Don Harmon Contracts COVID-19 + Vigil Held For Murder Victim

Good morning, OPRF! Thanks for starting your day with Patch.

First, today's weather: Partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 84, low: 69.

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

1. Illinois Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park is recovering from a breakthrough case of COVID-19, his office announced Monday. He was vaccinated in the spring and began experiencing symptoms late last week before testing positive. “I’m even more grateful to be vaccinated, given how mild my symptoms have been,” Harmon said. (AP)

2. A vigil was held this weekend to honor the memory of Melissa Kaylanna Rendon, a 15-year-old Chicago girl whose body was found in an Oak Park alley on Aug. 7. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)

3. Several bicycles have been reported stolen to Oak Park police so far this August — four were taken directly from residential garages on Aug. 8. (OPPD)

4. Oak Park and River Forest real estate agents called the spring housing market “one of the hottest in recent memory,” according to a Wednesday Journal report. (Wednesday Journal)

5. The percentage of vaccinated staff at Oak Park healthcare facilities ranges from only 26 percent at Oak Park Oasis to 85 percent at West Suburban Medical Center, according to Illinois Department of Public Health data. (Wednesday Journal)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest

• Take a guided nature walk in Austin Gardens. (10 a.m.)
• "Ask a Bird Nerd" with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. (1 p.m.)
• Make bookends with River Forest Public Library. (3:30 p.m.)
• River Forest's Board of Fire and Police Commissioners meets. (4:30 p.m.)
• Oak Park's Zoning Board of Appeals meets. (6 p.m.)

Oak Park-River Forest Patch Notebook

• Oak Park's public pools are open through Labor Day, but with modified hours. (PDOP)
• The River Forest Public Library launched a new miniseries on YouTube. (RFPL)
• Forest Park's Twisted Cookie was featured on a WGN breakfast segment. (WGN)
• Brookfield Zoo is celebrating the 19th birthday of its dolphin, Spree. (Brookfield Zoo)
• As the start of school approaches, the Cook County Department of Public Health is reminding parents about the importance of regular medical check-ups. (CCDPH)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! (Add your event or job listing here.)

Events/Job listings:

• Blackfoot Poetry from Einstein to Spacetime. (August 20)
• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions! (September 4)
• Head custodian/handy person. (Details)

You're all caught up for today! See you back in your inbox bright and early tomorrow.

— Georgi

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