🌱 Garden Dedicated To Late River Forest Woman + Tap Room Closes

Good morning, Oak Park and River Forest! In our first Daily of June, find out:

• Why a former Rush nurse faces harassment and stalking charges.
• Which local gas stations have violated Oak Park's 24-hour ban.
• What events are going on tonight, from the return of Thursday Night Out to a local Pride Walk.

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 87 Low: 68.

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

1. A former Oak Park nurse with a criminal record is facing federal harassment charges after cyber-stalking a man he matched with on the dating app Grindr. The Wednesday Journal reports Kevin Cruz, 32, is accused of creating fake internet dating profiles of the victim and sending matches to the victim’s home to harass him. Wednesday Journal reporting also shows Cruz was fired from Rush in 2022 for “violating the hospital system’s policy against discrimination, sexual misconduct and harassment.” (Wednesday Journal)

2. Two local gas stations have been cited for violating the Oak Park ban on 24-hour operations, the Wednesday Journal reports. The BP gas stations on Roosevelt Road and Austin Boulevard were both issued citations during the winter for operating outside of the allowed hours. (Wednesday Journal)

3. Berwyn Tap Room closed after the bar’s liquor license was revoked during a May 1 hearing. The Review reports the establishment is owned by the same pair behind the Forest Park Tap Room, which closed last year “due to many of the same problems,” including rowdiness, noise and violence. (Review)

4. A re-dedication ceremony will be held Saturday at the Anne T. Smedinghoff Memorial Garden at the River Forest Public Library. The library first dedicated the space in 2013 in honor of the River Forest native, who was killed in Afghanistan in a suicide bomb attack while serving the U.S. Department of State. (Library)

These are the great local businesses who sponsor the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter. We love what they do, and we think you will, too:

• Here’s your chance to experience one of the most exclusive pizza spots in Chicago — right here in Oak Park. George’s Deep Dish is bringing their unique crusts and locally sourced ingredients to our area on Thursday, June 8. Why is their pizza so popular? It’s all in the incredibly delicious crust that must rise for 2 days before it’s made into a pie. Add on your own toppings or pick from the specialty flavors with names as fun as the pizza is mouthwatering. We like Clooney's ER — with cup + char pepperoni, Italian sausage, beef meatballs, and bacon. Order here by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6. Quantities are very limited… so don’t miss out.

• 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.

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Thursday Night Out returns to downtown Oak Park. (4 p.m.)
• The District 90 Inclusion and Pride Walk begins at Village Hall and concludes at Lincoln Elementary School. (6 p.m.)
• Animal Care League hosts “Yappy Hours” at Cheney Mansion. (6:30 p.m.)
• The Oak Park Public Library presents “Sustainability at Home: Waste Reduction & Recycling Right.” (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman will participate in “Move with the Mayor” June 3 at Village Hall. (VOP)
• Beyond Hunger is hosting its Healthy Chef Challenge in Chicago today. (BH)
• It’s the final day of class for OPRF High School students. Graduation is set for Sunday. (OPRFHS)
• Registration is open for River Forest Park District taekwondo classes at the Depot. (Park District)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The Village — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Noshes from Manny's Deli at home this weekend! Order by Friday. (June 3)
• Add your event

That's all the news for June 1! See you tomorrow for more local stories.

— 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.