Tavern on La Grange to pay Countryside $14,350 in fines

dvn 11 12 tavern on the green

By Steve Metsch The company that owns Tavern on La Grange have agreed to a settlement with the City of Countryside that will cost them thousands of dollars. The $14,350 covers unpaid fines and building code violations. A deal hammered out during a Nov. 1 hearing resulted in the fines being cut in half. One…

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Willow Spring’s Mike Smigielski wins Lipinski All American Award

dvn 11 13 mike lipinski award 2023

By Carol McGowan Willow Springs resident Mike Smigielski last month received the Congressman Bill Lipinski All American Award. Smigielski, who is active in local Lions Clubs, was presented the award by Roberts Park Fire Protection District President Brian Bernardoni at the October 12 Willow Springs Village Board meeting. Bernardoni was asked to present the award…

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Summit Masons and village to hold winter coat drive

dvn 11 13 summit coat drive

Argo-Summit Lodge 1133 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, in cooperation with the Village of Summit, is holding a Winter Coat Drive. Now through December 15, Masons are collecting new or gently used coats, hats, and gloves, for those in need. They welcome and would deeply appreciate your donations as their goal is for it to…

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Smookies win Pass Health Foods gluten-free baking competition

regional 11 14 baking contest7 2023

By Kelly White A local health food store provided a twist on a friendly baking competition this past weekend. Pass Health Foods, 7228 W. College Dr., Palos Heights, hosted a gluten-free baking contest on November 11. “We chose to have the contest gluten free because we have a large amount of gluten-free customers, both people…

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Summit names Ortiz as new police chief

dvn 11 12 ortiz new police chief

By Carol McGowan Summit trustees last week removed the word acting from Police Chief Mel Ortiz’s title. Ortiz had been acting as chief since John Kosmowski was placed on unpaid administrative leave in May 2022 after he and former Public Works Director Bill Mundy were indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly sharing a…

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Oak Lawn’s Walsh earns all sectional honors again

reporter olchs Dylan Walsh

After finishing his third season on the Oak Lawn Community High School’s varsity boys soccer team this year, Dylan Walsh can admire some impressive numbers for himself. He scored 13 goals and five assists this season. He’s amassed 35 career goals. He’s contributed nine career assists. And now, he can reflect on earning his second…

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Vic Portillo donates Fire Prevention Week materials

dvn 11 6 Vic Portillo Donation1 2023

Bridgeview State Farm Agent Vic Portillo donated National Fire Prevention Week educational materials to the Bridgeview Fire Department on October 23. The donation includes 100 children’s activity booklets, adult brochures, 10 Tips for Fire Safety Brochures, magnets, stickers, and plastic bags to teach Bridgeview residents about fire safety and cooking safety specifically in accordance with…

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Driver charged with reckless homicide after Orland crash

Elijah White

By Bob Bong A 23-year-old Broadview man has been charged with reckless homicide in a deadly crash last month at 151st Street and Harlem Avenue in Orland Park. Orland Park police responded to a report of a crash at the intersection of 151st and Harlem shortly after 4 a.m. on October 28. Upon arrival, officers determined…

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Multi-town road project gets completion date  

countryside logo

By Steve Metsch  There appears to be an end to one long-running construction project in Countryside, McCook and Hodgkins. But another project has once again been extended in Countryside. The good news for motorists who drive on East Avenue between 55th Street may be bidding farewell to orange construction barrels and closed lanes. Roadwork on…

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Pair charged in Summit bar burglary 

reporter ol crime mugshot Jarlen Loggins

By Bob Bong  A Chicago man and a juvenile have been charged with burglary for breaking into a bar in Summit on October 10. Jailen Loggins, 19, of the 7900 block of South Woodlawn Avenue, and a 15-year-old male juvenile were charged with burglary of the Exit Saloon in the 6300 block of South Harlem…

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