Catalytic Converters Stolen + Village Board Cancels Meeting

Hello, Oak Park and River Forest! In today’s Patch Daily, learn about the Obamas’ connection to Oak Park Public Library, police tips to protect cars from theft, and a nearby business closing for the second time in three months.

First, today’s weather: Rain in the morning, with a high of 80 and low of 66.

Here are the top five stories in Oak Park today:

1. The official portraits of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are on display at the Art Institute of Chicago until Aug. 15 as part of their national tour. The president chose Kehinde Wiley to paint his portrait, making it the first presidential portrait painted by a Black artist. Wiley’s only other work of art on display in the state happens to be on the second floor of the Oak Park Public Library’s main branch, where it has stayed since 2004. (OPPL)

2. Because of its valuable metals, catalytic converter thefts are on the rise in Oak Park and across the country. Sgt. Samantha Duechler and the Oak Park Police Department is offering tips to help residents protect their vehicles. (Village of Oak Park)

3. The Oak Park Board of Trustees cancelled its June 21 meeting due to an internet outage. The board will now meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Village Hall. Agenda items include the Lemoyne Parkway Relief Sewer Project and the monthly treasurer's report. (Village of Oak Park)

4. The liquor license at Forest Park Tap Room has been suspended for the second time in three months. The owners were given notice June 19 for allegedly staying open later than the village’s allowable hours. The bar was also closed April 3-12 for multiple violations, including excessive noise and serving alcohol after hours. (Forest Park Review)

5. Five retail locations in Forest Park failed its Illinois tobacco compliance checks last week. The Forest Park Police Department and a confidential youth agent under 21 tested 20 establishments to see if they sold tobacco products without asking for identification. (Forest Park Review)

Today in Oak Park:

• Children and families are invited to Storytime at the Conservatory. (10 a.m.)
• Join the Oak Park Public Library for outdoor storytime at Maple Park. (10 a.m.)
• Enjoy “social stitching” on the River Forest Public Library lawn. (10 a.m.)
• The Age-Friendly Advisory Ad Hoc Committee meets at River Forest Village Hall. (7 p.m.)

Oak Park Patch Notebook

• In case you missed Oak Park’s Juneteenth caravan celebration over the weekend, Pioneer Press has a gallery of photos from the occasion. (Oak Leaves)
• The master gardening help desk will return to Oak Park Conservatory. (Oak Leaves)
• Anthony Didato is the newest member of the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association+. (Wednesday Journal)
• New girls’ basketball coach Carlton Rosemond says he is excited to start a new chapter at Oak Park and River Forest High School. (Wednesday Journal)
• The University of Illinois announced it will require COVID-19 vaccinations at all three of its campuses this fall. (NBC5)

That’s all for the Wednesday edition of the Daily. See you tomorrow!

-Georgi