Holiday Inn Express Groundbreaking

This past week, Mayor Henry L. Kuspa, joined owners Chirag Patel and Harshil Patel — along with City Officials and other distinguished guests — at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Holiday Inn Express at 4365 Frontage Road next door to the Best Western. 

Other businesses opening soon in Oak Forest include Captain Jack's Beverages at 15211 S. Cicero and DA's Deli at 5201 167th Street.

Additionally, work has begun on removing the Community Pool at 5126 Aldersyde Road.  Plans are underway to offer the land to builders to add two more homes to the Gingerwood subdivision.

Stay tuned for more updates regarding businesses opening soon in Oak Forest. 

7th Annual James P. Morrissy Scholarship 

The recipient of the 2021 Officer James P. Morrissy Memorial Scholarship is Keleigh Birk.  While at Oak Forest High School, Keleigh was captain of the varsity golf team, and was a member of the basketball and soccer teams.

Keleigh was also involved with her school's ecology club, BPA club, and National Honor Society.  Outside of school, Keleigh volunteers at local church food drives, Feed My Starving Children, BBQ for the Brave.  She also shovels snow for neighbors who need assistance.  Additionally, she works at Midlothian Country Club as a caddy and at Delta Sonic as a delta technician.  Keleigh will be attending the University of Illinois in Champaign to pursue a degree in Business.  Congratulations!

Important Update!

Bremen High School District 228 released their 2021-2022 Plan and Update regarding the July 9 CDC Guidelines.

Among the key items mentioned, all students and staff members who are vaccinated will not be required to wear masks. However, the CDC, IDPH, and ISBE strongly recommend that mask be worn by all individuals who are not fully vaccinated.

The entire document can be found at Bremen High School District 228 Plan and Update.

Oak Forest Police Department Warns Residents of Current Scams

Lately there has been numerous scams reported to the Oak Forest Police Department.  An example is Unemployment Fraud.  Here is a list of the most common ones to save and share: 

Unemployment Fraud:
The most common identity theft fraud reported to the Oak Forest Police Department.  It is not necessary to file a police report as you can notify the Illinois Department of Unemployment Security at  https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/Reporting_Unemployment_Insurance_Fraud.aspx 
who will investigate the claim.

Phishing Scams
These emails will often appear authentic from Facebook, Google, or any other common website or company asking you to verify your account, but if you look closely you can often see errors in spelling or the email address it is sent from.  It is important to remember government agencies, law enforcement, and utility companies will not contact you via text message or email to gather information from you or collect payment.  The scammers will often have a foreign accent and be very demanding often threatening arrest for tax fraud, child trafficking, drug trafficking, or other serious offenses.  These scammers will demand payment often through gift cards to Target, Walmart, or Best Buy and will force the victim to stay on the phone while purchasing the gift cards. 

IMPORTANT: IF THEY ARE DEMANDING PAYMENT (ESPECIALLY THROUGH GIFT CARDS) IT IS A SCAM!!!!!

Computer Virus Scam
Online scammers will pop up a Virus notice on your computer or tablet and demand payment or access to your computer to restore access to your computer.  The hackers will often have you call a phone number that will demand payment often through gift cards.  If this occurs shut the windows down and turn off your computer, and bring it to a professional. 

Illinois Department of Transportation Scam
Text messages are being sent to phone numbers with a link provided to verify personal information later used for identity theft purposes.  Ignore and delete the message.

Gypsy Scams
Gypsy scams mostly target the elderly and often occur when the offenders come to a residence uninvited and purport to be some type of utility or construction worker stating they need access to a part of the property (often the backyard) as a distraction technique while other persons burglarize the residence.  It is important to verify these worker's identities either by calling the company verifying the work or calling the police department to respond before allowing access to your property. 

Online Shopping/Marketplace
While shopping online and making a large purchase (vehicle, animal, electronics) make sure to verify the retailer or individual selling the item(s) as legitimate.  Many vehicles sold online are stolen with retagged VINs making them appear legitimate.  Remember, if it seems too good to be true it probably is. 

Also, remember the Oak Forest Police Department has an Internet Purchase Exchange Zone in front of the police department for safe person to person exchanges.  If an online buyer or seller is unwilling to exchange at the police station it should be considered a red flag and proceed with caution.

Please share and discuss with elderly family members and neighbors as they are most often victims of fraud. Remember to regularly check your credit report and statements for fraudulent activity. If you think you have been the victim of identity theft, fraud, or have questions you can call the Oak Forest Police Department at (708) 687-1376.

City of Oak Forest is Hiring!

The City of Oak Forest is looking to fill the following positions:

Public Works Assistant Director

The Public Works Assistant Director is an administrative position that is under the direction of the Director of Public Works.  The primary focus is on construction engineering in both the Public Works and Building Departments.  Secondary duties include assisting in department operations and project development; provides supervises personnel performing design/inspection and surveying. 

Human Resources Manager

Responsible for developing, organizing, planning, and implementing the city’s comprehensive human resources program.

The Human Resources Manager is a department head level position responsible for leadership, management and supervision of Human Resources related programs. The Human Resources Manager reports to the City Administrator.

Part Time Firefighter / Paramedics

Deadline to Purchase and Display Vehicle Stickers is July 31, 2021!

The 2021-2022 Vehicle Stickers are currently on sale through July 31st.  The link to purchase is: Oak Forest Vehicle Sticker V-Pay.  Please reference the "VEHICLE ID" number on your pre-printed application when purchasing a vehicle sticker(s) online at www.oak-forest.org.  

Starting August 1, 2021, the cost of stickers will double and vehicles registered in Oak Forest without stickers will be ticketed.

City Hall is open to the public, but we encourage people to wear face coverings while interacting with city employees.  Thank you!