New City Manager On Board

While stating his first choice withdrew from consideration and blaming the political situation in town, Park Ridge Mayor Howard Frimark appointed James Hock as new city manager during the City Council meeting on Monday, May 5.

Park Ridge resident Gary Beckner (right photo) has plenty of questions for representatives of Journeys from PADS to Hope, the organization looking to open a homeless shelter at St. Mary's Church. Residents, PADS representatives, and city officials workshopped the idea of bringing the shelter to town Monday night at City Hall.

Questions Aplenty On PADS Site

The possibility of legal action against the city of Park Ridge regarding a proposed PADS site emerged during a City Council workshop on Monday, May 5.

Referendum To Decide On Staggered Terms

Park Ridge City Council on Monday, May 5 agreed to place a referendum on the November ballot regarding staggered terms, although current aldermen still have not worked out logistics of the change.

Parents of Autistic Child Continue To Spread Awareness Awareness

When Park Ridge residents Sandy and Robert Waters were sitting in their basement writing a song for their autistic daughter Candace, they had no idea how it would change their lives.

Mediator To Join Dist. 207 Negotiations

After 15 months of negotiating, the High School District 207 board of education and the Maine Teachers Union (MTA), have reached an impasse on four issues Ð teacher compensation, retroactive pay, working conditions, and the length of a new contract.

Good News: Number of Scholars Up

This is the first of three reports on the record number of Illinois State Scholars selected this year in High School District 207.

Larger Recycling Bins With Slight Cost Hike Approved

Beginning tentatively July 1, residents in unincorporated Maine Township will receive a 65-gallon recycling container replacing 18-gallon bins currently in use following Maine Township board members' unanimous approval Monday night of a new contract.

Dist. 207 Fees Up, But Not As High As Possible

Some student fees in High School District 207 will go up next school year, but a couple of them almost went up much higher.

Country Crooner Jim Hager Dies

James "Jim" Hager, 66, formerly of Park Ridge and a graduate of Maine East High School, passed away on May 1 in Nashville, Tenn., at a coffee shop. He was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Area-Wide Disaster Drill May 13

The Cook County Dept. of Public Health is orchestrating the drill, simulating conditions that might exist during a large public health emergency.

Survey Says...

Taxes, traffic congestion, and noise were three "major problems" cited by Park Ridge residents in The National Citizen Survey.

Steve Breese, 30, cruises to first place in Saturday's 8th annual Anelise's Run along Western Avenue. Breese's time of 16:42 was nearly two minutes faster than the second place finisher. (Shawn Clisham/The Journal)

Got Something To Say On Police Dept.?

Park Ridge residents wishing to offer information or concerns about the police department can come to open interviews on Saturday, May 3 or call for arrangements for a private meeting.

Attorney Lays Out Police Audit Timeline

Between Apr. 21 and May 17, he plans a personal meeting with Acting Police Chief Tom Swoboda and roll call meetings with each shift requesting full cooperation of all officers.

Board Reaffirms Caudill Decision

The Park Ridge Police Pension Fund Board re-reviewed its pension decision regarding former Police Chief Jeffrey Caudill and reaffirmed its earlier decision, a decision Caudill may appeal.

Park Ridge Survey Says It Pays To Live In Niles

A recent survey obtained by the Village of Niles from the City of Park Ridge indicates that Niles residents continue to contribute one of the lowest dollar amounts for village services, compared to other neighboring communities.

What's Best Middle School Approach?

Two years ago, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 decided to review its middle school program for students in grades 6-7-8.

Barclay: PADS Workshop A 'Sell Job'

Although the Park Ridge Ministerial Association held a PADS homeless shelter information night Monday, at least one resident went away unimpressed.

Decision Made: R-5 Zoning Limited To Uptown

After hearing testimony from 18 residents, the Park Ridge Planning and Zoning Commission decided to limit the area for R-5 zoning to the Central Business District and not allow it into adjacent neighborhoods except for the existing project at Executive Office Plaza.

Turn Cars Off When Picking Up Children

Like much of the rest of the world, the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District is "going green."

Bird Houses To Pop-Up In Park Ridge

In Chicago and Arlington Hts. a few yeas ago, it was artsy, decorated, life-sized cows all over town, remember?

Farmer To Lead Early Learning

The new "top priority" in Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 these days is early intervention, to monitor student learning more closely and identify students with special needs.

BUSINESS/REAL ESTATE
Meeting Seeks Public Input On Rent-A-Car Property

PADS Process In Council's Hands

The Park Ridge City Council on Monday, Apr. 21 decided to send a PADS site proposal to a subcommittee for a procedural ruling and Mayor Howard Frimark announced an upcoming workshop regarding the issue.

Debby Farley of Spring Brook Nature Center describes the unique characterisitics of a Peregrine falcon during Saturday's Park Ridge Park District Earth Day Celebration at Maine Park. According to Farley, with a dive speed of over 200 miles per hour, the Peregrine is considered the fastest animal in the world. (Tom Wessell/The Journal)

Citizens Have Plenty To Say On Homeless Site

Although the Park Ridge City Council voted to send the proposal for a homeless shelter site to committee, 23 citizens addressed the assembly with their thoughts on the issue on Monday, Apr. 21.

Agree On Police Auditor

By a vote of 6-1, Park Ridge City Council on Monday, Apr. 21 approved hiring Ekl Williams as the law firm to conduct an audit of the police department.

More Closed Sessions, Still No Manager

"We've given our advice; it's up to the mayor to decide what to do with it."

Former Park District Leader Sues Passes Away

An era of leadership and volunteerism in the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District ended early in April with the death of Roy Sues, retired park board president.

Hot Topics On Monday Agenda

Park Ridge residents may have to choose their battles when two meetings occur the evening of Monday, Apr. 28; do they want to be heard on PADS or on R-5 zoning?

New Park District President Going 'Green'

With Dick Barton as the new President of the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District board, you'll see the district strongly turn green this year.

Local Hospitals Below Average?

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services recently released a survey that gauges how area hospitals provide service to their customers seeking medical care.

PR Man Killed In Car Accident

A Park Ridge man died Saturday, Apr. 12 after the car he was riding in crashed into another vehicle in Schaumburg.

Property Tax Increase Lowered In Final Budget

After a last minute deal with Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, the Park Ridge City Council on Monday, Apr. 21 decreased a property tax increase and passed its budget for the next fiscal year.

Emerson's First Ever Musical Disney Inspired

Disney's "High School Musical" has taken the nation by storm in recent months, so Emerson Middle School in Niles is getting in on the action.

BUSINESS/REAL ESTATE
Zoning Board Pleased With Rent-A-Car Plans

Ax Property Tax Increase? Nah...

A Park Ridge alderman made the unusual suggestion of eliminating a property tax increase while keeping a balanced budget, but fellow city council members rejected the idea.

Square dancers get into the groove at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Church in Park Ridge on Sunday as the Square Spares square dance club hosts its "belated" annual Shamrock Shuffle. (Tom Wessell/The Journal)

Possible LGH Parking Tax Hike Causes Stir

An often-heated discussion about a parking garage tax increase was a focal point of the Park Ridge Finance Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, Apr. 14.

Schmidt: Zoning Change 'At Heart and Soul of Town'

A proposed change to the Park Ridge zoning ordinance has residents and one alderman worried about the expansion of condominium buildings in the city.

Tree Dedication April 25th

The City of Park Ridge plans a tree planting dedication at 10 a.m. on Friday, Apr. 25. The ceremony, at the intersection of Lundergan Avenue and Habberton Street, celebrates National Arbor Day.

City Plans Will Spray For Moths Again

Park Ridge is planning another aerial assault on Gypsy moths after a successful effort last spring.

Dist. 64 Bringing Back Teachers, Staff Next Year

A couple of years ago, it was cut and eliminate programs and people in Park Ridge-Niles School District 64. Today, it's restore, add, and expand.

Parents Praise Lunch Program, Don't Want Fees Raised

A year ago, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 took over operation of its daily lunch program from a private contractor.

Board Still Weighing Options On Future Of Oakton Pool

Oakton Park continues to be the most talked about, and not acted upon, recreational facility in Park Ridge.

Still No Decision On Manager

About an hour of discussion did not lead to the selection of a new city manager for Park Ridge.

High School Board President Predicts Talks Near An End

The marathon negotiations between High School District 207's board of education and the Maine Teachers Union (MTA) may be coming to an end soon.

Long Road Ahead For Proposed PADS Shelter

Carrie Davis, acting community preservation and development director, updated the Park Ridge City Council on the city's meetings with the Park Ridge Ministerial Association regarding a proposed PADS homeless shelter site.

Park Ridge: Car Dealership's $400,000 Incentive Out The Window

According to Mayor Howard Frimark, the City of Park Ridge will not pay William Napleton of Napleton Cadillac car dealership any of a $400,000 redevelopment incentive agreed to in January.