of the facility and completion of all recommended health and safety procedures. CPAC was closed late Saturday afternoon after a staff member reported being treated for Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection. A second potential…
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Orland Fire Protection District names new Fire Chief – swearing-in Ceremony June 9 The Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees will host a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, for newly appointed Fire Chief John Purtill. During the ceremony, the board will also swear-in Joshua Girdick as Deputy Chief of Operations and Shawn…
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Centennial Park Aquatic Center Kicks Off Summer Season May 23 Get ready to make a splash this summer! The Centennial Park Aquatic Center (CPAC), located at 15600 West Avenue in Orland Park, officially opens for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 23. The facility will open at 10 a.m. for members and 11 a.m. for…
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Illinois Senator Committee approves resolution urging Illinois K through 12 schools to offer Arabic as Foreign Language option By Ray Hanania As Consolidated High School District 230, one of the largest in Illinois, blocked the adoption of Arabic as a Foreign Language at their three High Schools, Sandburg High School, Andrew High School, and Stagg…
Orland Park Launches Emergency Management Agency The Village of Orland Park has formally replaced the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) with the Orland Park Emergency Management Agency (EMA), following Board of Trustees approval Monday night. The transition strengthens the Village’s commitment to emergency preparedness, disaster response and public safety. “Illinois communities across the state are…
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Village of Orland Park to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday With Year of Events The Village of Orland Park is proud to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday with a year full of special events and programs. The season of celebration will kick off with the Red, White & Blue BBQ Fest & Parade on Saturday,…
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Orland Firefighter reflects on 29 years of service after retirement Orland Park, IL – From the time he was a young child, Robert Winkelman always wanted to be a firefighter. Last week, he retired after 35 years of total fire service, including 29 years with the Orland Fire Protection District, most recently as a Battalion…
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OFPD extinguishes garage fire in Orland Park, no injuries reported The Orland Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire Thursday evening in the 10800 block of Caribou Lane involving an attached residential garage. Upon arrival, all occupants had safely exited the home. First arriving companies forced entry to access the garage and encountered…
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Orland Fire announces May 10 registration date for Kid Camp and Junior Cadet programs The Orland Fire Protection District released the scheduled dates for the popular Kids Camp (Monday, June 15) and the Junior Cadet program (Tuesday, June 16), and urges interested parents to mark their calendars for the events and for the required registration….
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Orland Mayor Dodge blasts lies by former Mayor Pekau Mayor Dodge Statement Following Attack on the Integrity of Public Safety Officials. Lies and distortions by Pekau have been repeated by local media, such as the false claims Mike Henry was “not detained” as a result of the Illinois State Police political raid, or that columnist…
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Orland Fire responds to laundry room fire at Mario Tricoci salon Orland Park, IL – A fire that apparently began in the laundry room of the Mario Tricoci salon in Orland Park on Friday, March 13, 2026, damaged an area of the business and forced its temporary closure. No one was injured. Orland Fire Protection…
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Orland Park Sportsplex Annual Family Health Fair Returns March 14 Orland Park, IL (March 13, 2026) – The Village of Orland Park Recreation & Parks Department will hold its annual Family Health Fair on Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Village of Orland Park Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street. Topics will…
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