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🌱 Patch AM: Evanston Firefighters Stop Backyard Blaze From Spreading To Home On Milburn Street

Make time for Digital Marketing Strategy Information Session on the Evanston Patch calendar

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

Hello Evanston! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Quick firefighter response keeps Milburn Street backyard blaze from spreading
  • How would tripling Evanston's business support budget affect local shops?
  • Meet the nine Evanston Black business owners who just landed surprise funding

Also on today's calendar: Digital Marketing Strategy Information Session and 9 more events.

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

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 79 and low of 68 degrees.
  • Saturday: Clouds and sun, temps: high: 81, low: 71.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and warm, with a high of 86 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. Evanston Firefighters Stop Backyard Blaze From Spreading To Home On Milburn Street (patch.com) — Evanston residents on Milburn Street saw a potentially serious backyard fire quickly contained by local firefighters Wednesday evening, preventing flames from spreading into the home. Crews arrived within minutes, controlled the blaze around downed wires and a tree, and reported no injuries, while the cause remains under investigation and information lines are open for concerned neighbors.
   

2. EDC debates tripling business support funding (evanstonnow.com) — Evanston's Economic Development Committee is backing a plan to nearly triple next year's funding for business support, including major boosts for storefront modernization and business attraction. While some alderpersons question how to pay for it in a tight budget year, supporters argue the city must reinvest in local business districts after years of cuts. The proposal now heads into the broader 2027 city budget process.
   

3. Black business owners win funding through Kickstarter Program (evanstonroundtable.com) — Nine Evanston-based Black entrepreneurs just completed the new Kickstarter Program at The AUX and walked away with thousands in surprise funding from the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Evanston. The joint effort with Oakton College's Small Business Development Center offers training, coaching, and tiered grants to local businesses that haven't previously received city funding. Participants say the support is helping them grow ventures that serve underserved residents.
   

4. Lost dog reunited with family in Evanston 12 years after disappearing, microchip scanned in Gary (abc7chicago.com) — An Evanston family has been reunited with their long-lost chihuahua, Flor, 12 years after she disappeared. After a Gary, Indiana shelter scanned her microchip, a volunteer drove Flor to the Evanston Animal Shelter, where owner Vanessa Antonino finally held her again. Her four sons, raised on stories about Flor, are thrilled to welcome her home.
   

5. New leads emerge in 1992 murder of Tammy Zywicki (journalstandard.com) — Investigators are renewing efforts to solve the 1992 killing of Tammy Zywicki, who disappeared while driving from Evanston to college in Iowa. Illinois State Police and the FBI are re-examining evidence with modern DNA tools and highlighting a possible link to a deceased woman who may have known the suspect. A $50,000 reward remains available for tips.
   

📸 Around Evanston

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Evanston

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • HUGE Multi-Family Garage Sale
    HUGE Multi-Family Garage Sale... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Kits Sack Kenwood For 2nd Straight Flag Win —Dennis Mahoney Read on Patch
  • FREE Harley Barke Dog Meditation and Social Event on August 30 at 11:30 am —The Harley Clarke Mansion Read on Patch
  • Class Of 2026 Set For Hall Of Fame Induction —Dennis Mahoney Read on Patch
  • The Douglas Center Public Hearing Notice —Linda Cordero Read on Patch
  • Bellis Throws For Three Scores In Varsity Debut —Dennis Mahoney Read on Patch
  • Thank you to all the good neighbors and Evanston Fire Department who came to my rescue yesterday afternoon after a fall on Central Street.
    Thanks to your willingness to help, I got patched up at Evanston Hospital and sent home. Truly, connections in a community give me heart for the… (Nextdoor South Central Evanston)
  • I'm looking for a skilled, reliable carpenter/handyman who can handle painting, remodeling, and general in-home repairs.
    Must have references, reasonably priced Looking for someone experienced and available to start right away. Message me with references,… (Nextdoor Oakton Historic District)
  • Creative Financial Staffing posted a job opening for HR/Payroll Admin in Evanston. Apply here.
  • Upper Crust Food Service posted a job opening for Kitchen Assistant in Evanston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Evanston here.

Ok Evanston! 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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