Todd Wessell

1 week ago | journal-topics.com | Todd Wessell

Today, the large concrete building is the district headquarters of the Illinois State Police. That, however, is not what it’s best known for. In 1970 as the school-age population was growing by leaps and bounds in the Des Plaines, Niles and Glenview areas, Maine Township High School District 207 decided it was time to provide relief at its three other jam-packed schools: Maine West, Maine South and Maine East.

2 weeks ago | journal-topics.com | Todd Wessell

The counting of some of the anticipated mail-in votes Wednesday widened the gap a bit in Des Plaines’ 1st ward race in favor of Margaret Chlebek. According to the Cook County Clerk, 28 mail-in ballots were counted with 18 going to Chlebek and 10 to Jessica Mastalski. On election night with 100% of the available votes counted, Mastalski trailed Chlebek by 4 votes, 335 to 331. The county will continue to count mail-in ballots up to April 15.

3 weeks ago | journal-topics.com | Todd Wessell

Des Plaines City Manager Dorothy Wisniewski, who was appointed the city’s top administrator approximately one year ago, is in line to receive a $15,000 bonus for her “positive” work performance, a $1.5% hike in her base salary and a $6,000 annual car allowance. Aldermen are expected to discuss and likely vote on the proposal at their next meeting Monday night in city hall. If the base increase is approved, her new salary would be $280,901.10.

3 weeks ago | journal-topics.com | Todd Wessell

With Tuesday’s unofficial vote for Des Plaines 1st ward alderman showing Margaret Chlebek with a razor-thin 4 vote lead over Jessica Mastalski, the possibility of a recount by one of the candidates looms. Who that might be depends on how many mail-in votes are received by April 15. That’s the deadline for counting votes. Within a week of that, the Cook County Clerk will certify the results which will lead to the declaration of a winner.

1 month ago | journal-topics.com | Todd Wessell

Residents of Des Plaines on Tuesday, April 8 will have the opportunity to learn more about a proposed four-story, 150-unit assisted living residential facility at Golf and East River roads. Members of the city’s Planning & Zoning Board will meet in city hall at 7 p.m. to consider the proposal to develop the empty 4-acre parcel which was the headquarters of United Stationers in the 1990s.