Cook County briefs
Hoffman's Bostrom honored
Dean Bostrom, executive director for the Hoffman Estates Park District, earned the Honored Professional Award at the Illinois Association of Park Districts annual conference. The association has given out the award since 2003. It recognizes a park or recreational official who encourages board members and other residents to become advocates for the park district, working with other agencies to help the community. Park board President Craig Bernacki credited Bostrom, who joined the park district 12 years ago, with turning it around. Bernacki noted its stable tax rate, which hasn't changed in a decade. The district has been named a finalist for the National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal two years in a row, and recently Bostrom oversaw the opening of the new Vogelei Park.
Deer Park election objections
Both Deer Park village president candidates and all six trustee candidates have received at least one objection each to their candidacy petitions. Hearings will be at 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the village barn, 23570 W. Cuba Road in Deer Park for the two sets of candidates. Objections to trustee candidates Dale Sands, Keith Olson, John Lahr, William Koutsis, Joyce Trost Beattie and William Michael will be heard first by an electoral board consisting of Village President Scott Gifford, senior Trustee Dave Kizior and Village Clerk Susan Meyle. For the second hearing on the objections against Gifford and his own opponent, Trustee Bob Kellermann, Gifford will be replaced on the electoral board by the second senior Trustee Patricia Plautz. There were a total of 10 objections filed by two residents, with Gifford and Beattie receiving two each.
Senior tax deadline soon:
Seniors are reminded that they must reapply every year for the senior assessment freeze for property taxes. The filing deadline is Feb. 18 for seniors who earned up to $55,000 in 2007. Also, senior and disabled clients must file yearly for the Circuit Breaker in order to continue getting benefits for prescription drug assistance, license plate discount and property tax grant. Schaumburg Township also provides tax volunteers to assist in income tax filing for residents 60 or older or who are disabled. Appointments required. Call the township at (847) 884-0030.