Highland Park News

Lake County Forest Preserve budget slimmer, but includes upgrades

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:44:30 -0500

Despite a slimmer budget for the fiscal year, the Lake County Forest Preserve is slated to undergo $17.7 million in improvements as part of a five-year blueprint for its facilities.

High-ranking officer leaves sheriff’s department

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:08:33 -0500

A disagreement over the chain of command between Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran and now-former sheriff’s chief Wayne Hunter resulted in Hunter leaving the department late Tuesday afternoon.

Indian Trail teacher earns HP Community Foundation’s Golden Apple

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:14:02 -0500

HIGHLAND PARK — Indian Trail School music teacher Caitlin Lucci has had a banner year. On Friday, the 28-year-old teacher learned she was the 2013 recipient of the Highland Park Community Foundation’s Golden Apple award. The award committee paid her a surprise visit to present her the award, a cash prize and an iPad. Last fall, Lucci and 33 of her fifth-grade pupils performed at the invitation of the American Orff Schulwerk Association at its annual conference. When the invitation arrived — the only one extended to an elementary school — Lucci worked with pupils on her own time to …

Northwood Jr. High’s poetry slam shows power of words

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:36:00 -0500

HIGHLAND PARK — Middle school students often struggle to articulate their deepest hurts, worries and resentments, even to close friends. So it took some spine last week for Northwood Junior High students to step on stage, grab microphones and shed personas and pretense.

Transferred Highland Park teacher resigns in impassioned YouTube video

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:09:21 -0500

A video bombshell was dropped late Tuesday on top of an emerging controversy in North Shore School District 112 when one of the four teachers transferred out of Lincoln Elementary School posted a YouTube video announcing her decision to leave the district.

Highwood salutes the Fort

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:07:13 -0500

I have been a huge Highwood fan since I moved out here in 1954. But I first reported for Army duty at Fort Sheridan in 1943, just as I was turning 18, and have loved the place ever since. I spent my first, as well as my final service days at the Fort, with 18 trips overseas in between, on a medical ship called the “S.S. Bienville,” where I was a surgical tech. A few years afterward, despite all those crossings during the war, even a calm trip down a little stream in a rowboat seemed like a big deal …

Two District 113 board members retire, new ventures ahead

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:33:47 -0500

DEERFIELD — Although for different reasons, both Harvey Cohen and Bonnie Shlensky felt it was simply “the right time” to step down from the Township High School District 113 Board of Education. Cohen, 70, of Highland Park and Shlensky, 51, of Deerfield presided over their final meeting as board members on May 6 after a combined total of 24 years of service. Neither sought re-election in April. “Sixteen years is a pretty long time for anybody on the 113 board,” said Cohen, who served as president for three years, including his final two. “I don’t remember anybody being on the …

Highland Park’s oldest business remains forever young

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:18:28 -0500

HIGHLAND PARK — At Bahr’s Greenhouse in Highland Park, new shoots continue to poke through the soil in search of sunlight. Each growing season brings bursts of color to rejuvenate winter-weary spirits. So while Bahr’s is the Highland Park’s oldest business — dating to 1894 — the enterprise seems reborn each year. The greenhouse at 1911 Ridge Road is open for business just a few months each year: the April to mid-July planting season. Fourth generation owner Tom Bahr Jr. and his wife Kathryn stay busy year-round, however, germinating and cultivating the plants for the next season. Come April and …

3 Brookfield Zoo dolphins expecting

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:48:20 -0500

Chicago Zoological Society officials say three Brookfield Zoo bottlenose dolphins are pregnant. Officials say Allie, 26, Tapeko, 31, and Spree, 10, are due to give birth this summer and fall.

DUI figures show less drinking and driving in Lake County

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:21:40 -0500

Maybe it’s more police officers on the road, an increase in public education or fear of punishment and the hassles of getting a license back after a DUI. Although several officials have suggested differing reasons why, they agree that the number of drunken-driving arrests is going down.

Navy officer surprises daughter in gym class at Wayne Thomas

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:04:18 -0500

HIGHLAND PARK — A routine gym class Friday at Wayne Thomas Elementary School became a multi-hanky event for some observers when Navy Chief Jeremy Pruitt shocked his daughter Cadence with an unexpected homecoming.

Highland Park police blotter for May 13 - May 20, 2013

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:05:14 -0500

The following incidents were listed among the official reports of the Highland Park Police Department. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Only a court of law can make that determination. Highland park TRAFFIC Two motorists were arrested May 17 and charged with speeding at least 40 miles over the speed limit after police responded to a report of three vehicles racing northbound on the Edens Expressway in Highland Park. Adnan Ljubijankic, 23, of the 500 block of East Highland Avenue, Mount Prospect, was charged with speeding 40 miles or more over the limit. …

The Fat Shallot: Highland Park natives take culinary prowess to the streets

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:31:49 -0500

Before getting married last June, Highland Park natives Sam Barron and Sarah Weitz traveled across Europe and Asia working on small organic farms. They ate mostly on the go, and their favorite eats came from the streets.

Shootings feed frustration, pleas for cooperation

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:27:04 -0500

EVANSTON — Fifth Ward Alderman Delores Holmes started her May 15 ward meeting by asking more than 100 people crowded into the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center to help her find “three concrete things that we can do together” to stop gun violence on the streets outside. That proved difficult. At times, the meeting turned into a stage for residents to air frustration and recriminations over those involved in the gun violence, who is enabling it and why they feel increasingly under siege in their own streets and parks. Holmes acknowledged the frustration and anger: “We have allowed a few people to make …

Chicago man denies human trafficking charges

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:24:39 -0500

A Chicago man denied human trafficking charges at his arraignment Wednesday, May 15.

D-112 residents report inequality among Highland Park, Highwood schools

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:52:09 -0500

North Shore School District 112 is preparing for the headwinds of possible school closings, boundary changes and a ballot bid for more funding.