Thursday, May 23, 2013
70 mph on rural interstates not a done deal yet, as bill has its opponents.
By Steven Jack A bill to increase the maximum speed limit in Illinois could hit Gov. Pat Quinn’s desk for signature soon. Whether Quinn will sign it remains to be seen. The bill, introduced by Republican State. Sen. Jim Oberweis, would raise the speed limit on rural Illinois highways to 70 mph. The bill, which has passed both chambers of the state legislature, has been met with opposition due to safety concerns by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, according to the Chicago Tribune. “The progression of this legislation is a good example of what can be accomplished when lawmakers work together in a bipartisan manner for the good of our state,” Oberweis said. “It …
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Luckily, the Will County website with court information remains intact, according to Sun-Times Media reports.
The Will County Courts website is currently experiencing down time, following a recent cyber attack, Sun-Times Media reports. Unknown hackers infected the site with malware and additional coding last Friday, Courts Administrator Kurt Sangmeister told reporters. Fortunately, this particular site is separate from the court website site that contains information on Will County cases. It contains basic information such as parking info, judge profiles and driving directions. The website will come back online as soon as it’s bugs are fixed, Sangmeister said. Get the full story from the Sun-Times Media
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The bill, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), would prohibit all teens 17 and younger from using UV tanning beds.
By Amanda Luevano Legislation to ban minors from indoor tanning beds was sent to Gov. Pat Quinn on Tuesday after being approved by the Illinois Senate. House Bill 188, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), would ban Illinois minors age 17 and younger from UV tanning beds. Currently, minors ages 14 to 17 are allowed to tan if they provide a parent's signature. Spray-on tanning is exempt from the legislation, as is phototherapy, which applies to situations where a physician supervises tanning when it is necessary to treat a medical condition. Radogno said in a press release that she sponsored the bill to protect Illinois minors from the serious health risks involved with indoor tanning beds. “Not only do children …
Monday, May 20, 2013
Patch tells you what boards, commissions and other panels are holding public meetings. Oak Forest's Youth and Veterans commissions are scheduled to meet this week.
Each week, Patch will list the various City of Oak Forest commissions, committees and other governmental bodies that are meeting over the next five days. These listings will note the top items on the agenda, as well. Meetings are held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Under the state's Open Meetings Act, notice of public meetings and their agendas must be posted at least 48 hours in advance. Agendas and minutes from past meetings can be found at the city website. TUESDAY, MAY 21 Youth Commission, 8 p.m., Blue Room: The meeting's agenda has not been posted to the city's website. THURSDAY, MAY 23 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m., Council Chambers: The meeting's agenda has not been posted to the city's website. Patch will update this article …
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15440 Central Ave, Oak Forest, IL
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Friday, May 17, 2013
Passed by a 35-21 vote, the bill now goes to the desk of Gov. Pat Quinn, who has not yet said whether he intends to sign it.
By a vote of 35-21, the Illinois Senate approved legislation on Friday that would allow doctors in the state to prescribe marijuana as pain relief for severe medical conditions. The bill now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature. According to the Chicago Tribune, the bill covers 33 specific conditions—including multiple sclerosis, cancer and HIV infection—and includes several controls, with a four-year trial program, dosage limits, fingerprinting, background checks and licensed dispensing centers. “This bill is filled with walls to keep this limited,” the paper quoted sponsoring Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), who urged lawmakers to pass the legislation as a compassionate measure for those suffering with extreme pain. In opposition, Sen. …
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Find out how you could receive funds if your home or property was damaged because of the flooding caused by recent rainstorms.
Oak Forest residents affected by last month's flooding could be eligible for federal disaster aid, according to the city's website. Federal disaster aid through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency is now available to Illinois residents who sustained damage during extreme rainstorms throughout the state between April 16 and May 5. These funds can supplement state and local assistance, as well. Do one of the following to apply for aid: For more information about this federal aid and other flood recovery efforts, go to the City of Oak Forest's website. Coverage of the Floods on Oak Forest Patch: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Two Ways to Stay Connected to Oak Forest Patch:
Find out what streets to avoid and when with Patch's roadwork map.
Construction season is upon us, which means the possible return of the three Ds: delays, detours and disturbances. READ: City Council OKs $766K Contract for 2013 Road Program But it doesn't have to be that bad if you plan ahead. That's why Patch, along with the City of Oak Forest, will keep you updated on where and when roadwork will be happening and what you should expect. We've even mapped out the areas for you. What is it: The annual construction done on roads the city deems need the most work. When it begins: Monday, May 20 What roads are first: Work will begin on El Morro Lane, from Ridgeland Avenue to Boca Rio Drive (marked in red on the map). After that is finished, construction will move to Cedar Road, from Spruce Lane to Ridgeland…
Friday, May 10, 2013
These measures, which run through Sept. 15, limit residents' outside water use. Find out how these restrictions will affect you.
Using Lake Michigan water comes with a price, and it's not just what's in your water bill. Water conservation measures begin Wednesday, May 15, in Oak Forest, which means residents' outside water use will be limited to certain days based on their addresses, according to a city press release. READ: 7 Jobs that Make the World a Better Place Watering times will be from 7 to 11 a.m. and 7 to 11 p.m. and break down as follows: These measures were set up by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and are required by any community that uses Lake Michigan water, according to the city's website. Oak Forest receives its lake water through an agreement with the Village of Oak Lawn. “These rules apply regardless of rainfall trends and are …
Thursday, May 9, 2013
A bill that has already passed the Illinois House could pave the way for limited prescriptions of pot.
By Steven Jack Illinois lawmakers may be poised to enact one of the toughest medical marijuana laws in the nation after a Senate Committee moved a bill Wednesday allowing those with a limited list of illness to obtain a prescription for the drug. The bill has passed the Illinois House and Gov. Pat Quinn has said he is open to the proposal,reported the Chicago Tribune. The Senate Committee voted 10-5 even after law enforcement officials objected on the grounds that the bill does not include provisions for driving under the influence of marijuana, the Trib reported. The law would allow patients to obtain 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks. Sixty pot dispensaries would be set up throughout the state. The bill is sponsored by former State…
Monday, May 6, 2013
Patch tells you what boards, commissions and other panels are holding public meetings. This week, the Economic Advisory Committee and Consumer Protection Commission are just two of the groups gathering.
Each week, Patch will list the various City of Oak Forest commissions, committees and other governmental bodies that are meeting over the next five days. These listings will note the top items on the agenda, as well. Meetings are held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Under the state's Open Meetings Act, notice of public meetings and their agendas must be posted at least 48 hours in advance. Agendas and minutes from past meetings can be found at the city website. MONDAY, MAY 6 Green Steps Commission, 7 p.m.: No agenda was posted on the city's website as of Monday morning. The commission encourages community members to be more conscious of the environment, according to the site. Call 708-687-4050 for more information. TUESDAY, MAY 7 …
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City of Oak Forest
15440 Central Ave, Oak Forest, IL
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Bob Laird
1:42 pm on Thursday, May 23, 2013
294 down south is still 55, but if you don't do at least 70 you'll get passed and flipped off by little old ladies in Yugos.   more ›