No Golf Carts For Crete
By Karen Haave Last week, Crete officials voted down a proposed ordinance that would have allowed operating golf carts on village streets. The proposal had been discussed repeatedly and at length for months and met with unwavering opposition from Police Chief Scott Pieritz. His opposition, he said, was based on public safety, golf cart safety,…
Crete’s Winter Coat Drive Unnecessary After All
By Karen Haave A winter-wear drive to help migrants, who might have been dropped off in Crete, turned out to be unnecessary, after all. The humanitarian effort, spearheaded by Police Chief Scott Pieritz, inspired Crete residents to donate hundreds of coats, hats, gloves, and blankets. But unlike other suburban towns, the village never experienced the…
Crete’s Officer Hunt Retires
By Karen Haave The Village of Crete bid farewell to a veteran police officer with a luncheon marking his retirement on March 21. After acknowledging accolades from his colleagues, Officer Richard Hunt conducted his final 10-42 (End of Tour of Duty). “Officer Richard Hunt began his law enforcement career in 1977 as a part-time police…
Pritzker’s Grocery Tax Elimination Has Crete President Displeased
By Karen Haave Crete Village President Michael Einhorn is not happy with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s plan to eliminate the state’s tax on groceries. Einhorn made his feelings known during the March 25 village board meeting, expressing his opposition to State Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-80th House District). He estimated the loss of the 1 percent…
Longtime Crete Code Enforcement/Animal Control Supervisor to Retire
By Karen Haave Longtime Crete Code Enforcement Supervisor and Animal Control Supervisor Marty Braccio is retiring on April 30. Braccio has worked for the village for more than 17 years as the full-time Code Enforcement/Animal Control Supervisor. He also served for 21 years as EMA Director/ Coordinator, a position appointed by Village President Michael Einhorn and…
Crete, Monee Take the Plunge
By Karen Haave Law enforcement teams from Crete and Monee were among the hundreds of participants to take a dip in the icy waters of Lake Manteno for Polar Plunge 2024. Both teams are award-winners recognized for the record amounts of money raised to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Monee Police Department’s Sgt. Teresa Cancialosi said…
Crete to Celebrate Earth Day 2024 with Week Long Celebration
By Karen Haave The Village of Crete will mark Earth Day 2024 with a week-long event from April 22 to 27. Police Chief Scott Pieritz noted during the February 26 board of trustees meeting that the village has previously celebrated Earth Day with an October Clean-up Day. “Several years ago, I created Crete Community Clean-up…
Crete Tables Golf Carts
By Karen Haave Crete officials last week tabled three ordinances regulating golf carts in the village. Trustee John Phelan asked that the discussion and vote be delayed until the March 25 meeting. In a letter to the board, Police Chief Scott Pieritz said he was opposed to golf carts for a myriad of reasons, including…
Chief Would Prefer No Carts for Crete
By Karen Haave If Crete Police Chief Scott Pieritz has his way, there will be no golf carts rolling on village roadways. Pieritz said in a letter to the village board he is opposed to golf carts there, and asked the trustees to reject the proposed ordinance that was slated to be voted on during…
Crete Remains Safe and Secure by Statistics
An overview of 2023 Crete Police Department statistics show the Village of Crete is not immune to crime, but overall remains a very safe and secure community, according to a report from Police Chief Scott Pieritz. In his report to the village board on January 22, Pieritz praised his department’s efforts. “The police department works…
Crete Creates Ordinance Regarding Unscheduled Buses
By Karen Haave The Crete Village Board has approved an ordinance establishing regulations for unscheduled intercity buses, and the discharge of passengers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of residents and visitors to the Village of Crete. Like those being passed in numerous other area villages, the ordinance sets strict criteria needed to control…
Crete Latest to Create Ordinance Aimed at Controlling Unannounced Buses
By Karen Haave Transportation firms making unscheduled deliveries of asylum seekers to train stations just outside of Chicago might want to reconsider drop-offs within the Village of Crete. A tough new ordinance aimed at controlling unannounced buses was included on Monday’s agenda for officials’ consideration during the board of trustees meeting. Its title is a…
Crete Still Talking About Golf Carts
By Karen Haave Crete village officials last week continued discussion about legalizing the use of golf carts on local streets. Focus was on how they would be licensed and inspected, registered and regulated, and where they could and couldn’t travel. While village officials are in favor of investigating how it can work – or not…
Crete Country Christmas Improvements Made a Fantastic Event
By Karen Haave Crete Country Christmas was a little different this year, but the changes only made the 36-year-old event better than ever. Some favorite activities were back, like the popular Reindog Contest. But new this time was a large tent for food vendors, a saloon, and live entertainment. Also added was a Cocoa and…
Crete Looking at Golf Carts
By Karen Haave Crete officials are looking at the possibility of allowing golf carts on village streets. An ordinance has been drafted to permit golf carts there, but Police Chief Scott Pieritz said during the November 27 village board meeting that it would need additional research before he would endorse it. “I am working with…
Bragging Rights for Crete PD
By Karen Haave The Crete Police Department has earned some bragging rights with the accomplishments of two staffers, according to Chief Scott Pieritz. In his report to the village board earlier this month, Pieritz said Deputy Chief Adam Groszek has completed requirements to become “Certified Eligible Police Chief,” one of fewer than 50 police officers…
Crete Approves Solar Farm
By Karen Haave Crete officials have approved a request to annex and rezone a parcel of land on Old Monee Road for the purposes of creating a solar farm. The Ufkes and Ramsey Properties, LLC’s proposed solar farm will be located along the north side of Old Monee Road, west of the railroad tracks and…
