West Cook News

Countryside residents paid $931,546 in sales taxes, ranking 96th in total sales taxes paid per municipality in July.

Analysis: Komarek School District 94 administrators rank 273rd highest in state for average salary in 2023

Administrators in Komarek School District 94 earn an average of $116,911 per year, ranking 273rd highest in the state, according to the Illinois State Board of Education report.

Cook County announces first round of grants for pollution reduction initiative

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced the allocation of $1.4 million in grants to six businesses as part of the Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) program. This initiative, managed by the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) in collaboration with the Chicago Urban League, aims to assist various suburban businesses such as dry cleaners, auto body shops, metal finishers, and food manufacturers in reducing their environmental impact.

Houby Day Parade cancelled but festival continues as planned

The Houby Day Parade scheduled for October 6, 2024, has been cancelled. Despite this change, the Houby Fest will proceed as planned from October 3 to October 6. Attendees can still look forward to rides, live music, food, and other activities at the Cicero Fairgrounds on 34th & Laramie Ave.

Presidential General Election set for November 5, 2024

The Presidential General Election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. Voters can access election information and results, including voter registration details, on the Illinois State Board of Elections and Cook County Clerk websites.

2023: La Grange School District 102 administrators rank 267th highest in state for average salary

Administrators in La Grange School District 102 earn an average of $117,287 per year, ranking 267th highest in the state, according to the Illinois State Board of Education report.

Chicago residents urged to report sewer odors amid low rainfall

The Chicago metropolitan area has experienced significantly less rainfall this September, with only 0.04 inches recorded compared to the average of 1.73 inches, according to the National Weather Service. This lack of rain has led to an increase in reports from residents about unpleasant odors described as "gross, fishy wafts of stank."

River Forest Fire Department warns residents about compost pile fire risks

The River Forest Fire Department has issued a reminder to residents about the potential fire hazards linked to compost piles. This follows an incident involving a fire that originated from a compost pile.

Village Board announces town hall for tax levy referendum discussion

The Village Board of Trustees has announced a Town Hall meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The event will be held at the Quincy Community Center, located at 43 E Quincy Street, starting at 7:00 p.m. This gathering aims to provide information and address questions from the public regarding the Village's 2024 tax levy referendum question. This question is set to appear on the election ballot on November 5, 2024.

Illinois launches new phase in long-range transport plan

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has launched the next phase of its Move Illinois: the 2024 Long-Range Transportation Plan. This initiative aims to define strategic goals, objectives, and strategies for Illinois' transportation network over the coming two to three decades.

River Grove School District 85-5 administrators rank 240th highest in state for average salary in 2023

Administrators in River Grove School District 85-5 earn an average of $119,771 per year, ranking 240th highest in the state, according to the Illinois State Board of Education report.

Cook County partners with Roosevelt University to study Just Housing Amendment impacts

The Cook County Department of Human Rights and Ethics has announced a new research partnership with Roosevelt University’s Policy Research Collaborative. This collaboration aims to study the effects of the Just Housing Amendment (JHA) on housing access for residents in Cook County. The JHA, part of the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, seeks to prevent housing discrimination against individuals involved with the criminal justice system.

Village Hall hosts open house on capital infrastructure plan

Staff members will host an open house at Village Hall to discuss infrastructure needs, the Capital Infrastructure Plan, and the use of referendums for funding essential projects. Community members are invited to drop in on Wednesday, October 16, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

IDOT extends timeline for 55th Street project due to utility conflicts

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced that the ongoing project on 55th Street will face delays, extending into late fall before pausing for the winter. The work is set to resume in spring and continue through the fall of 2025. This initiative falls under IDOT's jurisdiction and not within the Village's responsibilities.

Evanston opens new animal shelter addressing overcrowding issues

The City of Evanston and Cook County have officially opened the new Evanston Animal Shelter at 2310 Oakton Street. The facility addresses regional overcrowding and provides housing for animals impounded by Cook County’s Department of Animal and Rabies Control.

Analysis: La Grange School District 105 South administrators rank 188th highest in state for average salary in 2023

Administrators in La Grange School District 105 South earn an average of $124,632 per year, ranking 188th highest in the state, according to the Illinois State Board of Education report.

Hines VA Hospital expands clinic hours at six suburban locations

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital has expanded the operating hours at its six outpatient clinics in suburban Chicago. The new schedules were fully implemented by late September, aiming to improve access to care and accommodate the diverse needs of community veterans.

Cook County unveils new dashboard tracking opioid-, gun-, temperature-related deaths

Cook County has introduced a new dashboard aimed at providing transparent access to data on opioid-related, gun-related, and temperature-related deaths. This initiative is designed to aid policymakers, health officials, and residents in understanding critical information about these issues.

Brookfield Duck Race raises funds for parks and recreation

The Brookfield Women's Club successfully organized the Duck Race 2024, held on September 28, raising over $15,000 for the Brookfield Parks & Recreation Foundation. This year marked a record-breaking sale of more than 3,100 rubber ducks at local events such as the Brookfield Farmers Market and Friday Night Concerts.

Oak Park Fire Department announces open house event on October 12