Curb Chat: Which Oak Forest Roads Will Be Fixed?

Ten streets in Oak Forest are scheduled for nip and tuck treatments during this year's construction season.

As the weather warms, that can only mean one thing for Illinois residents: road work season is officially right around the corner. In Oak Forest, residents already know about the work scheduled to be done on Cicero Avenue in the coming months, but the city council also approved contracting Alpha Construction Company for $840,441.85 to work on 10 streets within the city. "This year we've gone out to bid as we have traditionally with the road program," said Rich Rinchich, Oak Forest Assistant Director of Public Works. "Identifying roads that are the worst case priority across the community." During the March 27 Oak Forest City Council meeting, aldermen approved the work on: Rinchich said that the bidding came in $189,558.15 under the …

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Following Up: Why Oak Forest Officials Signed Off on a Higher Sales Tax

Oak Forest's City Council recently passed a 1 percent sales tax increase—and they had their reasons for it.

Officials Respond: What the New 'Last Resort' Sales Tax Means for Oak Forest

Mayor Hank Kuspa and aldermen share their thoughts on why a 1 percent sales tax increase is needed, and what the money could mean for the city.

Shopping in Oak Forest got a bit more expensive Tuesday night, as the Oak Forest City Council voted 5–0 in favor of a 1 percent home-rules sales tax increase. The increase will go into effect July 1 and will apply to tangible personal items, excluding nonprepared food, medicine and automobiles. The tax was implemented to help the city recover from a $4.2 shortfall in income, sales and utility tax revenue over the past four years. Administrators previously reported the city has cut full-time staff by 12 percent and part-time by 50 percent, along with delaying the purchase of vehicles and equipment within the city.  "This is the last resort, I think we all know," Julian said. "After three years, we have been battling declining revenues, …

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Ticket to Oak Fest: Oak Forest to Honor Vets with 'Salute to Hometown Heroes'

Veterans young and old can enjoy a ceremony to honor their sacrifices, followed by a top-notch fireworks display.

The Main Event: Salute to Hometown Heroes Where: The Main Tent When: Doors open at 6 p.m., ceremony starts at 9 p.m., followed by a fireworks show Discount: $5-off coupons for $25 carnival ride wristbands can be found here Around the 4th of July, it's that time of summer for good food, fireworks and all things American. But what would the holiday weekend be without something for our veterans? To honor those that have served from across the Chicago area, the city of Oak Forest will hold a Salute to Hometown Heroes ceremony tonight at 9 p.m., during the 24th Annual Oak Fest. “Our veterans ceremony is always fantastic,” said Oak Fest chairmen Joseph Koce. “They'll be in full dress—older veterans, too. The support for this ceremony has been …

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Lauren Traut

2:43 pm on Thursday, June 30, 2011

Hi, Julia. It's in the main tent, which is in the Food 4 Less east parking lot. Thanks for asking!   more ›

Ticket to Oak Fest: 'Idol' Star, Hometown Hero Takes Stage Tonight

No stranger to the spotlight, Oak Forest native Chris Medina still has time to sing for his hometown.

Who: Chris Medina and his band The Able Body Where: The Main Stage When: Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7:30, until 10 p.m. Why You Can't Miss It: Former American Idol star Chris Medina may be adored by thousands of fans in Norway, but he's still just a humble guy from Oak Forest who'll pick up his guitar and sing you a song. And that's just what he'll do tomorrow night, except it'll be for his hometown. From 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., the young singer will kick off the 24th Annual Oak Fest with a performance on the main stage. “He's a great singer, very energetic and enthusiastic,” said Oak Forest Mayor Hank Kuspa, who's thrilled to see Medina play tonight. “He's got a huge heart.” Medina's feeling a little jittery about the show. "I …

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No Charges Will Be Pressed Against Mark Fitch for Babette Court Episode

Oak Forest Police Chief Greg Anderson said no criminal charges will be filed against Mark Fitch, the man behind a phony standoff situation in Oak Forest last week.

Updated April 29, 11:25 a.m. Mark Fitch, the man who prompted the massive emergency police response on Babette Court last week in Oak Forest, will not face any criminal charges. "There was no criminal act committed," said Oak Forest Police Chief Greg Anderson. "There's nothing for us to charge him for." Fitch, 44, was taken into custody Thursday, April 21, after a standoff situation unfolded that night involving about 100 police officers and emergency staff from Oak Forest and 20 surrounding suburbs. The original call came into police as a man reportedly intoxicated, threatening harm to himself and others, with firearms in his possession. After five hours of attempts at contact with Fitch and negotiations by phone, police blasted the house…

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Build-up for Senior Housing Coming to Oak Forest

Weso Developers have the grand plan—but a few bumps have kept them from moving forward.

Oak Forest's baby boomers will need a place to go as they retire and enter into the senior citizen age bracket, and Weso Development has a plan. The Chicago-based developer has proposed Priory Estates, a community of 110 single-unit homes for residents ages 55 and over. While developers hope to build on the vacant land at 5820 W. 151st St. as soon as possible,  plans are currently only preliminary for the facility that would sit on 32 acres. Each one-story unit would include two to three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car attached garage. Wes first presented plans to the Planning and Zoning Commission in December. Mayor Hank Kuspa and commissioners expressed concern about recreation for the facility's residents, while residents in …

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VIDEO: Santa Makes Cameo in Parade and Tree Lighting

Residents of Oak Forest joined together in Central Park to see the city's parade and tree lighting ceremony.

Oak Forest residents waited as Mayor Hank Kuspa and Santa counted down to light the tree. "I'd like to thank everyone, from the bottom of my heart," said Kuspa. "Merry Christmas, and a safe and happy new year." Before lighting up the gazebo, Kuspa personally thanked Public Relations Coordinator Chrissy Maher for organizing the event. He also invited Colleen Kisel, founder of the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, to speak about the organization's efforts this holiday season. "I'm here to thank all the moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas who took their little ones shopping to purchase a toy for children going through cancer treatments across the nation," said Kisel. The organization began in Oak Forest and sends toys to children…

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OC Chamber Members Have Holly, Jolly Party

Members of the newly combined Oak Forest and Crestwood Chamber of Commerce celebrated the holidays together at the House of Hughes in Crestwood Friday, Dec. 10.

When the Oak Forest and Crestwood chambers of commerce combined this past June, many considered it a fresh start. Under the leadership of outgoing president April Witte, the two groups turned to each other for new ideas and support in tough financial times. At its Christmas celebration Friday, Dec. 10, chamber members said goodbye to former leaders and welcomed new ones, as they looked back on the last six months as a joint chamber. Witte, who owns Oak Forest's Sense of Serenity Day Spa, has served as president for the last two years—before, during and after the merge. "We all have stuck together," said Witte. "I am proud to be with you. You have shown how economically strong you are during these rough years. I am honored to be an Oak …

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Warrior Wrestlers Begin Season in New Home

Thanks to the efforts of many, the Oak Forest Park District wrestling club moves into basement at city hall.

The Oak Forest Warriors Wrestling Club has a new home as its 37th season begins. Oak Forest Mayor Hank Kuspa, the city council and the park district worked together to create a practice room for the Warriors — the park district's K-8 wrestling club — in the city hall basement. With several programs utilizing the park district facilities, space was increasingly tight for the wrestling program. Warriors Board President Steve Stump appreciates what Kuspa has done to help the situation. "He brought us down here (to the city hall basement) to see if the space was right," Stump said. "After we decided it was, he helped get a lot of the materials donated." "Hank is for the kids," Warriors head coach Dan Walters said. "We're lucky to have him in …

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