🌱 OPRF Adds To Security Staff + Trustee Candidate Forum Tonight

Hello Oak Park and River Forest! In today's newsletter:

• A man is sentenced for the attempted murder of an off-duty Oak Park police officer.
• Kia and Hyundai thefts continue.
• The Oak Park Alternative Response Task Force hosts a public meeting.

But first, today's weather: Occasional rain and drizzle. High: 50 Low: 35.

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Here are the top 4 stories in Oak Park-River Forest today:

1. Six new security staff members will join Oak Park and River Forest High School’s campus safety team following a school board vote last week. Administrators initially asked the board to hire 14 new officers, citing a 20 percent increase in student “infractions” from last year and several teachers expressing safety concerns. “I’ve worked here for 19 years and this year it feels like there are unprecedented safety concerns that compromise the learning environment,” teacher Toni Biasiello told the board. (Wednesday Journal)

2. David Bush was sentenced to 30 years in prison this week in connection with the 2015 shooting of an off-duty Oak Park police officer. He was convicted of attempted murder last fall. (ABC)

3. Three cars were stolen from Oak Park streets Monday. Two Kias and a Hyundai were taken, following a national pattern. Oak Park police said these vehicles are targeted because “they use a mechanical key to start rather than a key fob and push-button.” Thefts occurred in the 600 block of South Boulevard, 700 block of South Grove and 800 block of Randolph Street. (OPPD)

4. Candidates for Oak Park trustee will meet at Village Hall tonight for a public forum sponsored by the Wednesday Journal. The event will be held in-person, but a Zoom option is available. Early voting is underway, and Election Day is April 4. (Wednesday Journal)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Take a weaving workshop at the Thatcher Woods Pavilion. (5:30 p.m.)
• Classroom Kitchen hosts a virtual cooking class on Irish fare. (6:30 p.m.)
• Jazz Night at Pleasant Home celebrates Women’s History Month. (7 p.m.)
• Learn about flower arrangements at River Forest Public Library. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Oak Park Alternative Response Task Force will host a public engagement session tonight at the District 97 Administration Building. Attendees can weigh in on “how first responders should handle mental health crisis calls.” (Engage Oak Park)
• Local author Hariette Gillem Robinet was honored in River Forest last night, receiving the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame Fuller Award. She has lived in Oak Park for almost 60 years, penning 11 books. “Her accomplishments, suffice it to say, extend well beyond her outstanding books," Hall of Fame Executive Director Don Evans said. (Library)
• Tickets are sold out for Animal Care League’s upcoming trivia night fundraiser at One Lake Brewing. Some tickets will be available at the door March 23. (Animal Care League)
• Registration opens March 20 for spring programs at River Forest Park District. (Facebook)

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Featured events:

• "Music to Dine by" at Tre Sorelle by Mancini (March 18)
• Live Jazz Jam Sunday at Tre Sorelle Ristorante by Mancini (March 19)
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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.