Universal Preschool, Scratch Kitchen Openening and More: Feb. 2013 in Review

February is the shortest month, but there was no shortage of news in Forest Park during February 2013. 

Here's a look at some of the top recent stories: 

Scratch Kitchen is a Neighborhood Favorite in the Making

The name says it all at the newly opened Scratch Kitchen and Lounge, 7444 Madison St. in Forest Park—even the ketchup and mustard is made from scratch, in-house. Owner and chef Patrick O'Brien has deep roots in the area, having grown up in River Forest. Read more. 

Preschool in Forest Park Gets Unanimous Endorsement

The notion of universal preschool was on the minds of Forest Park school board members long before President Barack Obama made it part of his State of the Union Address. And two days after that address, the board unanimously decided to make it a reality in town, setting up a preschool program for children ages 3 to 5. Read more. 

Fenwick's Colby Burnett Wins $250K on 'Jeopardy!'

Fenwick High School teacher Colby Burnett won the $250,000 grand prize Tuesday in the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions. Burnett, an AP World History teacher at Fenwick, won the show's Teacher's Tournament and $100,000 in prize money back in November and added to that total by beating the best of the best. Read more.

Open House Informs Community About Comp Plan

Images Inc. is crafting the plan, a document that determines a town's goals and aspirations in terms of community planning. The effort could look at economic  development and redevelopment and housing. It also could focus on what to do with the village-owned building at Altenheim. What to do with land where a blighted house once stood also could be examined. Read more. 

Park District Commissioner Elected to Statewide Association Board

A Park District of Forest Park commissioner will now be adding statewide advocacy for parks, recreation and conservation to his portfolio. Eric Entler has been elected to the board of trustees of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. As trustee, Entler will help advance the cause of promoting Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies. Read more.