Posts by Steve Metsch
Countryside plans summer concert series, bluegrass festival
By Steve Metsch It might be winter, but it’s never too soon to talk about summertime music. Such was the case Jan. 11 when the Countryside City Council’s Special Events Committee heard from promoter Katie Goggin regarding the city’s annual Summer Concert Series. The committee also heard about the second annual Bluegrass and Brews Festival from Sharon…
Read MorePorfirio resigns township post to take Senate seat
By Steve Metsch Mike Porfirio is now a state senator and the Township of Lyons Board of Trustees has a vacancy. Porfirio submitted his resignation as a trustee, which was accepted by the board at its Jan. 10 meeting. Porfirio was elected to the Illinois Senate in November, and was sworn in as a state…
Read MoreDrone takes McCook crime fighting to new level
By Steve Metsch The McCook Police Department has a new weapon to fight crime. A new drone equipped with an infrared camera and the ability to zoom in 200 times was at the village’s latest board meeting on Jan. 17. The village used part of a $50,000 grant from the Secretary of State’s office to…
Read MoreLyons Township school board rejects sale of 70-acre parcel in Willow Springs
By Steve Metsch The sale of 70 acres in Willow Springs to a developer who wants to build an industrial park has been rejected by the Lyons Township High School District 204 board, but the door remains wide open to a sale. The board voted unanimously Jan. 23 to reject bids of $46.5 million from…
Read MoreBEDS Plus Soup & Bread event to raise money to assist the homeless
By Steve Metsch One way to warm up on a cold winter’s day is with a bowl of soup. And on Sunday, soup lovers can sample 20 different soups and also get the warm feeling received by helping a local charitable organization. BEDS Plus, which helps the homeless through the southwest suburbs, is bringing back…
Read MoreWater line breaks at The Max in McCook
By Steve Metsch A water line break flooded a concession stand and elevator shaft late last month at The Max, McCook Mayor Terrance Carr said. The Max is another name for McCook Athletic & Exposition, the village’s huge facility for indoor sports and gatherings at 4740 Vernon Ave. “Day after Christmas, we got the call,”…
Read MoreShort shift: McCook’s newest police officer resigns
By Steve Metsch Much to the surprise of village officials, McCook is looking for a new police officer shortly after hiring one. That’s because the officer who had been was hired on Nov. 7 has resigned. Daniel Lorek, 22, submitted his letter of resignation which was effective Dec. 29, Carr told trustees during the village…
Read MoreNo more soggy freezing nights for Lyons’ Richard Vabro
By Steve Metsch It turns out Lyons Village Manager Tom Sheahan was spot on when he said there were many times village employee Richard Vabro found himself in less-than-ideal situations. “He was always bright and cheery even when he was in mud up to his waist trying to patch a pipe,” Sheahan said. When asked,…
Read MoreMcCook Village Hall gets a puppy
By Steve Metsch If any residents have a bone to pick at the McCook Village Hall, they will soon have competition. The village hall is getting a new resident, Coco, a chocolate Lab puppy that’s being billed as the “Village Ambassadog.” The village board on Dec. 19 voted unanimously to spend $400 to buy a…
Read MoreScofflaws beware: Bridgeview’s newest full-time officer is watching
By Steve Metsch Paul DeSilva has worked as a full-time police officer for two other departments, so he brings plenty of experience to Bridgeview. And he brings a special flair for writing tickets. “Officer DeSilva has done a spectacular job. Last month he issued 212 tickets. We hope that trend continues,” Mayor Steve Landek said.…
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