Frankfort swears in five police officers
Five police officers were ceremonially sworn in during a Frankfort Village Board meeting on Jan. 13: Dylan Beattie, Tyler Schuerg, Kyle Graff, Brett Miller and Joel Wick.
Although they were hired in April 2024, the officers have now completed their field training and are assigned to solo patrol in Frankfort.
“The village of Frankfort is fortunate to welcome these outstanding individuals to our police department,” Mayor Keith Ogle stated in a news release. “Their addition is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that Frankfort remains a safe and vibrant community for all who live, work and visit here.”
Police Chief Leanne Chelepis also shared her thoughts in the release. “We are proud to have them join our team and confident in their ability to uphold the high standards of the Frankfort Police Department,” she noted.
Palos 118 School District plans trivia night Feb. 1
Trivia fans 18 and older are invited to form teams of up to 12 people for the Palos 118 Educational Foundation’s trivia night fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at Elements by the Odyssey, 16235 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park.
Proceeds will go toward the foundation’s mission of raising money for students in the district. Register teams at www.palos118.org by Jan. 28.
The cost is $50 per person, which includes heavy appetizers, trivia and entertainment. Raffles will be available. Information is at foundation@palos118.org.
Holiday lights recycling available through Feb. 6
Those who want to safely dispose of holiday lights can recycle them through Feb. 6 at a variety of locations.
Drop-off locations include Blue Island City Hall, 13051 Greenwood Ave.; Memorial Park, 12804 Highland Ave. in Blue Island; Oak Forest City Hall, 15440 S. Central Ave.; Calumet Township Office, 2353 York St. in Blue Island; Calumet Park Village Hall, 12409 S. Throop St.; Midlothian Village Hall, 14801 Pulaski Road; Crestwood Village Hall, 13800 S. Cicero Ave.; and Calumet Township Community Center, 12633 Ashland Ave. in Calumet Park.
Broken bulbs should be removed before recycling lights. The project is offered by State Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island.
Will County working to improve public transportation
Access to transportation for older adults and people with disabilities in Will County got a little easier when the Will County Board recently approved a plan to expand and streamline transportation options for them.
The board approved a resolution that outlines strategies to improve dial-a-ride services. According to a new release, the plan “outlines goals to improve the transportation network by streamlining the registration process, expanding service areas and hours, standardizing eligibility to participate, and developing a unified fare structure. The plan also recommends Will County take steps toward a consolidated dial-a-ride system that would align with other counties” in the Chicago area.
The Access Will County Plan was created after a study of the county’s paratransit services and dial-a-ride that demonstrated barriers and gaps for people who require mobility assistance. The county already has partnered with Pace Suburban Bus to expand dial-a-ride services to six southwestern Will County townships. The full plan is available at www.willcountyillinois.org/access.
Midlothian library hosts tax-filing workshop
An investment adviser from Centera Investments will lead the free workshop “How To Be Tax Smart” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Midlothian Public LIbrary, 14701 Kenton Ave.
The representative will provide real-life examples to demonstrate strategies to be savvy about filing household taxes. Although the program is free, registration is requested by visiting midlothianlibrary.org and clicking on “EVENTS” or by calling 708-535-2027.
Warm up with chili, see ice carving contest at Frankfort’s winter social
Frankfort hosts its fourth annual Fire & Ice Winter Social, which offers a day of fiery flavors and frosty fun from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 1 downtown.
The free event features a live ice-carving demonstration, s’mores, hot chocolate and toasty bonfires, as well as a professional chili cook-off in which Will County restaurants compete to win votes.
The chili tasting starts at noon, with votes gathered until 1:30 p.m. Chili will be served until 2 p.m, while supplies last. The top three winners receive a trophy and bragging rights.
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