Results tagged “niles”

Donald Kolakowski of Niles has been charged with theft after he took home a puppy from a Petland store that he said was his but wasn't. According to the police Kolakowski saw a sign on the puppy's cage that said "I'm going home soon" and convinced an employee he was there to pick the dog up. She didn't ask for a receipt, and he apparently left with the miniature pinscher, who actually cost $1,600. The dog has been returned to the store, and Kolakowski, currently on parole, was releaed on bond.[Trib, Pioneer Local.]

Niles Mayor Nicholas Blase is set to retire today after 47 years in office. The 80-year-old great-grandfather is facing federal charges of accepting more than $420,000 in an insurance kickback scheme, which he doesn't mention as one of his reasons for stepping down. "At 80 years of age and 47 years of Mayoring, I am tired," Blase wrote in a letter to Niles residents. "I am retiring early so a Mayor candidate can start campaigning now without the question β€˜is Mayor Blase going to run again?’”

Stray fireworks and gunfire weren't the only thing Fourth of July revelers had to look out for yesterday -- another danger loomed large. Shriners! One driving a go-kart in a parade in Niles went out of control and struck two kids and two adults before winding up in a bush with a woman still on the hood. Everyone escaped with only minor injuries. In other news, the Chicago City Council is now considering a ban on Shriners. [Trib]

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