City of West Chicago

     West Chicago, Illinois: May 6, 2008 - Over the winter, the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission invited artists with a West Chicago connection to submit original flower-themed artwork for consideration for the new Community Art Banner Project .

     The West Chicago Police Department announced that Campaign #2 of the Illinois Department of Transportation funded grant was successful in educating the motoring public on Seatbelt Safety and Awareness. The Campaign ran from December 17, 2007-January 1, 2008 and resulted in 179 citations being issued for Seatbelt and Child Restraint violations.

     The Public Works Department of the City of West Chicago will be hiring temporary seasonal employees for positions from May through August. Assignments include general labor and maintenance activities in all public works divisions. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid Illinois driver's license, and pass a physical, drug and background check. Applications can be picked up at City Hall, 475 Main Street or via the web at http://www.westchicago.org.

As residential foreclosure rates continue to climb locally and nationally, the landscape of many communities is changing from neighborhoods filled with well maintained homes with manicured lawns, to one that includes a fair number of boarded-up eyesores that serve to diminish adjacent property values and community spirits.

     The City of West Chicago has announced the creation of a new program to help address the needs of youth in the community. The hiring of a Youth Coordinator signals renewed vigor for the City's commitment to create and maintain appealing programs and services that support its youth.

     A new community outreach program in West Chicago, intended to address the needs of senior citizens, will debut in the near future, according to Mayor Michael B. Kwasman. He, along with other City leaders and members of the community, is the driving force behind the initiative to further connect with the senior population in West Chicago.

     The West Chicago Police Department is pleased to announce the recent graduation of Commander Spencer L. Kroning from the School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) at Northwestern University.

     Cereal boxes were just some of the items flying off the shelves at Jewel in West Chicago today as Mayor Michael B. Kwasman and Winfield Village President Rudy Czech loaded their shopping carts with as many wheat, corn and soy products they could grab in a 10 minute period for the DuPage County Farm Bureau's (DCFB) "Race Against Hunger." Both men needed multiple carts as they raced up and down aisles amidst the cheers and encouragement of friends and fans.

     West Chicago Mayor Michael B. Kwasman plans to "score big" in the grocery aisle this week. Laying down an "Official Challenge" to Winfield Village President Rudy F. Czech, the two city leaders will join the "Race Against Hunger" when they participate in the DuPage County Farm Bureau's eleventh annual observance of National Food Check-Out Day on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Jewel/Osco Store located at 177 East Roosevelt Road.

     The City of West Chicago wishes to inform residents that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the comment period on the scope of study for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Canadian Railway acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway to Friday, February 15, 2008. All correspondence should refer to STB Finance Docket No. 35087.