🌱 Murder Victim's Family Files Lawsuit + New Top Cop For Elmwood Park

Hello, Oak Park and River Forest. Thanks for staying up to date on your latest local news. In today's digest:

• Police debunk social media rumors of a homicide in River Forest
• A dispensary could open in a former Forest Park pharmacy
• A pilot AP course on African American studies is coming to OPRF High School

But first, today's weather: Becoming very windy; rain. High: 43 Low: 30.

Here's to our local sponsor. Check out what they can do for you:

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.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

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

1. A lawsuit was filed Tuesday by the family of a teen who was shot and killed last summer at an Oak Park gas station. According to Oak Leaves, LaDonna Logan Bryant is seeking wrongful death damages following the murder of her daughter, Jailyn Logan Bledsoe. She was 18 years old when she was killed June 22 at the BP on Chicago Avenue. The village passed an ordinance last year banning gas stations and convenience stores from operating between midnight and 5 a.m. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)

2. Social media claims that a person was shot and killed on Keystone Avenue Monday were “misreported,” River Forest Police Chief James O’Shea told Wednesday Journal earlier this week. He said there was “no indication of homicide” after a false tweet circulated. (Wednesday Journal)

3. Elmwood Park Police Chief Andrew Hock spoke to Pioneer Press six weeks after stepping into his role as head of the police department. The Fenwick High School and Triton College graduate said his priorities include “anti-crime initiatives and community-based policing.” (Paid source: Elm Leaves)

4. A dispensary company is applying to open a new location inside the former site of the Forest Park CVS near the Oak Park Metra Station. The Village Council could vote to approve it as soon as Feb. 27. (Review)

5. OPRF High School is one of 60 schools chosen by the College Board to pilot an Advanced Placement course in African American studies next year. “We’re confident our students will have a rich, rigorous and engaging experience in the course,” OPRF History Division head Amy Hill told Wednesday Journal. (Wednesday Journal)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Economy Shop has a sale. (9 a.m.)
• Celebrate National Pizza Day at Triton College. (11 a.m.)
• Austin Gardens hosts fireside story time. (Noon)
• River Forest Township, local high schools and nonprofits hold a community conversation at Brooks Middle School about youth marijuana use prevention. (6:30 p.m.)
• Concordia University offers a panel discussion: “How Free is Your Faith in Illinois?” (7 p.m.)
• Anfora Wine Merchants hosts a Valentine’s Day wine tasting at Pleasant Home. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• A suspect in a car theft attempted to flee police on Washington Boulevard last week, the Review reports. The teen driver caused an accident that damaged several vehicles before being arrested Feb. 2. (Review)
• Candidates for the Park District of Oak Park Board will speak at a virtual forum tonight hosted by the Oak Park Public Library. (OPPL)
• The Village of Oak Park is expected to receive $13.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds this year. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)
• PING! is accepting musical instrument donations for local students. (PING!)
• Registration is open for summer camps at Ovation Academy. (Ovation)

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

Events:

• Consumer Fraud Prevention Tips for Seniors (February 9)
• Chicago Artisan Market in Ravenswood — this Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 11-12 (February 11)
• Winter '23 Weekend Wonders in Elmhurst(1st-5th graders) (February 11)
• Teen Open Mic (February 11)
• Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Café bringing brunch and Valentine's sweets right to you! Order by Sunday. (February 14)
• Hip, award-winning Wicker Park Southeast Asian restaurant Wazwan is coming! Order by Monday. (February 15)
• Gourmet, fresh pasta meals for the family from Gemma Foods are coming to you! Order by Tuesday. (February 16)
• Add your event

That's all for today! 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.