Snow Plows, Refuse Collection, Fundraisers: 19th Ward Updates

BEVERLY, IL -- Local officials assured residents still feeling buried by snowfall on Friday that relief was on its way.

The city's 19th Ward saw 7 to 8 inches of accumulation overnight. Dispatched by Chicago's Department of Streets and Sanitation, plow trucks worked non-stop during the storm, officials said. They were slated to begin working on the side streets as soon as the main thoroughfares were clear.

"Plows will be out in the community all night and into the weekend, clearing our streets and improving road conditions for the 19th Ward," Alderman Matthew O'Shea said. "I have been working closely with Snow Command and appreciate your patience as the plows work their way across the city."

Residents interested in tracking the whereabouts of Chicago's more-than 200 plows can track them online.

Additionally, local government offices will be closed on the next two Mondays, Feb. 12 and Feb. 19, for Lincoln's Birthday and Presidents Day, respectively. Garbage and recycling collections will continue as usual, despite.

"I ask that everyone please have their garbage and recycling carts out in the alley or at the curb the night before collection," O'Shea said.

He also urged residents to respond to a generous challenge by some of the community's business leaders, who are, "revving up our Get Behind the Vest fundraising campaign."

Beginning on Saturday and continuing through Saturday, Feb. 17, Kean Bros. Gas Station, 2632 W. 111th Street, will donate 5 cents of every gallon of gas you purchase. Alliant - Mesirow Insurance, AthleteX Sports & Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Beverly Bank & Trust, and an anonymous donor are each matching Kean's incentive.

"So by simply filling your car's gas tank, you will add 25 cents for every gallon you purchase to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation," O'Shea said.

The 19th Ward's third annual Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast is set for Sunday, Feb. 18 from 8 a.m. to noon at Saint John Fisher School, 10200 S. Washtenaw Ave. Tickets are $5 per person or $25 for an entire family.

Photo via Getty Images News | Tim Boyle | Getty Images