Press Releases 2010

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	Release Date	Description

Missing Person
Release Date: March 3, 2010

On March 2, 2010, the Chicago Police Marine Unit removed the body of a deceased male subject from Montrose Harbor. An autopsy was conducted this morning at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. The body has been preliminarily identified as that of Richard J. Wieting of Hanover Park, Illinois. Richard had been reported missing from Hanover Park on January 19, 2010.

Five Senior Fire Officers from the Hong Kong Fire Department Attend Hazardous Materials Training in Hanover Park
Release Date: March 2, 2010

The Hanover Park Fire Department, in conjunction with the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute, is hosting five senior fire officers from the Hong Kong Fire Department. Acting Assistant Divisional Officer Tung Kok Keung, Senior Station Officers Chan Man-hon, Wong Chun-keung and YIP Hor-man along with Station Officer Wong King-man are all attending three weeks of intensive training focused on the mitigation and management of hazardous materials incidents.

The Illinois Fire Service Institute serves as the State Fire Academy and trains firefighters at all levels as well as those who operate as part of specialized teams. The Hazardous Materials training, being taught at the Hanover Park Fire Department, will certify participants to operate using specialized chemical monitoring equipment and to make entry into toxic environments in order to control spills or leaks using encapsulated protective suits. The Hong Kong delegation is joined in the training by twenty-five other firefighters from around the area, including a large number of Hanover Park Firefighters.

The Hong Kong Fire Department has a long history of working with the State Fire Academy and has had firefighters attend specialized courses on hazardous materials and technical rescue procedures for several years. The Village enthusiastically agreed to host the Hong Kong delegation, due to Hanover Park’s active role in the Hazardous Materials Response Team, as well as the facilities capable of supporting this type of training.

Members of the Hong Kong Department will be recognized by the Village Board at the regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday March, 4, 2010 beginning at 7:30 P.M. Residents wishing to meet the delegation are encouraged to attend.

Hanover Park Hosting Blood Drive
Release Date:  February 26, 2010

LifeSource Blood Centers will be visiting the Hanover Park Village Hall on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The Village of Hanover Park will be hosting the blood drive to benefit victims of car accidents, burn victims, patients with anemia, bone marrow and stem cell transplants, organ transplants, and many other traumas and blood-related disorders.

Blood, commonly referred as the “gift of life”, truly is just that.  Blood carries gases, nutrients and waste products through the body.  Blood also fights infections, heals wounds and performs many other vital functions.  We all need blood to survive.  There is no substitute.  Volunteer blood donors are the only source for people who need it.

LifeSource has informed us that all blood types are urgently needed to help return the blood supply to normal levels.  Please consider giving blood on March 31, 2010.

To make an appointment, contact Cris Randall at (630) 372-4250 or via email at crandall@hpil.org. Walk-ins are welcome!

Shots Fired at Area of Arbor Vitae Drive and Aster Avenue
Release Date:  February 25, 2010

On Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 2:10 p.m., officers responded to the area of Arbor Vitae Drive and Astor Ave for a call of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers did not locate any victims or property damage. As a precaution, Parkwood and Laurel Hill Schools were secured and additional resources were called to the area to ensure the safety of the school children as they were dismissed for the day.

The Hanover Park Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident and asks that anyone with information call 630-372-4400.

Village to Discuss Wind Turbine Text Amendment
Release Date:  February 24, 2010

In early 2008, at the behest of School District 20, the Village of Hanover Park began consideration of a text amendment to the Villages’ zoning ordinance that would allow wind turbines under certain circumstances.  However, the height and lack of supporting data for placement in urban areas deadlocked the Development Commission and a recommendation was never made.

In the meantime, School District 20 explored other opportunities and ultimately decided on a much smaller turbine to meet their needs.

On February 11, 2010, the Development Commission unanimously recommended approval of a proposed text amendment that would allow a petitioner to seek approval of a wind turbine up to 155 feet in height on an R-2 zoned parcel of at least 15-acres in size.  The Village Board will consider this text amendment at their regularly scheduled Board meeting on Thursday, March 4, 2010.  This meeting will take place in Room 214 of Village Hall and begin at 7:30 p.m.

Those wishing to speak on this and other issues may do so by signing up for Townhall Session before the meeting.

MI Homes Purchases Church Street Station Property
Release Date:  February 18, 2010

The Village of Hanover Park would like to announce that a new residential developer will begin construction soon.  MI Homes has purchased the Church Street Station property and plans on building the remaining townhome units originally conceived on this property that is strategically located at the intersection of Barrington Road and Lake Street, and across the street from the Metra station.

Church Street Station includes 126 townhome units, of which 60 have already been constructed.  MI Homes will begin construction of the remaining 66 units starting this spring.  The three-story townhomes will range in area from 1,579 square feet up to 1,910 square feet and include 2-3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2 car garages.  MI Homes plans on offering a variety of options and upgrades in their units.

Ron Martin, Area President for MI Homes’ Chicago Division stated, “We are excited about the opportunity to be part of the continued growth in Hanover Park.  The community offers a lifestyle balance for both young professionals and empty-nesters as most of the daily necessities are within walking distance”.

MI Homes sales office is located at 1642 Dogwood Lane and will be open Friday-Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Wednesday & Thursday by appointment.  For more information, please call MI Homes at (630) 405-4982 or visit them at www.mihomes.com.

Hanover Park Police Announce Promotions
Release Date: February 3, 2010

The Hanover Park Police Department is proud to announce the promotions of Ofc. Kevin Conway to the position of Sergeant and Sgt. Andy Johnson to the position of Lieutenant.

Sgt. Conway was hired by the Hanover Park Police Department on July 6, 2004 and has been with the Police Department for over five years. Sgt. Conway spent two of those years in the Police Department’s Special Operations Group where he conducted gang and narcotic related investigations. Sgt. Conway also serves on the department’s Crisis Resolution Team and Honor Guard team. During his time with the department, Sgt. Conway has received numerous commendations and recognitions including the Cook County Award of Merit which he received for his work as a patrol officer. Most recently Sgt. Conway received two Unit Meritorious awards for his valuable assistance and involvement with two major criminal investigations. Sgt. Conway is currently assigned to the patrol division where her works the day shift.

Lt. Andy Johnson was hired by the Hanover Park Police Department on July 12, 1999 and has been with the department for over nine years. Lt. Johnson was a member of the Police Department’s Tactical Unit in 2001 and 2002, before serving two years in the Investigations Division. While in the Investigations Division, Lt. Johnson was assigned to the Major Case Assistance Team and was a member of the Police Department’s Recruitment Team.
Lt. Johnson was promoted to Sergeant in September of 2004 where he was assigned to the patrol division and was put in charge of the department’s Field Training Program. During his time with the Hanover Park Police Department, Lt. Johnson has received numerous letters of recognition. Lt. Johnson received his Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia College and is currently working on a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Lt. Johnson is currently assigned to the department’s Investigations Division.

Sgt. Kevin Conway and Lt. Andy Johnson will be sworn in at the Village Board Meeting on February 4, 2010.

Village Honors Award Winners and Volunteers
Release Date:  February 3, 2010

On Friday, January 29, 2010 the Village of Hanover Park held its seventh annual Awards Night. Village President Rodney Craig and the Village Clerk presented awards and recognized a host of Village volunteers and others who serve the Hanover Park community.

Several awards were presented throughout the evening including the Mayor's Choice Business of the Year Award, Youth of the Year, Humanitarian Award, Service to Youth Award, Educator of the Year and Citizen of the Year.  Also recognized were Village Committee members and Appearance Award winners. 

Service to Youth Award 

The Service to Youth Award was presented to Mickey Macholl.  Mickey has found a home at the Park District as a Commissioner for many years and this past year, Mickey has additionally been the Chairwoman for the HPPD Foundation. 

Following a string of troubling incidents this past year, a number of individuals came together to plan an event to raise dollars to provide scholarships for Hanover Park youth.  This became a major endeavor and Mickey was instrumental as the driving force to see that this event came off as we all planned and discussed.  It was Mickey who modeled the determination to keep everyone on track and stay focused on the real prize, to provide for the youth of Hanover Park. 

Humanitarian Award

Each year, the Village of Hanover Park presents the Hanover Park Humanitarian Award to an individual or group who has served the community through humanitarian efforts.  This year’s award was presented to Dolores Herrera.  Ms. Herrera, a long time resident of our community in Hanover Park, has been recognized as a community hero for the support she offered some young girls, whom were victimized by the tragic loss of their mother due to domestic violence the past year.  She was amongst the first to reach out to these young girls immediately after the tragedy to ensure they were safe and taken care of.

Youth of the Year

This program is designed to recognize and encourage excellence in the young people of Hanover Park.  Students are judged on heroism, community service, service to school, personal achievement and family commitment.   This year’s winner was Sarah Clark who received a $1,000 scholarship and the runner up, Allison Phillips, received a $500 scholarship. 

Educator of the Year

Patricia Stubbs was presented with the Educator of the Year award.   Patricia is a caring leader with the strength and conviction to engage a neighborhood of families who seek to understand their responsibilities in a whole new world.  Many of these families struggle to understand the culture and expectations; however they have great strength in their family values.  Patricia has personally encouraged her teachers, and we have seen wonderful success in sports and mentoring sessions. 

Business of the Year

The “Mayor’s Choice Business Award” program was developed by the Village’s CONECT Committee to recognize outstanding achievement in the business community within the Village.  The winner of the 2009 Mayor’s Choice Business Award was Jiffy Lube.  Nominees for the award included Arroyo’s Tree Service, Salon Napier and Suburban Tire.

Citizen of the Year 

Mayor Craig announced Mr. Robert Wachsmuth as the 2009 Citizen of the Year.  Mr. Wachsmuth has been Chair of the Environmental Committee for the past year.  He headed up the Village’s first self-run Household Recycling event which was held last September and arranged a tour of the recycling center where the Village’s household recycling is sorted, and a tour of the electronic recycling facility.  He was also involved in securing money for our Fire Corps, and has been a member of both the Citizens Corp Council and Fire Corps.

For further information on the award winners and the Awards Night event, please contact Sue Krauser at (630) 372-4210.

Offender in armed robbery charged
Release Date: January 30, 2010

On January 26th, 2010 at approximately 11:37 pm, officers from the Hanover Park Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery at Al’s Pantry, located at 5561 County Farm Road in Hanover Park. The clerk reported that an unknown subject entered the store and implied that he had a weapon and took two packages of cigarettes before fleeing the store. A description of the offender and the bicycle the offender used to flee the area was obtained from witnesses.

On January 29th, 2010 at approximately 10:17 pm officers from the Hanover Park Police Department responded to the 5500 block of County Farm Road in response to a witness who reported that the possible offender in the armed robbery was riding his bicycle in the area. Upon arriving in the area officers from the Hanover Park Police Department located the subject matching the description of the offender.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that the subject, Travis D. White, who resides at 5432 Sinatra Lane in Hanover Park, was the offender in the reported armed robbery. White was arrested and charged with one count of Burglary.

White is scheduled to appear in Dupage County bond court on Sunday, January 31st, 2010.

Extended Stay Incident
Release Date:  January 27, 2010

On Tuesday January 26, 2010 at 2:05 p.m. the Hanover Park Police Department responded to the Extended Stay at 1075 Lake Street for a call of a man that had been shot.  Upon arrival, officers located a 64-year old male with a gunshot wound in his lower right leg.

Officers determined that the victim had in his possession a .32 caliber handgun that was in his luggage, which discharged when it was dropped onto a luggage cart. The victim had checked into the hotel and was waiting for an elevator to take him to his room when the gun accidentally discharged.

The victim was transported to St. Alexis Medical Center in Hoffman Estates where he was admitted for his injury.

The victim owned the weapon that was discharged and he also had a valid firearms owner’s identification card.  The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the matter and no charges were filed.

Premise Alert Program
Release Date:  January 21, 2010

The Hanover Park Police Department is committed to provide high levels of public safety services to all members of the village, including citizens who may require special consideration in order to access services.

The Hanover Park Police Department, in accordance with state law, implemented the Premise Alert Program to fulfill the needs of citizens with special needs or disabilities, who require access to public safety services.

It is the intent of this program to offer guidance and direction to Police Department employees in responding to and assisting those people with special needs or disabilities or both with whom they will have contact in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.  The ability to effectively deal with the special needs individual is enhanced with knowledge or information.  The police department recognizes that the ability to identify special needs individuals, their places of employment, educational facilities, and residences are valuable resources in instances when or if an emergency response by law enforcement is needed.

Families, caregivers or individuals with special needs or disabilities may contact the Police Department to provide information regarding the Premise Alert Program.  Premise Alert Program forms are available for individuals with special needs or disabilities or both.  The form is easy to complete and requires basic information about the special needs or disabilities of those individuals that complete the form.

Premise Alert Program forms can be obtained either at the Police Department front desk or the Village of Hanover Park website.  After a form is submitted to the Police Department, it will be forwarded to DU-COMM.  DU-COMM dispatches all 9-1-1 calls for the public safety agencies in the Village and the Premise Alert Program form will be entered into DU-COMM’S computer aided dispatch system (CAD).

If you have any questions regarding the Premise Alert Program, contact Records Supervisor Mike Novak at 630-372-4425.

Missing Person
Release Date:  January 20, 2010

On January 19, 2010, the subject below, Richard J. Wieting, was reported missing from Hanover Park.   Wieting was last seen on January 18, 2010 in Hanover Park.  Anyone having information on Weiting’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Det. Dan Granias at (630) 372-4427.

Richard J. Wieting
6’00”    185 lbs 
Brown Hair / Blue Eyes
53 YOA

Hanover Park Police Department Implemented a New Initiative Utilizing Area Response Teams (ART)
Release Date:  January 18, 2010

On January 4, 2010 the Hanover Park Police Department implemented a new initiative utilizing Area Response Teams (ART). The new ART initiative is aimed at increasing communication, familiarity and relations with the residents of Hanover Park. The Village of Hanover Park is currently divided up into six policing areas or “beats”. The ART strategy involves the assigning of officers to a specific area of town or beat for a period of one year. In previous years, officers were assigned to an area for a period of six weeks at a time. By assigning the officers to the area for a period of one year, the Police Department is hoping to increase personnel’s familiarity with the unique problems or issues each area faces.

In addition to this change, a supervisor will now be assigned to each area and will be responsible for supervising and working with the area teams to address any ongoing issues or crime occurring in the assigned area.

Residents from each area will also have the opportunity to attend quarterly meetings with the police officers and supervisors assigned to their area. The goal of these meetings is to allow residents to exchange information with police department representatives as well as voice any concerns or questions a resident may have.

The Hanover Park Police Department encourages all residents to visit the Village of Hanover Park website to obtain more information on the ART initiative.