City of West Chicago, Illinois

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Honoring Our Heroes: West Chicago’s Veterans Day Display

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VeteransDay_2024

As Veterans Day approaches, let us come together to recognize and honor the bravery of those who have served, ensuring their contributions are celebrated for generations to come.

In this spirit of remembrance, the City of West Chicago proudly reaffirms its commitment to honoring its local veterans through the annual Veterans Day Display Program, recently installed downtown. This heartfelt initiative showcases the bravery and service of West Chicago residents while highlighting the City’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating all local veterans.

This year, the City is honored to add the following distinguished individuals to the program:

  • Erik Nelson (2009–2015, U.S. Army)
  • Harry Hummel (1943–1946, U.S. Army)
  • William Birch (1973–1977, U.S. Air Force)
  • Richard Howard (1949–1953, U.S. Army)
  • Vincente Alvarez (2018–2022, U.S. Marine Corps)
  • Lawerence “Lorny” Urban (1942–1946, U.S. Army)
  • Frank Dorner (1968–1971, U.S. Army)
  • LeClaire Carey (1968–1971, U.S. Army)
  • Donald Nellis (1945–1949, U.S. Army; 1949–1953, U.S. Air Force Reserves)

While we celebrate these new entries into the program, the City invites everyone to honor all our local veterans by visiting downtown to view the 62 individuals on display. Each banner represents a local hero who has called West Chicago home, and the City is proud to honor these individuals for their significant contributions to our country while representing their hometown.

To view the veterans featured in the Program, please visit the City’s website at westchicago.org/veteransdaydisplay.

The Veterans Day Display Program: Continuing a Tribute to Local Heroes

Launched in 2021, the Veterans Day Display Program was created to pay tribute to local veterans. After reaching maximum capacity for participants in 2023, the City recognized the need for reorganization of the Program in response to overwhelming interest in the banner display. The City actively utilized initial feedback while also engaging in discussions with community members to gather suggestions for improving the program, including increasing the number of participants and the veterans honored each year.

This collaborative effort resulted in significant enhancements, such as more legible banner designs and better placement within the downtown area to ensure greater accessibility for pedestrians. By featuring a different individual on each side of the banner, allocating appropriate funds annually, and implementing a rotation for future installations, the City addressed capacity limitations while maximizing the number of veterans honored each year.

As part of the revamped program, the City will allocate annual funds to allow for the addition of up to 14 new veterans, ensuring that all who have served from West Chicago are recognized at no cost to themselves or their nominators. Additionally, nominations are now accepted year-round at westchicago.org/veteransdaydisplay, rather than just during the month leading up to the program, allowing residents to enter at any time. Entries will be added to a running list on a first-come, first-served basis. Once nominations reach capacity for the year, any remaining submissions will automatically roll over into the following year’s group of inductees.

The City extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the residents who contributed to revamping this vital initiative, which serves as a testament to our community's commitment to honoring its heroes. Your dedication will ensure that every local veteran is celebrated each year, allowing West Chicago to uphold the legacy of those who have served while reinforcing our unwavering support for all members of the armed services.

Halloween Festivities to Bring Double the Treats, Double the Fun Downtown on Oct. 26

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Enjoy the crisp autumn air, vibrant fall colors, and the delightful sounds of laughter filling the streets as West Chicago’s downtown comes alive with two fantastic trick-or-treating experiences on Saturday, October 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join the City of West Chicago for the Downtown Trick-or-Treat event, where families can stroll along Main Street and collect treats from participating businesses showcasing friendly flyers in their windows. After that, head over to the Trunk-or-Treat event hosted by the West Chicago Public Library District near Turner Court, where creatively decorated trunks will be brimming with candy and surprises!

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This festive afternoon is perfect for families looking to enjoy some Halloween fun. For all the spooky details, visit westchicago.org/halloweenfestivities. West Chicago’s Halloween Festivities promise to deliver a bewitchingly good time for everyone!

The City encourages everyone to enjoy the Halloween Festivities, and also enjoy West Chicago’s official trick-or-treating hours on Thursday, October 31 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Business Community Update: Summer 2024

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The City of West Chicago recently welcomed the following new businesses to the community:

  • The CustomPress is located at 1800 W Hawthorne Ln and is a print broker and light printer
  • Universe Cargo Group Inc is a logistics dispatcher located at 1800 W Hawthorne Ln
  • Loadhog Incorporated provides reusable packaging products and is located at 841 W Hawthorne Ln
  • NRY Logistics Inc is located at 1800 W Hawthorne Ln and is a transportation dispatcher
  • Avalon Medical Supply Company provides durable medical equipment services and is located at 1800 W Hawthorne Ln
  • Cool Party Balloons is located at 135 Turner Ct (adjacent to Muy Cool Party) and is a balloon and balloon supply retailer
  • Beyond Environmental LLC manufactures natural cleaning products at 1180 Atlantic Dr
  • SmartTrack LLC is an IT provider located at 1800 W Hawthorne Ln
  • Image Display is located at 1600 Downs Dr and provides trade show exhibit rentals
  • West Chicago Taverna is located in Tower Station at 956 N Neltnor Blvd, Suite 320 and is a fusion restaurant
  • Hightopsneaks, LLC is an online retailer for sneakers, fashion and accessories
  • Dane's Games is located in the Mosaic Crossing Shopping Center at 1895 N Neltnor Blvd and is a card and board game retailer
  • Mexican Style Boxing Club is boxing studio located in the Jimenez shopping center at 571 Main St
  • Cure Express Clinic is an immediate and primary care clinic located at 942 E Roosevelt Rd in the Lorlyn Plaza
  • Kamila Cakes is located at 151 W Washington St and is a bakery

The following businesses have had a change of ownership, name change, or expanded within the City:

  • De Angel Nail & Spa is under new ownership and is located at 528 Main St
  • The Mobil Gas Station at 60 W Roosevelt Rd is under new ownership
  • Dreamer’s Club located at 179 W Washington St was previously Club de Bienestar
  • Great American Pinball has expanded to 850 Meadowview Crossing, Unit 2
  • DDM Garage Doors has expanded to 1092 Carolina Dr, Unit 4

Review the Environmental Impact for the Kerr-McGee Park Project & Provide Comments by September 13

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[Please note: The survey portions was removed from this article on September 16, 2024.]

The City of West Chicago has been awarded a $2 million grant to help fund the transformation* of the former Kerr-McGee industrial site into a cutting-edge Community Park. This redevelopment aims to provide a range of amenities including a therapeutic playground, walking paths, a monarch butterfly garden, multi-use fields, and a community gathering space for festivals. The project is part of the ongoing remediation efforts at the site, which has been cleared of radioactive contamination. The park design also includes accessibility features and a new pathway linking it to the existing Pioneer Park, enhancing community connectivity.

As part of the grant process, an Environmental Review (ER) has been prepared by Civil Environmental Consultants (CEC) to assess the project's impact. A 15-day public comment period is open through Friday, September 13, 2024, allowing residents to review and provide feedback on the Environmental Review. The review documents are available online and at City Hall for public inspection. Comments can be submitted online, or can be done in-person at City Hall.

*The awarded $2 million grant is intended to fund only a portion of the redevelopment of the property. The estimated total cost to complete the Community Park Master Plan provided by the City's consultant, Upland Design, is approximately $15 million. An update to this article was made on September 10, 2024 to clarify the overall cost of the development.

Review the Kerr McGee Environmental Review Document
View Environmental Review Supporting Documents & Figures

On September 16, 2024, the City will request HUD to release the Community Project Funding necessary for the park’s development. This request is contingent upon no objections being raised regarding the project's environmental review or the grant process. Any concerns about the project can be directed to HUD, with specific procedures outlined for formal objections.

For more information about recent news surround the former Kerr McGee Site, please visist westchicago.org/kerrmcgee.

View More Information about the Kerr McGee Site

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.