City of West Chicago, Illinois

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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.

Celebrate the Opening of “Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy” in West Chicago

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(Initial press release issued by Carol Fox & Associates)

Mexican Cultural Center DuPage (MCCD) in coordination with Meztli Mexico and in partnership with the College of DuPage Public Art Project (COD) and the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB) presents the exciting new project: “Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy.”

The new outdoor exhibit featuring 33 large, brightly colored, hand-painted renditions of iconic Mesoamerican sculptures will be officially displayed this summer through October 2024 predominantly throughout suburban Chicago’s DuPage County in an expansive exhibition highlighting the culture of the ancient Olmec civilization in a fresh and accessible way.

To celebrate the exhibition, a free “Olmec Trails Family Fiesta” celebration will be held at COD's McAninch Arts Center’s (MAC) Lakeside Pavilion, 425 Fawell Blvd., Sunday, June 30, 2-6 p.m. This family friendly event featuring live music by Mariachi Monumental, folkloric dance by Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, salsa dance lessons, face painting, food vendors and more is sponsored by College of DuPage Foundation.

Attendees will have the opportunity to view the 10 Olmec sculptures installed at COD and immerse themselves in the educational and informational display in the MAC lobby containing information on locations and artists and the mystery of the legendary Olmec people.

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The colossal stone heads, crafted by the Olmecs between 1400 BCE to 400 BCE, originated in the southern part of Veracruz, Mexico, the cultural heart of this early Mesoamerican civilization. Each multi-ton sculpture, sculpted from a single stone using primitive tools, reflected the Olmecs' artistic prowess and their significant influence on subsequent Mesoamerican cultures. Today, these iconic heads are celebrated globally as prime examples of pre-Columbian art and adorn various museums and public spaces. Notably, the Olmecs, Mesoamerica's earliest civilization, left enduring legacies, including the precursor to sports like basketball and soccer.

“Olmec Trails” pays tribute to the indigenous roots of Mexican heritage as well as brings attention to the importance of public art by showcasing the immense talent and creativity of 33 contemporary artists from across North America.

Installations will be located throughout DuPage County and beyond. Those in DuPage County include 10 installations located on the walking paths of College of DuPage; five at St. James Farm in Warrenville, Ill.; three at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, Ill.; three at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook, Ill.; and one in the following locations: Naperville’s downtown and 95 St. Public Libraries; Great Western Prairie Path in Elmhurst, Ill.; Glen Ellyn Prairie Path in Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago Public Library, West Chicago Park District and Kruse House in the City of West Chicago, Ill.; Wheaton Prairie Path in Wheaton, Ill. plus a location to be announced. A list of location addresses is attached to this release.

Installations outside of DuPage County include the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, Ill. and the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. The latter is in honor of Carlos Tortolero, the museum’s President Emeritus and Founder, and the inspiration behind the project.

Support for “Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy” is provided in part by the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, College of DuPage, the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Illinois Office of Tourism and the National Museum of Mexican Art. Artist support is provided in part by Meztli Mexico and the Mexican Cultural Arts Alliance.

As a Municipal Hub Sponsor of the Exhibit, the City of West Chicago encourages its residents to attend this special celebration and visit all the sculptures located throughout DuPage County this summer, especially those located in West Chicago at the West Chicago Public Library, the West Chicago Park District’s Reed-Keppler Park, the Kruse House Museum, and Kline Creek Farm.

Learn more about the Exhibit by visiting the Cleve Carney Museum of Art’s website at olmectrails.com.

Mexican Cultural Center DuPage (MCCD)

The Mexican Cultural Center DuPage (MCCD) has built a long-standing reputation and stands as a beacon of cultural expression, emphasizing expansive community public art projects deeply rooted in Mexican traditions. In 2022, MCCD joined forces with Meztli and embarked on the "Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World", at Cantigny Park, Wheaton, Ill. The exhibit emerged as the largest display of “Alebrijes Monumentales” outside Mexico. As champions of Mexican arts in America, MCCD caters to the population of 43 million Americans of Mexican lineage. MCCD is a founding member of the Mexican Cultural Arts Alliance (MCAA). MCAA is a bi-national alliance of Mexican-led organizations led by the National Museum of Mexican Art. For more information about MCCD, visit MCCDuPage.org.

College of DuPage Public Art Project (COD)

The COD DuPage Public Art Project proposed by MAC Director Diana Martinez, was approved by the COD Board of Trustees in October 2020 with the goal of initiating public art events and art installations throughout DuPage County. The idea of the project was inspired by the announcement by COD President Dr. Brian Caputo of the Arts, Culture and Community Engagement Pillar of the College’s 2021-2026 Strategic Long-Range Plan. The COD Public Art Committee partnership with Glen Ellyn kicked off with the September 2021 installation of the Tony Fitzpatrick murals. Additional projects have included October 2021 “Chalk the Walk” community initiative featuring art by 3D chalk artist Nate Baranowski, the travelling installation “Glen Ellyn Letters” created by Juan Chawuk, and “The Grove” Glen Ellyn Taylor Avenue pedestrian underpass tunnel mural. For more information about the COD Public Art Project, visit theccma.org/codpubart.

DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB)

DCVB is the official destination marketing organization for DuPage County, Illinois' second largest County, comprised of 38 communities. The DCVB works in partnership with community business and civic leaders to maximize travel and tourism opportunities which contribute to the economic vitality of the County and its residents. For more information, visit DiscoverDuPage.com.

Business Community Update: Spring 2024

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

  • Action Behavior Centers Therapy, LLC is a behavioral center for children with autism and is located at 191 W North Ave, Suite 110
  • Tropical Smoothie Café is a fast casual restaurant located at 1865 N Neltnor Blvd
  • Muy Cool Party Boutique is located at 137 Turner Ct and is a party & gift supplies retailer, including balloon displays
  • Ruler CDL School Inc located at 1280 Powis Rd and is a truck driving school
  • CarPart360, Inc. is located at 333 Charles Ct where they warehouse and distribute new automotive parts
  • Novo Health & Performance is a chiropractor’s office located at 245 W Roosevelt Rd, Bldg 15, Unit 126
  • Momo Logistics Inc is located at 1151 Atlantic Dr and provides trucking and warehousing services
  • Julio Garcia Enterprises Inc. is an electronics and promotional products retailer located at 108 Galena St
  • Towers Collision Experts is located at 397 Charles Ct, Unit B and provides collision repairs
  • RV6 Performance is an online automotive aftermarket part retailer located on Metoyer Ct
  • Spare Wheels Transportation provides school and charter bus services and operates from 1800 W Hawthorne Ln
  • InHome Golf USA manufactures golf simulators and is located at the Roosevelt Business Center, 245 W Roosevelt Rd
  • M&F Collaboration Inc provides human resources consulting services from 1800 W Hawthorne Ln
  • Krishiv Foods, LLC is an Indian food wholesaler that is relocating from Elk Grove Village and moving into 310-320 Charles Ct
  • Santoro Communications Group, Inc. is a fire alarm and security contractor located at 470 W Roosevelt Rd, Suite 117
  • Soccer Speed LLC is located at 245 W Roosevelt Rd, Bldg 4, Unit 27 and is a soccer training and athletic development center
  • The Wrestling Room LTD is a wrestling and martial arts based gym located at 109 Turner Ct
  • RKA Applied Solutions is moving into 151 E Hawthorne Ln and is a manufacturer’s representative in the renewable energy market
  • Tuner World Auto Sales is an online car dealer located at 833 Industrial Dr

Additionally, the following businesses recently either relocated or expanded their operations.

  • The Whistle Stop is a vintage clothing and accessories retailer that has relocated to a larger space at 113 Main St
  • American Standard Circuits, LLC is expanding to a second facility at 1151 Atlantic Dr
  • Dandee Pallet & Packaging is expanding their operation to include 1600 Powis Ct
  • Laundromat Family Rueda is the new business and owner of the laundromat operating at 647 Joliet St
  • TAG Fitness has moved into a larger space at 1270 Nuclear Dr and is a fitness equipment wholesaler
  • Chicago Industrial Fasteners, LLC has expanded to a second location at 450 Fenton Ln and is a distributor of industrial fasteners

New Mexican Cultural Center DuPage Art Installation to Take Place in West Chicago

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The Mexican Cultural Center DuPage in coordination with Meztli Mexico and in partnership with the College of DuPage and the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau have organized another large-scale outdoor regional art exhibit that will take place through the summer.

The Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy art exhibit will feature more than 30 hand-painted large-scale sculptures reminiscent of the colossal stone heads crafted by the Olmec civilization between 1400 BCE to 400 BCE.

In April, the West Chicago City Council approved a sponsorship agreement with the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage that enabled the City to be the Municipal Hub Sponsor of the Exhibit. As part of the Agreement, the City will have four sculptures located within West Chicago, and will also host several national and international artists from May to June at Gallery 200 where they will finish hand-painting several sculptures.

Beginning in June, the sculptures will be installed at numerous sites throughout DuPage County, including within various forest preserves, the College of DuPage campus, and at several other municipalities in addition to the City of West Chicago.

The City has partnered with the West Chicago Historical Preservation Society, the West Chicago Park District, and the West Chicago Public Library District to have three sculptures located within close vicinity along the Illinois Prairie Path near the downtown area at the Kruse House Museum, the West Chicago Public Library, and within Reed-Keppler Park. Additionally, Kline Creek Farm will host a sculpture as well, providing a total of four sculptures located directly in West Chicago.

The City of West Chicago is excited to support and sponsor another regional Exhibit highlighting the Mexican culture while also continuing to showcase West Chicago’s downtown as an attractive place to visit and fun place to call home for the City’s residents.

Visit the Cleve Carney Museum of Art to view more information about the Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy art exhibit, and follow the City on its communications platforms to learn about community initiatives that will be coinciding with the Exhibit in West Chicago.

City Launches Revamped Veterans’ Day Display Program

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The City is now accepting nominations for the Veterans’ Day Banner Display Program on its website at westchicago.org/veteransdaydisplay. As part of the Program, local veterans are honored through decorative banners installed downtown from the third week of October through the last week of November. The banners feature a military photo of each veteran, accompanied by their name, years of service, and military branch.

In 2023, the display reached maximum capacity as the number of participating veterans exceeded the City’s inventory of display mechanisms on its streetlight poles. To address this issue, the West Chicago City Council approved guidelines to create a formal Veterans’ Day Banner Display Program. Under the new guidelines, banners will be rotated annually to accommodate unlimited entries, ensuring that there will never be a maximum number of honorees. Additionally, the City Council approved funds to allow for 14 new entries each year.

As part of the new guidelines, the City is updating the design of the banners. This update will require the existing banners to be retired and returned to the appropriate participants or their family and friends who initially nominated them. Existing participants, or their nominators, can schedule a time to pick up their banners by emailing communications@westchicago.org or calling (630) 293-2200 ext. 139.

Although existing participants will receive their original banners, each participant will automatically be included in future displays.

Residents seeking to nominate someone for the Program can visit westchicago.org/veteransdaydisplay to view the Program guidelines and submit the appropriate information. This Program is fully funded by the City of West Chicago and there is no cost to participants or their nominators.