Wednesday Journal

01/18/2025

Architect Henry Fiddelke may not be a household name in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park, but he designed a number of well-known mansions, including the Hales Mansion on Chicago and Oak Park Avenue, as well as municipal and commercial villages throughout the area.

01/17/2025

The final plan is expected in March

Oak Parkers say they like the community’s small businesses and walkability, but they want to see lower taxes, more parking and more access to public transportation.

01/16/2025

Jack Wagner is back as girls water polo coach

After spending four years in retirement, Jack Wagner is returning as the Fenwick High School girls’ water polo head coach.

01/16/2025

Has key sack and tackle for loss in West’s victory

Fenwick High School senior Nate Marshall, who’s been starring for the Friars’ boys basketball team this year, took a break from the hardwood to put on his football pads again and participate in one of the premier high school showcase games in the country last weekend.

01/16/2025

Find local schools, enrichment programs, classes and more in our Education Guide!

01/16/2025

‘Neighborhood Dialogues’ feedback shows a disconnect between policy and public understanding

Although River Forest officials said they believe they are doing a good job of communicating with residents, a presentation on key findings from the village’s neighborhood dialogues program given at the Jan. 13 Village Board meeting indicates they need to do more.

01/16/2025

Justin Jornd is the third head coach in as many seasons

For the second consecutive season, the Fenwick High School boys swimming and diving team is under the guidance of a new head coach. Justin Jornd is in his debut season. He is the program’s third head coach in as many seasons. Jornd replaced Spencer Walker who replaced former coach Steve Thompson, ...

01/16/2025

Betty White considered it a source of pride to be a native of the village of Oak Park.

Betty White considered it a source of pride to be a native of the village of Oak Park. And while the famed actress, best known for her work on TV shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Golden Girls,” only lived in the village for a short time as a child, she came […]

01/15/2025

Sacluti’s 10 points off the bench is the margin of victory for Blazers

Rivalry games, no matter the sport, are not always decided by each team’s star players. In fact, more often than not, an unsung player helps to determine the outcome.

01/15/2025

For the past three seasons, there has been one consistent presence for Oak Park and River High School boys basketball fans. Seniors Alex Gossett, a 6-5 forward, and Alex Vincent, a 6-9 center, are in their third year as varsity starters, and they are saving their best seasons for last.

01/15/2025

Family, friends and the wider Oak Park community are mourning the loss of Robinson’s Ribs matriarch, Helen Grace Robinson who died Dec. 20.

01/15/2025

The Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission denied a proposal last week that would add a 10-story, art deco-style addition behind the landmark Boulevard Arcade Building.

01/15/2025

Zealots for Democracy

01/14/2025

Residents have spoken out against the development

Developers of Driven Car Wash, coming to the northwest corner of Austin Boulevard and Roosevelt Road, have secured a demolition permit to remove the old bank building on the site.

01/14/2025

Many factors could account for the increase, including the national shortage of affordable housing and wages that aren’t keeping pace with costs of living.

Suburban Cook County saw about a 12.5% increase in homelessness based on a January 2024 Point-in-Time Count, a report of sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night.

01/14/2025

The organization’s first group show of the year runs through Feb. 2

The Oak Park Art League is featuring “Under Construction,” a new group art showfeaturing 45 works by 34 OPAL artists. The exhibit runs through Feb 2.“Under Construction” is a free exhibit conceptualized by OPAL Executive DirectorBryan Grayson Northup. The idea was sparked by recent renovatio...

01/13/2025

Knock and Honey Wareewanich are bringing the best of ingredients to the new Thai restaurant at North and Kenilworth.

Na Siam Restaurant — a bit of Thailand at our northern border — has new owners.But the aroma and flavors are the same at the North Avenue restaurant. Thitinant “Knock” Wareewanich and his wife bought the restaurant eight months ago.They arrived from Thailand with their two young children and...

01/13/2025

The Oak Park Public Library board, working with Koya Partners, is interviewing candidates for executive director.

The Oak Park Public Library board, working with Koya Partners, is interviewing candidates for executive director in January.