Binging on books fans defend enduring love of reading
Avid readers explain why the written word endures amid changing entertainment options. They discuss personal joys of books, authors, and genres, highlighting how libraries, bookstores, and new formats keep literature central in daily life.
Prison ministries extend help to inmates and families
Helping hands programs go beyond handing out Bibles. They provide services to inmates and to the families waiting at home, offering support, counseling, and connection opportunities as described by Dimensions.
The old ballgame prep baseball spring campaigns
The seasonal chill notwithstanding, prep baseball and softball teams settle into their spring campaigns. This brief notes the start of the season and the approach of early games as teams prepare.
Special Ballot Review for Best of the Southland Contest
The Dimensions section directs readers to use the special ballot in today’s edition to vote in the annual Best of the Southland contest. Contact numbers for circulation and classifieds are listed as 755-6161, 755-3344, and 755-3993.
Education Around Town Item
A brief education column notes local school events and community programs. Readers are guided to upcoming meetings and student activities across town.
Richton Park names new top cop Van Schepen to lead police
Commander James Van Schepen has been chosen by the Richton Park Fire and Police Commission to become police chief on April 30 succeeding Richard Labus who retires after 21 years with the department. Van Schepen joined the force in 1976 as a youth officer and has held multiple leadership roles including detective youth officer sergeant and administrative sergeant. Labus leaves for private industry as a VP of sales with Municipal Systems Inc.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Richton Park
Richard Labus
James van Schepen
Richton Park Fire and Police Commission
van Schepen
Labus
Municipal Systems Inc
Richton Park Police Department
VanSchepen
Jim
Village Fire and Police Commission
Matteson bike trail delayed by governance and bids
The Matteson Preservation Path Hike Bike Trail construction is postponed pending talks with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the winning bidder Abbey Paving & Seaboating Co. The Village Board tabling to April 15, to allow Village Administrator Ralph Coglianese to contact state officials and the contractor, after safety concerns near Kostner Street and Lincoln Highway.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Matteson
Illinois Department of Transportation
Ralph Coglianese
Coglianese
Abbey Paving & Seaboating Co
Kostner Street
Lincoln Highway
Abbey Paving
Johnson, Johnson & Roy
Old Plank Road
Butterfield Place
Kostner
New World Theatre Tightens Security Guard Rules
Tinley Park Police Chief Mike O Connell announced new security standards for the New World Music Theatre season requiring guards be at least 18 and undergo about 10 hours of training. The plan follows past security failures including a September concert incident and aims to align in-house training with state standards and police input.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New World Music Theatre
Tinley Park
Mike O’connell
Theater Management
World Security
Olympia Fields Osteopathic Medical Center
Star
O’connell
Panici Linked to Reynolds in FEC Inquiry Documents
Documents cite Panici and former Chicago Heights mayor in asks to FEC to probe Mel Reynolds 1992 campaign. Comptroller of the Currency Administration of National Banks cited overdrafts and a loan from Chicago Heights National Bank. FEC says case closed due to staff limits and age. Officials unavailable for comment. Panici led GOP support for Reynolds against Gus Savage in 1992.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charles Panici
Chicago Heights
Federal Elections Commission
U.S
Mel Reynolds
D-Dalton
Comptroller of the Currency Administration of National Banks
FEC
Reynolds
Comptroller
Comptroller of the Currency
Chicago Heights National Bank
Panici
Bloom Township
Gus Savage
Antiguan murder trial ends with closing arguments
Prosecution and defense are to sum up in the Antiguan murder trial of John Baughman, a former Matteson resident. Baughman testified he loved his wife and that Valerie slipped and fell from an eight story hotel roof while reaching for a note, claiming she stumbled after he dropped a card. He described her 99 foot plunge as accidental amid a vacation on Antigua. jurors may reach a verdict soon.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Matteson
John Baughman
Baughman
Orland Park
Valerie Baughman
Daily Observer
Antigua
Also Mentioned on This Page
OM Ulm
Lias
Carol Dorsett
Glacier Park
Nick
Mike Rath
Richton Park Recreation and Parks
New World Theatre
Mike O'Connell
Nederlander
Poplar Creek
Tinley Park Jam
By Bill Schwinger
APC News Service