🌱 OPRF Students Banned From Soccer Finals + Bike Thefts Reported

Happy Halloween, Oak Park and River Forest! Here’s your five-minute rundown of what’s making news in town on Oct. 31.

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First, today's weather: Mostly sunny and breezy. High: 52 Low: 36.

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

1. OPRF High School students were banned from last night’s soccer playoff game against Evanston after “pattern of unsportsmanlike behavior” and “extreme disrespect” were reported at the Oct. 26 semifinal game. Athletic Director Nicole Ebsen said the IHSA warned severe consequences for the team if the behavior continues. (Wednesday Journal)

2. Public health officials are asking trick-or-treaters to “respect that not everyone is comfortable participating in Halloween festivities, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Oak Park and River Forest are both offering printable signs to hang in windows today if you want trick-or-treaters to bypass your home. (VOP)

3. Bicycle and motor vehicle thefts continue to loom large in the Oak Park area, according to the police department’s latest crime report. At least four bikes, all worth more than $400, were stolen in the village the week of Oct. 21, including one locked to a bike rack outside the library. Two vehicles, both unlocked and running, were stolen on Lake Street the same week. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)

4. Pediatric medical professionals are needed to assist the Oak Park Department of Public Health with administering COVID-19 vaccines to children at local clinics. Volunteers would be needed on three dates in November and one in December to help children get vaccinated against the virus. (VOP)

5. Breakfast and lunch cafe Chicago Waffles is set to open on Lake Street in early 2022. The micro-chain’s new location will open in the former home of Saigon Pho. (Wednesday Journal)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Trunk or Treat at Unity Church of Oak Park. (12 p.m.)
• Global Film Forum at River Forest Public Library. (2 p.m.)
• Make fused glass Halloween characters at Stern Glass Works. (3 p.m.)
• Listen to a “Professional Jazz Jam” at the Eastgate Cafe. (3 p.m.)
• A Concordia choral concert is held on campus. (4 p.m.)

Oak Park-River Forest Patch Notebook

• The Village is offering Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters today. (Facebook)
• The Trinity High School volleyball team is a 2021 IHSA Regional Champion. (Trinity)
• Fenwick football will advance in the IHSA playoffs after defeating Kaneland 50-14 on Friday. (Fenwick)
• The Makers of the USA podcast mentioned Oak Park's Stacking It Up in a feature on supporting small businesses. (ABC7)
• Registration opens tomorrow to reserve football fields at Keystone East and Washington Commons this Thanksgiving. (RFPD)

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That's all for today, OPRF! Have a safe and happy Halloween.

— Georgi Presecky

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