The Morton Grove Village Board voted unanimously to approve an ordinance authorizing a Redevelopment Agreement for a new Moretti’s restaurant and bar at 6415 Dempster St.

Morton Grove

Village opens door for new Moretti’s restaurant

The Morton Grove Village Board voted unanimously to approve an ordinance authorizing a Redevelopment Agreement for a new Moretti’s restaurant and bar at 6415 Dempster St. The proposed 10,000-square-foot facility will accommodate approximately 350 patrons in three separate dining rooms, a bar, and an outdoor patio area. Moretti’s — operated by Ala Carte Entertainment — also has locations in Chicago (Edison Park), Bartlett, Fox Lake, Lake in the Hills, Mount Prospect, Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates. Under terms of the Redevelopment Agreement, the village will finance the restaurant owner’s purchase of the land, and the loan owed to the village will be reduced based on new property and sales taxes generated by the business.

Buffalo Grove

High school names Vlk as new football coach

Buffalo Grove High School announced that Jeff Vlk has been named as the Bison’s new varsity football head coach, replacing Mike DiMatteo, who resigned following the 2015 season. Vlk, who also serves as Buffalo Grove’s varsity wrestling head coach, has been with the school’s football program for 10 seasons, including the last seven as defensive coordinator. The Bison posted an overall record of 9-27 under DiMatteo, including a 1-8 mark in 2015.

Mount Prospect

Village approves slight increase in utility rates

The Village Board recently approved a 5 percent increase to water and sewer utility rates for 2016. The new combined rate will be $10.55, up from the previous rate of $10.05. Based on a typical Mount Prospect household that uses 8,000 gallons of water during a one-month billing period, the monthly water and sewer usage fee would be $89.40, an increase of $5. This includes the $5 monthly sewer construction charge. The village also reported that there will be no change in the sewer construction flat fee. For more information, call the Water Billing Department at (847) 392-6000.

Park Ridge

Park District to host open gym event for middle school kids

The Park Ridge Park District will present Open Gym & Swim (for middle school students only) from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Park Ridge Community Center, 1515 W. Touhy Ave. The event will include an open gym and swimming, as well as wally ball, pingpong, racquetball, a D.J. and inflatables. Snacks and pop will be available for purchase. Admission is $5 at the door, and no one will be admitted after 7:30 p.m. In addition, participants will not be allowed to walk home without a parent’s note. The event will also be held at the same time on Feb. 16 and March 12. For more information, call (847) 692-5127 or visit www.prparks.org.

Evanston

City appoints Hemingway as new parks and rec director

Evanston City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz has announced the appointment of Lawrence C. Hemingway as the city’s new Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, effective Feb. 8. Hemingway most recently served as Director of Parks and Recreation for Wayne County Parks, in Westland, Mich., and previously served as General manager for the City of Detroit’s Recreation Department before being promoted to director. Hemingway’s work experience in Michigan includes managing and monitoring a budget of over $17 million at Wayne County Parks, and overseeing day-to-day operations for recreation, maintenance and design staff personnel for the Park Division.

Park Forest

Jones earns Business Person of the Year award

The village announced that Yvette Jones was named the Sam Montella Business Person of the Year for 2015. Jones, a licensed Realtor and a 15-year resident of the village, is the first home-based business owner in Park Forest to earn the award since its creation in 2009 — and the first to win since the award was renamed in honor of Montella, former Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group Chairman. Jones, a U.S. Army veteran, also serves as vice-chair of the Park Forest Veterans Commission, and as an ambassador for the Rich East High School band.

Westchester

Park District to host Daddy Daughter Dance

The Westchester Park District will present its 13th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance, entitled, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 22 at Mayfair Fitness Center, 10835 Wakefield St. The event (for fathers, and daughters in grades K-6) features a catered dinner with soda, a D.J., a professional photographer, and a souvenir for each child. The fee is $50 (residents) and $60 (nonresidents) per couple (father and daughter), and $15 (residents) and $25 (nonresidents) for each additional daughter. The deadline for registration is Jan. 16. For more information, call (708) 865-8200 or visit www.wpdparks.org.

River Forest

Staunton tabbed as new dispatch center director

The Village Board of Trustees announced that Brian Staunton has been named as the new director of the West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center (WSCDC). The WSCDC is the 9-1-1 center responsible for dispatching police in River Forest, Elmwood Park, Oak Park and Park Ridge, as well as fire and emergency medical personnel in River Forest, Elmwood Park and Oak Park. Staunton previously worked for 10 years at Northwest Central Dispatch System, in Arlington Heights, including the last three years as Operations Manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Troy University (Ala.), and currently is working toward a master’s degree in Management, Strategy and Leadership at Michigan State University.

Roselle

Sister Cities Commission to hold annual dinner dance

The Roselle Sister Cities Commission will host its 11th Annual Mid-Winter Dinner Dance from 6-11 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Trinity Lutheran Church Family Life Center, 405 Rush St. Dinner will be catered by Jolly Inn, and the program will include dancing, a D.J., a silent auction, a drawing and more. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the partnership with Roselle’s sister city: Bochnia, Poland. To order tickets, call (630) 518-8266. For more information, visit www.rosellesistercities.org.

Indian Head Park

Food Depository extends Mobile Pantry Program

The village announced that the Greater Chicago Food Depository is extending its Mobile Pantry Program — offering fresh fruits, vegetables and non-perishable groceries — to all qualified residents of Lyons Township. The program, open to the public, will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Justice Village Hall, 7800 Archer Road, Justice. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own grocery bags. For more information, including future program dates, call (773) 247-3663 or visit www.indianheadpark-il.gov.