ORLAND PARK, IL Officers of the Orland Park Police Department will soon be testing out an officer-worn body camera program. Village officials unanimously passed the memorandum of agreement between the village and the Metropolitan Alliance of Police the union representing Orland Park's police officers.

According to the memorandum, the village is committed to the body worn camera pilot program, and body cams are an effective law enforcement tool that can reduce violent confrontations and complaints against officers.

Officers will be testing cameras by three separate vendors, according to Orland Park Police Chief Joe Mitchell. The Axon body camera system is set to begin field testing in early November for 30 days, followed by Watch Guard and lastly, Panasonic in early 2021.

The agreement states that body worn cameras provide additional documentation of police and public encounters and may be an important tool for collecting evidence and maintaining public trust.

Mitchell said that due to considerable expenses in implementing the program, the department is doing its due diligence in determining the best platform for eventual permanent field use. He added the departments will be looking at the proper hardware, software and storage requirements, seeking to be fiscally responsible in the use of taxpayer funds.

"The department will be putting each body worn camera through its paces to determine the strengths and ultimately the weaknesses of each system in the field," Mitchell said.

Both the union and the village agreed to discuss the appropriate use of body worn cameras, if the program is successful and results in the expansion to all sworn-in officers, according to the agreement.

The overall goal of the pilot program is to understand the need for cameras, anticipated benefits, costs, uses and privacy impact, according to the memorandum. The program will mainly have traffic control officers wearing these cameras, but say the program is not limited to traffic use.

Mitchell said the decision to implement the program was his and didn't come due to any previous incidences, nor was it suggested from any residents.

"The department has and will always continue to be proactive in the use of technology to accomplish our mission of protecting and serving the residents and people who chose to come to the Village of Orland Park to visit, work, eat or play," Mitchell said.

The police chief said this new tool is useful because it will help police gather evidence of crime and support the actions of officers, and potentially "safeguard" officers and the department from any false allegations of wrongdoing.

"Time and time again, department equipped vehicles with in-car video systems, have unequivocally refuted claims of violations of policy and procedures made by people that are stopped by the men and women of the Orland Park Police Department. Body worn cameras will be able to capture video far away from a department vehicle. Additionally, the union and sworn members of the department are in complete support of this pilot program," Mitchell said.

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Orland Police Officers To Wear Body Cameras, Test New Program - Patch.com

SPRING, TX -- South Montgomery County Firefighters responded to a fire alarm just around dinner time Wednesday at the Rayford Edge apartments located at 25650 I-45 South. When the first unit arrived they found that a cooking fire had started in an apartment in building 7, but was quickly extinguished when a fire sprinkler in the kitchen was activated by the heat. The occupant reported that he had been cooking when cooking oil ignited a fire on the stove and began spreading smoke and heat throughout his apartment. Before he could even call 911, the buildings fire sprinkler system activated and contained the fire to the top of the stove.

Firefighters checked to make sure the fire was out and cleared up the smoke in the apartment before turning the building back over to management. Fortunately, for the other residents and the buildings owner, the building had been equipped with a fire sprinkler system after it was destroyed by a previous fire. Many older apartment complexes were built before modern codes required them to be protected by fire sprinklers. In 2008, Montgomery County Commissioners Court adopted a County Fire Code after a series of disastrous fires and that code requires fire sprinklers be installed in all new multi-family buildings, including buildings like this one that are modernized or rebuilt after previous fires. Had the fire broke out in any of the other existing buildings in the complex that are not equipped with fire sprinklers, it would undoubtedly have spread further and led to extensive damage, risking the lives of residents and firefighters.

The Montgomery County Fire Marshals Office has been working with owners of older multi-family complexes to bring them up to modern safety standards during major renovation projects. Two of the more dramatic examples are taking place at the Woodglen and Holly Creek Apartment complexes in The Woodlands. Both are undergoing renovation and ownership is committed to installing fire sprinkler systems in every building in both complexes after past fires have left residents homeless or worse. The vast majority of the nearly 3000 annual fire deaths in the Nation occur each year in residential property, with multi-family buildings at higher risk due to the number of occupants and sheer building size.

While fire sprinklers are the best protection, and required in all new multi-family construction, tenants should make sure that there are working smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway and living area. Under State Law, Texas Landlords are required to provide working smoke alarms in all residential rental property. Tenants are responsible for testing them, replacing batteries as needed and may not tamper with or disable any fire protection device, including fire sprinklers and smoke alarms.

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Fire Sprinkler System Stops Apartment Fire Dead in its Tracks - Woodlands Online

(Shutterstock Photo)

Automated irrigation systems can make lawn and landscape easy unless the system has been poorly maintained.

Broken sprinkler heads, hardware, and clogged lines can cause poor irrigation, over-saturation, and standing water. Neglecting irrigation problems can quickly lead to damaged landscapes, a heaving foundation, higher utility bills, and repair costs.

Keep your irrigation system in good working order by performing routine system checks.

AMWUA suggests that the system be checked monthly for leaks, clogged emitters, and other problems.

Turn on the system at least 30 minutes before the inspection to allow enough time for emitter wetting patterns to show.

Walk through the yard, checking the pipe/poly tubing for leaks, and checking each water distribution endpoint (emitters or micro tubing) to see if it is functioning properly. Because chipmunks find the small tubes tasty, look for tiny gnaw marks and punctures.

Replace or repair damaged or clogged emitters and micro tubing.

Check the location of water distribution endpoints. Emitters and micro tubing can be moved as a result of yard maintenance activity (i.e., raking) and pet activity (i.e., digging). Return stray emitters and micro tubing to their proper positions.

Check the schedule on your irrigation controller. Sometimes power failures and other factors will cause the controller to return to a default schedule. Reset the controller if necessary. If the weather has changed, reprogram the controller to accommodate changing plant water needs.

AMWUA also suggests annual maintenance, preferably during the spring.

1. Flush the irrigation lines. Start with the cap that is closest to the control valve and work your way toward the end of the system.

Flush each line for about a minute, until the water runs clear. Remember to close each cap before moving on to the next. Do not allow contaminated water to flow back into the line. Check valve boxes to make sure they are clear of debris.

2. Clean and inspect the filters. Inspect filter screens for holes. Replace as needed.

Clean the system by opening the end of the filter and turning on the system briefly.

If there is calcium buildup on the screen, remove it and soak it in a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent vinegar until the buildup is removed.

3. Replace the controller battery. A fresh battery will save the programmed information and prevent the controller from reverting to the default program in the event of a power failure.

Sprinkler heads: According to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, older irrigation pop-up heads can waste as much as 30 percent of the water they distribute. Their fine spray can easily be blown away. Invest in new units that will deliver the water in droplets at half of the typical rate of a traditional head and are less likely to be caught by a breeze.

When sprinkler heads are missing or broken, water wont be evenly distributed across the lawn thus, causing wet spots, dry spots, and runoff. Check all sprinkler heads to ensure they are in the right position and angle. A bump from a lawnmower or foot can distribute more water to one side than the other, also causing uneven watering and dry spots.

A clogged sprinkler head may result in a rise in water pressure that can cause significant damage throughout the irrigation system. Clogs are typically caused when dirt or other debris becomes lodged within a sprinkler head or other outlet. Look for dry grass or browning plants in areas that are typically well irrigated or standing water beneath a sprinkler are common signs that a clog may be present.

Hardware, rust and corrosion: Dont blow a gasket. Literally, dont blow a gasket. Replace gaskets, seals, and valves before they wear out to prevent decreased water flow, or even increased water flow in spots it shouldnt be.

Rust and corrosion may appear on metal parts and components that directly come into contact with moisture. Irrigation systems typically use pipes, fixtures, and other hardware that are specifically designed to resist corrosion, yet rusting hardware is still an issue. Rusty water or reduced performance is a sign the irrigation system is due for service and maintenance.

Change and monitor control settings: Different plants have different watering needs depending on the season. They may require much more water during the peak heat of summer than they do in the cooler, wetter months. Change controller settings to adjust to your landscapes needs, including the run time of your irrigation system.

Be mindful of the monsoon season. If it has been particularly dry, you may need to increase the watering or decrease if it has been a wet season.

When to hire a professional: Maintaining an irrigation system can be a difficult undertaking for those who dont know what to look for.

Finding, identifying, and repairing broken lines or hardware that may be the root of a problem can be challenging. Make sure all areas are diagnosed and repaired by hiring a professional, licensed, reputable landscaper who has a lot of experience with irrigation systems.

Regular maintenance and tune-ups will keep your landscape the envy of your neighborhood, plus, it will also prevent water waste.

Helpful resources:

For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert for 35 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the Rosie on the House radio program from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays on KTAR-FM (92.3) in Phoenix, 9 to 11 a.m. on KAFF-AM (930) in Flagstaff, and 10 to 11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson.

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Making sure the grass is always greener on your side of the fence - KTAR.com

Published on October 14 2020 8:14 amLast Updated on October 14 2020 8:14 amWritten by Greg Sapp

Many people have made the journey to the Thompson Mill Covered Bridge near Cowden.

Now, the journey won't be quite as sweet after vandals caused damage to the structure.

Someone set trash inside the bridge on fire. Cowden Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Jim Allsop said there is a hole three feet around in the floor of the bridge. A couple of beams were also damaged.

The incident occurred over the weekend. Allsop said his department was called to the scene, along with Herrick and Tri-County Fire Protection District firefighters, but the latter two agencies were called off once Allsop had the chance to examine the fire scene.

The bridge has not been used for vehicular traffic since a new bridge was built beside the historic structure, but it is still under IDOT jurisdiction so it will be up to the State agency whether repairs will be made.

Allsop said the damage might not have occurred but for budget constraints. He said the bridge was refurbished about 10 years ago including lighting and a sprinkler system just in case of incidents such as the one over the weekend, but a lack of funds led to the lighting and sprinkler system being shut off.

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Vandals Cause Fire Damage to Thompson Mill Covered Bridge - Effingham's News Leader

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Smiling eyes and excited chatter filled the air as Orland Township seniors happily entered the Orland Chateau for the Township's popular Senior Drop-In - socializing, card games and a long-awaited session of bingo, according to the office of Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady.

Due to the pandemic stay-at-home order, Orland Township suspended most senior activities, including drop-in, back in early March. After an eight- month hiatus, Township seniors were happy to see each other and get back to a regular activity.

Supervisor O'Grady was on hand to welcome the seniors back and made his way around the room to speak to each and every senior in attendance.

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"We have missed our Orland Township seniors and have been working on a way to restart our popular senior group activities in a way that is safe for everyone," said O'Grady. "Since our activity center is unavailable for our regular activities until after the holiday season, we have worked out an agreement with the Orland Chateau to have drop-in once a week, on Tuesdays, for our seniors and to also have senior luncheons in November and December."

The Orland Township Activity Center will be unavailable due to being an early voting site for the presidential election and then utilized to sort donations for the upcoming holiday programs. In previous years, Senior Drop-In has not been held during the month of December due to sorting for the Holiday Program.

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Following CDC guidelines, bingo attendees are required to wear masks except when eating or drinking. Tables are spaced for social distancing and will have no more than six individuals at a table.

Every Tuesday, through the end of January, Orland Township will hold senior drop-in and bingo at the Orland Chateau, 14500 S. LaGrange Rd., Orland Park, with the following measures in place:

Orland Township will also be hosting senior holiday luncheons in November and December. Information for those luncheons, including when tickets will go on sale, will be available at a later date.

For more information on Orland Township's senior bingo or to reserve your seat, call the Township at (708) 403-4222.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch? Register for a user account.

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Orland Township Senior Drop-In Returns - Patch.com

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Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Market Globally Expected to Drive Growth Through 2019-2025 - PRnews Leader

Water represents the lifeblood of many industries, but especially agriculture. Agricultural success is highly dependent on irrigation that covers approximately 9.6 million acres with roughly 34 million acre-feet of water during an average year. In years of droughts, the agricultural industry is severely impacted, and so growers worldwide are taking necessary steps toward innovations and technology to maximize the water they have and sustain agriculture.

For the U.S., the question is, will innovation happen fast enough to sustain growers through seasons with the greatest droughts, while still meeting the most stringent regulatory restrictions?

The pressure to find innovative ways to maximize available water is especially acute in California since the agriculture industry accounts for almost 80% of all the water used in the state. For example, the California drought that occurred from 2014 to 2016 resulted in statewide economic losses of approximately $3.8 billion. So, if droughts have highlighted anything, it is the importance of embracing new technologies that help to optimize water management and mitigate the risks of any future disasters.

We spoke with Jared Hutchings, agronomist and consultant for Sentry Ag Services, LLC, who has a keen understanding of the water issues specific to California. Born and raised around agronomy, he is passionate about how to optimize the use of water in farming, delivering the best possible value at the highest efficiency.

The California drought opened the eyes of many people, forcing them to ask the hard questions on whether they are doing everything they can to be more water efficient. We are entering a period where being water deficient will be a reality. Attention must therefore focus on how to manage it right, he said.

Of course, complicating matters is that there is no universal solution to the problem. Every farm is different, and depending on their means and motivation, some farmers are more progressive than others. The drought has pushed even the most conservative farmers to look at ways to innovate further. Today, there is an increased awareness of water use and how implementing something as straightforward as flow meters on wells will make a massive difference, said Hutchings. He believes that introducing flow meters are the primary and most effective way of bringing awareness into how much water farmers are and should use. Additionally, Jared noted that soil surfactants have always played an important role in reducing crop physiological stresses, and will now be even more in the spotlight.

More farmers will start experimenting with this type of technology to improve their water efficiency, says Hutchings. The first to use soil surfactants have been farmers with high value crops. They have more flexibility with their sprinkler systems and typically have more money to experiment. These farmers can water to the exact specifications of what their crop requires and are not reliant on a more typical flood system.

The introduction of Californias Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) will also help water efficiency, but at the same time apply pressure to many small growers without the means or know-how to adapt to these restrictions. Even though it was enacted in 2014, the learning process has only really started kicking in now with growers trying to figure out how to best implement changes to meet the requirements. To this end, the state is already one year into a five-year information gathering exercise about water usage. Once completed, regulation will then be enforced, with growers getting an allocation of how much water they can pump out of the ground.

Hutchings explains, While [growers] provided some input on the legislation, they could have been more aggressive in doing so. Unfortunately, getting [growers] to agree on anything is extremely hard as historically everybody does things their way. The industry predicts that 30% of farmable acres will be taken out when SGMA is fully implemented, which will have a significant impact.

According to Hutchings, those farmers not in irrigation districts with two sources of water will be in trouble and potentially need to shut down full farming operations. In general, the closer to the mountains you are, the better off you will be. The further west your farm is, the more you should be concerned. When the regulation combines with a lack of education from the non-agronomic community who does not understand the issues well enough, the situation can become dire. So many livelihoods are impacted by water and the public [does] not fully appreciate it. Some people do not see the value of farmers, believing produce just magically appears in stores.

Growers need water. The reality is that they will need to focus on achieving efficiency in water usage for the rest of their careers. Those who embrace technological innovation and harness it now will be able to sustain their passion for farming.

Tom Wood is GM of Belchim Crop Protection USA. He can be reached at [emailprotected] See all author stories here.

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Rock and a Hard Place: Constrained U.S. Growers See Future in Water Innovation - Agribusiness Global

Melinda Hill| Wayne County Extension

Wayne County Fall is really a beautiful time of year, the warm glowing colors, the crisp mornings and in our case, baby calves to watch run and jump in the fields.

Its been a long time for me since science class so I found the following information a great reminder when it showed up in my email this week. Why do leaves fall? If they stayed on the tree it wouldnt be good for the tree.

When cold weather comes, the cells in the leaves would rupture, making them useless for photosynthesis, in which light energy is converted to chemical energy and keeps them alive. If the leaves didnt fall, they would increase the stress on the trees limbs when snows come, causing many of the limbs to break.

So we get the color in the leaves as the weather begins to cool and the chlorophyll production stops, revealing the reds and yellows that have been there all along. Then we get to enjoy the colors as we travel with the realization that next spring we will see the blossoms and leaves begin the cycle once again.

While I love the colors of the season, the falling of the leaves prompts me to think about the clean up around the home that needs to be done. Heres a few items that might need to have attention if you are a homeowner this fall.

Have your furnace or heating system serviced by a qualified service company. The guidance is every year for an oil furnace and every other year for gas furnace. Change the filter before turning on the heat, order new ones if needed so you have a supply to change according to your owners guide. Make sure all vents/registers, in the home are clear and clean. Vacuum electric baseboard heaters to remove dust.

If you have a chimney, with a working fireplace or woodstove, its also time to have it cleaned and inspected for safety.

Cleaning out the gutters is essential after the leaves come down so the weight doesnt cause damage to them through the winter snows.

Check the downspouts and splash blocks, water should flow freely away from the home, no ponding or erosion around the foundation.

Check the smoke alarm and carbon-monoxide detector and replace batteries

Weatherize with caulking, weather stripping, or sealing around windows, doors, etc.

Remove screens, and if they need cleaning or repairing do it now so they will be ready in the spring.

Check your sump pump and make sure its in working condition

Take a walk around the house and make sure siding is in good condition, caulk or repair as needed.

Unhook water hoses from outside faucets and drain sprinkler systems. Wrap pipes with heat tape if pipes are exposed to winter weather.

Vacuum radiator grills on refrigerators and freezers for them to work efficiently.

Check basement drains or outside entrance to be free from debris.

Clean and put away patio furniture and grills

Seal decks or other wooden structures, inspect for damage or rot to repair

Check exterior lights and replace as needed.

Your home is an investment and taking care of the little things will help to prevent the big expenses in the future. Take a walk and do an inspection with a list to follow up on, you will be happy you did in the long run.

If owning a home has been a goal for you and your family I would like to let you know that we will be having a series of classes beginning in November (10, 17, 24 and Dec 1) at 5:30 p.m.to share information on becoming a home owner. If you would like to know more details, contact the office at 330-264-8722 or my email at hill.14@osu.edu.

Melinda Hill is an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and may be reached at 330-264-8722.

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There is a science to why leaves fall in the fall - Wooster Daily Record

Honoring Columbus Day and American tradition

By Ray Hanania

Monday is "Columbus Day," although given the wave of reverse racism and anti-mainstream hatred sweeping America these days, you would not have known.

The protestors assert Columbus was a racist foreign colonial settler, and that America was already discovered. Therefore Columbus should not be honored with the thousands of statues that have been erected in his honor since the United States was founded in the mid-18th Century.

None of the mainstream news media, the TV news broadcasts, the Left or even the City of Chicago acknowledged Columbus Day. I'm not surprised about Chicago which is turning into a real-life version of the 1981 Hollywood movie "Escape from New York" Chicago has become a self-imposed maximum "insecurity" prison for law-abiding citizens imprisoned by growing lawlessness, looting and street gang violence that neither Mayor Lori Lightfoot or the Black Lives Matter protestors care to stop.

Bashing Columbus is just the frontline of this new wave of racist hatred spreading across America that is directed against anyone who is "mainstream," or not a flaming leftwing reverse racist, the country's new movement of intolerance that has disguised itself as seeking "diversity" and "justice."

They anti-Columbus haters hide behind racist slogans like "White silence is violence" and "No justice, no peace."

It's not justice when you claim you have been left out of a system an exaggeration by the way and then you respond by excluding and marginalizing those you disagree with. The voices of the protestors have been almost inaudible in denouncing the looters and violence that has accompanied their protests and the tearing down of the statues.

The protestors are also demanding the removal of statues of George Washington, America's first president and not because he told a lie when he was young. Henry Lee, the father of General Robert E. Lee and the author of the resolution honoring Washington after his death, declared Washington was, "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."

Not anymore, clearly. Protestors are tearing down both Columbus statues and Washington statues and they are doing it illegally without going through the Democratic process they claim they support but in reality do not.

For me, this year, it isn't just Columbus Day. It is Columbus Week. The hypocrisy of the anti-Columbus Day and anti-Washington protesters is glaring.

They dislike Columbus because they claim America was already "discovered." Yes, by a nation of Native Americans, who by the way violently and brutally wiped out and even enslaved the people who were here before them.

They complain Washington was a "slave holder." According to the protestors, only White Americans had slaves but that's not true, either. Many of the slaves brought to America from Africa were sold to European slavers by African tribes and profiteers. Yes, African tribes and powers enslaved people, too.

In fact, I would argue there has been slavery and racism in every society, not just here in America.

I sympathize with the Native Americans who suffered at the hands of our government from the time the Spaniards arrived until slavery was abolished by a White man named Abraham Lincoln. They have been abused and mistreated.

America also fought a war in part to end slavery. And 100 years later, African Americans were given equal rights and benefits to assist them to evolve in society along with everyone else. Yet, Lincoln's statue was toppled, too.

To me, Columbus is an icon. His discovery of America for the Europeans was a major event. History is replete with people who are brutalized and subjugated. It happens all the time. But some political opportunists seem to pick and choose who to champion and who to demonize. I think the picking and choosing less to do with justice and morality, and more to do with selfish politics.

I don't hear the protestors speaking about their history of violence, how their side coddled and embraced violence against the people who were here before them. Most of the Native Americans migrated to the Americas from Asia, wiping out people who were in their way.

I will continue to celebrate Columbus Day, which is held on Oct. 12, the day the Columbus arrived in the Americas, and was later designated as a national holiday celebrated on the 2nd Monday of October.

If we really want to honor the first people who lived in America, celebrating "Indigenous Day" is as much a lie as celebrating Columbus Day.

Maybe we should erect a statue of the Neanderthals, because they were here even before the Native Americas and were wiped out without any sympathy at all.

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2129042-first-americans-may-have-been-neanderthals-130000-years-ago/

ORLAND PARK'S PETTY PEKAU

A couple of readers sent me the audio they received of an anonymous robocall that criticizes Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau's turbulent and unproductive first term in office.

The robocall was stupid, although it included many facts. The voice was obviously computer-generated. No one claimed credit for it. Clearly if someone wanted to undermine and raise concerns about Pekau's tyrannical rule, the robocall doesn't even come close.

Pekau has called these anonymous robocalls "vicious" and a part of a political campaign to challenge his fairy tale myth that he has been a good mayor. He hasn't been a good mayor at all.

I hope the Justice Department investigates these anonymous robocalls and determines who is doing them because they are illegal. They are far from wrong but Pekau has cited them as evidence of how he has been unfairly criticized.

That's the real tragedy because Pekau has been more vicious and has made more personal attacks against others than the robocalls have made about him.

Pekau has attacked pretty much every person who holds public office who has ever disagreed with him.

He rules the village like a Soviet Era tyrant, something anyone can see by watching the board meeting broadcasts online. Pekau constantly bullies elected officials on the board who try to challenge his ruthless and wrong policies, like Dan Calandriello and Jim Dodge. And, he bullies them and others in his weekly eNewsletters, twisting and distorting facts to make himself look like he is the victim when he is not.

In 45 years of covering politics and government, in my opinion, Pekau is the worst elected official. What makes him the worst public official is not based on the issues he says he supports. It's based on his clear hypocrisy. Like when Calandriello asked the board in April to explore ways to help local businesses suffering because of the Coronavirus. Instead of embracing the idea, Pekau attacked and bullied Calandriello, and called him a political grandstander. One month later, however, Pekau did exactly what Calandriello suggested, claiming to want to help the businesses in Orland Park. The real issue? Pekau wanted the credit for himself, not Calandriello. He can't stand anyone who outshines him, which is pretty easy to do.

Too little, too late, Mayor!

Pekau has attacked me repeatedly -- like when I do what he fails to do, provide Orland Park residents data on how many people have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Where is that information on the Village website, by the way? Anywhere?

The daily data from the Illinois Department of Public Health shows COVID-19 infections continue to rise in erratic spikes. They rose 50 percent in July, maintained a threatening rate in August and spiked during the last few weeks of September.

Pekau says the infection rate in August was 9.6 a day and was "only" 9.1 in September. "Puh-lease," Mayor. You are so irresponsible. The daily infection numbers jumped high in the final week of September. It should be troubling for any responsible public leader. Nine Orland Park residents are infected EVERY DAY ... that should be troubling, not a political weapon in your ruthless arsenal of denial.

The steadily rising infection rate is troubling enough. The fact Pekau doesn't seem to care is worse.

(Ray Hanania is an award-winning former Chicago City Hall reporter and columnist. He writes on mainstream issues for several Southwest regional newspapers and for the Patch each week. He also covers Middle East issues for the Arab News which has bureaus in Riyadh, Dubai, Japan, France, Pakistan, London, New York and Chicago. Reach him on his website at http://www.Hanania.com. And, he does government media consulting work.)

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Honoring Columbus Day and American tradition - Patch.com

The Listing of the Week is a two-story home with open-concept living space in the gated, English garden-style Edinburgh addition.

The 3,232-square-foot home at 3040 NW 160 has three bedrooms, three baths, two living areas, two dining areas and an attached two-car garage.

The main living area has a floor-to-ceiling fireplace flanked with built-in bookshelves, and a ceiling fan. The kitchen has eating space, an island and pantry. The master bedroom has a ceiling fan, walk-in closet and full bath with double vanities, shower and whirlpool tub. The oversize laundry room has a walk-in closet for seasonal storage.

Upstairs, a guest bedroom has a walk-in closet and shares a Jack-and-Jill bath with bonus space that could be media-hobby space or a fourth bedroom.

The home has a covered porch, covered patio, security system and underground sprinkler system. Annual homeowners association dues of $2,150 cover front yard and common area maintenance, and access to the neighborhood clubhouse, trails, ponds and swimming pool.

The home, built in 2003, is listed for $390,000 with Jordan Stephens, of 1st United Oklahoma Realtors. For more information, call 615-5623.

Nominations for Listing of the Week are welcome. With Listing of the Week in the subject line, email a link to the full MLS information sheet on a single-family home to rmize@oklahoman.com .

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The Oklahoman's Listing of the Week for Oct. 10, 2020 - Oklahoman.com