City of West Chicago, Illinois

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West Chicago Food Festival to Serve Up an Evening for All Tastes

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The West Chicago Food Festival returns to downtown West Chicago on Saturday, August 24, from 4 to 8 p.m., promising a diverse lineup of culinary delights and entertainment that caters to all tastes. "Bringing a mix of lively music, delicious foods, and engaging family activities is always a top priority for this festival," noted Nicolette Stefan, Special Events Coordinator for the City of West Chicago. "We hope everyone enjoys the event’s returning favorites and some of the exciting new additions we’ll have this year."

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The festivities commence at 4 p.m. at the main stage along Galena Street with a performance by Alika Arlyn, setting the tone for an evening of live music and entertainment. At 5:30 p.m., 28 Days will take the stage with an energetic set featuring a mix of popular hits, followed by Good Clean Fun at 7 p.m., promising a lively performance to keep everyone dancing.

Beyond the music, from 4 to 7 p.m., families can enjoy a variety of activities. Talented face painters, balloon artists, and caricaturists will be on-site to add a touch of fun and creativity. A juggler will perform from 5 to 6 p.m., and at 6:30 p.m., the Funny Little People will entertain with their whimsical act. Additionally, event-goers can witness a live chalk art mural demonstration celebrating West Chicago’s 175th anniversary.

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As the centerpiece of the event, attendees can indulge in a feast like no other with over 15 food vendors offering everything from mouthwatering donuts and cheesy pizza to tasty tacos and sizzling steak sandwiches. Additionally, adults aged 21 and over can enjoy refreshing beverages to complement the culinary delights, available for purchase from Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill.

Admission to the Food Festival is free, so gather your friends and family to join in the excitement and explore downtown West Chicago during this vibrant community event. Coolers and outside food or drink are not allowed, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own seating for comfort.

A complete list of food vendors and full event details can be found at westchicago.org/foodfestival closer to the event.

City Celebrates Remarkable Resident Fredericka Howard’s Birthday

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During the West Chicago City Council meeting on August 5th, the City celebrated the birthday of Fredericka Howard, a remarkable figure in West Chicago who has been a beacon of creativity and inspiration in the community since 1956.

From her time as a beloved art teacher at Community High School District 94 to her ongoing contributions through the Cultural Arts Commission and Gallery 200, Fredericka has profoundly touched many lives with her artistry and dedication.

Even now, Fredericka continues to capture the soul of her subjects and passionately support the arts.

The City is truly honored by her incredible legacy and asks the community to join us in wishing her many more years of health, peace, and happiness!

Community members can view the Council meeting on the City’s YouTube channel, and also view the proclamation provided to Fredericka during the meeting.

West Chicago Ranked 20th Best Place to Live for Families

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Following an extensive analysis of over 2,000 municipalities across the country, West Chicago has once again affirmed its appeal as a top destination for families, securing the 20th spot on Fortune's 2024 list of best places to live for families.

This list, which highlights the premier place to live for families in each of the 50 states, recognizes West Chicago as Illinois' top choice. The City’s unique blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to urban amenities was instrumental in securing its previous rank of 9th on Fortune’s 2022 list, underscoring its enduring allure.

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Fortune’s evaluation process encompassed a comprehensive range of factors crucial to family well-being, including educational excellence, healthcare resources tailored for aging adults, general wellness initiatives, financial stability indicators, and overall community livability. This holistic approach underscores West Chicago’s dedication to providing essential services and fostering a nurturing environment for residents of all ages.

One of West Chicago's standout features is its affordability compared to other top-ranked municipalities, with accessible median home prices. This financial advantage, combined with a vibrant community spirit and diverse neighborhood options, continues to attract families seeking a supportive and enriching place to live.

In addition to its economic benefits, West Chicago offers abundant green spaces that enhance residents' quality of life. From the natural beauty of the West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve to the recreational opportunities at Reed-Keppler Park, residents enjoy ample chances for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Overall, West Chicago's consistent recognition by Fortune underscores its commitment to maintaining a high standard of living for its residents, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle in the Chicago area.

Police Department Highlighted for Impressive Increase in DUI Arrests

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The Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) published their 2023 DUI Survey results, which detail DUI data from every municipal and county law enforcement agency in Illinois, as well as the Illinois State Police.

Among all municipalities in Illinois, excluding the City of Chicago, the West Chicago Police Department ranked 10th in DUI arrests. The Department saw a significant increase of 184.7% in DUI arrests from 2022 (72) to 2023 (205) and had the second highest DUI arrest rate per sworn officer (4.27) compared to other municipalities with over 200 DUI arrests.

"Our officers' unwavering commitment to enforcing DUI laws has been instrumental in this Department's significant progress in combating impaired driving,” said West Chicago Police Chief Colin Fleury in response to the publication from AAIM. “This dedication enhances community safety and ensures safer streets for all who live in and travel through West Chicago."

In March 2023, the Department launched a new Targeted Response Unit consisting of one Sergeant, one K9 team, and two officers. Their mission is to address specific complaints ranging from stop sign violations and speeding to car burglaries and drug incidents, as well as impaired driving enforcement.

In 2024, the Targeted Response Unit expanded by two officers with support from the West Chicago City Council and the department has already made 127 DUI arrests.

Construction Along Harvester Road Scheduled through November

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Road Construction

Beginning the week of May 20th, the City’s contractor, Plote Construction, Inc., will start construction along Harvester Road from Powis Road to Hawthorne Lane.

During construction, traffic will be restricted to one lane with traffic flowing westbound during the initial phase of the Project, and eastbound during the second phase. Additionally, on-street parking or stopping will not be permitted and access to driveways may be temporarily restricted at times.

Construction activities are scheduled for Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Project is anticipated to be substantially complete by November 2024.

Residents seeking reasonable accessibility accommodations during construction, may contact Jeff Andrzejewski, Resident Engineer, at (708) 846-8978 or jeffa@thomas-engineering.com. All general inquiries may be directed to Dave Shah, P.E., Assistant Director of Public Works, at (630) 293-2255, or dshah@westchicago.org.

View more information about this Capital Improvement Project and view other capital improvement projects on the City of West Chicago’s Public Works Department webpage.