Short on time, Park Ridge eyes assault weapon ban

If a bill allowing the concealed carrying of firearms in Illinois is signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn, municipalities will have just 10 days to enact their own additional provisions — as long as they do not conflict with the state law.

It’s that …

Study: Chicagoans spend $300 million yearly on unused data for cellphones

Chicagoans pay nearly $300 million every year on unused data for their cellphones, according to a new report.

The study, from the Citizens Utilities Board and Texas-based wireless research firm Validas, said that Illinoisans each spend about $30 a year on unused data on wireless …

Report: 9 percent of Illinois’ bridges ‘structurally deficient’

Nearly 9 percent of Illinois’ bridges are “structurally deficient” and in need of serious maintenance or replacement -- an uptick of 1 percent from two years ago, a new report on the state of the nation’s bridges indicates.

Delphia neighbors say they weren’t told of Park Ridge City Council rezoning vote

Neighbors opposed to plans for a four-unit apartment building on their block took issue with the Park Ridge City Council on June 17, claiming they were never notified of a meeting where elected officials took the first of what will eventually be three actions concerning …

Buyer saves Long Grove Confectionery days before closing

LONG GROVE — The Long Grove Confectionery Co. was days away from closing when its founders, John and Heidi Mangel, negotiated its sale last week to Arway Confections, Inc. of Chicago.

New member joins District 63 school board

Another new face is joining the East Maine School District 63 Board of Education come July 1.

Angelo Scarsella, of Des Plaines, is expected to replace outgoing Board Vice President John Jekot.

Jekot expressed his intent to step down last month after having been elected …

Symphony concerts accompany summer nights at Park Ridge’s Hodges Park

Break out your picnic baskets, lawn chairs and bottles of chardonnay: Friday night concerts at Hodges Park in Uptown Park Ridge return this week.

The first in a series of concerts featuring the Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony Orchestra will take place Friday, June 21 …

Park Ridge chocolate shop offers Blackhawks treats

While the Chicago Blackhawks are hoping to experience the taste of victory at the conclusion of the Stanley Cup finals, one Park Ridge business is giving customers a taste of Blackhawks spirit.

Park Ridge police, paramedics honored for life-saving heroics

For a moment, Robert Evans thought he was looking at something from a Halloween display.

But the motionless figure hanging from the garage rafters with an electrical cord around her neck last October wasn’t a mannequin in a noose.

It was a woman who, minutes …

Field kids create art, raise cash for needy

At Field School this year, fifth-graders traded some lunchroom and recess time to create original pieces of art.

They then used their creativity to help raise money for area residents in need.

The project combining art with philanthropy began last year when art teacher Michaela …

Park Ridge strikes back against union’s bait-and-switch claims

After being accused of pulling a bait-and-switch on some of the city’s union employees, the city of Park Ridge has filed a counter-claim with the state against the labor union that represents its 30 public works employees.

The counter-claim, filed June 7 with the Illinois …

Park Ridge man running across U.S. for cancer

Don’t bother making a Forrest Gump joke to Ryan Priest when he tells you he’s been running across the United States for the last four months.

He’s already heard it. Many, many times.

“Every single interviewer talks about it,” the Park Ridge native said, laughing. …

Gurnee looks ahead to digital streaming

Libraries long ago stocked more than books as they evolved with modern media, adding vinyl record albums, cassette tapes, laser discs, and then CDs and DVDs.

Checking out the future: Libraries look beyond the shelves

Jeff Weisensel doesn’t have a job, not for the past 14 months anyway, since Kraft Foods restructured him out the door after 22 years. But he does have a library — the $28 million Glenview Public Library, opened in 2011 — whose inviting lobby is part art gallery, part cafeteria — patrons are welcome to eat and drink there ­­— and part social center.

Park Ridge City Council shuts door on private flood protection

Park Ridge aldermen have reaffirmed their position that offering residents financial assistance to pay for private flood protection is not a program they want to endorse.

Last month, six aldermen and Park Ridge Mayor David Schmidt said publicly that they would not support a recommendation …