Latest news with #StateoftheVillage
Chicago Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Elmhurst University announces endowed chair in STEM, more
A married couple who have ties to Elmhurst University have established a $1.5 million estate commitment to create its first endowed faculty chair in science, technology, analytics and mathematics. The donors hope the endowed chair will help the university attract and retain brilliant scholars in mathematics and the sciences, highlighting 'the importance of faculty research, which at Elmhurst usually includes students, as well as the role of excellent teaching in shaping students' academic experience and long-term career goals,' according to a news release. 'Their commitment will leave a lasting impact by empowering Elmhurst faculty to innovate and discover through scholarship, and by inspiring our students to become the next generation of leaders in the critical STEM fields,' Troy Van Aken, university president, shared in the release. An alum who earned a degree in economics at Elmhurst is one of the donors and both have had distinguished careers in STEM fields – joining biotechnology and health care analytics in their early days. The endowed chair, once funded, would be awarded to a faculty member in the School of Science, Technology and Mathematics. La Grange Park officials and staff will host a State of the Village reception from 5 to 7 p.m. May 22 at Thirty North at Plymouth Place, 315 N. LaGrange Road. The evening will highlight La Grange Park's accomplishments and progress in the last year. All residents, business owners and community members are invited. RSVP by emailing sbakalich@ Those 21 and older with an interest in learning more about wine are invited to Blind Taste Race with Anfora Wine Merchants from 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 22 at Cheney Mansion Greenhouse, 220 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park. Participants can test their senses as they discover how to taste wine using all of the senses, starting with a pop of the cork to smelling its bouquet and enjoying it on the palate. Leaders will cover tasting basics, after which each table will work together to match each win with its correct set of descriptors. Admission includes light appetizers. If weather allows, the event will take place on the patio. Tickets cost $37 to $46. This program is offered by the Park District of Oak Park. Visit to register. Plant aficionados are invited to a plant sale hosted by the Darien Garden Club from 9 a.m .to 1 p.m. May 17 at St. John Lutheran Church, 7214 S. Cass, Darien. Perennials, annuals and native plants will be sold, as well as houseplants, herbs and vegetables. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. Information is at Fulton Chamber Players perform at 6 p.m. May 20 at First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange, 150 S. Ashland Ave., LaGrange. The performance is free. The Fulton Music Society aims 'to transform what music means in the 21st century by nurturing thoughtful, well-rounded students through dedicated music study. We are working to connect the dots between student life and the professional world by emphasizing skills and experiences that translate beyond their instruments,' its website notes. Information is at The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association presents The Best of Broadway at 1:15 p.m. May 19 in the second-floor ballroom of its building at 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. It's part of the Monday Enrichment Series. Jacquelyne Jones and Devin DeSantis, accompanied by JoAnn Daughtery on piano, will perform selections from Broadway musicals. Although admission is free, donations are appreciated. Monday Enrichment programs feature art, literacy, science, music and social sciences. Information is at
Chicago Tribune
06-03-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Update on move to Lake Michigan water among topics at Oswego State of the Village address
Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman gave updates on a number of issues, including the move to Lake Michigan water for the village, during his recent State of the Village address. 'We are truly a village on the rise,' Kauffman said. Kauffman, who was elected as village president in 2023, reflected on the past year's economic growth and infrastructure projects during his presentation at Oswego Village Hall. 'We have seen new businesses open their doors, our infrastructure improvements take shape, our village budget has a surplus and property tax rates are at their lowest level on record,' Kauffman said. 'The past year has shown once again that our greatest strength lies in our sense of community.' In the past year the village has made investments in infrastructure, public safety and economic development, he said. 'These are investments not just about today but about building a stronger tomorrow. New businesses are opening their doors, our roads, water and public spaces are improving and our local economy is surging,' Kauffman said. 'We have taken steps to ensure responsible growth while maintaining our small-town charm that makes Oswego unique.' The village is expanding its infrastructure to support a growing community, he said. One of the notable projects has been the ongoing efforts to bring Lake Michigan water to Oswego. After years of work, the Village Board in October 2024 officially joined the DuPage Water Commission. 'After years of discussion and negotiation in establishing the legal framework, Phase II engineering is nearly complete,' he said, concerning three main connection points, also known as receiving stations, to connect with Lake Michigan water provided by the DuPage Water Commission. Some of the construction will begin this summer on the project. 'Overall construction will take roughly two years,' he said. 'Water from Lake Michigan will be flowing to our taps in the summer of 2028. This project will enhance our water supply and support the village's long-term sustainability.' Another key project is the proposed expansion of the village's Public Works facility built in 2002, he said. The current building was designed for a population of about 17,000, officials have said. With the village's population at about 38,000, the village has outgrown the building's capacity, according to officials. The facility's structural limitations and a growing workforce have made expansion a necessity, Kauffman said. The Village Board will review plans for the expansion project and the related costs. 'Depending on the option selected, construction could begin as early as fall 2025 with anticipated completion by spring of 2027. This investment in our infrastructure is essential for enhanced efficiency of our public services and supporting future growth and prosperity of our community,' Kauffman said. Another notable project is the Wolfs Crossing corridor improvements, he said. The Wolfs Crossing widening project is another 'example of our commitment as a village on the rise,' according to Kauffman. As for economic development, Oswego trustees in February approved an ordinance to allow for two new commercial buildings including a grocery store as well as a restaurant and bank at the southeast corner of Route 34 and Kendall Point Drive in the village. 'The Village Board approved a new grocery destination on Route 34. It will bring fresh produce, quality products in an enhanced shopping experience to our community,' Kauffman said. Kauffman also highlighted the Oswego Police Department's launch of a Community Engagement Unit. 'A key part of building a stronger community is ensuring that every resident feels safe, heard and supported. Public safety is more than enforcement – it's about engagement, trust and collaboration,' he said. The initiative is designed to strengthen the partnership between officers and the community in part to identify matters before they become larger issues, he said. Regular public programs will be held as part of the unit's efforts, including educational programs and community gatherings, he said.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
McDonald Council to hold ‘State of the Village' forum
MCDONALD, Ohio (WKBN) — The Village of McDonald and McDonald High School are teaming up to deliver a 'State of the Village' forum. The mayor and city council will hold the event on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. inside the McDonald High School Auditorium. The current state of the village as well as thoughts on future plans will be discussed. All residents are encouraged to attend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
