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At Home with Merle Burleigh – April 16, 2025

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At Home with Merle

MERLE’S CORNER

I recently had a blast with the past, lunch with my former employer, Wayne Woltman, who was the owner and publisher of “The West Chicago Press” and his wife Sue. I had not seen them since he sold the newspaper more than 20 years ago. We remembered some of the editorial staff-Marc Alberts, Brian Hill, Brian Kulpin and John Lemon. Of course, the conversations would not have been complete without recalling some of the stories we covered.

This came to mind when I read about The Friends of the Viking Ship in Geneva purchasing land to erect a building to house the ship. Although, West Chicago only played a small part in the history of the ship, it was a day many residents watched, spreading the work quickly (this was a time before cell phones).

The ship was constructed in 1892 and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean f 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The Viking ship is an exact copy of the Gokstad, built about 850 C.E. at the height of the Viking Age. After this, it was in the Field Museum. In 1920, it was moved to Lincoln Park. In 1994, Belding Engineering Company of West Chicago moved the ship, which is 78 feet in length and 68 feet in height, transported it to West Chicago. Here it remained in storage until 1996 when it was moved to Good Templar Park in Geneva. There The Friends of the Viking Ship worked on the restoration and preservation of the ship.

The Belding Engineering Company, established in 1878, was known for its rigging contracting business, which involved designing and constructing gantry systems. The company's history includes the development of various gantry systems with different capacities and lift heights, including those used for rigging operations. The business moved a number of homes in West Chicago, which sometimes makes it difficult to determine the actual age of the building. The historic buildings were saved and not razed.

 

AROUND AND ABOUT

  • The Spring Jazz Showcase is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 20025, in the Commons at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St., Entrance H. Featured in the program are the WCCHS Honors A Capella Chamber Choir, WCCHS Jazz Band and the Leman Middle School Jazz Band. In addition to the musical entertainment there are awards and Senior Recognition. While enjoying the music, attendees can also enjoy some yummy baked goods and coffee.
  • West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m.Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is “Spies, Soldiers, Couriers, & Saboteurs: Women of the American Revolution” by K.M. Waldvogel. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, com or call 630 231-3376. It is not necessary to read the book to attend.
  • The West Chicago Public Library program, “Chasing Mother Nature,”is at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W, Washington St. The presentation takes attendees on an electrifying journey through the thrilling world of storm chasing. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Presenting the program is an experienced storm chaser, who delves into the science behind severe weather phenomena showing awe-inspiring footage. The presenter tells of close encounters with nature's most powerful storms
  • West Chicago Park District holds a Flashlight Egg Hunt Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. It is for children ages 3 to 12. Check-in begins at 7 p.m.and the hunt begins promptly at 7:40 p.m. The charge is $10 per child for residents, $12 for non-residents, and no charge for parents. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. Following the hunt, participants go to the ARC, 201 W. National St., to redeem eggs and a special visit with the Bunny.
  • It is Back! The American Legion Post 300, along with assistance from Sons of the American Legion, hosts its Egg Hunt at 10:00 a.m. SHARP Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Reed-Keppler Park, Arbor Avenue and National Street. The areas for children are divided into age groups of 1 and 2 year-olds, 3 and 4 year-olds, 5 and 6 year-olds and 7 and 8 year-olds. In each age grouping, there are prizes for two children, who find the “special” eggs. Children supply their own baskets for collecting the candy-filled eggs. The egg hunt is a community tradition that spans more than 50 years. The last time the Legion held the Easter egg hunt was Saturday, April 20, 2019. The pandemic put a halt to the event. The hunt holds memories for many in the community. https://merleburl.com
  • In its Financial Fitness Series, West Chicago Public Library presents the virtual program via Zoom, “Terry Savage Talks Money ,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Savage is a nationally recognized expert on personal finance, the economy and the markets, with a presence in television, radio, newspapers, and several books. She’ll provides a reality check on the volatile economy, financial markets and personal finance topics, and then answers questions for 45 minutes. As a registered investment advisor, Savage has no individual clients, nor does she represent any financial products or services. https://merleburl.com
  • Through Healthy West Chicago, West Chicago Public Library program, Meal Planning Class, is at noon Thursday, April 24,2025, in the meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Teaching the class is HWC director Natalia Serrano, a Functional Health Coach. The class highlights ways to save time, money and stress in the kitchen. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Topics include planning meals for the week, having a shopping list, preparing ingredients and adapting plans for one’s lifestyle. HWC provides a light lunch. https://merleburl.com
  • West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025, in the conference room, 118 W. Washington St. Topics covered include layout and basic functions; entering and editing data; using multiple spreadsheets in the same workbook; formatting and sorting data; writing and understanding formulas. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.
  • WeGo Together for Kids hosts a Bike Rodeo from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, in the Turtle Splash Water Park parking lot, 129 W. National St. The event focuses on bike safety and fun. Participants bring their bikes or scooters. Among the many activities are helmet fittings, bike decoration station, bike repairs, and bike obstacle course, plus a children’s bike raffle. Attending are members of the West Chicago Police Department, West Chicago Fire Protection District. Healthy West Chicago, State Representative Maura Hirschauer staff, Spin Doctor Cyclewerks and Community partners share resources. This is part of WeGo Together for Kids' physical activity initiative, which aims to have children become more active. Funding is provided by a grant from Northwestern Medicine.
  • Celebrating 42 years, Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit agency, hosts its annual Luncheon & Silent Auction fundraiser at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Wayne Township building, 27W031 North Ave. The $10 ticket price includes lunch, raffles and view of auction items at https://charityauction.bid/ways42. Reservations are due by Tuesday, April 22, and can be made on line or calling 630 231-7166. Auction online is from Tuesday, April 22, through 1 p.m.Tuesday, April 29. All bidding at the luncheon is done electronically. Included among the many auction items are a Weber griddle, Field Museum tickets, passes to Turtle Splash Water Park, tickets for walking tour of Chicago Architecture Center, Lynfeld Winery visit, golf at St. Andrew Golf & County Club, Kane County Cougar tickets, plus gift certificates for Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill .Lunch is catered by Augustino’s Rock &Roll Deli and Grill in Carol Stream. WAYS, a community-based 501(c)3 not-for -profit agency, provides counseling in English and Spanish, parenting classes in English and Spanish, anger management classes in English and Spanish, youth tutoring, Summer Day Camp, and other social services for the residents of West Chicago, Winfield, Wayne, Warrenville, Bartlett, Carol stream and Hangover Park.
  • West Chicago Park District holds a Cinco de Mayo 2-mile Color Crawl at 6 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2025, at Kress Creek Farms Park, 30W150 Wilson Road. Along the route, participants are showered with vibrant color made from safe, food-grade, biodegradable cornstarch and by the time they cross the finish line are covered by a color palette of hues. The cost is $30 for residents, $36 for non-residents. Persons registering by Sunday, April 20, receive a run t-shirt.There is no deadline for registering; people can register the day of the event. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

  • Cool Party Balloons, 135 Turner Court, celebrates its one year Anniversary from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025. The event includes a decorator meet and greet, refreshments, prizes and special offers, plus the opportunity to see @Bluardin’s latest installation.Persons planning to attend, visit https://coolpartyballoons.com/es/pages/rsvp. https://merleburl.com
  • St Andrew’s Golf & County Club , 2241 Route 59, hosts an Easter Champagne Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 20, 2025. The charge is $54.95 for adults, $23.95 for children ages 6 to 11 years, and no charge for children age 5 and under. To make a reservation, call 630 231-3100, extension 114. The brunch includes a carving station, seafood and salads, dinner items and sweet table. Beverages are coffee, tea, soda, orange juice and champagne.
  • FNBC Bank & Trust hosts a Shredding event from 9 am. to noon Saturday, April 26, 2025, in the bank parking lot, 600 E. Washington St.Persons can safely dispose of old statements, expired documents, and sensitive paperwork. There is no need to remove staples or paperclips. The company doing the shredding is R4 Services. For further information, call the bank at 708 482-7700.
  • We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1055 W. Washington St., now has pansies for sale. These hardy flowers can tolerate the fluctuating temperatures and can help chase away winter blues. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, closed Sundays and Mondays. https://merleburl.com

REMEMBRANCES

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Delores Jean Loftin, who at the age of 95 passed away Saturday, March 29, 2025.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of José David Romero Álvarez, who at the age of 42 passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Deborah Lynn Giblin, who at the age of 68 passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025.

SCHOOLS

  • The West Chicago Community High School Art Department presents the WeGo Wild Art Show in the Learning Resource Center, 326 Joliet St., entrance door 25. The opening reception is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Light refreshments are served. The artwork exhibit continues through Wednesday, May 7. https://merleburl.com
  • WeGo Drama of West Chicago Community High School presents its Spring Musical, ”Sister Act,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 24, 25 and 26, 2025, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. The ticket price is $8, $5 for students. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.wegotheatre.com/, under Sister Act; tickets are available at the door.

Music Theatre International describes the show, “When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.” https://merleburl.com

  • The Spring Finale Concert of West Chicago Community High School is at 6p.m.Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Bishop Gym, 326 Joliet St. The concert features all bands, choirs and orchestras. Some of the featured songs are “Hymn to Freedom,” which is performed by all of the music students and “Saint-Saëns’ Bacchanale” from “Samson and Delilah,” which is performed by the Honors Wind Ensemble and Honors Symphony Orchestra. All the graduating seniors are recognized, plus the presentation of a number of awards and scholarships. The concert is live streamed on the West Chicago Wildcat Athletics Youtube page.
  • Through its scholarship program, West Chicago Lions Club offers one $1,000 scholarships to a graduating senior for post high school education in the area of human services including teaching, social work, doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and mental health clinicians. The scholarship will be awarded to the institution of higher education to assist with the cost of tuition, books and materials.

Graduating seniors who attend West Chicago Community High School or any other West Chicago resident defined as one who resides within the Community High School District 94 boundaries, including all residences with a 60185 zip code regardless of school attended, are eligible to submit an application. Judging is based on high school grade point average, participation in community and school activities, intent to enroll in a post-high school education leading to employment in the human service areas that include teaching, nursing, other health careers such as counseling and social services, an essay describing one’s accomplishments and service, as well as why one has chosen the intended field, and strength of character as evidenced by two letters of recommendation.

Applications forms are available in the counseling offices of each of the high schools. A completed application with the essay, a list of school and community activities, two letters of recommendation and an official copy of the applicant’s transcript should be mailed to West Chicago Lions Club, 1879 North Neltnor Boulevard, Suite 254, West Chicago, IL 60185, and be postmarked byFriday, May 2, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The West Chicago Lions Club Scholarship Committee will notify applicants of their decision by mail.

  • West Chicago Community High School is transitioning to numbered labels on exterior doors around the building. The purpose of the transition is to improve communication and safety. The transitions will be implemented gradually through the end of the school year. Completed entries are Entrance B, which is now Door #1A for visitors and Door #1 for students, and Entrance H, which is now Door #25. https://merleburl.com 
  • West Chicago Elementary School District 33 Board of Education earned the 2024 School Board Governance Recognition from the Illinois Association of School Boards. It was one of only 46 boards in the state to receive this honor. The recognition highlights school boards that lead with excellence and put students first. Board members are Rita Balgeman, President; Morgan Banasiak, Vice President; Tom Doyle, Secretary; Felicia Gills, Janette Hernandez, Chad McLean. https://merleburl.com

CHURCHES

  • The following is a schedule of worship services and Easter activities planned by local churches for Maundy Thursday, April 17, Good Friday, April 18, Holy Saturday, April 19, and Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.
  • Community Fellowship Church, 28W240 North Ave., Good Friday services are at 6 and 7 p.m. The Easter worship services are 9 and 10:45 a.m.
  • Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., Good Friday service at 6:30 p.m. The Easter worship service is at 9:30 a.m.
  • Glen Arbor Community Church, 204 Church St. Easter service is at 10 a.m.
  • New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 East Washington St., Maundy Thursday service is on line at 7 p.m. Good Friday service is at 7 p.m. The Easter worship service is at 10 a.m.
  • New Life Bilingual Church, 468 Ann St. Easter worship service is at 10:30 a.m.
  • Renewal Church Easter services are at 9:30and 11 a.m. at the ARC in Reed-Keppler Park, 201 West National Street.
  • Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, bilingual Maundy Thursday service is at 7:00 p.m. On Good Friday, the bilingual Via Crusis (Stations of the Cross) begins at noon at the intersection of Easton and Main Streets, proceeds east on Main Street, then north on Prince Crossing Road to the church. The Good Friday Tenebrae service in English is at 7:00 p.m. The Easter Vigil in Spanish is at 7 p.m. Saturday.The Easter worship services are traditional at 8:00 a.m., contemporary at 10:00 a.m. and Spanish at noon. The brunch is at 11 a.m.There is an Easter Egg Hunt at 11:15 a.m.
  • Mary’s Catholic Church, 140 N. Oakwood Ave. Holy Thursday is Tennebrae in Latin at 5 a.m. in chapel, the multi-lingual and Eucharist adoration at 7 p.m. into; midnight. On Good Friday, Tennebrae in Latin at 5 a.m., the Liturgy Passion of the Lord is at 3 p.m., the live Stations of the Cross is at 4:30 p.m.and the Station of the Cross bilingual is at 7 p.m. On Holy Saturday, Tennebrae is at 5 a.m., Our Lady of Sorrow at 11 a.m. Comp Live Stations of the Cross is at 4 p.m.any Lady of Sorrow at 11 a.m., the Blessing of Meal/Baskets at 1 p.m., the Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. Easter Sunday observations take place at the regular Mass schedule.
  • Michael’s United Church of Christ, 400 W. Washington St., Easter worship service is at 10 a.m. followed by brunch.
  • Trinity Lutheran Church, 331 George St., Maundy Thursday service is at 7 p.m. The Good Friday service is at 7 p.m. On Easter the worship service is at 9:30 a.m.;Joyful Noise Choir sings at all three services. The Easter breakfast is at 10:30 a.m.
  • West Chicago Bible Church, 209 South Oakwood Ave.,Good Friday service is at 6 p.m.Easter worship service is at 9 a.m.
  • West Chicago Church of Christ, 350 James St., Easter worship service is at 10 a.m.
  • Wheaton Bible Church, 27W500 North Ave., Good Friday contemporary service is at 5 p.m. and traditional service at 8:00 p.m. Easter worship services are traditional at 9:30 a.m., contemporary at 11 a.m.
  • Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, hosts an Easter Sunday Brunch April 20, 2025. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The charge is $12 for adults, $10 for children and $5 for a picture with the Easter Bunny The Youth Group sponsors the event. https://merleburl.com
  • Real Life Church property at 525 N. Neltnor Blvd. sold March 7, 2025.

 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

  • Former West Chicago resident Susan Wells is a participant in the fourth Annual Local Author Fest from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, in the Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St. She is the author of the mystery novel, “Secret Lives,”which takes place in West Chicago. The fest is on the main floor. This is a perfect opportunity to visit with the authors and purchase their books.
  • West Chicago resident Rita Thomas celebrated her 95th birthday, Monday, April 7, 2025.
  • West Chicago resident Pat Scheckel celebrated her 90th birthday, Thursday, April 10, 2025,

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

  • West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, April 24, 2025, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. Social time is at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7 p.m. and program at 7:15 p.m. Presenting the program, “Co-creating Gardens for Habitat, Health and Healing,” is Jeremy Ohems. The meeting is open to the public.

Ohems is the founder of Wild World Gardens, a caring and healing landscape design company focused on native plants, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, organic vegetable gardens, and therapeutic horticulture. He led the communications and marketing strategies for the Center for Humans & Nature’s publication platforms between 2016 and 2022. Prior to working for the Center, he led all editorial projects for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and he was a freelance writer for a number of publications.He received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Loyola University in Chicago and a Master of Science in journalism from University of Oregon in Eugene. https://merleburl.com

  • Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., hosts a drop-in community event, Make Seed Paper, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 28, 2025. Seed paper is made from recycled paper or other biodegradable materials, with seeds embedded during the paper-making process. The paper can contain a variety of seeds, including wildflowers, herbs, and vegetables. When the paper is planted in soil, the seeds germinate and grow into plants, while the paper itself decomposes. Seed paper can be used for various applications, including invitations, cards, bookmarks, and even decorative wraps.
  • Republic Bank and Mexican Cultural Center DuPage golf outing, “Fiesta on the Fairway: Celebration Cinco De Mayo,” has been rescheduled to August 25.
  • At the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce annual dinner and awards banquet Thursday, March 27, 2025, the new Board of Directors were sworn in. Officers are Chairman Efrain Aguilar from Artsition; Vice Chairman,Bill McGlynn from Locomo Marketing; Treasurer, David Fischesser from Fisch Financial; and Secretary, Nancy Perillo from FNBC Bank & Trust. Board members are Joe Buchholz fromBuck Services, Inc., Marcy Sweeney from Educare West DuPage, Dr. Andrew Gorski from Gorski Chiropractic Center, Uwe Gsedl from Oova Photography, Jared Farmer from NuMark Credit Union, Jared Farmer / NuMark Credit Union, Omar Espinosa from Republic Bank, Steve Schwarz Jr. from Steve & Nancy Schwarz Foundation, Zoeie Kreiner from Support Over Stigma, Nancy Nesti from Total Talent Resources,  Frank Lenertz from West Chicago Park District, Theodora (Dora) Cheila-Georganas from Wheaton Bank & Trust, and John Miller from Wheaton VFW Post 2164. https://merleburl.com
  • WeGo Together for Kids has a new website, designed by Artsition whose owner is Efrain Aguilar , the chairman of Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. He said the challenge faced in designing the website was developing a platform that effectively showcase the mission and services of the organization, ensuring intuitive navigation for diverse users and creating a responsive design accessible across all devices. The challenges were met. To view the new website, visit com

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

  • The last regular meeting for the current members of West Chicago City Council is Monday, April 21, 2025, in City Hall, 475 Main St. City Administrator Michael Guttman explained, “At the May 5th meeting, a Mayor Pro Tem will start the meeting and run it up until the Mayor is sworn in, after which he will lead the meeting. The incoming Mayor will provide guidance into his preference(s) for who performs the swearing in ceremony.”

 

  • The City of West Chicago celebrates Arbor Day with the planting of a tree at the Public Works Streets Division, 135 W. Grand Lake Blvd. It takes place at 10 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2025, demonstrating the importance that trees “play in our environment and community.” https://merleburl.com
  • West Chicago City Museum started a new series, “Museum Monday.” The April 7 2025, series highlighted research. “Museums and historical societies serve as stewards of knowledge, especially those like ours, that are grounded in local history. Over the years, we have amassed a vast collection of historical documents, photographs, newspapers, maps, and personal accounts that capture West Chicago’s evolution. But history is not meant to be locked away—it’s meant to be explored and shared.”

Research services allow the public to access these invaluable materials. These services help bridge generations, preserve personal histories, and bring historical context to life. Some of the impact of the research services include allowing business owners to accurately restore building, giving homeowner the history of their land and home, persons finding family genealogy, students and researchers finding accurate information in their field of study. Persons can find historical information by visiting the Museum’s website, https://www.wegohistory.com/, or stopping by the Museum, 132 Main St. The museum staff and volunteers will carefully search the archives and provide guidance on how to interpret historical records.For further information on research information, visit https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheWestChicagoCityMuseum/.

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

  • The West Chicago Fire Protection District is in the process of updating its Strategic Plan. To be successful, the Plan needs feedback from various stakeholders, including the members of the community. To help gather the feedback for the plan, the District has a very brief survey for community members such as residents and business owners. It takes aabout a minute to complete the survey questions. The survey is available athttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P5WKMWX or visit the District’s website, https://www.wegofpd.org/. https://merleburl.com
  • Although there was much activity involving the West Chicago Fire Protection District Tuesday, April 8, 2025, most were not for emergency calls, but for training purposes. The District was all over town with multiple agencies. The York Center and the Oakbrook Terrace Fire Departments did live burns at the District’s burn tower at the training center on Kress Road. The WCFPD crews were cycling in and out of the crusher on West Washington Street, cutting up some cars. The K9/Drone Search and Rescue Strike Team was on the north side of town training for missing people with dogs and drones. Also a controlled burn was scheduled near Hawthorne Lane, between Woodside Drive and Atlantic Drive. https://merleburl.com

ODDS AND ENDS

  • Beginning Monday, April 21, construction begins on the front entrance of the West Chicago Public Library, 118 W Washington St. Patrons are to use the side entrance leading into the Youth Services Department , which is accessible from the parking lot. https://merleburl.com
  • Sponsored by The Friends of the Great Western Trails, the annual Great Western Trails Clean up is at 9 a.m.Saturday, April 26,2025. West Chicago volunteers focus their clean up efforts near the Great Western Trail end point at Sassafras Drive. Participants need to bring work gloves to pick up litter along the trail. Persons wanting to volunteer, email Don Kirchenberg at frndsgrtwstntrl@aol.com.
  • At the March 11, 2025, meeting, the West Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners approved a contract for the 2025 tree purchasing in the amount of $5,984 to Fields On Caton Farm, Inc. in Crest Hill.
  • At the April 8, 2025, West Chicago Park District meeting, Michael Gasparini, Superintendent of Parks, stated the District will plant a Toal of 54 trees across various parks through the Trees Forever grant, the Morton Arboretum Tree Equity grant and donations from the West Chicago Garden Club.

There also will be some new animals at Kress Creek Farms. He stated, “We have contracted a company called Goats on the Go to bring goats to eat the pear trees and the multiflora rose that has been taking over Kress Creek…We will have goats in the natural areas this year and see how much natural areas we can clear out… This is a very inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to combat our invasive problem in the natural areas.”

  • The City of West Chicago and the West Chicago Fire Protection District announced that Du-Comm, West Chicago's 9-1-1 dispatch center, has added the ability for residents to text 9-1-1 dispatchers for emergencies, joining other helplines providers with texting services to 988 for Crisis Intervention and Suicide Support and 211 for health and social service resources.

Text-to-911 works on cell phones, tablets and other devices with the capability of sending texts using AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Text-to-911 does not currently receive pictures or video. Text-to-911 service is subject to cell signal availability– another reason why those attempting to contact 9-1-1 should call when they can and text when they can’t. In the event a text does not go through, the person attempting to use Text-to-911 should receive an automated bounce-back message indicating the text’s failure to be delivered. For more information about the new Text-to-911 service visit https://www.ducomm.org/. https://merleburl.com

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.