Community Corner

🌱 Fatal Weekend Shooting + Water Main Break + Black History Exhibit

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Oak Park-River Forest.

(Patch Media)

It's the last day of January! Let's get to today's top local stories, including:

  • Amazon delayed plans to open a West Side warehouse
  • Oak Park officials are furthering plans to reduce the village's carbon footprint
  • A weekend winter fest is planned

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and frigid. High: 14 Low: 6.


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

1. A man was shot and killed Saturday at Chicago and Lombard avenues, the Wednesday Journal reports. Oak Park police are investigating, but “believe the victim was targeted by the assailant.” (Wednesday Journal)

2. A “significant” water main break occurred Monday morning in the 100 block of Chicago Avenue. Public works crews worked to restore regular traffic and water service within hours. (VOP)

3. The Oak Park Public Library will host a reception Thursday in honor of the community leaders being featured in its Black History Month idea box exhibit. Registration closes today for the Feb. 2 event. (Library)

4. West Side residents are expressing frustration as Amazon delays plans to open a warehouse in the area. The company originally said the warehouse at Division and Kostner would open in 2022 and provide more than 400 jobs. (AWN)

5. A free winter fest event will be held Saturday at Austin Gardens. Games, music, snacks, crafts and more are on the park district’s schedule for the Feb. 4 event. (Park District)


Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

  • See art on display through Triton College’s High School Art Competition. (11 a.m.)
  • The Park District of Oak Park hosts “How to Use Uber for Transportation Independence.” (Noon)
  • Oak Park Public Library offers a “Supported Storytime” for children with disabilities. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Longtime Dominican University trustee and Oak Park native Mary Catherine Ryan died earlier this month at the age of 83. (Paid source: Sun-Times)
  • Oak Park officials are considering plans to reduce the use of natural gas in village buildings. (Wednesday Journal)
  • The Oak Park River Forest Museum is launching a new history book club, set to meet Feb. 23. The first book up for discussion is “Murder in the Park,” set in the village in the 1920s. (Museum)
  • River Forest Park District is selling Valentine’s Day gift boxes featuring items from local businesses. Orders must be placed by Friday and will be ready for pick-up Feb. 9 at the Depot. (Park District)

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That's all for today! See you tomorrow for the start of another month of daily updates. Thanks for being here.

Georgi

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.

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