🌱 Winning Lotto Ticket Sold At Oak Park Jewel + Gas Station Debate

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

• Human remains are found in an Austin alley
• A Forest Park event space is cited for rowdy crowds
• The state board recognizes a local high school

But first, today's weather: Breezy and warm with a shower. High: 70 Low: 59.

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

1. Sanitation workers discovered human remains in a trash can Wednesday in the South Austin neighborhood, the Sun-Times reports. An autopsy and investigation are underway on the body, which was found in an alley in the 4900 block of West Washington Boulevard. (Paid source: Sun-Times)

2. Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson spoke out last week about the 24-hour gas station ordinance, forbidding certain businesses from operating overnight. “We definitely have to consider the safety of the residents over financial gain,” Johnson said at a public hearing Oct. 25. (Wednesday Journal)

3. Forest Park event space Foundry FP was cited by village police Oct. 23 for failing to control rowdy crowds and allowing customers to carry open containers of alcohol outdoors. The business owner and village came to a settlement Nov. 2, with Foundry owner Linda Cibula agreeing to donate to a local food pantry. (Review)

4. A $50,000-winning lottery ticket was sold this week at the Jewel on Roosevelt Road, NBC Chicago reports. At least 12 winners were drawn Wednesday night, but no one received the $1.2 billion jackpot. (NBC)

Oak Park-River Forest Picture of the Week

It's a picturesque time of year! 🍂 Thanks to Hella Brauc for sharing this image of the fall colors in Austin Gardens.

If you'd like your photograph featured in our Friday photo series, feel free to email me here.

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Oak Park Conservatory’s Winter Greens Market opens its online sale. (10 a.m.)
• The OPRF Chamber of Commerce celebrates the belated 25th anniversary of Khyber Pass. (12:15 p.m.)
• Starship Restaurant & Catering celebrates 45 years of business. (1 p.m.)
• “College Readiness Event Series: College Application Process” is held at Oak Park Public Library. (5 p.m.)
• Family Trivia Night at River Forest Public Library. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Oak Park native Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz is running for her third term as a state representative in the 17th district. (Daily Herald)
• Oak Park and River Forest High School ranks in the top 10 percent of Illinois schools, according to a new report card issued by the state Board of Education. (OPRFHS)
• The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with local children’s hospitals to distribute a device that would keep guns out of young hands. (WGN)
• A 5-year-old red panda died suddenly at Brookfield Zoo this week. (NBC)
• River Forest Public Library is distributing “mini canvas” kits for residents to participate in an upcoming art show. (Library)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In the Village — (Visit website)
• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• One Night Only — Brian Hicks Comedy (November 5)
• Add your event

Gigs & services:

• Buying old coins, unwanted jewelry, sterling silver, watches & collectables! (Details)
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You're all caught up 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.