Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: New Darien Police Chief Nominated, Replacing Retiring Leader

Be sure to catch 2026 Invisible Wounds Foundation Evening of Honor on the Darien Patch calendar

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Friday August 28th Patch AM
Friday August 28th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Greetings Darien! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Darien's longtime deputy chief tapped to lead the police department
  • Darien police detail repeat trespass and late-night DUI arrest
  • District 86 moves forward with Nvidia AI pilot for students

Also on today's calendar: 2026 Invisible Wounds Foundation Evening of Honor and 8 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 81 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Saturday: Some sunshine, temps: high: 80, low: 67.
  • Sunday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 87 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. New Darien Police Chief Nominated, Replacing Retiring Leader (patch.com) — Darien residents are set to see a leadership change in their police department as Mayor Joseph Marchese has nominated longtime officer and current Deputy Chief Austin Jump to become the next chief. The City Council will vote on his appointment Sept. 8, with his start date planned for Nov. 14, continuing a career marked by local awards and a focus on keeping Darien one of the safest communities in Chicagoland.
   

2. Man Accused Of Trespassing Twice At Same Darien Business (patch.com) — Darien police are highlighting two recent incidents, including a Chicago man cited twice for criminal trespass at the Speedway gas station on Cass Avenue and another Chicago man arrested after being found asleep in a car with suspected alcohol involvement. Both men were given court dates and released, underscoring ongoing enforcement of local safety laws in Darien.
   

3. Central, South Teaming Up With Tech Giant On AI (patch.com) — Families in Darien should know Hinsdale High School District 86 is moving ahead with a free pilot partnership with Nvidia to introduce AI tools and courses at Central and South. Officials emphasize that student data can't be sold or used for targeted advertising, while supporters say Nvidia's deep learning courses could give local students a competitive edge in AI-related careers.
   

4. Hinsdale District 86 Mulls Tax Hike For $39M In Projects (patch.com) — Homeowners in Darien could see their District 86 property tax bills rise as the school board backs a plan to fund $39 million in life-safety projects at Central and South. The increase would start at about $83 more the first year for a median-value home, with officials arguing upgraded facilities will better match the district's strong academic reputation and attract young families.
   

5. Hinsdale District 86 May Curb Openness, Doing Away With Records Log (patch.com) — Hinsdale High School District 86, which serves Darien families, may soon end its long-running online log of Freedom of Information Act responses, a key transparency tool for residents. Most board members now favor dropping the log over liability concerns, while at least one member questions the move and its optics. A final vote could come as soon as next month.
   

📸 Around Darien

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Darien

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Darien Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday August 28
  • House Tour: Back to School in the 1890s
    Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Kline Creek Farm
    10:00 am
  • Humana Office Hours with Tino
    Downers Grove Township 4340 Prince St, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
    10:30 am
  • Stars and Stripes: Our American Flag
    Forest Preserve District of DuPage County St. James Farm
    11:00 am
  • Senior Fun Fair!
    Downers Grove Township 4341 Saratoga Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
    1:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Darien PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Chuck E. Cheese - CEC Entertainment, Inc. posted a job opening for Game Room Attendant - Cast Member in Darien. Apply here.
  • PetSmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate Part Time in Darien. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Darien here.

Ok Darien! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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