The Doings Oak Brook

Walking is 102 year old’s passion

Thu, 24 May 2012 03:28:39 -0500

At the Oak Brook Park District, you’re almost guaranteed to meet a member of the Truedson family; Tom, a park commissioner, brother Conrad, a runner, or their 102-year-old father Ray. Ray Truedson and son Conrad, 58, walk the indoor track five days a week and have become familiar faces to the staff and fellow users of the facility. Ray Truedson walks with a special walker equipped with four wheels to help him during his two laps around the track. It was an idea that came to his son after a shopping trip. “We went to a store, I gave him …

Zoo earns 2012 diversity honor

Sat, 26 May 2012 12:00:47 -0500

Brookfield Zoo earns diversity honor …

Air traffic quadruples at DuPage Airport during NATO

Sat, 26 May 2012 11:54:12 -0500

Increased air traffic diverted as a result of temporary flight restrictions over Chicago during the NATO conference last week quadrupled the usual volume at DuPage Airport, a general aviation facility which is home to many corporate flight departments and government operations. “The volume of traffic far exceeded our expectations,” said David Bird, DuPage Airport executive director, “but it speaks well for the airport that we were able to handle it without delays because we have the runway length, the hangar capacity and the personnel who are capable of handling that volume in stride.” Bird said that on a daily basis, …

One killed, four injured in Tri-State crash Tuesday

Fri, 25 May 2012 18:42:00 -0500

A crash Tuesday on the Tri-State Tollway involving five vehicles left one person dead and several injured during the early morning rush near Oak Brook. At 7:59 a.m., the Oak Brook Fire Department received a call about the accident, which had taken place on northbound Interstate 294 at Roosevelt Road. “The section is under construction,” said Oak Brook Battalion Chief Cliff Ekkert, who was on duty Tuesday morning. “They were pouring concrete just short of where the accident actually happened.” Illinois State Police Trooper Michelle Kistulinec said a 31-year-old male was killed. Authorities were withholding his name as of Friday. …

1.5 million people to use Midway, O’Hare this holiday weekend

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:24:01 -0500

About 1.5 million people are expected to pass through Chicago’s two airports this Memorial Day weekend, city aviation officials say.

Chicago Sun-Times owner Wrapports buys the Reader

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:08:36 -0500

The owners of the Chicago Sun-Times said Wednesday that they have acquired the Chicago Reader, bringing an enduring part of the alternative press under the same corporate umbrella as daily and weekly papers that span the Chicago region.

First cases of 2012 West Nile reported in the area

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:45:57 -0500

The West Nile virus has been detected in birds and mosquitoes in several western suburbs for the first time this year, state health officials announced Tuesday. The virus was found in towns including Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, and Norridge.

Oak Brook to seek investigator to study Sheahan pension

Thu, 24 May 2012 03:27:59 -0500

A proposed investigation will attempt to find out how two former Oak Brook employees left the village with a $750,000 unfunded pension liability. Former Oak Brook Police Chief Tom Sheahan, appointed in 2005, used a piece of 2007 legislation proposed by then State Rep. Robert Molaro to boost his pension at the expense of Oak Brook’s taxpayers. Molaro was then appointed as a $5,000 per month lobbyist by the village in 2009. Oak Brook trustees Tuesday appeared ready to pursue an outside investigator to look into the matter. Trustee Stelios Aktipis said the investigation will look for evidence that anyone, …

Craig, Sheahan, Sky Bar re-file lawsuit

Thu, 24 May 2012 03:28:19 -0500

After having their initial lawsuit dismissed, a group comprised of former village president John Craig, former police chief Tom Sheahan and former Sky Bar owner Iwona Burnat have re-filed their lawsuit against Oak Brook and several employees. The lawsuit was filed May 14 in the United States District Court in Chicago. Named as defendants are the Village of Oak Brook, Village President Gopal Lalmalani, Trustee Gerald Wolin, former trustee Moin Saiyed, former trustee Robert Sanford, Village Manager Dave Niemeyer and police officers George Peterson, Garrett Church, Parry Barnes, Brian Strockis, Jason Cates and Tamie Shuey. The plaintiffs are represented by …

Man killed in four-car crash on Tri-State Tollway

Tue, 22 May 2012 21:50:55 -0500

A man was killed in a four-vehicle crash on the Tri-State Tollway near west suburban Oak Brook Tuesday morning.

Study says Chicago traffic congestion actually got better

Tue, 22 May 2012 17:50:34 -0500

Drivers in the Chicago area were stuck in traffic an average of 36 hours in 2011, 12 fewer than the 48 wasted in traffic in 2010, according to INRIX, a company that studies traffic patterns.

District 86 approves building bids

Tue, 22 May 2012 17:46:00 -0500

Among other action Monday night, the Hinsdale District 86 School Board: Accepted a bid package totaling $297,000 from Bennett & Brosseau for roofing and sheet metal work at Hinsdale Central and South high schools this summer. Accepted a bid package totaling $644,000 from Anning Johnson for drywall and ceiling work at Hinsdale Central and South high schools this summer. Accepted a three-year lease agreement with American Capital Financial Services in the amount of $386,483.48 for 415 computers, pending approval by the district’s attorney. …

Purple Heart vet honored by York Township

Thu, 24 May 2012 03:29:28 -0500

With Memorial Day approaching, the honoree of the York Township Senior Center’s latest “Remember When” display takes on a greater meaning. Purple Heart veteran and Wheaton resident Louis E. Celli, 89, visits the senior center every Monday and Wednesday for lunch. His dedication and service to the country was celebrated by York Township Supervisor John Valle. Celli grew up in Chicago, graduated from Schurz High School and was drafted at age 19 in 1943. “I was happy to go,” Celli said. “I tried to get into the paratroopers and the air corps. I didn’t make it, so I was assigned …

Oak Brook Police Blotter for May 22

Thu, 24 May 2012 03:31:11 -0500

The following incidents were listed among the reports of the Oak Brook and Oakbrook Terrace police departments. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Only a court of law can make that determination. Oak Brook THEFT Simone Y. Rayford, 34, of 901 E. 104th St., Chicago, was arrested at 7:30 p.m. May 1 and charged with identity theft and theft from Macy’s, 1 Oakbrook Center, after allegedly attempting to use a fake ID to purchase $731 worth of merchandise. DUI Rasa Balaisyte, 32, of 21W549 North Ave., Lombard, was stopped at 12:59 a.m. May …

Analysis shows Butler District 53 strengths, weaknesses

Thu, 24 May 2012 03:28:59 -0500

Though they are aware it is one of the state’s top school districts, the Butler District 53 School Board wanted to know how they compare to their peers. And so, the district has sought the help of Clayton Graham of Advantage Analytics, LLC to crunch some numbers while providing specific data about each grade level and class as they work their way through District 53. Graham’s presentation to the School Board last week confirmed the district is right at the top in the state when compared to 27 other “benchmark,” districts, but showed a few areas for improvement. The board …

Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills Memorial Day activities planned

Thu, 24 May 2012 03:17:46 -0500

Hinsdale’s annual Memorial Day procession is scheduled for 10 am. Monday, kicking off at First and Garfield streets. The procession, which includes the Hinsdale Central band and several youth organizations, is scheduled to last about 30 minutes and conclude at Memorial Hall, 19 E. Chicago Ave., said Joseph Craig of Hinsdale American Legion Post 250. After the procession, a 45-minute ceremony will be conducted at Memorial Hall, which will include the reading of names of those posted on the Memorial Wall, a tribute to Hinsdale residents who have been killed in action. Craig said village presidents from Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, …