Hank Beckman

Chicago

Writer at Freelance

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Articles

La Grange Park library puts 50 years in the books

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Hank Beckman

The La Grange Park Public Library celebrated its 50th anniversary on June 14, drawing a few hundred visitors on a pleasant Saturday evening to its front parking lot for an open house. “I think it’s a momentous occasion,” Executive Director Gabe Oppenheim said as the event was getting under way. “Fifty years of service to the community. We’re grateful to the community, and the village, and the Park District, and all of our partners for all their support over the years.
La Grange relaxes food sales requirements for restaurant liquor licenses

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Hank Beckman

The La Grange Board of Trustees unanimously tweaked the village’s code regarding liquor and food requirements in a move officials said would be business-friendly. Previously, a Class A liquor license mandated that an establishment derive 60% of its sales from food and no more than 40% from alcohol. The ordinance approved this week lowered that ratio, but only slightly to 50-50.
La Grange hero’s legacy lives as story of American Legion post namesake is shared with new generations

3 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Hank Beckman

On February 1, 1943, a 28-year-old graduate of Lyons Township High School was scheduled to relax on one of his rare days off as an Army Air Corps bomber pilot in the European Theater during World War II. But one of the pilots scheduled to fly that day was sick, and someone had to take his place. So he volunteered. That selfless act cost Major Robert E. Coulter Jr. his life. He’s memorialized in the name of La Grange’s Robert E.
Sweet animals, weather combine to boost turnout at La Grange Pet Parade

3 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Hank Beckman

The theme for the 79th edition of the La Grange Pet Parade Saturday was “One Sweet Day,” and it certainly was for the thousands that packed downtown La Grange to watch and enjoy the 120 entrants under sunny skies and temperatures that were just right. “We’ve had more people register in the pets and owner costume contest than we’ve had in the last many years,” said Erin McPartlin, Pet Parade board chairperson. “So we are just flooded with all these dogs and their trainers and their costumes.
La Grange Park funds flood relief project, OKs local grocery tax

3 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Hank Beckman

A project in La Grange Park meant to address flooding problems won’t result in higher water and sewer rates for residents after the La Grange Park Board of Trustees unanimously approved an ordinance to issue $5 million in bonds May 27 to help fund the Central Area Sewer Separation Project.
La Grange Farmers Market season kicks off with fresh finds

1 month ago | chicagotribune.com | Hank Beckman

It may not have felt like produce season yet when the 29th season for La Grange’s outdoor farmers market opened last week, but a healthy stream of shoppers browsed the area anyway, patronizing longtime vendors and new arrivals alike. The market will run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday in its usual location at the corner of La Grange Road and Harris Avenue. “The best thing to notice here is the variety,” said Dan Mulka, executive director of the La Grange Business Association.
Students celebrate their favorite Western Springs businesses in rhyme

1 month ago | chicagotribune.com | Hank Beckman

An ode is a celebratory poem, meant to express gratitude and appreciation for some idealized notion, whether it be love, beauty, or a special hero. With roots in ancient Greece and Rome, the writing is often grand and expressive, and loaded with imagery. But Colin Benka, a seventh grader at McClure Junior High in Western Springs, composed a poem in the most modern American way — an Ode to Starbucks.
La Grange OKs short term rentals downtown, establishes hotel tax

1 month ago | chicagotribune.com | Hank Beckman

Visitors to downtown La Grange who may want to spend a few days will soon have a new option after the Village Board unanimously approved a special use permit for five short-term rental apartments at 108-110 W. Calendar Ave. The permit came with restrictions that differentiate the units from typical hotel rooms. The minimum length of stay must be 48 hours, and parties in the units are prohibited.
La Grange eyes green measures to comply with Climate Action Plan

1 month ago | chicagotribune.com | Hank Beckman

Nearly a year after the La Grange Village Board approved a resolution endorsing the Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region last June, the head of the village’s Environmental Quality Commission said the village has made some progress toward a greener future, but there’s still lots of work to do.
La Grange officials excited by new pope's area connections

1 month ago | chicagotribune.com | Hank Beckman

As Pope Leo XIV settles into his new job in the Vatican, Catholics everywhere continue to celebrate, including in the La Grange area. And the fact that Leo XIV is the first American chosen for the job and has lots of ties to the Chicago area has La Grange leaders proud and excited. U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, who represents the area in Congress, hailed Prevost’s selection in a statement.