Hank Beckman

2 days 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.

3 days 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.

6 days 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.

1 week 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.

1 week 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.