Week in Review

We can't be everywhere and neither can you. Our new "Week in Review" is designed to bring you up to speed on local news in Oak Park and River Forest. Here goes: 

Apple Product: Percy Julian Middle School sixth-grade teacher Jen Galant is a nominee for the prestigious Golden Apple Awards, which highlight the hard work of Chicagoland teachers. (via Wednesday Journal)

Full-Day Kindergarten? Not So Fast: River Forest District 90 teachers, administrators and school board gathered on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of bringing a full-day kindergarten program to the villlage. Despite a groundswell of support from teachers, , citing the proposed program's costly price tag as a reason to hold back. 

TIF Tiff: A Cook County judge is recommending the legal fight between the village of Oak Park and Oak Park-River Forest High School District 200 — a tussle involving the distribution of millions in tax increment financing funds — move out of the courtroom and into the hands of a mediator. (via TribLocal) 

Bell Rung: University of Illinois scouts are taking a good look at OPRF High School standout guard Ka'Darryl Bell, according to Scout.com. Meanwhile, Wednesday Journal reports the junior will be back in action in this weekend's hoops action after suffering a tailbone injury. 

Segregation at Comcast Building Overhaul? Rob Breymaier, of the , spoke at a recent plan commission meeting and said the planned development in the 800 block of Madison Street would attract a racially diverse tenant base. The aren't so sure the development is a good idea. 

Behold, the Winning Chili: The beloved Bears may have lost, but Oak Park resident T.J. Hefner and his girlfriend Cara Green won big time at the Opportunity Knocks 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff, held at Healy's Westside Jan. 23. The secret to their success? Ground veal, filet mignon and Bhut Jolokia, the hottest pepper on earth, among other peppers. "The Knocks" raised $11,000. (via Oak Leaves)

Style Rookie, welcome to the big leagues: Oak Park's very own Tavi Gevinson — renowned fashion blogger, and newly minted celebrity interviewer — was on a panel with other creative types at The Hideout in Chicago during Mark Bazer's The Interview Show on Feb. 4. (via ChicagoNow) 

Reigning Cats and Dogs: A new at the Oak Park Public Library pairs up photographers, owners of adopted pets and the Animal Care League. 

Asian Persuasion: A new Asian restaurant will replace the former space of Lido's Caffe, the Marion Street coffee shop which closed abruptly in January. (via Oak Leaves)

Bed and Breakfast at Bishop Hall: "Samuel Gevisenheit and Charles Tupta, who own a Prairie Georgian Revival home at 605 Iowa St., in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District, plan to call their establishment Bishop Hall and would use three rooms with private baths for overnight guests," .