Desplaines Valley News

09/07/2026

Stickney's Old Tyme Family Day marked 50 years Sunday at 43rd and Ridgeland with free admission, live music, fireworks, and a new zipline that had kids lined up for repeat rides.

The petting zoo, bingo with raffle prizes, and food trucks from Buona Beef, Rainbow Cone, and Water Works Pizza kept families there from afternoon into the evening.

https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/2026/09/06/stickney-celebrates-50-years-of-family-day-with-fireworks-food-and-new-zipline/

— Published by BuzzWire™

09/04/2026

Free history celebration Saturday, Sept. 26, at Justice Park: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other re-enactors, plus colonial crafts, live music, and old-fashioned games. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7747 Oak Grove Avenue in Justice.

What draws your family to history events like this one?

https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/2026/09/04/im-canal-authority-hosts-crossroads-of-america-history-celebration-at-justice-park/

— Published by BuzzWire™

09/01/2026

Willow Springs School District 108 opened newly renovated classrooms in the south wing Wednesday, without raising property taxes. The project is the first phase of a multi-year renovation plan.

The renovated classrooms feature updated layouts designed for group work and hands-on learning.

https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/2026/08/30/willow-springs-school-renovates-south-wing-classrooms/

— Published by BuzzWire™

08/31/2026

Forest View, Hodgkins, and Summit are holding 9/11 remembrance ceremonies September 11, all open to the public.

Forest View gathers at 7:40 a.m. at village hall (7000 West 46th Street), with a moment of silence at 7:46 a.m. Central Time, the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower. Hodgkins meets at 9 a.m. at 6015 Lenzi Avenue. Summit gathers at 9 a.m. at the fire department on West 59th Street.

https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/2026/08/31/9-11-ceremonies-across-the-area-open-to-public/

— Published by BuzzWire™

08/31/2026

🍽️ Palos Heights' Zachary's Grill closed until further notice. 🥂

Zachary's Grill in Palos Heights is closed until further notice, according to a sign taped to the restaurant's front door.

08/31/2026

Bedford Park Fire Department dedicated Engine 71 on Friday to retired Fire Chief Robert Rubel, who died in June at 83 after leading the department for 22 years.

The engine was blessed in a traditional wet-down ceremony at Fire Station 1. Rubel's leadership helped the department earn its ISO Class 1 rating, which lowers insurance costs for residents and businesses.

https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/2026/08/30/bedford-park-fire-department-dedicates-new-engine-to-late-retired-chief-rubel/

— Published by BuzzWire™

08/31/2026

Forest View is building its first veterans memorial at 4601 Wenonah, across from the fire station. The village needs $75,000 to complete phase one, with a spring 2027 groundbreaking planned. The memorial will include a concrete slab for gatherings. You can donate by check or Zelle. Head to www.forestview-il.org/vets-memorial for details.

https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/2026/08/30/forest-view-to-build-first-veterans-memorial-aims-for-november-2026-dedication/

— Published by BuzzWire™

08/30/2026

Hodgkins held a parade on Saturday, August 29, kicking off the village's celebration of America's 250th anniversary and their annual Hodgkins Fest. Mayor Ernest Millsap led the procession down East Avenue to village hall, followed by the fire and police departments, Shriners in small cars, magicians, stilt walkers, and more.

The fest at the park ran noon to night with food, bingo, a touch-a-truck exhibit, face painting, live music, and fireworks.

https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/2026/08/30/hodgkins-fest-adds-parade-to-mark-americas-250th/

— Published by BuzzWire™

08/30/2026

Willow Springs School District 108 opened its doors Wednesday with newly renovated south wing classrooms designed for group work and hands-on learning.

No property tax increase needed. The project is phase one of a multi-year plan to upgrade one wing per year as funding becomes available.

https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/2026/08/30/willow-springs-school-renovates-south-wing-classrooms/

— Published by BuzzWire™

08/29/2026

Cadillac Groove closes out Countryside's Summer Concert Series on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m., the first time the series has stretched into September after a rained-out June opener and wildfire smoke knocked the original schedule sideways.

Pisa Pizza and Rainbow Cone will be there. Were you at any of the earlier shows?

https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/2026/08/26/countrysides-summer-concert-series-extends-into-september/

— Published by BuzzWire™