Staying in business during a down economy is a challenge. As the state follows Restore Illinois guidelines, Homewood and Flossmoor businesses are taking steps to reopen, albeit on a limited basis. In early June, the Chronicle asked local business owners to reply to a brief survey about how their business[Read More…]
Author: Carole Sharwarko
Riding boom gives bike shop a bump
When the stay-at-home order came down from the governor’s office, Steve Buchtel, of GoodSpeed Cycles in Homewood, expected business to idle. Instead, bike shops in Illinois were deemed essential businesses, a move Buchtel said made sense. Many people rely on bicycles for transportation, and GoodSpeed also serves customers who use[Read More…]
COVID-19 fallout challenges domestic violence victims, workers
The executive director of a local domestic violence services agency said the low number of requests for services during Illinois’ stay-at-home order don’t tell the whole story about what victims experienced during that time. Jennifer Gabrenya is executive director of South Suburban Family Shelter, a nonprofit in Homewood that assists[Read More…]
Markham woman arrested in connection with May 31 burglary
Homewood police arrested a Markham woman who allegedly drove the getaway car for a burglary at Speedway gas station on May 31. Brittany Ligue Richardson, 21, was arrested on June 10 and charged with burglary. Police said Richardson was the driver of the vehicle used in the commission of the[Read More…]
Artists paint quotes to inspire Homewood residents
Homewood Art Council sponsored a project to paint inspirational quotes, such as this one by anthropologist Margaret Mead, on storefront windows in the downtown area. (Photo by Timothy Dudik)
Chicago Heights offers basic details of response to drivers facility fire
The City of Chicago Heights released a short statement to the Chronicle regarding the fire at the Illinois Secretary of State’s facility in Chicago Heights. At 10:05 p.m. Chicago Heights Fire Department dispatched three trucks and two ambulance units. The fire was out by 10:30 p.m.
Fire closes Chicago Heights Sec. of State office indefinitely
The Driver Services facility in Chicago Heights is closed until further notice after being damaged by a fire Sunday night, according to a press release from the office of the Illinois Secretary of State. While the cause of the fire is being investigated by the Illinois Fire Marshal’s office, it[Read More…]
Homewood man dies in vehicle-into-house crash
The house on Highland Avenue involved in a single-vehicle crash sustained serious damage to its facade. (Carole Sharwarko/H-F Chronicle)
Vehicle crashes into Homewood house in early-morning incident
A vehicle crashed into a home on the 18000 block of Highland Avenue in Homewood early Friday morning, according to police. At about 3:25 a.m. on May 22, Homewood Police Department and Homewood Fire Department responded to a report of a traffic crash. Officers and fire personnel found a single[Read More…]
Funeral directors work through COVID complications
Professionals who work at funeral homes make it their mission to help guide families through painful and high-stress situations. According to two local funeral directors, the coronavirus epidemic has amplified the need for sensitivity, and one said the virus has strained resources.