The Doings Weekly

24/01/2024

“Belcaster leads by example, he’s one of the most hard working coaches I’ve ever seen,” Olasupo Akande, a senior on the Hinsdale South varsity boys basketball team, said to the school board. “He stays up late at night watching film on teams that we play weeks in advance, and allows us to stay in the gym after practice when most coaches would go home to their family.”

Hinsdale District 86 Tuesday voted against removing the head coach of Hinsdale Sough High School's varsity boys basketball team.

23/01/2024

Last week the school district got an offer of almost $20 million for the property from Pulte Homes, a home developer and, as the district looks for funding for an ambitious improvements plan, the income would be welcome.

At their regular Monday meeting, the LTHS board discussed at length first steps in selling the district’s undeveloped Willow Springs property.

16/01/2024

“Groundwork for a Brighter Future reflects our district’s commitment to ensuring that our facilities support high-quality in-class learning and extracurricular activities that foster the academic, physical, social, and emotional growth and well-being of our students,” Superintendent Brian Waterman said.

Lyons Township High School has, this month, unveiled a project to add amenities to both campuses as well as repair aging infrastructure, over two phases and cost somewhere around $140 million.

11/01/2024

“I am honored and excited to be selected as the new superintendent for District 86,” Michael Lach said. “There is tremendous capacity and opportunity here, and I have deep respect for the history and reputation of Hinsdale Township High School District 86.”

During a special meeting on Jan. 10, the board revealed Michael Lach would assume District 86′s highest administrative role beginning July 1, under a three-year contract with a starting annual salary of $255,000.

09/01/2024

Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso noted that Burr Ridge has no Metra station and, so far, has not had any recent issue with migrants, though the village did wind up with some in 2022 which it housed briefly in a hotel. Still, Grasso said with all the publicity, he wanted to have a discussion on the topic.

Burr Ridge has not seen any problems with migrants being dropped off in the community Mayor Gary Grasso said.

12/12/2023

“It doesn’t conform,” Mayor Gary Grasso said, noting the awning stretches beyond its private area and into a public space. “Why not make it conform? … Let’s hold Mr. Garber’s feet to the fire. I would recommend denying this, sending it back for compliance and removing that planter.”

The owner of the The Great American Bagel shop added an awning and a planter, neither of which got prior planning commission or trustee approval.

28/11/2023

The next question is how much Brendan Savage will get to play after alleging retaliation for filing a complaint against his former coach. After being cut during tryouts this year, Savage is expected to be able to practice Wednesday and play by Friday night, his mother Erin Savage said.

Brendan Savage, a senior, had started on the varsity team in past seasons but was cut during tryouts this year.

28/11/2023

The next question is how much Brendan Savagecq will get to play after alleging retaliation for filing a complaint against his former coach. After being cut during tryouts this year, Savage is expected to be able to practice Wednesday and play by Friday night, his mother Erin Savage said.

Brendan Savage, a senior, had started on the varsity team in past seasons but was cut during tryouts this year.

14/11/2023

“I certainly support this,” said Mayor Gary Grasso of the levy and the pension fund plan. “We have been always in an enviable position in position of funding and this makes us a little more enviable.”

Mayor Gary Grasso had planned to cancel the first November meeting — but by law the village had to approve the estimated levy 20 days prior to officially adopting the plan.

14/11/2023

“Just remember what the veterans have provided for the country and what they will continue to provide in the future,” said Mike Monday, the master of ceremonies and the Burr Ridge Veterans Committee Chair.

A handful of veterans, their friends and families gathered Saturday in Burr Ridge to remember all those who have served in wars as well as those who continue to serve.

31/10/2023

“The majority of the property along Route 83 is zoned in the B-2 General Business District,” Paul Hoss, Planning and Zoning Administration Coordinator for DuPage County, said. “As such, any owner or developer is permitted to pursue developing commercial land uses on the property that are permitted in the B-2 Zoning District.”

The company had been working to develop a commercial truck refueling station at Kingery Highway and Route 83 in unincorporated DuPage County, just outside of Burr Ridge, but last week village trustees declined to accept a renewed proposal addressing earlier concerns.

27/10/2023

Dr. Abed Rahman, a Willowbrook resident, has two kids attending Hinsdale South High School, and alongside Asma Akhras, one of two board members living in the district’s southern zone.

Willowbrook resident Dr. Abed Rahman was appointed to the Hinsdale High School District 86 Board of Education replacing, Debbie Levinthal, who resigned in September

24/10/2023

“This is the wrong business for our area,” said Trustee Russ Smith. “We have homes all around here. It is not fair for these people to have to sit there and listen to a fueling station and all the sounds and smells that come with it.”

Monday’s board meeting killed any immediate hope by QuikTrip of developing a gas station and convenience store in Burr Ridge.

17/10/2023

“It’s a great way for alumni to come together,” Mary Lin Muscolino, a LTHS district spokesperson, said. “And 100%, rain or shine, we knew the alumni who love this school would be here.”

Dozens of LTHS graduates packed the Corral the Corral on the South Campus prior to the homecoming football game on Saturday to catch up and soak up Lions spirit.

10/10/2023

Hinsdale District 86 officials are considering possible changes to the school’s curriculum. The school board recently heard about four potential adjustments to the social studies department and one to the mathematics.

Members of the Hinsdale District 86 school board presented five potential changes to the high schools' curriculum at a recent meeting.

10/10/2023

“We came for the Taste of Burr Ridge,” said Ryann Casak, who was with her three-year-old, Brooke. The duo drove in, not knowing what to expect. “We just came in to eat some good food and see if there was anything fun for kids."

Still in its early years, the third-annual Taste of Burr Ridge event offered tastes from a variety of cuisines from the town’s top restaurants.

26/09/2023

“It was a very successful audit and we gave the village an unmodified opinion,” Matt Beran, an accountant with Lauterbach & Amen, said. “It’s another financially successful year for the village.”

Once again, an audit shows the Village of Burr Ridge performed well, outperforming projected fiscal health.

26/09/2023

“For us the biggest reason is to reach out to the community and we don’t interact as much as we should and we want to welcome people in the neighborhood,” Joe Moawad, organizer, said.

Taste of Egypt in Burr Ridge, the still-growing festival drew thousands of people from area Coptics eager to celebrate one of the oldest Coptic churches in the United States,

19/09/2023

“There is so much for our visitors to do — expect to be transported to Egypt,” Janice Gerges, St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church member and spokesperson for marketing, said. “Guests can enjoy delicious Egyptian food and drinks, listen to live music as well as purchase jewelry, souvenirs and personalized hieroglyphics.”

St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church once again opens its doors for a celebration of all things Coptic Orthodox through the Taste of Egypt Festival.

12/09/2023

“It is their property, not our property,” Mayor Gary Grasso said. “We have to consider any proposal brought forward. … If you have ideas for something they might be interested in, then present it to them.”

Rumors of Costco coming to former CNH Industrial draw concerns from Burr Ridge residents in nearby Fieldstone subdivision

31/08/2023

“We’re looking at concerns regarding vehicle speed and volume including sight lines and other considerations,” Village Manager Evan Walter said.

Burr Ridge officials considering proposal to decrease the number of drivers in the Chasemoor subdivision.

23/05/2023

“This entire area was overgrown … you couldn’t see the back walls,” Kathy Lencioni, Social Studies department chair at Hinsdale South said. “Before we even touched ground today it looks better than it ever had in my 19 years here.”

On May 18, a year of planning came to fruition, a crew of Hinsdale South students went to work and the corporate and community sponsors students had spent time cultivating showed up.

23/05/2023

“I drove over there this evening and, in my opinion, whatever help we can offer needs to be done,” said Trustee Russell Smith. “The facade and the colors look dysfunctional now.”

Burr Ridge trustees May 22 approved a plan for a new awning and a new coat of paint on part of Pella Restaurant.

19/05/2023

“Burr Ridge is proud to be one of the only towns in the state to hold a special event each year honoring all those currently serving in the US Military,” former Mayor Mickey Straub said.

Burr Ridge's annual Armed Forces Day ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday and will feature guest speaker Brig. Gen. Martin C. Jung who is serving as the Deputy Commanding General for the 416th Theater Engineer Command.

09/05/2023

Burr Ridge swears in two reelected Village Trustees who ran unopposed in the April election.

09/05/2023

Two of the four awards in DuPage County's SCARCE sustainability design challenge were granted to teams from Hinsdale South High School, including best overall LEED design by Claire Petrosius and Grace Koziol and best stormwater design by Owen Atkinson.

18/04/2023

The Lyons Township High School District 204 Board of Education and the Lyons Township Education Association have reached an agreement providing a base salary increase of 14% over the life of the 5-year contract.

18/04/2023

“I will still be dancing, but I no longer will compete in college at the level I’m at,” Cayleigh O’Hare said. “I love Irish dancing but the competitions are a big commitment. Leading up to the World Championships, it was close to 30 hours a week to prepare.”

Hinsdale Central senior Cayleigh O'Hare is winding down her career as a competitive Irish dancer as she heads to Washington University in St. Louis to study biomedical engineering

13/04/2023

“The majority of our calls are in service to the community, helping where we can, helping animals, helping people get their cars unlocked, doing extra patrols and things like that,” Deputy Chief Marc Loftus said.

Two deputy police chiefs gave their annual report to the Burr Ridge Village Board, detailing crime and the department's future plans over the next year

28/03/2023

“I’m bringing this to you tonight as we were notified of a price increase for $1,000 per camera per year, but if approved tonight we would be grandfathered in,” Police Chief John Madden said.

The Burr Ridge Village Board Monday approved 20 Flock Falcon License Plate Recognition Systems cameras to record license plates and car details in order to track stolen vehicles and other suspicious cars.