Jim Dudlicek

Jim Dudlicek is a freelance writer for the Chicago Tribune who grew up in Oak Lawn and started his journalism career in the south suburbs.

Will County native Darrell Holmquist was awarded by the state historical society for his book about life in New Lenox during World War I. (Darrell Holmquist)

Three Southland authors earn Best of Illinois awards from State Historical Society

May 24, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

Three authors with ties to the south suburbs were among the recipients of Best of Illinois 2026 awards from the Illinois State Historical Society, announced last month.

Longtime Celebrating Seniors Coalition volunteer Pat Koko, center, accepts a donation to the group from Kathy and Joe DeMaira of DeMaira Dance Studios during The Dance Exhibition on March 1 at Dominican University. (DeMaira Dance Studios)

Dancing exhibition unites young and old for Celebrating Seniors Week

May 5, 2026 at 5:07 a.m.

Dancing Exhibit funds Celebrating Seniors Week 2026 in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park, with a variety of events planned.

Linda Poggensee, of La Grange, pauses for a photo March 1 at the finish line of the Tokyo Marathon. It was the culmination of a 6-month effort that started when she broke her leg during the Chicago Marathon in October. (Bob Poggensee)

La Grange runner completes Tokyo Marathon months after breaking femur at Chicago Marathon

April 5, 2026 at 5:16 a.m.

Linda Poggensee of La Grange broke her femur during the Chicago Marathon, but wasn't going to miss her chance to run the Tokyo Marathon.

About 75 people gathered to hear musicians, storytellers and poets share their art during the Peace & Protest: The Art of Resistance program Saturday, March 21, at the Flossmoor Community House in Flossmoor. (Jim Dudlicek/Pioneer Press)

Protest songs make a comeback at Art of Resistance program in Flossmoor

March 24, 2026 at 5:06 p.m.

Performers, poets, artists and artisans came together for an emotionally charged evening of protest and peace in Flossmoor.

Liz Rench, rabbit coordinator for the Animal Care League in Oak Park, observes how pet rabbit Henry, top, reacts while meeting potential new companion Iris, a shelter animal. According to Rench, rabbits are the third most common companion animal in the United States. (Jim Dudlicek/Pioneer Press)

Rabbit rescues spike after Easter, and Oak Park shelter works to find them new homes

March 6, 2026 at 2:02 p.m.

The Animal Care League in Oak Park said they see a spike in abandoned rabbits a few months after Easter, and works to get them new homes.

Peter Jordan, of Flossmoor, will be making his Chicago premiere as a headliner in “A Candlelight Jazz Tribute to Luther Vandross,” a Valentine’s Day performance at Logan Center, with a portion of the proceeds going to support area high school musicians. (Peter Jordan)

Flossmoor’s Peter Jordan brings his love for jazz full circle with Logan Center show

February 11, 2026 at 5:02 a.m.

Flossmoor resident Peter Jordan has performed alongside Ben E. King among others, and is performing Feb. 14 at Logan Center in Chicago.

Sacajawea Park and Kelli’s Playground in Indian Head Park will be improved with funding support from a $385,000 state grant. (Jim Dudlicek/Pioneer Press)

Kelli’s Playground in Indian Head Park to get $771K upgrade

February 10, 2026 at 12:56 p.m.

Indian Head Park has been awarded a $385,500 state grant for the redevelopment of Sacajawea Park and Kelli’s Playground.

Flossmoor resident Tom Dobrez takes questions from the audience during a screening Jan. 17 of his documentary, "Flossmoor: A More Perfect Place," at the Homewood Science Center. (Jim Dudlicek/Daily Southtown)

Hometown author’s labor of love showcases community spirit of Flossmoor via book and film

February 1, 2026 at 5:04 a.m.

Tom Dobrez’s documentary film, “Flossmoor: A More Perfect Place” and accompanying book were met with enthusiasm at a recent screening.

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