🌱 Ginnie Newhart Dies + Planned Power Outage + $1 Million To YMCA

Good morning, Oak Park and River Forest. In today's five-minute guide to the latest local news:

• Retail theft is reported at two Oak Park stores.
• Damaged crosswalks are being repaired.
• Arbor Day events will be held this weekend.

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and cool. High: 51 Low: 36.

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

1. More than $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds will go toward West Cook YMCA health programs, the village board decided this week. Local areas of concern are “obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure,” according to the Wednesday Journal. (Wednesday Journal)

2. A Chicago man was arrested Monday in connection with retail theft at the Oak Park Old Navy store. Another retail theft was reported Monday when an offender stole several bottles of cologne from Lori’s Gift Shop. (OPPD)

3. Ginnie Newhart died Sunday in Los Angeles, the Associated Press reports. The wife of Oak Park native and television legend Bob Newhart, she is credited with the idea for the iconic twist in the finale of “Newhart.” She was 82. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)

4. ComEd announced a planned power outage today in River Forest due to a scheduled tree trimming in the 500 block of Park Avenue. The energy company said it will impact about 250 neighbors beginning at 9 a.m. (VRF)

5. Arbor Day events will be held this weekend in Oak Park. The park district will host a tree planting Friday in Carroll Park, with additional activities planned for Saturday at Austin Gardens, Maple Park, Scoville Park and more. (PDOP)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Oak Park Public Library hosts a reception for featured local artist Hasani Cannon. (6 p.m.)
• “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” screens at Lake Theatre. (1 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
• Pianist Jacqueline Schwab performs a benefit concert at Grace Episcopal Church. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Oak Park Police Department is reminding drivers to stay focused during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. (VOP)
• Concordia University will host its Spring Music Festival this Sunday. The free concert features performances from the jazz band, wind symphony, choirs and other ensembles. (CUC)
• Damaged crosswalk pavers are being replaced this week at the intersection of South and Marion. (VOP)
• Oak Park Public Library is planning ahead for Celebrating Seniors Week. Activities begin May 11. (Library)

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You're all caught up on today's news. Thanks!

— 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.