REGINA LEWIS LAUNCHES 24th WARD ALDERMANIC CAMPAIGN IN PARTY ATMOSPHERE

 Longtime Lawndale social service provider & recovery home operator Regina D. Lewis opens her campaign office at 819 S. Pulaski Rd. with a festive parade through the neighborhood. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

 On The March: Regina D. Lewis, 24th Ward Aldermanic candidate & her campaign workers don’t let Chicago’s winter weather prevent them from carrying her message door-to-door through North Lawndale. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Congressman Danny K. Davis drops by to encourage 24th Ward Aldermanic candidate Regina Lewis at the opening of her headquarters at 819 S. Pulaski Rd., and the launch of her campaign. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

JASON ERVIN KICKS OFF HIS CAMPAIGN

Ald. Jason Ervin’s parents, Thelma & former Chicago Police Commander Claudell Ervin come out to support their son’s election bid. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

 Ald. Jason Ervin surrounded by supporters at B&B’s Bar & Grill, 4422 W. Madison St. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Ald. Jason Ervin meets with Women For Ald. Ervin at B&B’s Bar & Grill, 4422 W. Madison St. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

IT’S SCIENCE FAIR TIME AGAIN!

AUSTIN SCHOOLS WORKING TO IMPROVE STUDENT PROFICIENCY IN SCIENCE

Scores on a recent national science exam reveal that American elementary and high school students are lagging in their knowledge of science. Schools in Austin are working hard to reverse this trend by emphasizing hands-on exploration of science. The University of Illinois Extension Science Bus visited Ella Flagg Young School with lessons in mass, weight, and density to help students grasp concepts of physics.
State Senator Don Harmon visited St. Angela students in their new science laboratories. Duke Ellington School hosted the Area 3 Science Fair with 48 students from 17 elementary schools presenting their projects.

BIG MA PEEPLES, AUSTIN TACO RESTAURANT OWNER, DIES AT 74

Shirley Mae Peeples, member of the family who owns the popular Peeples Taco Restaurant in Austin, died January 21, a day after her 74th birthday.

Shirley Mae Peeples, lovingly known as Big Ma, member of the family owners of the popular Peeples Taco Restaurant at 5944 West Chicago Avenue in Austin, died in her sleep January 21, a day after her 74th birthday. She was born January 20, 1937, in Collins, Arkansas. Her mother died in childbirth, so Shirley was raised by her grandparents, Reverend J.T. and Ophelia McNealey. She earned her diploma from Drew County High School in Monticello, Arkansas, in 1955.
    After graduation, Shirley moved to Chicago, where she met and married Norman Peeples in 1959. They had four children: Latrice, Derrick, Clarence, and Jimmy. Shirley attended cosmetology school and was employed by Zenith until 1965, when she and Norman became entrepreneurs by launching the now well-known Peeples Tacos Restaurant.
    Big Ma was known for her hospitality, which always included her great cooking. Two of Big Ma’s favorite pastimes were all-day shopping trips and dining out with family and friends. She was also an active member of Greater Open Door Church.
    Shirley died in her sleep on January 21. She leaves her loving husband of 51 years, Norman; her daughter Latrice; sons Derrick (Nikki), Clarence (Barbara), and Jimmy. She is also survived by her uncle, Rufus McNealey of Milwaukee, 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 5 brothers-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law; a God-daughter, Elaine Starks; a special friend, Ora Clay; and a host of family members and friends.
Services are at Greater Open Door Baptist Church, 1301 South Sawyer Avenue.

HARRISON DISTRICT COPS SEIZE 100 POUNDS OF WEED ON LAKE STREET PLUS 9 GUNS

Fernando Camarillo of Melrose Park is charged with felony Cannabis Trafficking and gun charges. Police seized over $700,000-worth of marijuana from his 5100 W. Lake St. car sales business, along with 4 semi-automatic handguns. Police also recovered 5 guns from Camarillo’s Melrose Park home.

Chicago Police Harrison (11th) District Tactical officers seized over 100 pounds of cannabis, 8 handguns, and one shotgun during execution of search warrants at 8:30 PM Sunday evening, January 23, in the 5100 block of Lake Street and at a residence in the western suburbs. Fernando Camarillo, 43, of the 2500 block of Landen in Melrose Park, was charged with one felony count of Cannabis Trafficking-over 5,000 grams, one count of City Ordinance Business License Required, and four City Ordinance weapons violations, after Harrison District Tactical officers learned that a motor vehicle sales business was operating without the required business license and as a front for drug sales.
    The search warrant was executed to investigate the validity of Camarillo’s place of business. During a subsequent search of the premises, police discovered and took possession of several boxes containing multiple bags of cannabis, totaling over 100 pounds, with an estimated street value of over $700,000, and four semi-automatic handguns.
    Police then drove to Camarillo’s residence where he was taken into custody and charged.
    A search of his home resulted in officers recovering an additional four semi-automatic handguns and a shotgun. One of the guns was found to be stolen, resulting in a continuing investigation that could result in additional weapons charges.