🌱 School Budget Approved + Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Event

Hey, everybody! It's Wednesday in Oak Park-River Forest and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in our community today.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy, showers around. High: 67 Low: 61.

Here are the top three stories today in Oak Park-River Forest:

1. The Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 Board of Education has approved a budget for the current fiscal year projecting a surplus of nearly $8.4 million, with $7.2 million of the surplus allocated to the capital projects fund for Project 2. The school is in a strong financial position with cash reserves projected to be around $62.5 million, representing 73 percent of annual operating expenses by July 2024. These reserves are expected to remain healthy even after funding Project 2 construction costs. (Wednesday Journal)
2. In response to the increasing nationwide theft of catalytic converters, an event has been organized in collaboration with Commissioner John P. Daley and the Cook County Sheriff's Office. It is scheduled for Oct. 5 and will involve the marking of VIN numbers on catalytic converters to deter theft. The event will be held at 3413 S. Normal St. Interested individuals are encouraged to pre-register by Friday, Sep. 29. A QR Code can be found at the link. (The 11th Ward, City of Chicago via Facebook)
3. The federal government is allocating nearly $2.8 million to address the issue of trespassing on railroad tracks along the BNSF corridor in west suburban Cook County. This funding will help improve safety by adding more than 18,000 feet of new fencing across 18 at-grade crossings, closing gaps that allow pedestrians onto the tracks. The project will also include walking channels at certain locations to guide pedestrians safely near Metra station platforms, helping to prevent tragic incidents like pedestrians being struck by trains. The BNSF line is one of the busiest in the Metra system, with approximately 91 trains running through the corridor each day. (CBS News)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Wednesday, September 27

• Earth Lounge Environmental Book Discussion Series: "New Suns" At Main Library (6:00 PM)
• Freedom From Frustration & Anger: Meditation Class At Kadampa Meditation Center (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Head over to Scoville Park today at 3:30 p.m. for Zippity Zoo Storytime Fun. The park is located next to the Oak Park Library. The suggested age group for this activity is 2-6 years old. (Oak Park Public Library)
• The Barrie Center Tot Lot playground is currently being renovated. The closure is temporary, and a new Tot Lot is expected to be unveiled in the coming months. (Park District of Oak Park via Facebook)
• Local eighth-grade science teacher Laura Stamp has been nominated for the Fullbright Teacher Exchange award to Vietnam! Stamp is one of 20 teachers in the country selected. (Oak Park Education Foundation via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The Village — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Oak Brook Artisan Market - Sat-Sun, Sep 30-Oct 1 (Oakbrook Center) (September 30)
• Illinois Woman's Press Association Fall Writer's Workshop 2023 (September 30)
• Crafts & Drafts Handmade Market (October 1)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.