🌱 Bomb Threat At Concordia + Breweries Close + Armed Robbery

Happy Wednesday, OPRF! Let's get to the news.

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First, today's weather: An afternoon shower. High: 70 Low: 55.

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

1. Concordia University was placed on “soft lockdown” Tuesday morning “after officials received a message indicating there might be an explosive device on the campus,” the Wednesday Journal reports. Officials gave the “all clear” about an hour after the threatened cyber attack. (Wednesday Journal)

2. An armed robber stole an iPhone and Apple Watch in the 400 block of South Grove Avenue last week, according to the Oak Park Police Department crime report. The incident occurred around 11:55 p.m. on Oct. 11. (OPPD)

3. Two Oak Park breweries closed their doors this week. Oak Park Brewing closed after five years in business due to “financial and health reasons,” according to owner Jim Cozzens. Wild Onion Tied House was supposed to stay in business until Oct. 31, but closed early last Tuesday due to storm damage and other challenges. The establishment has used social media in the past to criticize the village for its pandemic response. (Wednesday Journal)

4. Despite the closures, Oak Leaves reports that “business is booming in Oak Park.” More than 70 establishments have opened in the village so far this year, according to director of Development Customer Services Tammie Grossman. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)

5. Oak Park residents still have the opportunity to weigh in on distribution of American Rescue Plan Act funds. A survey is available online through the village website until Oct. 30. (VOP)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Story-time in Rehm Park. (10 a.m.)
• Oak Park Township hosts "Spooky Tai Chi." (11:30 a.m.)
• Take a "Wellness Walk" with Trailside Museum. (1 p.m.)
• Discuss "The Vanishing Half" with Oak Park Public Library. (1 p.m.)
• Former Dominican University President Dr. Donna Carroll addresses Women Leaders in Philanthropy. (5:30 p.m.)

Oak Park-River Forest Patch Notebook

• The Park District of Oak Park will host a virtual Stevenson Park planning meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. (PDOP)
• The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest will open its 90th season this weekend with a concert at Concordia University. (Patch)
• Halloween hours in Oak Park will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. to make it easier for trick-or-treaters to see posted signs if households are not distributing candy. (VOP)
• AARP included the village’s Frank Lloyd Wright destinations in its new “Guide to Chicago Architecture.” (AARP)
• Chicago continues to celebrate the Sky winning their first WNBA Championship over the weekend. (NBC5)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• HOLY Ghost Stories (October 21)
• Free Monster Mash Dance Party for ages 2-8! (October 23)
• Wondereen & Boo! A SPOOK-tacular Halloween Event! (October 24)
• Celebrate Beethoven with the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest (October 24)
• Add your event

Job listings:

• Tax Reviewer (Details)
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That's it for today! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— Georgi Presecky

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