Understanding New Water-Use Restrictions in Western Springs

The summer of 2012 will see something new in the Village: a limitation on when residents are allowed to use their sprinklers.

RO Plant Update: Expect Soft Water Back Around August

The installation of a new transformer is just about all that's keeping the iron filters from going online... but that process will likely take at least another three months.

New Spring Rock Siren Bugs Old Town South Residents

The Park District is reconsidering the location of the park’s eastern lightning-detection system; residents look to prove that the new horns are unnecessary.

House OKs Higher Health Insurance Costs for State Retirees

Here is a wrap-up of some of the latest political news.

Broken Water Main Causing Brown (But 'Safe') Water

A massive break at the corner of Hillgrove and Linden Avenue is affecting water service to much of the Village.

Board Meeting: Peer Jury Grads Honored, Chickens May Become Permanent

Also, a speech from a resident who attended an Openlands tour, and a contract for parkway EAB treatment is awarded.

Under Contract, Openlands Touts Proposal as Safe and Practical

Already under contract to buy Timber Trails Unit II, the organization denied that green space raises crime rates and said golf-course ideas were unfeasible.

Democrats Get Top Billing On November Ballot

Cook County Clerk David Orr explains how ballot position is determined.

Illinois Could Have Country’s First Plastic Bag, Wrapper Law

Here is a wrap-up of some of the latest political news.

No More La Grange Highlands? Board Proposes Eliminating Unincorporated Cook

The proposal, announced Monday by County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, recommends the annexation of all unincorporated areas in Cook County into existing municipalities—like Western Springs.

Wolf Road Crossing Closed for Next Seven Days

Starting today, the Village’s major downtown crossing will be closed (including for pedestrians), delaying traffic going through the heart of the business district.

Constitutional Amendment on Victims’ Rights Could Be on November Ballot

Here is a wrap-up of some of the latest political news.

Voting Meeting: Bond Refinancing to Save Village $200,000

Also, a number of new proposals regarding liquor and liquor licenses, including offering wine samples at the French Market.

Brace Yourself; Tax Bills May Arrive on Time

If property tax bills are mailed by July 1, they will be due Aug. 1.

Bill Would Help Poor Stay Out of Jail for Unpaid Debt

Here is a wrap-up of some of the latest political news.

Police Dept. Announces 6th Rail-Safety Initiative

The annual event mixing education and enforcement will hit Western Springs on the first two Tuesdays of May.

Western Springs Plans Dual Removal/Treatment EAB Strategy

The Village will focus chemical efforts against the tree-killing beetle in southern Field Park, the area with the most ash trees in questionable shape.

Bill Cracking Down on Distracted Drivers Passes Illinois House

Here is a wrap-up of some of the latest political news.

Board Meeting: Water-Use Restrictions Proposed, SEASPAR Presentation

Also: fence-height law change considered, coming improvements to Woodland Avenue and how the Village’s gas tax allotment will be used.

Understanding New Western Springs Pet Fence Regulations

An ordinance passed on Mar. 26 adds new requirements for anyone installing or changing invisible fences for constraining pets in their yard.

Durbin Legislation Would Allow Student Loan Bankruptcy

Here is a wrap-up of some of the latest political news.

Second Lightning Horn in Spring Rock, Old System Moving to Springdale

The lightning- and storm-prediction system in Spring Rock Park will get multiple horns this spring, while Springdale Park is receiving Spring Rock’s old system.

State Senate May Vote on Controversial Legislative Scholarship Program

Here is a wrap-up of some of the latest political news.

Voting Meeting: Openlands, Fluoride Fights Continue Before Board

General omnibus bill passes several regular matters; Village President discusses lessons from MMC meeting on emerald ash borer.

Village Notes: Foreclosure Prevention Meeting, Vehicle Stickers Due

Also, the Village is seeking a shared-services proposal, and information is online about red-light cameras and photo enforcement and the Openlands Timber Trails proposal.

Durkin Wins By Huge Margin in 82nd District

The incumbent Republican representative defeated challenger Laura Reigle with 75 percent of the vote.

March 2012 Illinois Primary Liveblog

Patch readers and editors will discuss presidential, congressional and state election results as they roll in. The live blog starts at 7 p.m.

Welch Beats Hoskins By 15 Votes in 7th House

The Hillside resident eked out a victory by the absolute smallest of margins over the Forest Park

Grabowski Beats Falvey for 3rd District GOP Nomination

The Hometown resident won out over the Western Springs newcomer by over a 2-1 margin.

Check Online for Primary Election Polling Place Info

All 1.4 million suburban Cook County voters were mailed a new voter registration card last month that tells the voter in which districts he live.

Guides To Voting For Judges In Tuesday's Primary

It's hard to know which judges are qualified and which are not. Use these bar association guides to help you decide. Download them on your smart phone and take them into the voting booth.

Illinois' Big Role In Choosing GOP Nominee

Here is a wrap-up of some of the latest political news.

GOP Early Voting Ballots Up Compared to 2008

Republican presidential primary most likely sparked early voting.

RO Plant Update: Iron Filters Installed, but Activation Delayed

Issues with the placement of a new transformer have slightly stalled the hooking-up of new Amiad iron filters; any overall project delay is uncertain.

Board Meeting: Ex-Trustee Advocates Fluoridation, New Invisible-Fence Law Prepared

Also in the works are a plan for public parking in the “Tischler’s” lot during Hillgrove Avenue construction, and a new 26-point code of conduct for public buildings.

New Conservative Endorsements for Grabowski and Falvey

The 3rd District Republican candidates have newly collected the support of Tea Party officials and other conservative figures and groups.

High School Students May Need Four Years of Math to Graduate

Here is a roundup of some of the latest political news.

Senate Kills GOP Plan to Reverse Obama’s Birth Control Rule

Here is a roundup of political news.

Falvey Touts Two New Conservative Endorsements

The 3rd Congressional Republican candidate has picked up endorsements from the Lyons Township Republicans and conservative politician Dan Proft.

Voting Meeting: Prepared Statements From Openlands, Anti-Fluoride Advocates, ‘Explorer’ Cadets Honored

Ordinances have also been passed for commuter-platform renovation and Grand Avenue re-lighting; water-plant transformer sent back into committee.