City of West Chicago, Illinois

Where History and Progress Meet

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Ice Cream Social Fundraiser: A Sweet Way to Support Local History

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Kruse House Ice Cream Social-01

Join the West Chicago Historical Society for a delightful afternoon while contributing to the preservation of local history this Saturday, September 7th, at their annual Ice Cream Social. The event will take place from noon to 3:00 p.m. in the Kruse House Garden at 527 Main Street. With free parking available in the City Hall lot two doors west, it’s easy to experience this sweet community event.

For a $5 admission, enjoy unlimited ice cream and a variety of mostly homemade desserts. You’ll also have the opportunity to win door prizes and participate in drawings for donated items and foods, with chances available for just $1 each.

The event will also feature a pie auction with creations from a Cordon Bleu pastry chef, as well as early and late fall mums from Prosek’s for $10. All leftover desserts will be available for purchase at the end of the event.

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Event-goers will also have the chance to see and take photos with one of the life-sized sculptures from the Olmec Trails: Culture & Legacy art exhibit, located within the garden area. This is a great opportunity to see one of these special art pieces before they are removed in October.

All funds raised will support the Kruse House Museum, specifically for repairs to the garden shed windows and water-damaged walls in the house. Don’t miss the chance to explore the restored Kruse Garden, maintained by the West Chicago Garden Club, and view the newest exhibit—a 1928 RCA Radiola 60 radio similar to one owned by the Kruses.

Downtown Art Banner Exhibit Open through August

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Artwork feaured on streetlight pole

Explore downtown West Chicago and dive into the 2024 Art Banner Exhibit, featuring 26 stunning pieces by talented regional artists. The artworks are displayed along Main Street from Washington Street to Wilson Avenue and along Galena Street from Main Street to Arbor Avenue.

Take a leisurely stroll through the downtown area to experience these creative expressions up close, or visit our website to view the Exhibit online and access a map of all the display locations.

This year’s theme, "Time to Celebrate/Tiempo para Celebrar," captures a festive spirit in each piece. After enjoying the artwork, cast your vote online for your favorite to help determine the 2024 People’s Choice Award winner.

Vote for People's Choice Award

The Exhibit runs through the last week of August, so come celebrate art and creativity with the West Chicago community.

For more details, including how to vote for the 2024 People’s Choice Award winner or to view the 2025 Art Banner Exhibit theme, visit the City’s website.

Public parking locations in the downtown are available on the City’s website.

Grilling Safety Tips for Summer Season

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Grilling Safety-01

(Original press release provided by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal on June 28, 2024)

The Office of the State Fire Marshal advises everyone to take these steps to help ensure a safe summer filled with everyone’s favorite grilled foods:

  •  Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors
  • The grill should be placed away from the home or deck railing, and out from under eaves of your home and overhanging tree branches
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill
  • Never leave your grill unattended
  • Always make sure gas grill lids are open before lighting it
  • Check the gas tank on your propane grills and hoses for leaks each time before using
  • If you smell gas while grilling, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department
  • Make sure charcoal grill coals are cool before disposing of them in a metal container
  • Always have a fire extinguisher, bucket of water or garden hose nearby or know where you can access one quickly

Bonfires, pit fires and campfires can also create fire safety dangers during the summer months. Campfires need to be built at least 25 feet way from tents, shrubs and anything that can burn. Make sure fires are allowed in the area that you are camping. Use of chimineas, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits need to be at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn.

For more information about grilling please visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website at: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Grilling.

ComEd Vegetation Management Activities Continue through Summer

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The City has been provided notice that ComEd will be performing vegetation management activities in the West Chicago area from July through September that will include the transmission of herbicide treatment within the right of way in areas throughout the City.

The vegetation management activities are a key component of ComEd’s maintenance program to ensure system electrical reliability, as vegetation contact with ComEd equipment is a leading cause of outages.

The City has posted a map outlining the proposed properties that may be affected by the upcoming vegetation management activities on its website. [Updated July 2, 2024]

ComEd has provided a printed notification to any affected customers and property owners with statement of the vegetation management activities planned.

Residents are reminded that qualified herbicide applicators contracted by ComEd will be performing the work with supervisors and general foremen in close contact with the crews, ensuring that the work is performed properly.

For more information about vegetation maintenance along power lines and ComEd’s “Right Tree, Right Place” program, please visit: http://www.ComEd.com/Trees. Residents with questions or concerns should contact ComEd at (800) 334-7661.

Keep Pets Secured on a Leash this Summer

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Dog on a leash

As residents start spending more time outdoors this summer, the City reminds pet owners to secure their animals at all times. This measure helps prevent fines and ensures the safety of all individuals and their pets within the community.

In 2023, in response to a rising number of occurrences of dogs roaming without a leash and an increase in dog-related biting incidents, the West Chicago City Council adopted a new ordinance that mandates animals to be secured at all times. Additionally, the law establishes a tiered fine structure for owners of pets involved in attacks on people or other animals.

Under the new regulations, owners of any animal are required to restrain their pets with a leash, keep them within their own property or that of a consenting individual, place them in a crate or cage, or confine them inside a vehicle.

Furthermore, pet owners could face substantial fines if their animals engage in behaviors such as chasing, barking at, or biting people, vehicles, or another animal. These fines are no lower than $500.00 for the initial offense; $1,000.00 for the second offense; $1,500.00 for the third offense; each up to $50,000.00. These penalties are separate from any costs associated with the damages and injuries suffered by a biting victim as mandated by the County.

Despite the existence of relevant ordinances in DuPage County, the City introduced these additional measures to reinforce responsible pet ownership within its own jurisdiction.

Visit the City’s website for more information about animal control in West Chicago and DuPage County.