The first days of each school year can be stressful for many parents of young children, but this year, a group of local parents is feeling the stress more acutely and are seeking help from school officials to address concerns about the safety of in-person learning. The cause of their[Read More…]
Author: Eric Crump
District 153 board approves return-to-school plan
The Homewood School District 153 board on Monday unanimously approved the plan for returning to in-person classes following a year of remote and hybrid schooling. Classes will resume on Aug. 18. The COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted schooling in 2020-21 continues, and the situation has changed in recent months, with vaccines[Read More…]
Pritzker announces mask mandate for public schools, long-term care facilities
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced on Wednesday that, effective immediately, public schools and long-term care facilities in the state would require masks, even for those who have been fully vaccinated. The emergence of the fast-spreading Delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 led to the decision, along with the fact[Read More…]
Mask back up: COVID-19 variant fuels new surge, return to mask requirements (free content)
It was good while it lasted. In early June, mask requirements for those fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 were relaxed and local residents were enjoying seeing their neighbors smiles for the first time in more than a year. The feeling of liberation was welcome, but of course[Read More…]
Mask mandate for H-F students, staff, guests (free content)
Superintendent Von Mansfield told Homewood-Flossmoor High School board members that for the safety of all persons on H-F premises masks will be required this school year. School opens Thursday, Aug. 12, for freshmen, sophomores and transfer students. All students will report on Friday, Aug. 13. Under state guidelines, there is[Read More…]
Flexibility helps Serendipity Yoga Studio survive the pandemic
The state of golf: A look at how courses are doing in the golfing Mecca of the South Suburbs
Golf has been an important part of the Homewood-Flossmoor community for more than 120 years. Flossmoor owes its existence to the sport. But golf has had its ups and downs over the years. In 2019, the owners of Calumet Country Club entered into a contract to sell the historic golf[Read More…]
Flossmoor Station family recalls challenges of a quarter century in business
Starting a new business is a huge, time-consuming undertaking. Having a baby is a huge, time-consuming undertaking. Carolyn Armstrong did both — at the same time. While celebrating the 25th anniversary of Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery owners Armstrong and her husband, Dean, sat with Dean’s brother, George, and his[Read More…]
Hidden Gem adding participation cap this year; early registration deal ends this weekend
Runners who want to beat the cap and the price bump might want to register for the second annual HIdden Gem Half Marathon this weekend. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11. Organizers introduced a capacity limit on the race this year in order to ensure a good experience for[Read More…]
H-F musicians, listeners enjoy comeback after long pandemic limitations


