Mexican food chain makes fresh start in Niles

Fresh. It’s more than just a word in the name of the restaurant — it’s what makes Baja Fresh unique, said Jignesh Patel, owner of the new restaurant that opened this week at 8610 W. Golf Road. “We are unique,” Patel said of the casual …

Niles Township residents can appeal property taxes until Feb. 22

The Cook County Board of Review has opened Bloom, Hanover, Proviso, Niles and Schaumburg Townships for assessment appeals.

Any property owner who believes their property is over-assessed or contains factual errors in their assessment may appeal at the Board of Review. Residents will have until …

Last day to register for primary is Feb. 21

Maine Township Clerk Gary Warner has announced that the last day to register to vote in the upcoming March 20 election or to update registration information is Feb. 21.

Residents may register at Maine Township Town Hall, 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge, during regular Clerk’s …

District 63 breaks down barriers to walking, biking to school

East Maine School District 63 is creating a plan to make walking and bicycling safe, convenient and fun for students. The district has partnered with nonprofit advocacy organization Active Transportation Alliance to address the barriers students face in traveling to school and to identify solutions. …

Niles Fire Department commemorates 100 years of community service

The village of Niles Fire Department will mark its 100th anniversary on Feb. 19. At the January village board meeting, Mayor Robert Callero presented a proclamation honoring the anniversary on behalf of the village board and the community. In 1912, the Niles Volunteer Fire Company …

‘Heart Health’ is focus of event at Golf Mill mall in Niles

Heart Health will take over Center Court of Golf Mill Shopping Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 11 as clinicians from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital lead Healthy Heart 2012, a free heart-screening and educational event. The core goal of this event is cardiac …

Kirk moved to Chicago rehab center

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, who suffered a stroke nearly three weeks ago, was transferred Friday to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

Niles Community Calendar for Feb. 16, 2012

Submissions for Community Calendar are required 14 days preceding the date of publication. Send to: Niles Managing Editor, Pioneer Press, 3701 W. Lake Ave., Glenview IL 60026. Information may be faxed to (847) 486-7495 or emailed to mbottari@pioneerlocal.com.

Center of Concern

The Center of Concern, …

New signs call on motorists to hang up in school zones

A ban on cell-phone use in school zones has been a state law for more than two years now, but it apparently hasn’t convinced all drivers to hang up. With the belief that motorists may just need additional, visual reminders, the Park Ridge Police Department …

Snow makes its way back to the area Friday

Feeling a chill in the air? Snow will be back as soon as Friday when lake effect snow could hit the city and Northwest Indiana with six inches.

Maine South students mark last day of Chinese New Year celebration

Chinese-language classes at Maine South High School in Park Ridge celebrated the 15th day of the Chinese New Year with a tea ceremony and entertainment Feb. 6. The 15th day of the new year is also called the Lantern Festival, marking the final day of …

Park Ridge Catholic school touts its ‘Blue Ribbon’ status

With blue ribbons affixed to their uniforms, students from Mary, Seat of Wisdom Catholic School in Park Ridge celebrated their school’s 2011 National Blue Ribbon award with a special assembly Feb. 2. “It really is overwhelming to see a wonderful school as this,” said Tim …

Park Ridge Teen Center to get boost from local nonprofit

The Park Ridge Teen Center will benefit this year from funding raised by a local philanthropic group. The Park Ridge Juniors, a nonprofit, charitable organization, has selected the Teen Center, 418 W. Touhy Ave., as its major recipient of donations. A majority of the funding …

Police ID body found in Park Ridge commuter lot, investigate as homicide

The death of a man found along a Park Ridge street the morning of Feb. 9 is now being investigated as a homicide, Park Ridge Police said. Police have identified the Chicago man and determined the cause of death to be strangulation.

Park Ridge suicide victim identified

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the body of an apparent suicide victim found in Park Ridge as that of a 45-year-old Park Ridge man. The Medical Examiner’s Office said the victim was identified as John Tsichlis. His body was discovered by a …