Category: Chicagoland

Chicago’s Center On Halsted to Host Men’s and Women’s ‘Speed Dating’

Posted on by TL

Chicago, IL– Center on Halsted will host an evening of SPEED DATING for lesbians on Thursday, February 11 and gay men on Thursday, February 25, 2010. Not finding that special spark across the Internet? Long, wasted evenings with those just-not-happening blind dates? It’s time for some real-time, fun-time SPEED DATING at Center on Halsted located at 3656 N. Halsted Street in Chicago.

SPEED DATERS should arrive between 6:45pm -7pm. The first round of SPEED DATING will begin at 7:15pm. Rounds will continue until everyone has had a chance to meet, or until 8:45pm, whichever comes first. Be sure to bring your agenda book! “Like to get together for coffee” cards will be matched after the last round ends.

Tickets for SPEED DATING at Center on Halsted are $12 at the door, and $10 if you purchase in advance. A cash bar will open at 6:45pm. To purchase tickets in advance, please email [email protected] or call 773/661-0763.

For more information about Center on Halsted, please visit our website, www.centeronhalsted.org.

Center on Halsted is the most comprehensive Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and Allies community center in the Midwest. View an art exhibit, see a theatrical performance, use the free WI-FI or take part in one of our social services programs. Perhaps just relax with a cup of coffee in the glass lobby of the Center’s “green” certified building. Find YOUR Center at Center on Halsted. www.centeronhalsted.org, 773.472.6469, open 8am – 10pm daily.

Ryan Rames and His Dog Die in Minooka Retention Pond

Posted on by TL
Ryan Rames age 11

From the Chicago Tribune:

Ryan Rames took his beloved dog Sammie for a walk as he normally would on a Saturday morning in his neighborhood in Minooka, southwest of Joliet.

The year-old Yorkie-Shih Tzu mix weighed only 8 pounds, and his 11-year-old master made sure she got her exercise no matter how bad the weather. When Ryan didn’t return after 45 minutes, his family set out to find him, then called authorities.

Searchers quickly spotted footprints and pawprints through the snow-covered ground leading to a large, L-shaped retention area down the street from the family’s house on the 1400 block of Hauby Court. By 1:45 p.m. or so, divers had pulled out the bodies of both Ryan and the dog.

The boy’s mother, Danielle Vieshov, said she thinks the dog went onto the retention pond and Ryan went after her.

"He took her out no matter what. He loved that dog. He went after instead of just letting her go in," she said Saturday evening between tears.

Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan said it appeared the ice gave way as the boy and his dog neared the center of the pond.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, and with Ryan’s friends and schoolmates.

His mother offers the following advice:

"Just treat every day like it’s your last. Always tell your kids you love them when they go out the door because you never know if they’re going to come back," she said.

Amen.

Study Says Chicago Wal-Mart Bad for Area Jobs

Posted on by TL

According to a new study, Wal-Mart is bad for jobs in Chicago, ABC 7 Chicago reports.

From WLS:

A new study out shows the one and only Wal-Mart in the city of Chicago may not be a job-generating machine like many supporters claim. But some question the conclusions reached by local researchers.

As early as next week, the City Council is expected to revive the debate over plans for a new Wal-Mart on the South Side. But a conveniently timed study says the retailing giant leaves less of an economic footprint than you may expect.

"Usually by this time of year we have a lot. But, as you can see, it’s empty," said Mike Ramirez, thrift store assistant manager.

Mike Ramirez says given the recession, business at his West Side thrift shop should be booming. It’s not. And he blames his new neighbor.

"This new Wal-Mart is taking a lot of my customers away," said Ramirez.

The city’s one and only Wal-Mart opened in the Austin neighborhood in 2006. A new study study by researchers from Loyola and UIC claims 82 businesses within a four-mile radius of the store have closed, thanks -at least in part- to the mega retailer’s presence. That, the study’s authors say, has cost the community nearly 300 jobs, about as many as Wal-Mart added.

The WLS report says the Chicago City Council will probably consider concerns of organized labor, however, Chicago should also consider Walm-Mart’s pitiful record on diversity. The Human Rights Campaign gives Wal-Mart a low 40/100 on the Corporate Equality Index criteria. Go here for the HRC’s complete analysis.

Click here to read the study.

On the Complete Disintegration of the Village of Matteson

Posted on by TL
Matteson fractured

The Southtown Star reported today that the Village of Matteson layed off 22 employees without warning Tuesday, the result of a reported $2.3 million budget gap. The Matteson Village Board hired financial consulting firm Theobald Associates in April at an estimated cost of over $200,000. Estimates are that the 22 layoffs will save the village $900,000 per year.

This is astounding, and the entire South Suburbs should be very concerned.

From the Southtown Star:

WHO GOT THE AX?

On Tuesday, Matteson laid off 22 village employees in efforts to trim a $2.3 million budget deficit. Those let go included two building inspectors, a building permit technician, two secretaries, a clerk, three administrative assistants, two customer service representatives, a community affairs coordinator, a community affairs assistant, a fire inspector, a community service officer, a building maintenance worker, four park maintenance workers and a park maintenance supervisor.

AFFECTING OPERATIONS

Matteson deputy village administrator Brian Mitchell said the layoffs this week of 22 employees might result in longer waits to pay village bills and the cancellation of some village-sponsored events, such as the Taste of Matteson. Additionally, he said, the firings will affect the village’s ability to plow snow. Although main thoroughfares always will be plowed no matter the time of day, “curb-to-curb” snow removal on the side streets will wait until morning if it snows overnight.

It is of interest that the mayor’s wife, Toni Ashmore, was not let go.

Morale at Matteson Village Hall is understandably low:

Matteson resident Matt Stipek said he witnessed the ugly, post-layoff scene after stopping by village hall Tuesday morning to pick up recycling bags.

“The lady there at the counter was crying, and the other ones looked like they just saw a murder,” he said. “The one lady who was trying to get recycling bags for me was catatonic.”

Matteson is a crucial business hub for surrounding communities. The intersection of Lincoln Highway and Cicero has been a long time coming back. Lincoln Mall is at a crucial juncture right now. The out lots are doing well, but the mall itself needs nurturing and attention.

Just a few years ago, Matteson hosted a “Green Day,” touting the opening of new businesses. Then U.S. Senate candidate Barack Obama was in attendance. Things looked so promising, before the Great Bush Recession.

Matteson residents should be concerned. Crisis necessitates a cohesive board which clearly has the interests of the residents at heart. Matteson’s board has been combative for far too long.

In November, Matteson fired the village administrator, an incredibly stupid move, as I’ve already noted. Haney was clearly not fired for cause.

That leaves politics.

According to some close to the village, the former village administrator would not* give his public blessing to the most recent raise the mayor intended to give his wife, the Director of Community Affairs.  If so, kudos to him.

When Andre Ashmore ran for mayor, he promised that his wife would not be employed long with the village. This week, he told the Star:

“We’re looking at all contracts, services, stuff that we contract out,” Ashmore said. “When I say everything is on the table, everything is on the table.”

Why, then, is the mayor’s wife still employed with the village?

I’m hoping groups of citizens are organizing now, preparing to put good, ethical people on the ballot.  Matteson has not completely disintegrated yet, but it is not now in a good place.

The South Suburbs need Matteson to recover.

* Errata: This posting originally said that the former village administrator would give his blessing to the most recent pay raise the mayor intended to give his wife.  That is incorrect.  We regret the error and we are grateful to a reader for bringing that error to our attention.

Employees Safe But Frightened After Matteson Hostage Situation

Posted on by TL
 

Police say none of the employees at a Sprint Store in Matteson were injured during a hostage situation Wednesday night. They were, however, frightened by the experience.

From ENEWSPF:

A possible hostage situation involving an armed gunman at the Sprint Store in Matteson was resolved shortly after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night when police discovered the alleged robber had fled before police arrived.

Police were dispatched to the Sprint Store, 4858 211th Street Matteson Center, Matteson, around 6:30 p.m. According to police at the scene, it was believed that an armed gunman was in the store holding hostages.

Employees at Panera Bread next to the Sprint Store received a call from the Matteson Police Department at approximately 6:35 p.m. advising them to put the store on lockdown. Patrons were immediately advised to vacate the front of the store and congregate an area away from windows. Meanwhile, a manager locked all doors to the establishment, advising patrons that no one was permitted to leave the store.

A strong showing of police followed shortly after, including officers and detectives from neighboring Olympia Fields and Park Forest. According to police at the scene, employees at the Sprint Store were ordered into an office by the alleged perpatrator, who then fled the store. Employees in the Sprint Store were unaware the suspect had left the building.

Read more here.

It Is Now Illegal to Text and Drive in Illinois

Posted on by TL
texting

From the Chicago Tribune:

Take your thumbs off the keypad and put your hands on the wheel — it’s now illegal to text-message while driving.

A state law that takes effect Friday also bans checking e-mail, updating Facebook and Web surfing while driving, though using your phone’s GPS is still OK.

“We want everyone to keep their attention on the roadway,” said Capt. Scott Compton, an Illinois State Police spokesman. “Texting and cell phone use is a distraction that not only takes your eyes off the road, but often takes more than one hand to do.”

The texting ban is one of nearly 300 new laws taking effect with the new year, ranging from ethics reforms in the wake of ex- Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s ouster to how credit card companies can market on college campuses.

According to ENEWSPF, police are expected to aggressively enforce the no-texting while driving ban. Police now have authority to subpoena your mobile phone records after an accident to see if you were texting while driving.

Restaurateur Nick Sord Charged with DUI in Crash that Killed Girlfriend

Posted on by TL

An absolute tragedy.

From the Chicago Tribune:

A business partner of a Blackhawks legend and former coach has been charged with drunk driving after a crash early Thursday near Oak Forest that killed his girlfriend, Cook County sheriff’s officials said today.

Nick Sord’s blood-alcohol level was 0.236, three times the legal limit for driving, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office. Sord, 22, of the 10600 block of Churchill Drive, and Denis Savard are partners in a venture to open a restaurant, Savard’s Hall of Fame, in Munster.

Sord has been charged with reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence.

His girlfriend Jessica Mejia, 20, of the 700 block of Brookwood Road in New Lenox, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which happened near 147th Street and Oak Park Avenue in unincorporated Cook County.

Once again, according to police, Nick Sord’s blood-alcohol level was 0.236, three times the legal limit for driving.

Read more at the Trib.

Suspect Shot by Police on Chicago’s South Side

Posted on by TL

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

Police and fire crews remain at the scene of a police-involved shooting Tuesday night in the South Side Fuller Park neighborhood.

Independent Police Review Authority spokesman Curtis Tarver confirmed a police-involved shooting happened at 54th and Indiana Avenue about 7:40 p.m. He said a suspect was shot by a police officer.

Fire crews remained at the scene in the 7800 block of South Shore Drive at 9 p.m., according to Fire Media Affairs Cmdr. Will Knight, who said no transports had been made.

This is a developing story.

Read more here at the Sun-Times.

Chicago Bears Shock Vikings 36-30 in Overtime

Posted on by TL

Here’s the last play from the NFL Game Center:

1-10-MIN 39 (9:21) J.Cutler pass deep right to D.Aromashodu for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

I don’t know where this team has been for most of the season, but they were incredible tonight. Jay Cutler played the game of his career, and even looked a bit choked up when it all finally ended.

I got choked up too.

From the Chicago Tribune:

For the first time this season, the Bears had a balanced and potent offense with Jay Cutler leading the way in a 36-30 overtime upset of the Minnesota Vikings.

Cutler hit Devin Aromashodu on a 39-yard touchdown pass in overtime to give the Bears the victory and raise their record to 6-9 going into the season finale Sunday at Detroit. Aromashodu had seven catches for a career-high 150 yards on the night.

The winning score was set up when Bears linebacker stripped the ball from Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and the Bears recovered on the Minnesota 39.

The Bears had taken a 30-23 lead with 4:55 to play in regulation on a Cutler-to-Earl Bennett 20-yard touchdown pass, only to see Brett Favre march the Vikings back for a game-tying, six-yard

TD pass on fourth-and-goal to Sidney Rice with 16 seconds  remaining in regulation.

The Bears received the kickoff to open the overtime period and moved into field-goal range, but Robbie Gould missed a 45-yard attempt wide right.

Entering the game, the Vikings appeared to be unraveling at the worst possible time,having lost three of their last four. And the Bears took it to them when the only thing they had to play for was pride and the chance to leave a late impression on the decision-makers.

Frankly, Cutler played an awesome game, completing 20 of 35 for 273 yards, 4 touchtowns and 1 interception. Brett Favre completed 26 of 40 for 321 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. Bears Wide Receiver Devin Aromashodu had 7 receptions for 150 yards, including the end-of-game winning touchdown.

Nicely done.

Read more from the Tribune.

Welcome to GOP Grade-School Politics: Andy Martin Claims Mark Kirk Is Gay

Posted on by TL

U.S. Senate candidate Andy Martin (left) taped a commercial saying front-runner U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (right) is gay.

I’m sorry, this is just too funny.

Andy Martin, challenging Mark Kirk in the Republican U.S. Senate primary in Illinois, wants you to know about a rumor he’s heard about Mark Kirk from some other guy who claims to know lots.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, the front-runner in the Republican primary election for U.S. Senate, finds himself the object of an unusual attack ad from one of his lesser-known opponents.

Andy Martin, once known as Anthony Martin-Trigona, who has run for numerous elective offices over the last three decades in Illinois, Florida and Connecticut, taped a commercial saying Kirk is gay.

Martin’s source? Statements some conservative Republicans made on a radio show saying they have heard “rumors” that Kirk is gay.

“Illinois Republican leader Jack Roeser says there is a ‘solid rumor that Kirk is a homosexual,'” Martin says in the ad. “Roeser suggests that Kirk is part of a Republican Party homosexual club. Lake County Illinois Republican leader Ray True says Kirk has surrounded himself with homosexuals. Mark Kirk should tell Republican voters the truth.”

Kirk, a U.S. Naval Intelligence officer, was unavailable for comment because he is on active duty over the holidays, said spokesman Eric Elk.

But Elk issued this statement on his behalf: “The ad is not true and is degrading to the political process. The people of Illinois deserve better.”

Just in case you were ever tempted to take Republicans seriously again, read all that garbage up there again. Ask yourself, why does this accusation mean anything to Republicans? Then, ask yourself why Mark Kirk didn’t make some statement, at least to say, “No, I’m not. Not that there’s anything wrong with that!”

The only response from that comes from  the campaign is an assurance that the ad is not true. If Kirk wants to garner any gay GOP voters, he’s got to do better than than.  The fact that a better response is so far an afterthought says more than any future response would.

As for Andy Martin? For some reason, I feel I must quote another queen, Shakespeare’s Queen Gertrude, ” The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”