West Cook News

Cook County Announces Nearly $3 Million in Additional Starting Block Grant Awards for Community-Based Organizations

Cook County awards $790K relief grants to suburban nonprofit arts groups

Cook County Government announced today that $790,000 in grants have been awarded to 100 nonprofit arts and culture organizations in suburban communities through the Cook County Arts Nonprofit Relief Grants program. Cook County Arts is a $5 million pilot arts initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The pilot focuses on mitigating the lingering negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening the suburban arts sector in the long term.

Forest Avenue Bridge in Riverside closed for resurfacing from June 24 to Aug. 9

Beginning June 24, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will commence a construction project to resurface the Forest Avenue Bridge over the Des Plaines River in Riverside.

Student at Forest Park School District 91 suspended or expelled one times in a single school year

There was one student suspended in Forest Park School District 91 in a single school year according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Traffic advisory issued for events at Brookfield Zoo and Riverside-Brookfield High School

By West Cook News | Jun 20, 2024

Increased traffic is anticipated near Brookfield Zoo and Riverside-Brookfield High School from June 21 to June 23.

Fourth of July celebration features parade, live music, and fireworks

By West Cook News | Jun 20, 2024

Come spend the Fourth of July with us! Join us for a one-day celebration filled with our annual parade, live music, jump castles, slides, games, obstacle courses, 20+ food and craft vendors, and our spectacular firework display. It’s going to be a day full of fun and excitement! Check out the full schedule below:

Hodgkins residents rank 91st in total sales taxes paid in Illinois for March

By West Cook News | Jun 20, 2024

Hodgkins residents paid $817,620 in sales taxes, ranking 91st in total sales taxes paid per municipality in March.

Cicero issues heat advisory due to extreme temperatures

The Town of Cicero Health Department has issued a high heat advisory for residents, effective Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The advisory, also released in Spanish as "Aviso de Calor Extremo emitido por el Departamento de Salud del Municipio de Cicero," aims to inform and protect the community during periods of extreme temperatures.

How many times were students suspended or expelled in Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401 in 2021-22 school year?

There were 71 students suspended in Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401 in a single school year according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Brookfield Beautification Commission seeks nominees for village's best gardens

The Brookfield Beautification Commission is currently seeking nominees for the village's best gardens. Community members are encouraged to participate by nominating gardens they believe exemplify outstanding horticultural effort and aesthetic appeal.

Mayor Lovero announces new measures to control rodents

Newly Amended Ordinance Requires Commercial Extermination Services for All Licensed Businesses in the City of Berwyn

Public Works Forestry Department issues hot weather tree care tips

The Public Works Forestry Department has issued important tips for participants in the Parkway Tree Planting Program to ensure their nursery-grown trees receive proper care during the hot weather season.

Students suspended or expelled 692 times in a single school year in Cicero School District 99

There were 692 students suspended in Cicero School District 99 in a single school year according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

OPTA: Teachers' concerns aired at D97 board meeting 'dismissed and ignored'

Oak Park Teachers Association (OPTA) co-president and teacher Debbie Tomalis told District 97 Board of Education members that middle school educators and staff felt that an outpouring of safety concerns expressed during a May 28 meeting were "dismissed and ignored" by the board and administration.

Cicero Police Department opens applications for new positions in June 2024

Applications for Cicero Police positions now available June 2024

Cicero hosts early Father's Day celebration for seniors

Seniors enjoy a special Father’s Day celebration June 12

Cicero announces new cooling center schedule during heatwave

The Town of Cicero has announced a new schedule for cooling centers in response to the current heatwave. Due to the extreme heat index, Cicero will provide cooling centers from Monday, June 17th to Saturday, June 22nd, 2024.

BNSF replacing crossing gates at Lawn and Grand Avenues

BNSF has informed the Village of its plan to replace the crossing gates at the Lawn and Grand Avenue intersections this week. The work may cause traffic delays in the area.

Veterans urged to apply for Chicago Cook Technology Academy