Congratulations to Chicago Ridge Clerical Unit members who not only won strong new language in their contract but were successful in staying united against the boss’ schemes
When management proposed extending members’ hours until 7 p.m
members argued that having more online services for constituents will actually do more than extending their hours
Every single member said NO to having their hours changed and by sticking together they were successful in keeping their original schedule AND increasing online services
Here are some highlights of this four-year contract: – Two weeks of parental leave for fathers – Six weeks of parental leave for mothers – Five extra vacation days for those with 15-20 years of service – Vacation maxes out at 30 days instead of 25 days– New wage scale with a huge increase in the first year and 9.5% for the remaining three years
“Chicago Ridge Clerical Workers understand what it takes to do the job right
they fought for it and management listened.”
parents and teens under 17 are reminded that the mall’s youth supervision policy has been extended to cover the week of Dec
All visitors age 17 and under must be accompanied at all times by a parent or supervising adult at least age 21 or older after 5 p.m
The policy is intended to ensure that all shoppers enjoy a safe
pleasant and family-friendly shopping experience
The same policy is currently in effect on Fridays and Saturdays
Unsupervised youth age 17 and under shopping before 5 p.m
on the weekends must be joined by an adult
Youths and adults must be able to provide proof of age
Those who fail to present ID will be asked to leave the mall
Proper identification includes a state-issued driver’s license or ID card
The identification must include a photograph
One adult may accompany up to six youths. The supervising adult must be 21 or older (not the teens’ 18-year-old friend) must remain with the youths at all times. Adults are responsible for the youths’ behavior while accompanying them in the mall and ensure that they are following mall’s Code of Conduct
Shoppers of all ages are reminded to mind their manners and refrain from obscene or profane language and other loud
disruptive behavior posing a safety threat to other guests
The code also prohibits gang attire from being worn inside the mall
Mall employees under 17 may continue to work within their store during the hours with the youth supervision policy is in effect
employees must be prepared to show valid ID and proof of employment
The Chicago Ridge Mall enacted the policy in 2014 after a fight broke out in the food court that sent hundreds of shoppers and teens on winter break running through the mall
What was thought to be gunshots actually turned out to be a restaurant employee banging pots and pans together to break up the melee
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A 21-year-old woman walking late Thursday in the 1800 block of West Lunt Avenue was sexually assaulted by a man now in custody
A 19-year-old man in custody for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at knifepoint late Thursday night in Rogers Park is also a person of interest in a string of robberies and sexual assaults in West Ridge
A 21-year-old woman was walking in the 1800 block of West Lunt Avenue shortly after 11 p.m
pulled out a knife and sexually assaulted her
The man fled — possibly on a bicycle — and the woman went to a police station to report the assault
Francis Hospital in Evanston in good condition
Responding officers took a 19-year-old man into custody
and a police spokesperson confirmed he is the same person allegedly linked to a string of violent sexual attacks and robberies since December
Residents of the 1800 block of West Lunt Avenue told the Sun-Times they were surprised to hear about the attack on their block and others in the area
“That was kind of shocking,” said Irving Zucker
who has lived in Rogers Park for about 50 years
but I can imagine how some people would be really freaked out by what happened because it is really a terrible thing,” said Zucker
A pair of women walk their dog in the 1800 block of West Lunt Avenue in the Rogers Park neighborhood on Friday
the suspect — who may have been using a bicycle — allegedly robbed the victims at knifepoint and in at least three instances sexually assaulted the victims he robbed
Ashley Elrod and Ryan Poe have lived in the neighborhood for a couple of years and have never felt unsafe
“In terms of the amount of traffic we see versus the amount of actual problems and crime that happens
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2025 at 4:20 pm CTAn extra-alarm fire raged through a multiunit apartment building Saturday in Chicago Ridge
(Courtesy of Ebonie Johnson)Firefighters battle a blaze Saturday evening that destroyed a 24-unit apartment building on the 10500 block of Brooks Lane in Chicago Ridge
(Courtesy of Mandy Pantalones)The aftermath of a blaze Saturday evening that destroyed a 24-unit apartment building on the 10500 block of Brooks Lane in Chicago Ridge
(Courtesy of Mandy Pantalones)Members of the Chicago Ridge Lions Club sort through donated items dropped off the EMA building for victims of a multi-unit apartment building fire
(Lions Club of Chicago Ridge)CHICAGO RIDGE
IL — Chicago Ridge residents are rallying around tenants to help them begin the rebuilding process after a fire destroyed their multi-unit apartment building that took four hours to extinguish
The Lions Club of Chicago Ridge is facilitating donations for the fire victims
What is most needed now are gift cards for grocery stores
Drop them off at the Chicago Ridge EMA building through Wednesday
No clothing or household items are needed at this time
The extra-alarm blaze was called in a few minutes after 5 p.m. Saturday in the 10500 block of Brooks Lane adjacent to I-294. Videos on social media showed flames coming out of the top floor of the 24-unit building. The fire was finally struck around 9 p.m. Firefighters from around the area assisted the Chicago Ridge Fire Department in fighting the blaze
Chicago Ridge Fire Chief Rob Smart told Patch the cause of the fire was under investigation
At least 20 people have been accounted for
including four children and the rest adults
Firefighters were forced to take defensive action by attacking the fire from the outside to keep it from spreading to other buildings in the complex
The displaced tenants spent the night in the village’s emergency management agency building that serves as a training center for the Chicago Ridge police and fire departments at 10655 S
One resident told NBC 5 Chicago that she thought the fire started near the unit she had recently moved into on the first floor
“I don’t even have my shoes,” Sandra Pfingsten said
“I was lucky I grabbed my purse because it was right next to the door with my laptop.”
Rosa’s Pizza sent food over Saturday evening to those taking refuge in the EMA building
The Lions Club of Chicago Ridge had pizza sent over to the firefighters
A resident of the apartment building posted in the Chicago Ridge Neighborhood Watch Facebook page that she had just left her apartment for a half hour
and when she returned her building was completely consumed by flames
toiletries and household items at the EMA building
The Chicago Ridge Lions Club and other Lions Club chapters
along BSA Troop 665 and Cub Scout Pack 3665 have been sorting and distributing items to fire victims
“Today was an amazing day as so many donations poured in to the EMA center,” Chicago Ridge Trustee Ed Kowalski said in a statement
“It is amazing that things such as a shower
curling up with a book or a video to relax for some is an easy task but for others is a near impossible feat
those affected are well on the road to recovery
The items most in need right now are gift cards for gasoline
Kowalski told Patch that the Chicago Ridge EMA Center
The Lions Club is no longer accepting clothing and household items
The most needed items at this time are gift cards for gas
restaurants and medical prescriptions (Walgreens
“We had [fire victims] leaving with bags of stuff,” Kowalski said
it gives them a sense of control over what they've they lost.”
Gift cards will be accepted at Chicago Ridge EMA Center
drop off gift cards at Chicago Ridge Village Hall
~ This story has been updated with new information
Police are currently reviewing the mall’s security to identify those responsible
police responded to reports of a shooting at Chicago Ridge Mall at 95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue
officers did not observe any signs of a shooting and no injuries were reported
Witnesses at the mall reported hearing a single loud boom following by several people
Chicago Ridge police said the incident appeared to be a prank initiated by the group inside the mall
“There is no indication that this event involved any gunfire,” a police news release said
“The public is assured that there is no ongoing threat to safety …”
Shoppers were asked to leave the mall about a half hour before closing
Police said shoppers left the mall without incident
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Chicago Ridge Police Department at 708-425-7831
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24 units were destroyed with most residents escaping with just their wallets
cell phones and the clothes on their backs
The extra-alarm blaze was called in a few minutes after 5 p.m. Saturday in the 10500 block of Brooks Lane adjacent to I-294. The stubborn fire burned for over four hours. Firefighters from around the area assisted the Chicago Ridge Fire Department in fighting the blaze
>>> Rebuilding Begins For Victims Of Chicago Ridge Apartment Fire
Some displaced tenants have had GoFundMe campaigns created for them by friends
who are trying to raise funds for security deposits or to buy a few articles of clothing
Ewoynne Warren, is a dedicated vendor for StreetWise, a weekly news publication that gives homeless individuals a chance to regain person dignity and earn an income by selling a newspaper
Warren travels 30 miles a day from Chicago Ridge to the North Shore where he sells his papers
Warren lost all his possessions in Saturday’s fire
The friends who set up his online fundraiser are trying to help Warren raise funds so he can start replacing some of the possessions he lost and money toward a security deposit for a new place
>>> Donate to Support Ewyonne Warren after devastating apartment fire
Sandra Pfinsten worked tirelessly to secure a place she could call home
her hard work finally paid off when she moved into her new apartment in Chicago Ridge
Pfingsten has just stepped out of her apartment for a half hour
from cherished family heirlooms to irreplaceable childhood photos,” her daughter said
“She is now left with nothing but the clothes on her back
We are reaching out to our community and beyond for support in helping her rebuild her life.”
Your generosity will help Sandra replace essential items
We truly appreciate any assistance you can offer
>>> Donate to Help Sandra Pfingston Rebuild After Apartment Fire
Co-workers from Loyola University’s computer sciences department are rallying around their department’s administrative assistant and her mother
Tori and her mother are both staying with relatives
they are traumatized by this unexpected life-altering event
“Funds collected here will help Tori deal with urgent expenses
>>> Help Tori Rebuild After Devastating Fire
The only possessions Brandon Gray is left with after a fire gutted his apartment over the weekend are his phone
car and the clothes he had on the day of the fire
“[Brandon] had just renewed his lease, so renter's insurance was in [a] probation period,” his childhood friend, Justin Jeffries said on GoFundMe
“We are in low hopes that it will be much help
His friends are raising money to help Gray replace his work laptop
household items and to help him cover expenses while they help their friend find a new living arrangement
>>> Help Brandon Gray Rebuild after Devastating Home Fire
Natalie Cosentino and hr brother, Josh Cosentino, have started a GoFundMe for their mother
who fled her apartment with her purse and the clothes she was wearing
They are asking for some help to get their mother back on her feet
we would like to help her get a start on replacing clothing
“Although she has a place to stay with us right now
so a head start on a security deposit is also something this will go towards.”
>>> Rebuild Mom's Life: Apartment Fire Tragedy
Inside Bora Bora cafe The Xavierite
Bora Bora is a lovely smoothie cafe located in Chicago Ridge—right by the Chicago Ridge mall
which is clear from their numerous unique menu offerings
I found out about Bora Bora through word of mouth and decided to go with a few friends
but was quite pleased with my initial visit
I was instantly charmed by the endearing logo displayed above the door
It features the name in bright yellow with a funky pineapple mascot atop
in a way that made me more excited to enter the cafe
I was greeted by the cafe’s vibrant blue booth style seating and a gorgeous fountain lined with what appeared to be fake moss
It felt inviting and much more lively than other popular franchise cafes
I really wanted to try out their food and see if it’s as good as the drinks
they didn’t have as many food options but there was still a good variety
I noticed their drinks leaned on the sweet side so I decided to get a turkey croffle (a combination of croissant and waffle).
The croffle itself was pretty basic; it had smoked turkey
but I didn’t find it unusual as their specialty is drinks.
I personally wouldn’t get their croffles again
but I do think it’s fun to try for novelty
I am interested in trying their bowls next time
I think Bora Bora’s perfect for those who love to get a sweet treat
I don’t think many of these drinks are for you
which come with the option of being mixed with either red bull or 7UP
I’ve tried their “Blue Lagoon” and “Candy Crush” drinks
It was a little basic ingredient wise but tasted very good
I liked that it wasn’t sweet to the point of tasting artificial
I had the “Candy Crush” drink during my second visit to Bora Bora
but you do have to be in a sweet mood for it
My friends mainly got milkshakes this time around; one drink that seemed popular amongst them during our visits was the “oreo milkshake.” I did not personally get to try it
but my friend Demetrius said he particularly liked it
my friends and I have never waited too long for our drinks
The wait was a bit longer during our last visit due to the food ordered
The staff is friendly and patient and the cafe itself always looks clean and put together
The staff was especially helpful during my last visit when I accidentally left my wallet behind
They answered my call quickly and held onto my wallet for me to pick up.
I’d highly recommend those with a sweet tooth to visit
They have fun options to satisfy your sweet treat cravings and the cafe makes a great spot to visit with friends—very instagram-worthy
stores and kiosks have to offer for Christmas 2024
Chicago Ridge Mall has planned a whole lineup of festive events for the whole family to enjoy including holiday performances by local schools
shopper appreciation events and visits with Santa
Chicago Ridge police responded to a report of multiple shots fired at the mall
No evidence of gunfire was found after officers searched the mall
>>> Chicago Ridge Mall Extends Youth Supervision Policy Hours
Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom and then a group of individuals
Shoppers were asked to clear the mall before it was set to close at 8 p.m.
Police said there was no indication to believe gunfire was involved
The incident is believed to have started in front of H&M in the mall’s center court when the loud boom was heard
>>> ‘Prank’ Evacuates Chicago Ridge Mall, Cops Say No Evidence Of Gunfire
“Witnesses said it came from the north and others said south,” said Chief Jim Jaromilek
Jarolimek told Patch that nothing was seen in anyone's hand indicating a firework or any typed of explosion in mall security footage
so that’s why we are thinking a speaker or some type of device to mimic a gunshot,” Jarolimek told Patch
[there is] very little information on the source
so we are thinking a subject using a speaker or phone caused this.”
2024 at 10:00 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A 27-year-old Chicago Ridge man was arrested after crashing a car stolen out of Oak Forest early Wednesday morning
IL — A car stolen in Oak Forest Wednesday was crashed minutes later in Alsip
A Chicago Ridge man driving the car was taken into custody
The 2020 Toyota Corolla that had been left running was stolen from an apartment parking lot in the 5600 block of Independence Ave
Alsip police were called to a two-car crash in the area of 127th Street and Rt
One of the drivers ran westbound into a residential area
damaging multiple fences while attempting to evade police
Alsip and Crestwood Police officers were able to find and arrest 27-year-old Akram Hassan
in the area of 126 Place and Mansfield Avenue
Hassan had been driving the stolen vehicle
Alsip police charged Hassan with fleeing/eluding a peace officer
and failure to yield right of way from private drive
Oak Forest police charged Hassan with theft of a motor vehicle
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2024 at 3:17 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}New details emerge in the shooting at Chicago Ridge Mall where a teen has been charged
IL — A 17-year-old boy accused of shooting another youth over the weekend at Chicago Ridge Mall was ordered detained during a pre-trial hearing at the Bridgeview Courthouse
Essa Al-Rifaei appeared Monday before Cook County Judge John Fairman on charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of weapon
The prosecutor said Al-Rifaei was shopping with a friend Saturday evening at Dick’s Sporting Goods at Chicago Ridge Mall
The youths reportedly knew each other from past confrontations
A verbal altercation ensued between the two
Al-Rifaei showed a handgun and motioned the youth and his friend to follow him
Al-Rifaei and the other youth walked to the vestibule area
where Al-Rifaei is alleged to have fired four shots
the other 17-year-old’s friend came over to see if he was okay
Officials said the pair pushed Al-Rifaei to the ground
The prosecutor said they hit Al-Rifaei with the gun before he fled/
The other 17-year-old did not realize he had been shot in the torso until officers informed him he was bleeding
The youth was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center
where he was treated and released the next day
Al-Rifaei was found on mall property in a creek across from a fitness center
was taken to Christ Hospital with lacerations to his head
and Al-Rifaei’s attorney said he later had received six staples to close the wounds
The prosecutor also said the handgun used in the shooting was found near where police found the bleeding youth
Mall security video also showed the altercation unfold
Al-Rifaei’s attorney told the judge that the injured youth and his friend stabbed Al-Rifaei last year
all he did was go shopping and ran into the victim and witness who tried to kill him before
“He ran out of the store and showed the gun to them,” the attorney said
“He fired three warning shots and they still came after him
We don’t know if the last shot was accidental.”
The attorney argued that Al-Rifaei could be placed in home confinement “while we sort out this case.”
please let him sit in his house with his family,” the attorney said
“He can't sit in county based on these facts.”
When his client was taken into custody at the creek
Al-Rifaei’s attorney said police still did not know what had happened
The assistant state’s attorney said Al-Rifaei has a pending juvenile case for aggravated assault with a firearm
“My concern is that in addition to the pending case
I have a young man carry a gun into a crowded public place,” Judge Fairman said
The judge ordered that Al-Rifaei be detained in Cook County Jail while his case is pending