Community Corner

Week in Review: Fire, School Budgets and Sex Crimes in Court

In the past week, you may have missed stories about the holiday tree lighting, delay in the Ghost Rider trial, an oil leak, the Ellen Show shopping spree winners, Berrios and the family, yet another candidate for Jesse Jackson Jr.'s old seat and others.

MONDAY

Orland Park ushered in the holiday season with music, face painting, sleigh rides, visits with Santa Claus and more, all culminating in the tree lighting outside Frederick T. Owens Village Hall.

Find out what's happening in Orland Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Authorities Investigating Online Chat Room in Sex Images Case

Kevin Skaritka is accused of sending sexual images sent over the Internet, and he is still facing sexual assault charges from an unrelated case.

Find out what's happening in Orland Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

TUESDAY

UPDATE: Orland Park ‘Ghost Rider’ Trial Delayed

The 22-year-old man is facing multiple felonies in a case stemming from Youtube videos he filmed speeding while through the village on a motorcycle and avoiding police.

The Mokena oil tank spill indeed poses no known health risk, but officials acknowledge that someone should have notified the public.

WEDNESDAY

Former Orland Firefighter Pleads Not Guilty to Child Porn Charges

Dean Milenkovic, 46, a former Orland Park firefighter charged with felony possession of child porn and accused of attempting sex chatting with a minor, pleaded not guilty to his more recent charges Tuesday.

See the broadcast of "The Ellen Show" where two women were given a large holiday gift from the show's host, in return for the ways they frequently care for others around them.

THURSDAY

Orland Park Home Sales Continue to Rise

Orland Park's housing market saw another increase in 2012 during October, rising just shy of 62 percent with 34 sales compared to 21 last year. Median selling price also went up.

Cook County's JFK? Dem Party Chairman Joe Berrios Takes Care of Family

If the Irish can stack government with family, the Puerto Rican can, too, says Berrios, who has several family members on his assessor's staff and a host of others on county, school and state payrolls.

FRIDAY

Orland Fire Passes New $29 Million Budget While Contract Negotiations Continue

The Orland Fire Protection District board voted in favor of a budget with $29,035,294 in expenditures. How salaries for the district’s staff will affect the budget remain to be seen until contracts are in place.

Hidden Costs Could Plague District 230

As officials examine the 2012 property tax levy, worry grows over shortfalls that might hit the district.

SATURDAY

Former Sandburg Cashier Pleads Not Guilty to Theft

Cheryl Becker, 54, pleaded not guilty to two counts of felony theft in a Bridgeview courtroom this week, denying that she stole more than $9,600 in cash deposits.

Jim Hickey Running for Jesse Jackson Jr.’s Old Seat

The Orland Fire Protection District’s board president announced Thursday that he will be running for the 2nd Congressional District in the upcoming special election.

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