🌱 Berwyn Bar Concerns + CTA Attack + Store Closing

Happy Friday, Oak Park and River Forest. In today's Daily:

• Oak Parkers are concerned about violence at a Berwyn bar
• Bed Bath and Beyond will close its Forest Park store
• A local Girl Scout is raising awareness about period education

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and much colder. High: 10 Low: 8.

These are the great local businesses who sponsor the Oak Park-River Forest Daily. We love what they do, and we think you will, too:

• Want to give your home a new look? Elite Decorating & Remodeling is a local full-service home improvement company, providing expert services to update and upgrade your home without breaking the bank. Got a painting project, need a new deck, or want a total home remodel? Mark and the team at Elite Decorating & Remodeling have you covered. Check out some of their work here, or email Mark at elitebymark@gmail.com

• New to Yoga and don’t know where to start? YogaSix is a community-minded yoga studio offering a “101 Beginners” series for those new to the art. These classes explore yoga’s most common postures, all while increasing flexibility, building strength, and having fun. Classes are Sundays at 1 p.m. starting Feb 12. Get ready to explore the world of yoga and see what your body can do. Visit YogaSix here to learn more, or join them for a free 101 Beginner Community Class on Sunday Feb 5 at 1 p.m.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are the top 5 stories today in Oak Park-River Forest:

1. A clerk was attacked at the convenience store attached to the Forest Park Blue Line CTA station. A customer attacked the employee with a baton on Jan. 23. (Review)

2. An Oak Park man was sentenced to two years in prison for driving under the influence and causing a crash in Fox Lake. The 29 year old was previously convicted of a DUI in 2015, driving the wrong way in Forest Park. He killed one person and injured others. (Scanner)

3. Southeast Oak Parkers expressed concerns this week about bar activity at the Berwyn border. A group of “frustrated” citizens spoke with police officials about an uptick in neighborhood conflict related to Mike’s Place, from a recent shooting to public fights and parking issues. Police Chief Shatonya Johnson said more than 2,000 parking tickets have been issued by her officers over the past year. (Wednesday Journal)

4. Bed Bath and Beyond will close its Forest Park store after 19 years on Harlem Avenue. The retailer is shuttering more than 80 locations this year. (Review)

5. A Trinity High School student is using her role as a Girl Scout to bring menstruation education to young people. Naiya Baskin-Stewart is looking to raise $6,000 to create educational materials for girls to feel less confused or stigmatized in the early days of menstruating. (Wednesday Journal)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• “Write a room” at Dole Center. (6 p.m.)
• Fenwick High School hosts its annual Banua show, with an additional performance set for tomorrow night. (7 p.m.)
• Kids five and up can attend a park district “Glow Party” at The Depot. (7 p.m.)
• See a performance of “The Father” at the Theatre of Western Springs. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• OPRF Chamber of Commerce Board Member Jeffrey Hines is encouraging deeper conversations about Black History Month this February. (Chamber)
• The Park District of Oak Park will host a job fair tomorrow at Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex for lifeguards and swim instructors. (PDOP)
• It’s the last day to order a Valentine’s Day gift box featuring items from local businesses. (Park District)
• Nearby shelters are seeing an overwhelming influx of stray dogs. (Landmark)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In the Village — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (February 7)
• Consumer Fraud Prevention Tips for Seniors (February 9)
• Add your event

That's all for today. Have a great weekend!

— Georgi

About me: Georgi is a Chicago-based newsletter writer and partner content curator. She spent five years on the entertainment beat for FF2 Media covering film festivals across the U.S. Her feature articles have been recognized with awards from the Illinois Women's Press Association and National Federation of Press Women. As editor-in-chief of the Lewis University newspaper, she and her staff earned honors from the Associated Collegiate Press and American Scholastic Press Associations. She began working for Patch in 2019.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Oak Park-River Forest Daily? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.