Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
New ambulance in Summit Automated lift among many improvements By Steve Metsch It took a few moments, but Summit firefighters were able to figure out how to operate an automated, self-loading stretcher during a demonstration to a visitor. Hey, it takes a while to learn all the bells and whistles in their new ambulance. They…
Summit wants new water meters Loan from state EPA may provide them at no cost By Steve Metsch Summit hopes to get a loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to pay for new water meters at homes and businesses throughout the village. Village officials think Summit could qualify for a loan of up to…
Launching Summit’s future Tour of boat launch site reels in ideas By Steve Metsch For the first time in three years, the Summit boat launch on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal was open to visitors on a recent sun-kissed morning. Invited by Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez, representatives from several organizations toured the site. Representatives…
Summit police promote pair Ortiz is first Hispanic lieutenant in village By Steve Metsch Monday night’s meeting of the Summit Village Board had a law enforcement flavor. Longtime lieutenant David Otto retired. Officer Steve Kirkolis was promoted to sergeant. And detective sergeant Mel Ortiz was promoted to lieutenant. Each was unanimously approved by the village…
Summit to test raffles St. Joe’s raffle to be closely watched by village By Steve Metsch The Summit Village Board wants to take a look at how raffles are run and how to best regulate them. With that in mind, the board approved an ordinance that would allow raffles in Summit, using one run at…
Summit cleans up boat launch Village hopes to develop recreational site By Steve Metsch Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez and other village officials, along with dozens of volunteers, were at the old boat launch site, 7800 Canal Bank Road, the morning of May 12 for a cleanup of the canal. At the May 7 s village…
No shortage of big stories 2017 had plenty of highlights in suburbs By Steve Metsch As the end of 2017 approaches, the Desplaines Valley News is taking a look back at the top stories of the past year. This week, we will highlight Bridgeview, Summit, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, Countryside and Lyons. Next week, we…
Saving money, improving safety Summit to buy used fire engine from Tinley Park By Steve Metsch With a little help from his friends, Summit Fire Chief Wayne Hanson is enabling the village to save hundreds of thousands of dollars and have a newer fire engine. When Hanson put the word out that, after being denied…
Summit family’s tradition continues Free Thanksgiving feast offered on Thursday By Steve Metsch For the seventh straight year, the Ponce and Zambrano families will be working hard on Thanksgiving Day, serving up turkey dinners will all the fixings for free to the needy, elderly and lonely. The Unforgettable Journey Organization will be serving from 11…
Argo High shopping for boilers Current “workhorses” date back to the 1970s By Steve Metsch Argo Community High School is in the market for new boilers. The current three cast-iron boilers, in the lower level of the original building, have been “workhorses” since the 1970 and provide heat for the old building, business manager Joe Murphy…
Summit OKs school crossing improvements Village board also plans to install LED lighting on main streets By Steve Metsch The Summit Village Board is moving forward with several infrastructure improvements. The board unanimously voted Oct. 16 in favor of a contract for improved crossings near schools and elsewhere. Summit will pay Mark-It Corp., based in…
Profirio resigns as Summit administrator Will stay through year on to help find replacement By Steve Metsch After two years as Summit’s part-time village administrator, Mike Porfirio has decided to resign effective the end of this year. The village board voted 6-1 on Oct. 16 to accept his resignation. The lone exception was trustee Sam…
El Famous plans to reopen in Summit No date set, but owner’s daughter confirms return By Bob Bong and Steve Metsch El Famous Burrito plans to remodel and reopen its original site on Archer Road in Summit, which remains closed after an early morning fire Oct. 6. The daughter of the owner, Benny Sagredo, confirmed…
Fire closes El Famous Burrito in Summit Blaze began in second-floor apartment From staff reports A fire broke out about 6 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6, in an apartment above El Famous Burrito at 6159 S. Archer Road in Summit. The Summit Fire Department was at the scene within minutes. No injuries were reported. “The Summit…
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…
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….
Summit woman convicted in heroin overdose Illinois Appellate Court affirms drug induced homicide conviction of Summit woman, rejects appeal on technical grounds DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin announced today that the Second District Appellate Court has affirmed the Drug Induced Homicide conviction of Jennifer Nere, 37 (d.o.b. 12/12/1979) formerly of Summit, for her…
“We pause to remember” Lyons, Bedford Park honor fallen on Memorial Day By Steve Metsch In communities around the area Monday, men and women who gave their lives for our county were remembered with somber Memorial Day services. Such was the case in Lyons, at the eternal flame on Ogden Avenue, and in Bedford Park,…