Coyotes have been in the Orland Park area since the late 70s when they used area railroad tracks as highways to Chicago’s south suburbs. The current population is growing because coyotes have no natural predators. They are the number one killer of white-tailed deer fawns.

“Coyotes look like German Shepherds and, at this time of the year, they look very large because their winter coats are in,” explained Orland Park Police Animal Control Officer Steve Stronk. “When they’re wet, they look like a 40 pound dog,” he added.

It is not uncommon to see coyotes in packs of as many as eight. The coyotes’ breeding time is normally in February and March with their pups being born in the spring, April and May, after 60 to 63 days of gestation. Coyotes can have anywhere from five to seven pups in a litter.

“Most coyotes feed on rabbits and mice but they’ll never pass up a free meal,” Stronk noted. “They do eat bird seed and all other animals and birds that feed on the seed,” he explained. Stronk recommends that residents who feed birds and see coyotes in the area should stop feeding the birds for at least a month.

“The Police Department knows of Orland Park residents who --- despite our repeated warnings --- have been feeding coyotes,” Stronk lamented. “This is one of the reasons why coyotes are losing their fear of humans,” he added.

It is illegal to ground feed any animals or birds in the Village of Orland Park.

“We cannot stress enough that people should not feed any wildlife in Orland Park. They must let Mother Nature take its course and let these animals forage for their own food. Whether it’s the geese at the ponds, coyotes, raccoons, deer in your backyard or any other type of wildlife, do not feed them,” Stronk firmly said.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources records show no documented coyote attacks on humans; however, they will attack family pets.

Residents who encounter a coyote are cautioned to never run from it or take their eyes off of it. “If you run, you could engage a predatory instinct and the coyote could give chase,” Stronk explained. Residents who encounter coyotes should yell, scream and wave their arms, making themselves look larger than they actually are.

“If that doesn’t work, throw whatever is handy at the coyote or carry an air horn like boaters use,” Strong suggested, adding, “An air horn should make them leave in a hurry.”

Residents are encouraged to always carry a cell phone when out walking or walking their dogs. “Take your cell phone with you so you can call for help,” Stronk recommended.

Walkers are also encouraged to go to the nearest house for help and ask that the homeowner call 9-1-1 so that a police officer can respond.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of never, ever leaving your family dog or cat to wander alone or unattended outside,” Stronk said. “This is when coyotes have attacked, when they come upon defenseless family pets outside by themselves,” he added. “Do not leave your family pets unattended outside,” Stronk emphasized.

Orland Park is surrounded by forest preserves and the village will always have wildlife in its environs. “We have deer, muskrats, coyotes, geese and more,” Stronk said, adding, “We can’t choose which animals pass through our yards but there are several things we can do to make them not want to stay.”

“Everyone needs to be careful and pay extra attention when it comes to wildlife, especially when it comes to family pets,” Stronk advised, adding that coyote information packets are available at the Orland Park Police Department, 15100 South Ravinia Avenue.

Residents with additional questions about wildlife in the Village of Orland Park may contact Stronk by calling the Police Department’s non-emergency number, 708/349-4111.

The Orland Park Police Department has issued a community alert to make residents and visitors to Orland Park aware of recent criminal activity.

“We’ve received a number of reports of vehicles being broken into,” said Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy. Both commercial and residential areas of the village have shown an increase in motor vehicle burglaries.

“The Police Department has compiled a list of simple reminders to help the public prevent vandalism to their vehicles,” said Lieutenant John Keating of the department’s Investigations Division. “The most obvious reminder is to lock the doors on your vehicle. Locked doors are the first deterrent to vehicle break-ins,” he added.

“During the holiday season, law enforcement agencies across the country remind shoppers to not leave valuables or purchases in plain sight,” McCarthy explained. “This rule holds true throughout the year --- not just when you’re Christmas shopping,” the chief said. “Electronics left on windshields and recent purchases left on the seats make your vehicle a target,” McCarthy said, adding that power cords tell thieves that there’s an electronic device inside of the vehicle.

“Don’t leave purses or bags that look like purses where potential thieves can see them in a vehicle,” the chief warned. “All of our tips are common sense but we oftentimes forget that we need to take that extra step to prevent someone from stealing our personal property,” McCarthy added.

The Police Department’s Investigations Division warns that car burglars will watch the parking areas of restaurants, fitness and entertainment centers, watching for people who place items in the trunks of their cars before entering the establishments.

“Once the thieves see someone place valuables in their trunk, they wait for them to enter the building, break the window and use the automatic trunk opener inside of the car to access the trunk,” McCarthy explained. “This is all done within a matter of seconds and the vehicle owners don’t know what’s happened until they later return to their cars,” the chief added.

“Be aware of your surroundings,” Keating cautioned. “If you have to move valuables to the trunk of your car, don’t do it in a public area where people may be watching you,” he added. “Leave the valuables at home or move them to the trunk before you’re in a public area,” Keating said.

McCarthy noted that the department is working with local businesses asking that they post signs reminding patrons to lock their vehicles and to not leave valuables where they are visible.

“We’ve created a cooperative public education effort, reminding people to take that extra step necessary to protect their personal belongings,” the chief said.

Residents leaving garage doors open have also invited unwanted thefts. “We’re reminding everyone to pay attention to their garage doors, making a conscious note to close the door after entering or leaving their garages,” McCarthy said.

Keating echoed, “When residents leave their garage doors open, they not only give thieves access to their bikes, tools and other garage items, more often than not, they’re giving them access to their house because many families leave their inside garage service doors unlocked. This is a very preventable crime. Close your garage doors.”

Police officials ask that residents pay attention to what’s happening in their neighborhoods.

“If your neighbor’s garage door is open, call them on the phone or go ring the bell to let them know,” McCarthy said. “Or, you can call the Police Department and we’ll either try to close the door or contact the family to let them know,” he added.

Residents are encouraged to pay attention to vehicles in their subdivisions, knowing which of their neighbors travel during the winter months and keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

“Neighbors helping neighbors is the best way to deter crime in residential areas, both single and multi-family,” McCarthy said. “And, using common sense with valuables in your vehicle in public areas will prevent unwanted thefts,” Keating added.

Residents who witness suspicious activity are encouraged to contact the Orland Park Police Department at 708/349-4111 or if it’s an emergency by dialing 9-1-1.

The Village of Orland Park Public Works Department is cautioning residents about the hazards of pushing shoveled snow into the street.

“Orland Park’s snow plows are like those that other northern Illinois agencies use to clear streets,” explained Director of Public Works Ed Wilmes. “The snow is discharged to the right, resulting in a ‘wind row’ at the edge of the street where the snow is discharged from the plow,” he said.

Shoveling homeowners are asked to not shovel or blow the wind row or other snow at the end of the driveway back into the street.

During the last few snow events in Orland Park, plowing crews have discovered a number of homes where the snow has been pushed back into the street.

“This snow then becomes packed down and freezes, creating an unnecessary hazard within a residential area,” Wilmes explained.

Residents should shovel or blow the snow from the end of the driveway onto the parkways next to the drives, paying attention to keep deep accumulations away from pedestrian areas and sidewalks.

Each year, the Orland Park Public Works Department releases its Top Ten List of Snow Tips for village residents.

“We’ve put together our own top ten list to let Orland Park residents know what they can do to help us when it snows,” Wilmes said.

“The most important thing we ask is that residents be patient. All of the streets in the village will be cleared in as short a time as possible, as the storm allows,” the director added.

Orland Park’s snow removal crews plow and salt more than 250 miles of roads throughout the village. The fleet includes twenty-four village owned trucks plowing and salting pre-designated routes. Private contractors are called in to plow when more than two to three inches of snow fall. Staff from the village’s Parks Department plow and shovel village owned properties and provide back-up for Public Works crews.

An integral part of combatting a snowstorm is street salting. In Orland Park, first priority is given to the main streets, those with heaviest year round traffic, followed by secondary thoroughfares and cul-de-sacs. Orland Park is able to store more than 3500 tons of salt under a protective cover throughout the year.

ORLAND PARK’S TOP TEN SNOW TIPS
1. Village ordinance prohibits parking on village streets once two inches of snow has fallen.
2. Parked vehicles must be kept off of the streets for ten hours after it has stopped snowing.
3. When clearing the driveway, residents should place snow on either side of the driveway---on the lawn---and never in the street.
4. Residents should keep garbage cans and recycle bins from rolling into the street on garbage pick up day.
5. Designate curbs with five free stakes available from the Public Works Department.
6. Digging from the street, clear out hydrants so that fire personnel can easily access them if necessary.
7. Do not clear your driveway at the curbline until the snowplow driver has made his last curb pass in front of your residence.
8. Be patient. Every storm is different with many variables. Streets may have to be plowed more than once.
9. Communicate with the Public Works Department. Report any ice formations on the street so that they can be salted. Clear the snow from storm sewers in front of your home so melting snow can easily drain, preventing ice patches.
10. Mailboxes should be kept in good repair and be placed at least one foot behind the curb to avoid damage. It is the residents’ responsibility to clear a safe path around mailboxes to ensure delivery. Homeowners' associations are responsible for clearing the area around cluster mailboxes.

“Public Works personnel are hard working, dedicated people who take great pride in the work that they do. These village employees strive to make the streets as safe as possible for the motoring public,” Wilmes said.

While all of the snow tips are important for an effective removal campaign, Wilmes noted, “One of the biggest problems our drivers face is the number of vehicles that are parked on the street after two inches of snow has fallen.”

“We ask all residents if they know that a snow storm is coming, to move parked vehicles off of the street. This will allow snow crews to complete the plowing faster, safer and in a more efficient manner,” he said.

Further information about Orland Park’s Snow Removal Program is available by calling the village’s Public Works Department at 708/403-6350.

The Village of Orland Park Cashier’s Office is open during regular business hours of 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and now from 8 am to 7 pm on the first and third Mondays of the month for those who wish to pay their water bills in person. The Cashier’s Office will no longer be open on Saturdays.

In addition to making payments in person, the Finance Department Cashier’s Office offers several options for people to pay their water bills.

Pay by Mail
Payments can be made via mail to the address provided on the payment stub. Please allow seven to ten business days for delivery and posting to your account.

Pay Online
Credit card payments can be made online using a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover or by using a debit card with the Visa/MasterCard logo. To register for online payments go to www.orland-park.il.us/billpay.

Pay by Automatic Water Bill Payment Program
Payments can be made automatically from a checking or savings account directly to your water billing account. The transfer will occur on the due date. An Automatic Water Bill Payment Authorization Form must be complete to enroll in this program. To register for the Automatic Water Bill Payment Program, visit the Village’s website at www.orland-park.il.us or call Water Billing at (708) 403-6175. The Authorization Form will need to be printed and mailed or delivered to the Cashier’s Office in the Village Hall.

Pay by Drop Box
Payments can be made by dropping your payment in one of the following water bill drop boxes.
• Inside the Village Hall next to the Finance Department Cashier’s Window
• In front of the Village Hall on the median strip before the circle drive
• At each of the Village’s commuter parking stations located at 143rd, 153rd and 179th Streets
• At the Sportsplex in front of the circle drive

Electronic Bills
The Village offers residents the ability to receive their water bill electronically. Bills are emailed to residents on the same day paper bills are mailed. A link to the on-line bill payment section of the Village's website will be included in the email. To enroll in the program, please compete the Electronic Bill Enrollment Form on our website or call Water Billing at (708) 403-6175.

Change of Information
If you need to change any information on your water billing account, please complete the Water Billing Change of Information Form on the website or call (708) 403-6175.

Orland Park homeowners can learn how to make their homes environmentally friendly while earning points in the village’s Smart Living Orland Park Residential Rewards Program.

The Recreation Department will host “Easy Steps To A Green Star Home” on Saturday, February 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the village’s Cultural Center, 14760 Park Lane.

Jackie Riffice, of Prairie Godmothers, Inc., will lead the free program, presenting tips for conserving water, reducing energy, reclaiming, recycling and maintaining a healthy home environment.

Orland Park’s Residential Rewards Program includes four categories that include ways to reduce a home’s energy consumption. Homeowners may choose which tasks they will complete and earn points to become an “Orland Park Green Star Home.”

“We’ve had a great response to Orland Park’s green initiative,” said Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “People appreciate knowing what they can do to help make their homes more environmentally friendly,” the mayor added.

“As the mayor said when the village unveiled Smart Living Orland Park last year, people wanted to do something but weren’t sure what,” said Trustee Patricia Gira, chair of the village’s Parks, Recreation and Environmental Initiatives Committee. “The village’s green challenges include a number of simple every day ways to conserve energy,” Gira added.

“We’re making information available to help residents make choices that are good for them and for our environment. This is the first step in our green programming for residential usage,” Gira explained. She noted that the village’s Green and Gorgeous Committee, comprised of village residents and business people, will soon choose a development to receive a sustainable landscape plan designed by Prairie Godmothers, Inc. This project will be completed in the spring and will serve as a model for the entire village.

“The Orland Park community is excited about the village’s green efforts and we welcome everyone’s participation,” Gira said.

In late December, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn named the Village of Orland Park Green Team among the 22 individuals and groups statewide to receive the 2009 Environmental Hero Awards. The annual award recognizes a strong commitment to the health and protection of the environment in Illinois.

The volunteer members of Orland Park’s Green Team visit area businesses to offer suggestions to make operations more energy efficient, water efficient and cost effective.

“We’re very proud of our Green Team volunteers,” McLaughlin said. “These people have shown a real commitment to doing what they can to help. Their being honored by the governor gives testament to the important messages they deliver to our local business community,” he added.

“The village recognizes the businesses that participate in our program, doing their part to help the environment,” explained Director of Recreation Nancy Flores. Team members tout the use of CFL bulbs, Orland Hour and other environmentally friendly efforts. “We welcome anyone who would like to be a part of this program,” Flores noted, adding that volunteers should call the department to join.

Orland Park also recently received word that the village has reached its goal to reduce green house gas emissions by 365,900 pounds. According to www.energystar.gov, Orland Park’s community pledges will also save nearly $30,000 in energy costs.

“We’ve been inviting residents to sign onto www.smartlivingop.com to take the Energy Star Pledge,” explained Recreation Program Supervisor Stephanie Simpson. “We were thrilled to know that so many people signed on, promising to make a difference,” she added.

“This past year brought the debut of Orland Park’s green initiative,” Gira noted. “Having two organizations recognize the community’s efforts thus far is a tremendous honor indeed,” she added. “The green movement in Orland Park is strong and we look forward to everyone being a part of it,” she said.

Pre-registration is required for the free workshop on February 20. Open to those age sixteen and older, the workshop is limited to 50 participants.

Registration is available at the village’s Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street and at the Franklin Loebe Recreation Center, 14650 South Ravinia Avenue. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 708/403-7275. Further information about the Village of Orland Park’s SmartLiving Program is available at www.smartlivingop.com.

The United States Census Bureau will offer testing at the Orland Park Civic Center each Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., beginning January 5, 2010. The Civic Center is located at 14750 South Ravinia Avenue, one block west of LaGrange Road/US Route 45.

“The Census Bureau has a number of positions available for area residents who want to work locally,” said Orland Park Village Clerk David Maher. “Being a part of the census is a great way to make some money and to help your community at the same time,” he added.

Positions available for Census 2010 include census takers, crew leaders, crew leader assistants, recruiting assistants and census clerks.

Marilyn Gallivan, of the U.S. Census Bureau, encourages area residents to take advantage of the local testing.

“We invite people to take the practice test on line at www.2010censusjobs.gov and then call to schedule their testing at the Orland Park Civic Center,” she explained, noting that test takers need not live in Orland Park to test at the Civic Center.

Prospective census workers may call 815-221-4470 to register for testing at the Orland Park Civic Center.

“The 2010 Census is very important to Orland Park,” Maher noted, adding, “The number of residents counted dictates the amount of government funding received for schools, health care, roads, housing and other services.”

The Village of Orland Park, together with the American Cancer Society will host the tenth annual Chefs’ Auction for Breast Cancer Research on Thursday, February 18, 2010 from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Orland Chateau, 14500 South LaGrange Road, Orland Park.

Top restaurants/chefs from the south suburbs will provide samples of their signature dishes for attendees to taste. Guest will also enjoy wine, ales, coffees and witness artistic creations from “You Art What You Eat,” while listening to beautiful music.

The highlight of the event is the live auction with Mayor Dan McLaughlin serving as auctioneer. This is a chance for guests to bid on entertainment packages generously donated by the participating restaurants to help raise funds for breast cancer research.

Advance tickets are available at Orland Park’s Franklin Loebe Recreation Center, 14650 South Ravinia Avenue and at the Village Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street. Ticket sales are limited to 350 guests. Tickets are $55.00 per person or $90.00 per couple. Corporate tables of ten are available for $600.00 with a number of promotional opportunities. Businesses and individuals also have the opportunity to purchase ad space in the event program.

For more information, please call the Village of Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department at (708) 403—7275 or (708) 645-7529.
Chefs' Auction Flyer

All levels of athletes are invited to participate in the Village of Orland Park Recreation Department’s Eighth Annual Indoor Duathlon on Saturday, March 6.

The competition will begin at 7:15 a.m. at the Village of Orland Park Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street, in Orland Park.

The 13-mile duathlon consists of a 1.5-mile run, a 10-mile stationary bike ride, and ends with a second 1.5-mile run. Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place finishers, both men and women. Each participant will receive a long sleeve t-shirt.

To help participants prepare for the Duathlon, the Recreation Department will again hold its Duathlon Training Camp on Saturday mornings January 9 through February 27. The cost for the camp is $45 for Sportsplex members, $50 for residents and $75 for non-residents.

“The camp helps people improve their pace, increase distance and prevent injury,” explained Village of Orland Park Fitness Manager Deborah Geghen.

Pre-registration is required for the Duathlon before March 5 or until the event fills. The cost to participate is $20 for Sportsplex members, $25 for Village of Orland Park residents and $30 for non-residents.

“Each year, we have more and more people registering for the village’s duathlon,” said Village of Orland Park Fitness Manager Deborah Graham. “It’s a great way to stay competitive and fit during the winter months,” she added.

“We’ve had people from all over the Chicago area and some from Michigan and Indiana come to Orland Park to compete in our duathlon,” Graham said. “One year, we had a number of Navy Seals from the Great Lakes Naval Base travel to Orland Park to compete. They were looking for something unusual to do indoors and Orland Park’s duathlon was just right for them,” she added.

Registration for the Duathlon Training Camp and the event itself is available at the Loebe Recreation Center, 14650 South Ravinia or at the village’s Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street. For more information, call the Village of Orland Park Sportsplex at 708/645-PLAY.

The Village of Orland Park is hoping to warm some hearts this winter, along with some heads, hands and more. Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin and Village Clerk Dave Maher have teamed up to lead Orland Park’s “Warm a Heart Winter Drive.”

“We’re calling on residents to donate new winter hats, scarves, and mittens for needy children and adults,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin.

Orland Park is collecting the items beginning October 1 through the winter months. Collected items will then be delivered to those in need.

Contributions may be delivered to the Frederick T. Owens Village Hall at 14700 South Ravinia Avenue or the village’s Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street.

“We’ve had a number of people come into the Village Hall, asking how they can help this season, especially with so many families having a hard time with the current economy,” said Orland Park Village Clerk Dave Maher.

“When we first offered this program two years ago, the community’s response was wonderful,” said Deputy Village Clerk Joe LaMargo. “Now, with many families struggling to make ends meet, winter wear may not be a part of a family’s budget. That’s where our donations will help keep people warm this winter,” LaMargo added.

Further information is available by calling the Office of Special Services at 708/403-6188.

Learn more about the Main Street Triangle Development Main Street Triangle Development

Landlords and/or property agents are required to attend one (8 hour) landlord training seminar. Registration is required and must be completed a minimum of 10 days prior to the class you choose. A minimum of 10 persons are needed for a seminar.

Wednesday, February 10, CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF ATTENDEES

Tuesday, February 16, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Wednesday, February 17, CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF ATTENDEES

Wednesday, March 3, 6:00 pm tp 10:00 pm

Wednesday, March 10, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Satuday, March 27 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Registration needs to be made 10 days prior to the training date and a minimum of 10 attendees is required or the seminar will be cancelled.

Location: Orland Park Police Department
15100 S. Ravinia Avenue
Community Training Room

For information or questions, call 708-403-6178.

The Village of Orland Park is looking for one village neighborhood to participate in our Green and Gorgeous Beautification Program.

Do you want to lower your utility bills and have a more energy efficient household? Take a look at our new Residential Rewards Program.