🌱 'Check Washing' Reported In River Forest + Comedy For Climate Event

Hello! In today's Oak Park and River Forest Daily:

• West Suburban Medical Center is accused of mishandling a patient's death
• A River Forest employee resigns
• A nationally renowned Oak Park poet dies at 84

But first, today's weather: Colder; afternoon flurries. High: 37 Low: 29.

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

1. A River Forest resident said he lost $15,000 after his checks were stolen from a mailbox. Check-washing victim Michael Weldon-Linne told Wednesday Journal he believes his checks were stolen from a box on Augusta Street near Concordia University. The USPS is investigating and recommends mailing checks inside the post office building. (Wednesday Journal)

2. River Forest Village Administrator Brian Murphy is resigning for “personal reasons.” His resignation is effective Jan. 27, according to Village President Cathy Adduci. (Wednesday Journal)

3. A family is accusing West Suburban Medical Center of improperly storing the body of their deceased loved one. The family of Carol Walton told CBS Chicago she was left in an autopsy suite instead of a morgue after she died in December. A spokesperson for the hospital told CBS, "The claim about Ms. Walton's remains being outside of the morgue is false." (CBS)

4. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Simic died this week at age 84. The Oak Park and River Forest High School graduate was a winner of the Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Fellowship. (New York Times)

5. Seven Generations Ahead will host a fundraiser tonight at FitzGeralds in Berwyn. Proceeds from the “Comedy for Climate” event will support the Oak Park organization’s sustainable mission. (SGA)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Austin Gardens hosts an “Arctic Adventures” event for kids. (Noon)
• Check out the “New Year New Work” exhibit at the Oak Park Art League gallery. (1 p.m.)
• River Forest Public Library hosts a cartooning class for kids. (3:30 p.m.)
• Learn about soups with Classroom Kitchen’s virtual cooking series with the Oak Park Public Library. (6:30 p.m.)
• The Forest Preserves of Cook County offers a virtual presentation on “Native Gardens for Urban Landscapes.” (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Five cars were stolen in Oak Park during the final week of December, according to an Oak Leaves crime report. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)
• Mayor Rory Hoskins’ revocation of the Forest Park Tap Room’s liquor license in 2021 was justified, according to a new decision by the Cook County Circuit Court. (Review)
• The Oak Park Public Library is honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a list of resources, books and activities. (OPPL)
• A group of Trinity High Schoolers have formed a new Hispanic Student Union. (THS)

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Events:

• Healthy Singing — A New Year’s Resolution for Vocal Health with Peter Storms and Christine Steyer (January 15)
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That's all for today, Oak Park and River Forest. See you tomorrow for another round-up of local news.

— Georgi

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