Local News

dvn eva manzke farm award3 2022

SD104 teacher Eva Manzke named agriculture classroom teacher of the year

By Bob Bong / November 6, 2022 /

Eva Manzke, a third- and fourth-grade teacher at Walker Elementary School in Bedford Park, is the recipient of the 2023 Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Award from the Cook County Farm Bureau. Manzke, who has been a teacher for 30 years, utilizes agriculture across her curriculum with her students. From urban…

Read More
95th street closing2

Westbound Tri-State Tollway ramp to 95th Street closes Friday night

By Bob Bong / October 21, 2022 / Comments Off on Westbound Tri-State Tollway ramp to 95th Street closes Friday night

Weekend-long lane closures, including a detour of the ramp carrying the southbound Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to westbound 95th Street, are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Friday, October 21, for work to shift traffic on southbound I-294 between 87th Street/Roberts Road and 95th Street. Once the new traffic pattern is in place, southbound I-294 traffic will be in a counterflow…

Read More
wharton

Summit School District 104 may drop 5th-grade center

By Carol Mcgowan / October 14, 2022 /

By Carol McGowan Summit School District 104 is considering dropping Wharton School as a fifth-grade learning center only and returning the elementary schools in the district to kindergarten to fifth grade. Heritage Middle School would remain the campus for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students. Using Wharton as a fifth-grade only learning center was adopted in…

Read More
ace

ACE starting up Yes I Can after-school program for Summit students

By Bob Bong / September 29, 2022 / Comments Off on ACE starting up Yes I Can after-school program for Summit students

The Argo Coalition for Education’s Yes I Can after-school program is about to get underway for the 2022-2023 school year. The program begins October 4 and will meet every Tuesday from 3-5 p.m. at the Shiloh Baptist Church Education Building, 7661 W. 63rd Place, Summit. This program, for first-grade through eighth-grade, is designed to help…

Read More
argo 1

Argo holds Walk The Halls Night

By Carol Mcgowan / August 20, 2022 / Comments Off on Argo holds Walk The Halls Night

By Carol McGowan Nearly 1,000 people were on hand last Friday evening for Argo Community High School’s second annual Walk The Halls Night. After a successful inaugural event in 2021, the Summit high school once again opened its doors for incoming students, their families, and the community to walk the halls and tour the campus.…

Read More

2 incumbents seek Dem nomination in newly drawn 6th District

By Steve Metsch / June 20, 2022 / Comments Off on 2 incumbents seek Dem nomination in newly drawn 6th District

By Steve Metsch It doesn’t happen often, but voters in the newly drawn 6th Congressional District have an unusual choice in the Democratic primary. Because of redistricting, two sitting members of Congress are going toe-to-toe for the nomination in the June 28 primary. The district covers the Midway Airport area, Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and the…

Read More
2022 primary election 1321269 1x

CAMPAIGN 2022: Carr, Justak square off to be GOP leader in Lyons Township

By Steve Metsch / May 26, 2022 / Comments Off on CAMPAIGN 2022: Carr, Justak square off to be GOP leader in Lyons Township

By Steve Metsch The race for Republican Committeeperson in Lyons Township is between the current office holder and a mayor eager to replace her. Incumbent Katie Justak, who is in her first election, was appointed to the position in December by Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison(17th), chairman of the Cook County Republican party. Her challenger…

Read More
biz bedford park walmart remodel

Grand reopening Friday for Bedford Park Walmart

By Bob Bong / May 19, 2022 /

Bedford Park residents can get a first look at the newly remodeled Walmart Supercenter at 7050 S. Cicero Ave., on Friday, May 20. The store will celebrate its ReGrand Opening with activities for the community beginning at 9 a.m. Along with a disc jockey who will play hit tunes, community residents are invited to enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks…

Read More
Argo track at Morton

Argo girls track team wins Morton Invite

By Carol Mcgowan / May 2, 2022 / Comments Off on Argo girls track team wins Morton Invite

By Carol McGowan Argo High School’s girls varsity track team recently came in first place at the Girls Morton High School Varsity Indoor Track and Field Invite 2022. Argo head coach Eva Manzke said, “It was our last indoor meet and we won at the varsity level.  We competed against some higher-level teams such as…

Read More
dvn mark wood

Electric violinist Mark Wood coming to Argo

By Carol Mcgowan / April 21, 2022 / Comments Off on Electric violinist Mark Wood coming to Argo

By Carol McGowan Legendary electric violinist Mark Wood is coming to Argo High School. He will perform in concert with the Argo and Wilkins Junior High Orchestras on May 2, at 7:30 p.m.  The concert will take place in the Portillo Performing Arts Center at the Summit school. Wood has quite the background. He was…

Read More
The “no dogs allowed” signs will soon be removed from two parks in Countryside. Dogs must be on leashes and owners must clean up after their pets. (Photo by Steve Metsch)

Countryside puts dog park on hold, will require leashes in two parks

By Steve Metsch The city of Countryside has put on hold building a dog park, but canines and their owners are still in store for a treat. The city council has unanimously approved a plan to permit dogs in City Park and Countryside Park this year. Previously, they were not allowed in the parks. While…

bridgeview logo

Bridgeview approves auto repair shop

Moves up time for May 1 village board meeting By Steve Metsch Bridgeview is getting a new automotive repair shop. The village board at its April 17 matinee meeting approved a special use permit that will allow a repair shop at 9010 S. Beloit Ave. There was no discussion among trustees. The board followed the…

Summit Fire Chief Anthony Anderson was the first to donate blood at the fire department's blood drive. (Photos by Carol McGowan)

Summit Fire Department blood drive draws a crowd

By Carol McGowan The Summit Fire Department, along with the Village of Summit, and the Argo Summit Lions Club held a blood drive this past Saturday, and it drew a crowd that even impressed the American Red Cross. It took place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. with non-stop donors walking through the door. Fire…

Village, park, library, and school leaders speak at the business breakfast. (Photo by Carol McGowan)

Hodgkins toasts village businesses

By Carol McGowan Hodgkins Mayor Ernest Millsap and the Board of Trustees celebrated the village’s businesses at its annual Business Appreciation Breakfast on April 10. Over 100 people gathered at the Hodgkins Administration Center for a hearty breakfast hosted by the village. Representatives from many businesses that are located in or that work within the…

2023-age-one-ounce-obv__68220

First Secure Bank to host American Eagle gold coin sale

From staff reports First Secure Bank & Trust of Palos Hills announced its annual May sale of 1-ounce and ¼-ounce American Eagle Gold Coins, produced by the U.S. Mint, will take place from 10 a.m.to noon on Saturdays, May 4, May 11, May 18 and May 25. The sale will take place at First Secure…

Richards’ A.J. Plawecki leaps into setting the ball during a match against Brother Rice at the Crusaders’ Smack Attack tournament held April 19-20. Photo by Xavier Sanchez

Boys Volleyball | Richards weathering struggles after run of success

By Xavier Sanchez Correspondent After a tough weekend at the Smack Attack tournament, Richards got back into the win column with a two-set victory over Eisenhower in a South Suburban Red match. The Bulldogs made quick work of the Cardinals, winning 25-16, 25-15 on April 23 in Oak Lawn to snap a five-match losing streak.…

Chippewa Elementary School second-grader, Nicholas Bass, 8, of Palos Heights, proudly showed off his artwork at the 15th annual Arts Extravaganza. (Photos by Kelly White)

SD218 puts on annual Arts Extravaganza

By Kelly White The arts have become a major portion of the curriculum Community High School District 218. Showcasing those many talents, the Friends of CHSD 218’s Education Foundation proudly hosted its 15th annual Arts Extravaganza on April 5 at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island. “The Arts Extravaganza is a great event which showcases…

Illinois News

As state continues to inventory lead pipes, full replacement deadlines are decades away

As state continues to inventory lead pipes, full replacement deadlines are decades away

By COLE LONGCOR Capitol News Illinois Clongcor@capitolnewsillinois.com Lead pipes in public water systems and drinking fixtures have been banned in new construction since 1986, when Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act, but they are still in use across the U.S. and in Illinois.  The presence of lead pipes has persisted due in part to…

Capitol Briefs: State unveils report on racial disparities among homeless populations

Capitol Briefs: State unveils report on racial disparities among homeless populations

By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com Tackling homelessness requires addressing racial injustice, according to a new report commissioned by the state’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness.  The report found that Black people are eight times more likely to experience homelessness than white people. Remedying this disparity, according to the report, would require “long-term…

Flooding is Illinois’ Most Threatening Natural Disaster. Are We Prepared?

Flooding is Illinois’ Most Threatening Natural Disaster. Are We Prepared?

by Meredith Newman, Illinois Answers Project April 16, 2024 This story was originally published by the Illinois Answers Project. The electricity in Mary Buchanan’s home in West Garfield Park was not working – again.  The outage lasted four days, starting just after a crew dug up her front lawn to install a check valve in…

Bears pitch $3.2B stadium plan, but Pritzker still ‘skeptical’ despite team’s $2B pledge

Bears pitch $3.2B stadium plan, but Pritzker still ‘skeptical’ despite team’s $2B pledge

By DILPREET RAJU & JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com The Chicago Bears laid out a $3.2 billion plan for a new domed stadium on Chicago’s lakefront on Wednesday afternoon, painting pictures of future Super Bowls and other major public events while pinning their hopes on yet-to-be-had conversations with the governor and lawmakers.  The Bears…

Regulators weigh future of gas industry in Illinois, while clamping down on Chicago utility

Regulators weigh future of gas industry in Illinois, while clamping down on Chicago utility

By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – Natural gas is fueling a fight between consumer advocates, a powerful utility company and the state. Amid competing advertising campaigns, accusations of mismanagement and state decarbonization efforts, the Illinois Commerce Commission is starting a process that will shape how the state regulates the increasingly controversial industry. …

Komatsu mining truck named 2024 ‘coolest thing made in Illinois’

Komatsu mining truck named 2024 ‘coolest thing made in Illinois’

By COLE LONGCOR Capitol News Illinois Clongcor@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – A mining truck manufactured by Komatsu was crowned the winner of the 2024 “Makers Madness” contest, earning the title of “the coolest thing made in Illinois” at the Governor’s Mansion Wednesday.  The truck was one of more than 200 entries in the 5th annual contest hosted…

Giannoulias calls for disclosure of lobbyist contracts

Giannoulias calls for disclosure of lobbyist contracts

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – For decades, lobbyists in the Illinois Statehouse have been required to report how much they spend wining, dining and entertaining lawmakers. Currently, though, there is no law requiring lobbyists to disclose how much they are paid by corporations, industry groups or other special interest organizations. That…

Illinois Senate advances changes to state’s biometric privacy law after business groups split

Illinois Senate advances changes to state’s biometric privacy law after business groups split

By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – It’s been more than a year since the Illinois Supreme Court “respectfully suggest(ed)” state lawmakers clarify a law that’s led to several multi-million-dollar settlements with tech companies over the collection of Illinoisans’ biometric data. On Thursday, a bipartisan majority in the Illinois Senate did just that,…

Illinoisans can now get documents notarized online

Illinoisans can now get documents notarized online

By ALEX ABBEDUTO   Capitol News Illinois  abbeduto@capitolnewsillinois.com  Illinoisans who need a notary public can now access those services online through a new “E-Notary” portal launched by the secretary of state’s office. This process is one of the latest initiatives of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ ongoing effort to modernize the office and its services.  Notaries…

Prairie Band Potawatomi becomes 1st federally recognized tribe in Illinois

Prairie Band Potawatomi becomes 1st federally recognized tribe in Illinois

By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com Nearly 200 years after Native Americans were forced out of Illinois, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has become the first federally recognized tribal nation in the state after a decision from the U.S. Department of the Interior last week. The move represents the first victory in the tribe’s…