🌱 Harmon Has COVID-19 + Walmart Employee Charged With Theft

Hello, Oak Park and River Forest! In today's local news:

• OPRF High School takes next steps toward $100 million renovation
• The Laramie State Bank building could see national recognition
• Local organizations are making plans to celebrate the Academy Awards next month

But first, today's weather: A wintry mix in the morning. High: 35 Low: 17.

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

1. Illinois Senate President Don Harmon tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday, his office announced. The Oak Park Democrat will isolate for the rest of the week. He last tested positive in the summer of 2021. (NBC)

2. A Forest Park Walmart employee has been charged with retail theft after allegedly stealing more than $7,000 worth of merchandise from the store. The 65 year old is accused of stealing the manager’s keys to a storage room and taking iPhones, tablets and AirPods. (Review)

3. It’s been a busy week for Oak Park and River Forest High School. Officials plan to vote Feb. 23 on the next $100 million phase of its renovation project, the Wednesday Journal reports. The school announced a new assistant superintendent for business services will be hired next year, and also released grade data about the newly designed freshman curriculum which rolled out last fall. (Wednesday Journal)

4. The Laramie State Bank building could receive a new historic landmark designation thanks to approval from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. The building on Chicago Avenue in Austin dates back to 1927. (AWN)

5. The Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association is planning an Oscar party March 12 at American House. The Oak Park Public Library is also hosting its 13th annual “Oscarthon” March 11 and has several nominated films available to rent. Nominated short films will also screen at Lake Theatre in the week leading up to the ceremony. (OPALGA+/OPPL/Classic Cinemas)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Join the Oak Park River Forest Museum’s new “Inspired By History” creative writing group. (10 a.m.)
• Take a southern cooking class at Trinity High School. (6 p.m.)
• Wednesday Journal hosts a forum with OPRF High School District 200 candidates at Dominican University. (7 p.m.)
• Jazz Night at Pleasant Home pays tribute to Black history. (7 p.m.)
• “A Doll’s House Part 2” begins its run at the Theatre of Western Springs. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Residents shared “mixed” reactions to new restaurants on North Avenue seeking liquor licenses. (AustinTalks)
• Kuumba Kids will perform a recital Feb. 24 in honor of Black History Month. (Wednesday Journal)
• Crews have begun a series of water valve replacements across Oak Park, beginning with the 600 block of South Maple. (VOP)

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Featured events:

• Jazz Prayer (February 17)
• Handel Week Festival Concert I (February 19)
• Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Performs Rarely Heard Masterpieces (February 19)
• Symphony Presents Ravel and Vaughan Williams (February 19)
• Paczkis (+ more) to your door on Fat Tuesday from Do-Rite! Order by Monday. (February 21)
• BBQ from Hogsalt Hospitaliy's Green Street Smoked Meats is coming, order by Tuesday! (February 22)
• Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is bringing Southern Eats to you. Order by Tuesday. (February 23)
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That's all for now, Oak Park and River Forest. Have a great day!

— 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.