🌱 Taylor Ave. Remains Closed + Oak Park Vehicle License Deadline

Hey, everybody! It's Friday in Oak Park-River Forest and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

A shower and thunderstorm; humid. High: 89 Low: 69.

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

1. Commuters in Oak Park face potential disruption following an incident involving a truck trapped in a sinkhole close to a Taylor Avenue gas station. Traffic authorities have enforced an indefinite closure of Taylor Avenue, stretching from Iowa Street to Chicago Avenue, pending the completion of necessary repairs. According to local police, the obstruction, set to pose significant inconvenience to the town's transportation network, may last several days. (CBS News Chicago)
2. Oak Park residents are reminded that today marks the final day to procure the mandatory license for their owned or leased motor vehicles before the price surges by $20 post the Jul. 15 deadline. Rates vary according to vehicle type and non-compliance could attract fines, although discounts are available for individuals aged 65 and above, those with state-issued handicapped plates or placards, disabled veterans, and active-duty U.S. Armed Forces members. All relevant information and the platform to purchase or renew licenses can be accessed at www.oak-park.us/vehiclelicense, and inquiries can be directed to parking@oak-park.us. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)
3. Oak Park's Adjudication Department, in a unique partnership with Master Shyu Martial Arts, launched its inaugural one-day youth martial arts camp on Wednesday at the Julian Middle School gymnasium. The event, free of charge and open to children aged 6 to 14 residing or studying in Oak Park, offered an array of activities, including mastery of martial arts techniques like blocks, kicks, punches, falls, and throws. The initiative aimed to foster discipline, confidence, and personal growth in children, also serving as a platform to teach critical life skills such as conflict resolution, identifying danger, and self-defense. (Village of Oak Park via Instagram)

Our local sponsors have some great stuff to offer:

• Get ready to experience one of Chicago’s best donut spots — right here in Oak Park. Do-Rite Donuts is bringing their freshly baked, small batch donuts to our town on Saturday, July 15th. Enjoy a wide variety of artisanal donuts in unusual flavors including Candied Maple Bacon, Blueberry Crumb, and Pistachio-Meyer Lemon, to name a few. Oh, and they also have gluten-free and vegan options available, too. Get these mouth-watering delights delivered to your doorsteps even before the dog wakes up. Order here by 10pm on Friday, July 14th.

• Prepare Your Home for Fall with a Stunning New Look! As the seasons change and Fall approaches, it's the perfect time to give your home a vibrant transformation with a fresh coat of paint. Elite Decorating & Remodeling offers top-notch exterior painting services that will revitalize your home and make it look brand new, while also protecting it from the elements. Whether it’s painting, deck renovations, or complete remodels, Elite Decorating & Remodeling has you covered — Click here to learn more or call Mark here.

• YogaSix Oak Park Celebrates Two Years with Free Flow Weeks! Join YogaSix from July 17 - 31 for a special week of themed classes and raffle prizes to celebrate two years as part of the Oak Park community. First time visitors and non-members can take up to three free classes. Come for yoga and stay for the community. Click here to sign up for your three free classes today. Book soon - classes are filling up fast!

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Friday, July 14

• Shop Outdoor Sale In Downtown Oak Park (All Day)
• Friends Book Fair At Oak Park Public Library (9:00 AM)
• “Chicago” Ed Parzygnat: Elvis Tribute Concert At Oak Park Arms (5:00 PM)
• Shakespeare In The Park: Chamber Night At Austin Gardens (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Oak Park residents can enjoy a weekend of local shopping at the Shop Outdoor Sale, taking place now through Sunday. Participating retailers in the Downtown Oak Park and The Hemingway districts are offering end-of-season sales. A list of participating stores can be found here. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)
• A succulent and cacti sale is happening at the Oak Park Conservatory on Jul. 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Jul. 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Stop by to explore and purchase a wide variety of locally grown cacti and specialty succulents, as well as get expert advice on selecting the perfect plants for your garden! (Park District of Oak Park via Facebook)
• The next River Forest Village Board of Trustees meeting, originally scheduled for Mon. Jul. 24 at 7:00 p.m. has been canceled. Visit the Village's website for updates. (Village of River Forest)

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:

• Mutt Strut Virtual 5k Run/Walk (July 14)
• Grace Strawberry Festival (July 15)
• Saturday at Tre Sorelle. We have the Keys to Romance. (July 15)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for 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.