🌱 Duckworth Visits + Property Taxes Up + New Hot Chicken Restaurant

Welcome back! In today's Oak Park-River Forest Daily, find out about:

• The results of a year-long assessment of the Oak Park Police Department
• Which Oak Park football team is heading to the championships
• A $50 million plan for Brookfield Zoo primates

But first, today's weather: Cold; afternoon snow flurries. High: 34 Low: 23.

Our local sponsor has some great stuff to offer:

Have you or a loved one been a victim of sexual abuse? Attorney Tod M. Urban is a survivor of abuse himself who can help you understand your options. After 35 years as a prominent criminal defense attorney, Tod has focused his practice on helping others who have shared his experience. He’s compassionate and has deep expertise in navigating the legal complexities required to get justice and peace of mind. Visit here to learn more or call for conversation today.

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

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

1. Consulting firm BerryDunn provided recommendations Monday to improve the Oak Park Police Department, from updating facilities to hiring additional officers. The firm has been gathering information for its department assessment for more than a year. (Wednesday Journal)

2. State Sen. Michael Hastings was officially re-elected to his seat Tuesday despite his ex-wife’s allegations of domestic abuse. Gov. J.B. Pritzker previously called on Hastings to resign; Oak Park Senator and Senate President Don Harmon asked him to step down from his role as a majority whip. (WBEZ)

3. Cook County property tax bills are now available for online viewing after a months-long delay. Paper copies will be mailed by Dec. 1 and bills are due Dec. 30. Oak Parker and County Assessor Fritz Kaegi blamed the Board of Review for the delay, according to WTTW. He also noted that taxpayers “are bearing more of the tax burden this year.” (WTTW)

4. Recently re-elected U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth visited Forest Park this week to meet with veterans at the Howard R. Mohr Community Center. Duckworth also met with county officials, students and other members of the school district. (Review)

5. Chubby’s Hot Chicken will open on Madison Street in the coming weeks. Oak Park resident and Big Shrimpin’ owner Prentiss Harris told Wednesday Journal the restaurant idea was inspired by a trip to Nashville in 2020. (Wednesday Journal)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• “The Menu” opens at Lake Theatre. (5 p.m.)
• The Fenwick Friars take on St. Laurence for the Catholic League Football Championship. (6 p.m.)
• Dominican University hosts Theologian Dr. Craig Ford for “Black Lives Matter: A Theology to Broaden Our Catholic Imagination.” (7 p.m.)
• Join One Lake Brewing for “Bonfires and Brews” at the Cheney Mansion Greenhouse. (7 p.m.)
• Ruth Wyand performs a folk concert at Oak Park Public Library. (7 p.m.)
• Ken Myers gives Concordia University’s “Lectureship in Christianity, Humanities and Public Life.” (7 p.m.)
• Beer Shop hosts “Bring Your Own Vinyl” Night. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Oak Park’s official snow parking rules are not yet in effect despite snowfall Tuesday and Wednesday. (VOP)
• OPRF High School honored “Entertainment Tonight” host Hallie Stephens Drake with its alumni Tradition of Excellence Award. (OPRFHS)
• Brookfield Zoo announced it will break ground next year on a new $50 million primate habitat. (Landmark)
• The OPRF Infant Welfare Society is accepting children’s book donations for its giving library. (OPRFIWS)
• Anfora Wine Merchants made Punch’s list of best holiday season wines. (Punch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Noon Whistle Artisan Market #3 (November 20)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• The Chicago Tribune Names Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago the No. 1 Top Workplace for 2022 (Details)
• Add your announcement

See you tomorrow for more local stories, OPRF!

— 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.