🌱 Oak Park Library Reopens + Illinois History Teacher Of The Year

Hey, everybody. I'm here with your Friday edition of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and cooler. High: 83 Low: 69.

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

1. The Oak Park Public Library has reopened after an online threat prompted its temporary closure. Police conducted a search of all branches and found no concerning items, leading the Oak Park Police Department to deem the threat not credible. This incident is part of a series of threats to libraries in the region, reflecting a concerning trend that has raised alarms about the safety of public institutions, including libraries, in the face of escalating challenges. (Wednesday Journal)
2. Oak Park-River Forest High School began its 2023-2024 academic year, celebrating history teacher Tyrone Williams Jr. for receiving the Illinois History Teacher of the Year award from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Williams, who has been an educator for 18 years, expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the mentors, colleagues, and students who have contributed to his journey. He is also a finalist for the 2023 National History Teacher of the Year Award, with the winner set to be announced in the coming months, receiving a $10,000 award and national recognition. (Subscription: Chicago Tribune)
3. An arrest warrant has been issued for an 18-year-old man, Jesus Pantoja, in connection with the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy in nearby Palatine. The incident occurred on Aug. 17, with police responding to shots fired and discovering spent shell casings. A 14-year-old boy has already been charged in juvenile court with attempted murder and related charges, while the 15-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries later, identified as Damian Hernandez. (FOX 32 Chicago)

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Today in and around Oak Park-River Forest:

Friday, August 25

• One-On-One Small Business Consulting At Oak Park Public Library (1:00 PM)
• Uptown Rhythm Festival At 4850 North Simmonds Drive, Chicago (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Get ready for an exciting revival as Crabtree Nature Center is set to reopen with a grand event on Aug. 27, featuring guided tours, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and nature play activities. (Forest Preserve District of Cook County via Facebook)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar this weekend? Check out the list of events happening in and around the Chicago area this weekend at the link! (Block Club Chicago)
• Chicago O'Hare Airport is introducing a mobile ordering service called ORDer where travelers will be able to use their phones to browse, order, and pay for food, beverages, and retail products, aiming to reduce wait times and expand access to airport shops and restaurants. (WLS-TV)

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:

• Irish Fest - Day 3 (August 27)
• What is the Difference between Palliative Care and Hospice Care at Oak Park Arms (August 29)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on August 29th and 31st at DePaul University - Levan Center (August 29)
• Malnati Brain Tumor Institute Summer Rooftop Celebration (August 30)
• How To Protect Your Business: Avoiding 6 Common Mistakes (August 31)
• High Holiday Services 2023 (September 15)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.