Members of the River Forest Fire Department pose with the Stanley Cup on July 15 in the parking lot of First Presbyterian Church of River Forest. More than 1,000 people visited the church to have their photo taken with the Stanley Cup as a fundraiser. Chronicle Media photo by Rick Hibbert

Cook County

Former financial chief Henry Bowman dies in crash

Former Cook County finance chief Henry Woods “Woody” Bowman died in a car crash in southwest Michigan on July 10. Bowman, 73, was with his wife, Michele Thompson, when he was driving on Interstate 94 when a semi trailer truck crashed into the rear of the couple’s car around 1:30 p.m., according to reports. Bowman died from his injuries, while Thompson was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, according to reports. The driver of the truck was reportedly distracted by fire crews working on a fire in the median of the interstate. Bowman was the county’s chief financial officer under former County Board President Richard Phelan from 1991-94. Prior to that role, he served in the Illinois House from 1976- 90 and was chairman of the House Appropriations Committee for seven years. Most recently Bowman served as professor emeritus with DePaul University’s School of Public Service.

Tinley Park

Public Works director suspended over meter readings

Tinley Park Public Works Director Dale Schepers has been suspended following an investigation into reports on the village’s water meter readings. The village has used electronic SmartMeters service to read meters but those readings have been plagued by problems, according to reports. A look into the village’s records has found that Tinley Park’s Public Works Department has known about inaccurate readings, so far as to letting some failed readings go uncorrected, that have resulted in overbilling of residents, according to reports. The village reportedly misled residents into the accuracy of the meter readings and even failed to refund residents who complained about being overcharged.

Palos Park

Couple in dispute with village over building codes

Joe and Marie Adcock have filed a lawsuit seeking the overturn of a decision by the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals to not grant them a zoning variance over a shed on their property on Seminole Road in Palos Park. The Adcock’s began rebuilding their shed in September 2014 saying the structure that was there was too broken down to save and it needed to be demolished, according to reports. They never applied for a building permit from the village, so the shed remains unfinished because of the dispute over building permit codes and zoning, according to reports. The couple filed with the court a request for an administrative review and seeking a reversal of a decision by the village’s ZBA not to grant a zoning variance that would let them keep the shed, according to reports.

Midlothian

District 228 board votes to remove president

Bremen High School District 228 Board of Education recently voted to remove Larry Canning from his role as board president following allegations of misconduct, according to reports. Canning became board president in April. Canning allegedly threatened the employment of Superintendent Bill Kendall and principals in District 228, a violation of board conduct policies, according to reports. In addition, Canning allegedly demanded a higher salary for a teacher he recommended hiring, and reportedly conducting board business without consulting its other members. Canning was removed from his president post on a 4-3 vote by the board, but he remains on the board. Debi Stearns was tabbed to take over as president.

Oak Lawn

Residents can sign up for rain barrel program

The village is partnering with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to provide free rain barrels to residents. The purpose of rain barrels is to conserve water and reduce the amount of stormwater in the village’s sewers. To date, more than 1,000 barrels have been ordered already, according to the village. Each barrel has mesh over the top to prevent mosquitoes from breeding there, while the valve on the bottom is used to drain them. For more information, visit the village’s website (www.oaklawn-il.gov) or call (708) 499-7748. Or residents can stop by Oak Lawn’s Municipal Center at 9446 S. Raymond Ave. Oak Lawn joins the following communities in participating in the MWRD rain barrel: Alsip, Bellwood, Berwyn, Blue Island, Calumet City, Chicago Ridge, Crestwood, Dolton, Forest Park, LaGrange Park, Midlothian Oak Park, Richton Park, Riverside, Stickney, Stone Park, Westchester and Wilmette.

Riverside

Motorcyclist killed when struck by Metra train

A motorcyclist was struck and killed by a Metra Burlington Northern Santa Fe line express train near Harlem Avenue in Riverside on July 12, according to reports. The driver was apparently looking to take a shortcut and was trespassing on the BNSF right-of-way at about 6:45 p.m. when struck by the train, according to reports. The train was an express going through to Naperville and was not scheduled for a stop at Harlem Avenue, according to Metra. The accident and investigation at the scene halted trains going in and out of Chicago on the BNSF line for more than two hours, delaying nine trains in both directions, according to reports.

Berwyn

Police launching new after-school program

The Police Department is working with Berwyn schools and the Berwyn Park District on an after-school program for middle school students called the Junior Cadet Program, according to the Police Department. The program was designed for students in sixth through eighth grades who are interested in a law enforcement career. More than 70 students are participating in the program so far during the summer, according to the police. Junior Cadets meet from 3:30 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday at the Berwyn Recreation Center, 6501 W. 31st St. Once Junior Cadets turn 14 and graduate from the eighth grade, they are eligible to join the Berwyn Police Explorers. For information about these programs, contact: School Resource Officer Brian Cantwell at (708) 795-2151 or bcantwell@ci.berwyn.il.us, or Crime Analyst Wayne Sedore at (708) 795-2119 or wsedore@ci.berwyn.il.us.

Palatine

Families invited to join First Responders Challenge

The second First Responders Challenge Family Fest is coming to Palatine’s Deer Grove East Forest Preserve beginning at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 22. Featured events include a Youth 1-Mile Run that will kick off at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. The First Responders Challenge, will begin at 11 a.m., in which police and firemen, EMT’s and members of the public will compete in an obstacle challenge, including a tire flip/hose run, strength and endurance circuit, tug-of-war, team relay and potato sack race. The top three teams will win trophies, and the event winner will receive proceeds to donate to the charity of their choice. There will also be a Tug-of-War Challenge at noon, and a Water Balloon Toss and Fight at 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All events are open to the public and registration is currently underway. Visit www.firstrespondersfamilyfest.com for more information and to register.

— Cook County news briefs —