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Her story had been lost amid dusty records that were long ago stashed in deep storage and forgotten. Forgotten until a retired federal agent, researching the history of Chicago law enforcement, … More
The Twenty-First Star Chapter of NSDAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution) is looking for students to compete in this year’s annual American History Essay Contest. All … More
Des Plaines police are investigating a string of garage burglaries that happened earlier this week on the city's east side. Three of the incidents happened on the 1700 block of … More
The line spilled out the door of the Des Plaines Public Library on Sunday afternoon as hundreds of World War II veterans and their families crowded together to get a glimpse of Pillars of … More
Was Chicago home to the country's 1st female cop?
Posted 12/31/69

Her story had been lost amid dusty records that were long ago stashed in deep storage and forgotten. Forgotten until a retired federal agent, researching the history of Chicago law enforcement, stumbled upon a mention of her name and a reference to the fact that, in the 1890s, she had become a police officer in Chicago. The date caught his attention. A female police officer in the 1890s? Now, after three years and hundreds of hours of research, Rick Barrett, a former Drug Enforcement Administration agent and amateur historian, says he has found definitive evidence that a woman named Marie Owens was not only the first policewoman in Chicago but also the first known female officer in the United States.

If true, Barrett's discovery would be "huge," said Dave MacFarlan, a police historian and member of the Chicago Police History Committee, who noted that the Police Department previously believed the first female officers joined the force in 1913. Debate has long swirled around the identity of the nation's first female cop. Los Angeles claimed the distinction of hiring the first, saying a woman joined their department in 1910. Yet Portland, Ore., points to its own female officer, hired in 1908. Barrett's claim would trump them both, and already the discovery has created a ripple of excitement among local historians. "It's a big deal, and it's great for Chicago," said Russell Lewis, chief historian at the Chicago History Museum. For Barrett, a square-jawed, hard-charging former investigator, uncovering Owens' story has become nothing short of a quest. He crisscrossed the city, befriending archivists and pulling strings to access pension records, civil service documents and cemetery plot listings. Getting Owens the credit she deserves is, in his view, an issue of justice. …More

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Posted 12/31/69
North Central College’s football team didn’t make it to the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2009 but the Cardinals were still impressive. They finished 8-2 and tied with Illinois … More
August 30 - October 9, 2010
Sign up now for Learn to Skate lessons at Oakton Ice Arena. We have something for all ages and abilities. Pick up a Park Ridge Park District Fall brochure or visit us at www.prparks.org to see a full … More
Last Saturday morning, at approximately 7:58 a.m., I arrived at the Department of Motor Vehicles for the 8:00 opening.  I say that everyone, rich or poor, must visit the DMV and I find it … More
With some planning and planting in fall, a gardener can create a palate of bulbs with various colors and textures that grace the yard with blooms from late winter through early summer. More
TribLocal is expanding its coverage of local prep sports this year and partnering with Chicago Tribune sports staff along with The Mash to bring readers more news about their high school … More
PARK RIDGE, Ill. – For individuals with Down syndrome, life expectancy has more than doubled – from 25 to 56 years – in the last 30 years.  With medical care that focuses on their special needs, like that uniquely offered by … More
Des Plaines police are investigating a string of garage burglaries that happened earlier this week on the city's east side. Three of the incidents happened on the 1700 block of … More
The sea of bright green shirts were a sight to behold on a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning in Park Ridge! The Harry O’Brien Community Run/Walk was held for the second year in a row by … More
Web site: http://kwhomefinder.com/popup/school.htm Real estate is a very rewarding and challenging career for those individuals who commit themselves to success. One must enjoy working with people, have an entrepreneurial spirit, be motivated and … More
The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that President Barack Obama signed a Disaster Declaration for CookCounty for Individual … More
Lane Alumni Invited: LANE TECH CENTURY FOUNDATION AND LANE TECH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HOST FOOTBALL TAILGATE PARTY SEPT. 17TH TO BENEFIT THE SCHOOL By DeBat Media Services CHICAGO—The Lane Tech Century Foundation and the Lane … More
Last Saturday morning, at approximately 7:58 a.m., I arrived at the Department of Motor Vehicles for the 8:00 opening.  I say that everyone, rich or poor, must visit the DMV and I find it … More
With some planning and planting in fall, a gardener can create a palate of bulbs with various colors and textures that grace the yard with blooms from late winter through early summer. More
TribLocal is expanding its coverage of local prep sports this year and partnering with Chicago Tribune sports staff along with The Mash to bring readers more news about their high school … More
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April 15, 2010 - April 15, 2011
An Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, cosponsored by Advocate Medical Group and the Alzheimer’s Association, will be offered monthly at the Nesset Pavilion on the campus of Advocate Lutheran … More
April 29 - October 7, 2010
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM: New Trier High School East Class of 1980 CONTACT: Elizabeth Kretchmer Reunion Committee 720/344-4379 mtnliving@q.com NEW TRIER HIGH SCHOOL EAST CLASS … More
June 23, 2010 - March 1, 2011
Respite care is an intermittent service to caregivers and their loved one.Volunteers provide an array of support and informational services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for the … More
June 11, 2010 - March 3, 2011
Respite care is an intermittent service to caregivers and their loved one.Volunteers provide an array of support and informational services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for the … More
August 6 - September 18, 2010
The Legendary Second City comes to Metropolis for a limited engagement run of their mega-hit musical comedy revue, Rod Blagojevich Superstar. It’s a monumentally hilarious comedy about the rise and … More
August 15 - September 30, 2010
Youth Choral Theatre of Chicago begins open auditions for singers age 5-18 on August 15th for its 2010-2011 season. Individual auditions … More
September 7 - 14, 2010
Perform choral masterworks, old and new, traditional and avant-garde with North Shore Choral Society (NSCS) as it celebrates its 75th … More
September 11, 2010
After a sold out performance last year, the amazing Bubble-ologist returns! Geoff Akins’ wondrous show is full of laughs, surprises, … More