🌱 Concordia Coach Leaves Team + School Employee Under Investigation

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

• A man was arrested for shooting at Berwyn police
• North Austin is getting a new community center
• Young River Forest actor William Daly takes the stage in Lincolnshire

But first, today's weather: Occasional wet snow, 1-3 inches. High: 34 Low: 30.

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

1. Basketball coach Steve Kollar has left his role at Concordia University after “significant new information [came] to light” about his time with the team, school spokesperson Eric Matanyi told the Tribune. Six players were hospitalized in early January after an intense workout left them with a serious muscle condition. Kollar was reinstated to his post after an internal investigation, but four members of the training staff resigned after his return. According to the Trib, it’s unclear whether he resigned or was fired. The Cougars cannot play out the rest of their conference games due to the number of forfeits that resulted from the athletes' injuries. (Paid source: Tribune)

2. Oak Park police and District 97 are investigating after an employee was put on leave for “allegedly engaging in inappropriate communication” with students at Percy Julian Middle School, the Wednesday Journal reports. “The district is unable to disclose additional details at this time,” District 97 spokeswoman Rebecca Bald told the paper. “The school and district took swift action to address the allegations and have been in close contact with families of involved students to offer supports.” (Wednesday Journal)

3. A person was arrested for reportedly shooting at Berwyn police during a traffic stop Friday night, according to FOX. Police were attempting to pull over the driver after making an illegal U-turn on Cermak Road when a passenger opened fire. (FOX)

4. An Oak Park man was robbed at West Suburban Medical Center last week. Two offenders pushed him to the ground and stole his wallet Jan. 19, according to Oak Park police. (OPPD)

5. Finance officials laid out five potential ways for Oak Park and River Forest High School to pay for its $100 million improvement plan, according to the Wednesday Journal. The Community Finance Committee is hoping to present its final recommendation for funding in February. The school board aims to choose a plan by the end of the school year. (Wednesday Journal)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• The Junior Justice League service organization for tweens meets at River Forest Public Library. (3:30 p.m.)
• Oak Park Public Library hosts a “More Than A Mic” Open Mic Night for students in middle school and high school. (4:30 p.m.)
• Middle schoolers can attend a Bob Ross Winter “Paint-Along” at Oak Park Public Library. (5 p.m.)
• Attend the Village of River Forest’s quarterly community safety meeting. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• A community center will open next month in the North Austin neighborhood, according to an AustinTalks report. The $35 million space will feature sports facilities and classrooms. (AustinTalks)
• The Cook County Clerk’s Office is seeking poll workers for the April election. (Clerk)
• The Village of Oak Park is offering CPR and defibrillator classes. (VOP)
• Performances of “Big Fish” begin today at the Marriott Theatre, starring River Forest actor William Daly. (Marriott)
• New wireless printers have been installed at River Forest Public Library. (Library)

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That's all for today, Oak Park and River Forest. See you tomorrow for the Thursday edition!

— Georgi Presecky

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.