South suburban stormwater projects planned
Officials from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and Cook County plan to work on stormwater issues at several south suburban trouble spots as part of ongoing efforts “aimed at bolstering resiliency across Cook County, with special emphasis on underserved communities,” according to a MWRD news release.
The $20 million effort announced last week is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and includes support for 26 projects, including nine in the Southland. The funding will support planning, engineering, and construction of stormwater projects at places including Burbank and Oak Lawn, Crestwood, Dixmoor, Dolton, Glenwood and Bloom Township, Harvey, Midlothian and Bremen Township, Orland Township and South Holland.
In one example cited by the MWRD Crestwood and Midlothian along with Bremen Township are getting $1.5 million to replace existing culverts, make channel improvements and expand existing and construct new detention facilities to address local flooding.
Work on this round of projects is expected to be completed in 2026, officials said.
I-80 lane closures underway
As part of ongoing repairs to the bridges carrying Interstate 80 over 175th Street, and Cicero and Kedzie avenues in Hazel Crest and Country Club Hills, lane reductions were implemented last week in both directions of I-80.
just before the bridges over 175th Street, Cicero and Kedzie avenues. At least two lanes in each direction will remain open, Illinois Department of Transportation officials said in a news release. Motorists also should expect various lane shifts on I-80 and occasional lane closures on 175th Street, Cicero and Kedzie avenues approaching each structure, they said.
The $7 million project, which consists of repairing the deck and approaches, replacing expansion joints and installing a new deck overlay on each bridge, is anticipated to be completed in December.
Motorists can expect delays, IDOT said.
Visit Chicago Southland adds marketing specialist
Visit Chicago Southland last week hired area native Jen Ziltz as meetings marketing manager. Ziltz has 20 years of sales and marketing experience in hotels, private country clubs and the healthcare industry, according to a news release from the agency, previously named Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Ziltz’s responsibilities will include efforts to increase occupancy at Chicago Southland hotels by enhancing the region as a destination for group business and visitors by generating leads with professional meeting planners and exhibit show associations, officials said.
Summer Art Bazaar planned in Tinley Park
A Summer Art Bazaar is planned from 11 a.m. 5 p.m. July 7 at Flipside Brewing, 7144 183rd St, Tinley Park, will offer “a day filled with creativity, community, and fantastic local products, all with no cover charge,” according to a news release from organizers.
Mike Kaz Keselica, of Streetz Artz Alliance, said the event will be family friendly. “We always strive to keep these markets fresh with new artists, products, and themes, emphasizing local small businesses,” he said in the release.
This event offers a wide range of items across various categories, including handmade crafts, art, food, and beverages. Unique items like Perler bead creations, layered cardstock shadowboxes, and whimsical earrings add a distinctive touch to the market. Original artist prints, stickers, and keychains will also be available, alongside a variety of food and beverages such as cookies, cakes, specialty coffee and more, organizers said.
Comicopolis coming to library in Lockport
The White Oak Library District offers its 8th annual Comic and Fandom Con – Comicopolis – in partnership with the City of Lockport’s Summer Art Series, and Zombie Army Productions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20 at the library, 121 E. 8th St. The all-ages event, which typically attracts over 1,500 people, takes place both inside and outside the Lockport Branch. Admission is free, and the first 500 people will receive a free swag bag.
Over 60 local artists, illustrators, writers, and vendors, will be on hand, offering unique art, comics, graphic novels, and more. Other features include a chance to go for a ride in a DeLorean like Marty McFly, and fans of Knight Rider or Starsky and Hutch can get their photo taken with KITT or Starsky’s Gran Torino. There will be face painting, caricatures, kids’ crafts, food trucks, a scavenger hunt and a mobile gaming truck out, indoor green screen photo booth and cosplay contest.
More information is at www.comicopolis.org.
Beverly/Morgan Park Garden Walk set for July 21
The Beverly Area Planning Association’s 5th Annual Beverly/Morgan Park Garden Walk, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 21, offers “innovation, inspiration, and just plain fun,” organizers said in a news release.
The Garden Walk begins with check-in at the Edna White Community Garden, 1850 W. Monterey Ave., Chicago, and is self-guided by vehicle as the gardens being showcased on this year’s Garden Walk are located throughout the historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood.
Each stop is distinctive for its style, variety of plantings, design components and unique beauty, organizers said, and tastings and experiences will be offered at garden locations.
Tickets for current BAPA members are $30 in advance; advance tickets for non-members are $35 and day-of tickets are $40. Purchase advance tickets online at bapa.org/garden-walk/ through July 20.
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