news
Midlothian man to open vodka distillery
Matt Altman plans to open Mid-Oak Distillery in Tiffany Plaza in Midlothian. The vodka distillery will include a bistro setting for taste-testing and a retail section to sell Altman’s brand — Catalina Dynastii, a reference to 18th century Russian Empress Catherine the Great.
Lawsuit cost SD 227, charter school nearly $300K
During a lengthy legal battle pitting Rich Township High School District 227 against Southland College Prep Charter High School, the two sides spent nearly $300,000 in attorney fees, records show.
But officials on both sides said the expenses were justified because they were fighting for …
State rep plans meetings with Will County
Will County residents who would like a local issue addressed in Springfield might find this a good time to call their legislators. State Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) plans to meet regularly with county officials to go over local issues and ensure that important topics don’t fall …
Dart to speak at SXU
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart will speak at St. Xavier University at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. In his speech entitled “Justice: Through the Eyes of the Sheriff,” Dart will discuss his job and how his experiences have shaped his view of justice in society. Dart will …
Free foreclosure help Feb. 18
The state’s Mortgage Relief Project will offer free foreclosure-prevention help during a workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. The event will offer advice on mortgage refinancing, foreclosure prevention, credit counseling and avoiding …
Teens not speeding to get their driver’s licenses
Considering Casey Gallagher’s schedule, one might think the Oak Forest teen’s desire to get his driver’s license as soon as possible would be in high gear. Getting up at 4 a.m. to walk to school — even in the snow — can’t be fun. But …
Revenue plummets at casinos
JOLIET — Casino numbers were so bad in January that budget makers for the city of Joliet already are taking a harder look at the gambling revenues they expect in 2012. If the January numbers are repeated in February, the city will have to consider …
One injured when train strikes vehicle on South Side
One person was injured and some Metra commuters delayed after a train struck a vehicle Thursday evening in Chicago’s Morgan Park community. Outbound Metra Rock Island Line Train No. 409, scheduled to arrive in Joliet at 5:24 p.m., was delayed for about 25 minutes after …
Mayor Emanuel: Time to speed up trains to O’Hare, Midway
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Wednesday he’s evaluating plans to shave up to 12 minutes off CTA travel times between downtown and O’Hare Airport and Midway Airport, a goal he views as more attainable than his predecessor’s dream of an express train to O’Hare.
Sandburg teacher charged with sexually abusing student
A Sandburg High School teacher and coach charged with having sexual contact with a 17-year-old student in his DuPage County home was ordered jailed Tuesday on $250,000 bail. Steven Reynolds, 26, engaged in sexual activity with the girl on Jan. 28 after she came to …
Ice, tomatoes, squash make going tough for drivers on I-57
If the ice wasn’t enough of a problem, motorists along I-57 had to deal with tomatoes and squash on the road following one of 11 crashes early Wednesday, one of which closed I-57 for about four hour. Illinois State Police District 21 reported 11 crashes …
Trucker sought for threatening girlfriend with gun
JOLIET — Police are looking for an Indianapolis trucker who stuck a gun in his girlfriend’s mouth when she accompanied him to pick up a trailer at an intermodal in Joliet early Wednesday, police said. He is currently being sought in the Indianapolis area.
Lt. …
Lockport Vietnam veteran honored by President Obama loses cancer battle
LOCKPORT — Francis “Bud” Smolich, a Vietnam veteran whose Army unit received honors in person from President Obama at the White House in October 2009, died Monday. He was 69. Obama shook the Lockport resident’s hand twice, and put his arm around him, as he …
Two face charges in Orland Park burglary
Two men are facing burglary charges after allegedly taking $9,700 in merchandise from Ulta Cosmetics in Orland Park, police announced in a press release issued Wednesday.
Edward J. Vasquez, 26, 3659 Marshfield, and Angel Padilla, 23, 3636 S. Wolcott, both of Chicago, have been charged …
State Rep. Cross to talk over top issues with Will County officials
If there is a local issue you’d like to see addressed in Springfield, now is probably a good time to contact your representative. State Rep. Tom Cross, R-Oswego, plans to meet regularly with all the county’s legislators to go over local issues and ensure important topics don’t fall through …
Joliet approves plan for VA clinic
JOLIET — The creation of a future veterans clinic in Joliet took a small step forward this week. The Joliet City Council approved a development plan that allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to take over a section of Silver Cross Hospital for the clinic. …
