🌱 River Forest Employee Departs + Aquatics Job Fair At Park District

It's Friday, Oak Park and River Forest! In today's news:

• A Forest Park woman was robbed outside her apartment building
• River Forest trustees approved a new training tool for the fire department
• The OPRF Chamber will cut the ribbon at Kribi Coffee today

But first, today's weather: Cloudy, snow showers; breezy. High: 39 Low: 22.

Shoutout to the awesome local businesses who keep this newsletter running:

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• Looking to beat the winter blues? Join YogaSix Oak Park for their Hot Yoga winter fest from February 1-5. Your 5-day class package is only $23 (reg $99) and you can choose from a variety of fun themed classes to increase flexibility, build strength, reduce stress or just enjoy an empowering workout. Visit them here to book your spot and use the code WINTERFEST or call 708-328-3780 to learn more!

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

1. A Forest Park woman was robbed last week outside her apartment in the 200 block of Marengo Avenue. A suspect took her phone car keys before stealing her car, which was later recovered by police. The crime was reported Jan. 19. (Review)

2. Today is the final day of work for River Forest Village Administrator Brian Murphy, who is leaving the post for “personal and health reasons.” Trustees confirmed Matt Walsh will serve in his place on an interim basis and the village is in “no rush” to find a permanent replacement. (Wednesday Journal)

3. Illinois Republicans are looking to replace Jim Durkin as the head of the state’s House of Representatives. The Fenwick High School alum served in the Illinois legislature for more than 25 years before retiring earlier this month. (Patch)

4. River Forest trustees approved the purchase of a new tool for fire personnel. A $50,000 converted shipping container will be used as a prop for fire department training. “It’s very important for us since we are severely lacking in training,” Chief Tom Gaertner told the board. “It’s an outstanding system.” (Wednesday Journal)

5. The Park District of Oak Park will host a job fair next weekend specifically for aquatic job openings, including lifeguards and swim instructors. The event is set for Feb. 4 at Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex. (PDOP)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• The OPRF Chamber of Commerce hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Kribi Coffee. (1 p.m.)
• Oak Park Public Library hosts a presentation offering tips for online job applications. (2 p.m.)
• Make a band poster at Dole Center. (6 p.m.)
• Cheney Mansion hosts a “Frozen” castle party for ages 4-8. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Hines VA Hospital will hold a job fair tomorrow. (Daily Herald)
• Rebates are available through Jan. 31 for low-income drivers who purchase electric vehicles. (VRF)
• River Forest Public Library is remembering the late radio DJ Lin Brehmer with an archive display featuring his days at 93.1 FM. (Library)

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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

Job listings:

• Oak Park Residence Corporation is Hiring (Details)
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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 Daily? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.