Dan Blue obituary, First 2013 birth, What is an SSA, Shed winter doldrums, Humboldt Park shooting, Sparks fly at WPC meeting and more!

In memory of Daniel Blue: A patchwork of facts, respect, admiration, appreciation, love and affection

UPDATE Jan. 6:
The Chicago Police Detectives indicated that they are waiting for a toxicology report which can take up to 6 weeks but there is no indication of foul play.

Described as sculptor, raconteur, friend, brother and man of mystery, Daniel Blue is dead at the age of 55.

City of Chicago SSAs: What are they? What do they do? Who runs them? Example: Wicker Park and Bucktown SSA#33

Though Special Service Areas (SSA) began in Chicago with SSA #1 State Street in 1997, mention "SSA" to a Chicagoan and often the response is a blank stare or they say, "What? What is an SSA?" So let's start at the beginning.

Sparks fly at Wicker Park Committee's first 2013 meeting

Wicker Park Committee's (WPC) first meeting of the year, with Ted Varndell as its new President began quietly on Jan. 2, with a short discussion about a zoning change, followed by an Energy Impact presentation and the SSA#33 presentation. During the followup SSA discussion, sparks began flying.

Shed your gray winter doldrums...experience beautiful landscape design creation

The winter weather greatly limits our outside activities and that is a drag. The Chicago region is lacking in snow and snow sports. So, why not learn to create and experience beautiful landscape designs each Saturday

First baby delivered in 2013 at Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center was a girl

Angeline Olivares made her appearance 6:53 a.m. on Jan. 1, as the first baby born in 2013 at Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center (PSMEMC), 2233 W. Division, in Ukrainian Village.

Humboldt Park shooting leads to death

A 25-year-old man was pronounced dead at 7:17 a.m. Sat., Jan. 5. by the Cook County coroners office.

Nominees sought statewide for Governor Quinn's volunteer service awards

Governor Pat Quinn and the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service are accepting nominations for the 4th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards.

Will any of the more than 150 new Illinois laws affect you?

Of the more than 150 new laws in effect in Illinois starting in 2013, there are those that will cost you, those that will protect you and those that you may find downright strange.