Chicago Heights Treasurer to Present Tax Levy

The Chicago Heights City Council meets Monday, Dec. 17. The meeting will be preceded by a public hearing presenting the proposed 2012-2013 tax levy.

Prairie State Chair's Stepdad Nabs Full-Time Administrative Position

The college's faculty representative is fuming about the board's decision to appoint Leo Alexander to a human resources position during a time when the board is actively fighting nepotism among the faculty.

Cell Phones Banned from Cook County Courtrooms

A judge announced the ban, which also includes several other electronic devices, citing problems such as incidents of witness and juror intimidation.

Mayor Plans to Offset Water Rate Hike by Dropping Other Charges

Mayor David Gonzalez will officially present the plan at the Dec. 17 city council meeting.

Prairie State Board Censures Trustee After Strategic Walk-Out

Wendell Mosby has been temporarily stripped of his travel reimbursement privileges after he walked out of a board meeting and took the quorum with him.

Mayor Gonzalez Hints at Future Chicago Heights Casino Plan

Despite Gov. Pat Quinn vetoing the gaming bill, several towns are putting together plans for a casino. Chicago Heights could be one of them.

Is Ald. Sandi Jackson Looking to Take Her Husband's Vacated Seat?

Conflicting media reports offer little confirmation as to whether the alderman will run for the 2nd District congressional seat, vacated by Jesse Jackson Jr. last month.

2nd District Candidate Arrested and Charged with Bringing Gun on Plane

Ironically, State Sen. Donne Trotter has notably opposed concealed carry legislation in Illinois.

State Extends Local Elections Filing Deadline to 5 PM Dec. 26

The Illinois Senate amends its election code so that candidates in local elections—from City Council to School Board—can submit nominating petitions until 5 p.m. on the day after Christmas.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Heights City Hall Tonight

No city council meeting tonight. Instead the city will be holding a ceremony with the support of a local choir.

Toi Hutchinson Announces Run for Jesse Jackson Jr.'s Congressional Seat

The Olympia Fields Democrat was re-elected in November to the 40th state Senate seat, which represents parts of Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Frankfort, Homewood and New Lenox.

Can Ex-Convict Mel Reynolds Take Back the Second District?

The former congressman has a dark cloud over his head after going to jail for having sex with a minor in 1995.

Will Jesse Jackson Jr. Still Get a Federal Pension?

Jackson could get an estimated $45,000 per year in pension money, according to an official with the National Taxpayers Union.

Despite Drop, Heights Unemployment Rate Among Highest in South Suburbs

Although unemployment is down from this time compared to last year, numbers slightly increased from September 2012 to October.

Gov. Quinn Schedules Elections to Replace Jesse Jackson Jr.

Quinn is trying to change one of the dates to avoid millions of dollars in election costs to replace former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

Expect a Larger Water Bill Soon, Chicago Heights

The cost could go up as soon as next month to make up for an increase in Hammond's water rates.

2nd Congressional District Special Election Could Cost Millions of Dollars

Hoping to cut down on costs, Cook County Clerk David Orr will ask a judge to allow the election to coincide with the 2013 municipal elections.

Read Congressman Jackson's Letter of Resignation

In the letter, Jackson says he will accept responsibility for his mistakes.

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Resigns

Jackson tendered his resignation Wednesday afternoon in a letter to House Speaker John Boehner.

Congressman Jackson Fires Staff Member During Leave of Absence

An email from Jackson's chief of staff revealed the Congressman spent a brief amount of time working in October.

City Council to Decide on Water Ordinance and Tree Removal Bids

The Chicago Heights City Council meets Monday, Nov. 19, with several items on the agenda.

Heights Police Debut First K-9 Officer in Eight Years

Mayor Gonzalez said no taxpayer money was spent to bring Bomber on as a Chicago Heights police officer.

Did Life in the Shadow of President Obama Push Jesse Jackson Jr. Over the Edge?

A columnist who's covered Jackson since his first days in public office suggests Obama's rise sent Jackson to his downfall.

Election 2012: How Many Chicago Heights Residents Voted for Jesse Jackson Jr.?

Precinct by precinct, see how many of your neighbors supported the congressman by sending him their vote.

Election 2012: Was Chicago Heights an Obama or Romney Town?

The president captured his home state in Tuesday's election, but how did he fare in the Cook County precincts that cover the city?

Was Jesse Jackson Jr. Talked Out of Giving Up His Seat?

A legal advisor to Jackson may have told the congressman not to resign before the election, according to CBS 2 reports.

Jesse Jackson Jr. in Plea Deal Talks, Sun-Times Columnist Says

Jackson is in ongoing talks with federal investigators about a plea deal, Michael Sneed's sources are saying.

Toi Hutchinson Retains 40th District Senate Seat

Hutchinson's opponent, Tuck Marshall, commended the senator for running a clean campaign.

Jesse Jackson Jr. to Keep 2nd District Seat

Unofficial results show the 17-year congressman took the race by a wide margin, even without making an appearance in his district since June.

Heights Mayor Takes Water Rate Dispute to Federal Court

Mayor Gonzalez told a federal court judge Heights residents and businesses cannot afford the significant water rate increase proposed by Hammond.

2012 Election Results: See Who Will Represent You

The results are in. Find out who won the races for county, state and congressional seats and other elections related to Chicago Heights.

Second District Congressional Candidates: Who Are These Guys?

A quick run-down of what issues are most important to the candidates.

Your Vote: A Guide to the Nov. 6 Election

The go-to guide for all the information Heights residents need to know for Election Day.

Jackson Votes Absentee, Plans No Election Party

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. has no plans to celebrate on election night

Audio: South Suburban Pastor Tells of Phone Conversation with Jesse Jackson Jr.

Patch has received verified audio of Pastor Andrew Singleton Jr. recounting parts of what he describes as a recent phone conversation with Congressman Jackson.

The Thing About Water: Heights vs. Hammond

No one wants a higher water bill.

Keep Your Heads Held High, Blazing Trojans

They put together a heck of a season. Give the Bloom 206 football team a virtual high five with a few kind words for their awesome effort.

$25 Million Field House and That Pesky Panici Book: Patch Talk

This week on Patch Talk we take a closer look at the conflict between former Heights mayor Chuck Panici and author Michael Volpe. We also ask readers to answer a question about H-F High School's $25 Million addition.

Heights Car Wash Owner: New Water Rates 'Would Put Us Out'

Chicago Heights to battle Hammond, IN, in court over skyrocketing water rates which could jeopardize one local business reliant on water.

Read Chapter One of Controversial Chuck Panici Book

The former mayor is saying author Michael Volpe's e-book about his trial could contain false information, but that hasn't stopped Volpe from giving Heights Patch readers an extended sneak preview of the work.