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CITY NEWS

Darien Police Department Press Release

Two Robbery Calls at Local Gas Stations Lead to Arrest

On February 4, 2014 at approximately 11:40 p.m., the Darien Police Department responded to the Circle K Shell gas station located at 8975 Lemont Road for the report of a robbery that just occurred. The clerk reported a male entered the gas station, used the washroom and then brought a bottle of water to the counter. The offender then grabbed an undisclosed amount of cash from the register and fled in a vehicle southbound Lemont Road. No report of injuries to clerk.

On February 5, 2014 at approximately 2:40 a.m., the Darien Police responded to the Shell gas station located at 8226 Cass Ave for a robbery that had just occurred. The offender brought a bottle of water to the counter. The offender grabbed an undisclosed amount of cash from the open register and fled south on Cass Ave to Interstate 55 southbound. The clerk received a minor injury to his finger when register was opened. No medical attention was required.

At approximately 2:54 a.m., an Illinois State Police Trooper on patrol located a vehicle and subject matching the description of the offender in the two Darien robberies parked at a Shell gas station located at RT53 & I-55 in Bolingbrook. The subject was taken into custody with assistance of Bolingbrook Police and Darien Police and initially brought to Darien Police Department for investigation. The subject was then transported to DuPage County Jail for a physical line-up. Both clerks from the Darien gas stations positively identified the subject as the offender in their incidents.

Antonio G Castillo, age 39, residing at 1136 Florence Ave in Westmont was arrested and charged two counts of felony Robbery.

Darien 2014 Citizen of the Year is......

Congratulations to John F. Poteraske, Jr., Darien's Citizen of the Year for 2014!

Please join us at the February 18 City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m for a Cake & Coffee Reception in his honor on.

The Citizen of the Year banquet will be held on March 8 at Alpine Banquets. Tickets are $30.00 each, and can be purchased at Darien City Hall after February 1.

For more information and reservations, please call Diane at 630-353-8102.

Please Help us Keep Fire Hydrants Clear of Snow

The recent snowfalls have hidden some fire hydrants and may be difficult to find during an emergency. The City is encouraging residents to clear fire hydrants nearest their residence or business of snow. Fire fighters need at least a three-foot clearance on all sides of the hydrant, including a pathway to the hydrant from the street.

By taking a little time to clear a hydrant you are helping the Fire Department, your neighbors and yourself in the event of an emergency. The local fire departments and City personnel will also be assisting in the operations. If you have identified a snow buried fire hydrant and are unable to assist please call 630-353-8105.

Carbon Monoxide problems increase along with snowfall

Local fire departments see an increase in the number of carbon monoxide incidents and detector activations during high snowfall, due to snow accumulation and buildup.

These types of incidents are a common problem when there are high snow drifts that block furnace vents and air intakes in some homes -predominantly homes that have newer, high-efficiency furnaces. These systems typically vent through the sill plate of a home, close to ground level through white PVC piping. Drifting snow has the potential to block these vents, causing the furnace or water heater to stop operating. Some newer high-efficiency furnaces have automatic shutoffs that shut down a furnace when the vents are blocked, but many furnaces don't. If they fail to shut down, carbon monoxide may back up in a home.

After any snowfall, it is important to inspect the area around the furnace and hot water heater vents to ensure that snow and ice are not blocking the safe operation of these fuel-burning devices. Vents and intake pipes should have a 3-foot clearance from snow, shrubs or other obstructions. Water heaters and dryer vents also should be cleared of snow to prevent possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

State law requires that all residential occupancies have carbon monoxide detectors installed by the property owner. More information regarding state statute requirements can be found at www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/94/094-0741.htm.

Private Property Tree Trimming Program

This year's tree trimming program includes contract pricing for the Private Property Tree Trimming Program to all residents.

The price for the private property program is $65.00 per tree in the front yard, and $140.00 per tree in the back yard. The contract also includes unit pricing for private property tree removal and stump grinding.

Residents may contact Ryan P. Countryman, Homer Tree Care Inc. for private property work pricing at 815-838-0320 or via email at Ryan@homertree.com

The deadline to contact Homer Tree Care is February 15, 2014.

For additional information please contact us at 630-353-8105.

Bryon Vana, City Administrator	(630) 353-8114
City Hall	(630) 852-5000
Police Department	(630) 971-3999
Public Works	(630) 852-5000

Mayor	Kathy Weaver
City Clerk	JoAnne Ragona
Treasurer	Michael J. Coren
Ward 1	Ted Schauer
Ward 2	Tina Beilke
Ward 3	Joseph A Kenny
Ward 4	Joerg Seifert
Ward 5	Joseph A. Marchese
Ward 6	Sylvia McIvor
Ward 7	Thomas J. Belczak

City Council Meetings

Tuesday, February 18

7:30 p.m.

Monday, March 3

7:30 p.m.

Agendas for City and Committee Meetings

The following links will direct you to the City Meeting and Committee agendas and packet information on our website. Stay informed on City issues and upcoming projects!

All Agendas

City Council Meeting Agenda

View Darien Meetings on YouTube!

You may now view city meetings on YouTube by clickng here.

Our user name is DarienCableChannel. You may still access meetings from the links on our website.

Resident Satisfaction Survey

Can you take a few moments to take our Resident Survey? Your feedback is important in helping us to continue to make Darien a "Nice Place to Live". Just click on this link

View Darien Police Department Weekly Press Release

You may view the Darien Police Department weekly press release by clicking here

Submit an article for Direct Connect

You may submit an article for inclusion in Direct Connect by emailing mwintermute@darienil.gov

Nixle Text Alert Program

The Nixle text alert system provides for the City to send out urgent and emergency alerts via text messages. This a FREE service. To sign up for Nixle, visit our website and click on the nixle icon or visit the nixle website here.

Placing Snow in Street against City Ordinance

The City of Darien works hard to keep the streets plowed and as safe as possible for cars in these winter conditions. Please shovel snow into yard or parkway areas, and not into the street. Snow can melt and form ice, which could lead to car accidents.

Darien City Code states "No person shall remove any snow or ice from any private property and deposit the same upon any public street or sidewalk."

If you notice anyone shoveling snow into a public street you may call 911 and the police department will respond

We thank you for assisting us in keeping the town safe during these cold and snowy conditions.

Winter Parking Regulations

There is no parking allowed on city streets during a snow event when snow or ice exceeds one inch.

Snowplows and other emergency vehicles must have access and ability to pass down streets; parked vehicles in the roadways inhibit these vehicles and block visibility. In snow emergencies snowplows are able to more efficiently clear your street without parked vehicles obstructing the process.

We thank you for your cooperation and support!

Video Volunteers Wanted

The City of Darien is looking for voluteers to operate the camera and recording equipment for airing and recording of city meetings. The volunteers typically work one night every other month. The meetings generally begin at 7:30 p.m., and last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Training provided. For more information please call Mary at 630-353-8115.

Nixle Emergency Text Alerts

The Nixle text alert system provides for the City to send out urgent and emergency alerts via text messages. This a FREE service. To sign up for Nixle, visit www.darien.il.us and click on the nixle icon or visit the nixle website at www.nixle.com

OTHER GOVERNMENT NEWS AND EVENTS

New Illinois Cell Phone Law

A new Illinois law bans the use of any electronic device held in the driver's hand while driving. This includes, but is not limited to, hand-held wireless telephones, hand-held personal digital assistants, portable or mobile computers and hand held GPS systems. In addition, drivers may not read or scroll through an iPod, other mobile music device or use a Kindle or other e-reader while driving. Global positioning or other navigational systems or devices that are physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle may be utilized while driving. Cell phones must be in "hands free" mode to be legally used by a driver operating a motor vehicle on any highway in Illinois.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Darien Chamber "Shop Local Shop Darien"

The Darien Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce their Shop Local Shop Darien Campaign. We encourage residents to support Darien Chamber businesses that display the Shop Local Shop Darien decal posted in their window. Shop Darien Shop Local Preferred Cards are now on sale for $5 at the Darien Chamber of Commerce office in City Hall or at local Darien Chamber member businesses. Visit the Chamber at www.darienchamber.com for all the Shop Local Shop Darien Preferred Offers!

Vehicle Sticker Purchase Locations

Vehicle stickers are not required in the City of Darien, but are available for your convenience. The donation is $3.00 per sticker, and this year all proceeds benefit the Darien Chamber of Commerce. Stickers are currently available at City Hall, Darien Police Department, BMO Harris Bank & Republic Bank For more information please call 630-852-5000.

New District #61 Open Computer Lab

Do you need to access your email? Are you trying to access the Internet?

District #61 is opening their computer labs to the community for computer use in the

evenings from 6 - 8 PM at the following locations:

Tuesdays: DeLay (Enter at the Gym Doors (north parking lot)
Wednesdays: Lace (Enter through front door)
Thursdays: Eisenhower Junior High (Enter through front door)

Sessions begin the week of January 27, 2014.

Adults looking to have computer and Internet access can attend at any of the District

Schools. While children or students are welcome they must be accompanied and

monitored by a parent or guardian.

Darien Youth Club Registration Now Open!

Darien Youth Club Baseball and Softball registration now open! Visit www.DarienYouthClub.org for more information or to register!

Darien Woman's Club Spring Clothing Resale Registration

The Darien Woman's Club will be holding the regisistration for it spring clothing resale on Saturday, February 22 from 9am to Noon at the Park District Center - 7301 Fairview Avenue. Registration fee is $7.00, cash only. For more information visit www.darienwomansclub.org/

Hinsdale South High Booster Club's Annual "Casino Night"

Hinsdale South Booster Club's annual casino night will be held on Saturday, February 8, at Ashton Place in Wilowbrook. It will run from 7pm to 11:30pm, and the cost is $45.00 per person.

Join us for an evening of food, live band, casino tables, and auction items like premier student parking, graduation seats, store & restaurant gift certificates and premier seating for Madrigal Dinner & Spring Musical.

For more information and to register please visit www.hinsdalesouthboosters.org, call Joan at 708-714-4810, or Lori at 630-768-4654.

Darien Historical Society Valentines Weekend Event

Darien Historical Society has an "awe" moment for you on Valentine's week-end. Come on Sunday, February 16 between 1 - 3pm to the official presentation of the Andermann/Wehrmeister wedding dress, worn locally in 1930, now restored. For more of the story, museum directors will be on hand at Old Lace Schoolhouse & Museum with details and answers to your questions. Treats will be served on this sweet occasion. "Images of America:Darien" will be available for purchase.

Cass School District #63 PTC Presents "Backyard BBQ Bash"

Cass School District #63 PTC will holding a "Backyard BBQ Bash" parent social and fundraiser on Friday, February 21 from 7:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m. at Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe in Darien. Tickets are $60.00 per person, or $50 per person for teachers & alumni parents. For more information call Laurie at 773-294-1502, or visit their Face Book Page.

Kingswood Academy 18th Annual Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction

Kingswood Academy's 18th Annual Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction "A Night on the Town" will be on Saturday February 22, from 6:30 p.m.to Midnight at Ashton Place in Willowbrook. Tickets are $125 each and include open bar, dinner, dancing and an auction

For more information please contact lease contact Yvonne at Kingswood Academy - 630-887-1411

Our Lady of Peace Presents "A Night of Stars" Gala & Auction

Our Lady of Peace invites you to attend our annual Gala & Auction on Friday, February 21, from 6:30-Midnight at Ashton Place Banquets - Willowbrook, IL. You can also participate in our GRAND RAFFLE--$3000 cash prize. Raffle tickets are 1 ticket for $25, or 6 tickets for $125. Drawing on February 24th.

Please contact Lila Hale at olphsaevents@gmail.com for further information.

Darien Lions Club Blood Drive

They say you can help save 4 lives by giving a pint of blood. The Blood you give will help 6 surrounding communities and their hospitals.

The Darien Lions Club is hosting a community blood drive on Tuesday, February 25 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.n. at Lace School, corner of 75th and Cass Ave.

You can give blood if your 17 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have a valid ID. You will receive a free blood test. 16 year olds can give blood with the permission of their parents.

For more information contact: Blood Drive Chairman Lion Richard at: 630-963-8026.

VFW Post 2838 "Rockin with the Vets" Live Benefit Concert

VFW Post 2838 will host a "Rockin' with the Vets" Live Benefit Concert Friday, March 7, at Ashyana Banquets, 1652 75^th Street.The Concert will Feature Ultimate Elvis Impersonator Shawn Klush and Lance Lipinsky from Million Dollar Quartet as Jerry Lee Lewis plus Dan Lentino and the Fabulous Ambassadors. There will be a cash raffle & live auction for items including a Blackhawks Jersey signed by the entire team. Show tickets are $35 each and doors open at 7pm. Dinner option is $60each, with dinner at 6pm.

For more information call the Concert Hotline 630-796-5654 or visit http://www.darienvfw2838.org/programs.html

Darien Rotary Club Presents "Taste of Route 66"

The Darien Rotary Club will host the fundraiser "Taste of Route 66" on Tuesday, March 11 from 6pm - 9pm at Carriage Greens Country Club, 8700 Carriage Green Drive. You will enjoy food samplings from a variety of restaurants, a cash bar, food raffle & silent auction. Cost is $30.00 per person, or $50.00 per couple. Proceeds will help support this years signature program "Rotary Back Pack Program" in which Darien school children who are not getting proper meals on weekends will receive shelf stable food to take home.

Please RSVP by Friday, February 28. For more information and reservations please call Chris at 630-434-5075, or email cgerrib@comcast.net

DYC Bowling Fundraiser

A Night of Bowling Fun with Friends to Benefit DYC Programs will be held on Saturday, March 22, from 8pm-midnight at Willowbrook Lanes, 735 Plainfield Road.

Cost is $30 Per Person ($15 Dinner Only). Price includes: bowling, shoe rental and buffet dinner. Don't forget to tell your friends, family and neighbors for an adult only night out. Please register online at www.DarienYouthClub.org no later than March 18th

Do you own a company or have a product? Do you know someone who does? We are looking for lane sponsorship and/or raffle donations. Lane Sponsorship: $100 Per Lane & Raffle Donations of Any Kind Welcome!

Contact Amber at DYCmembership1@gmail.com with any questions, if you would like to sponsor a lane or have any raffle donations.