Vol. VII No. 34
How to apply for FEMA flood assistance
AUGUST 23, 2023
vfpress.news
Grants are available for those in the hardest-hit areas from the July storms By STACEY SHERIDAN and IGOR STUDENKOV Senior Reporter
After the federal government declared Cook County a major emergency disaster area earlier this month, Austin resident Rowan Morrow, whose basement flooded, said he vacillated between gratitude and frustration. “I feel mixed emotions, to be honest with you,” he said. “Number one, I think it should’ve been declared earlier [than] at the 40-day mark. Number two, it’s good that people are getting some type of relief, and something is better than nothing, but then again, we’re looking at the long haul, and we’re hoping that FEMA assistance will take care of the majority of the people’s needs.” The torrential downpours from June 29 to July 2 led to water pooling inside buildings, as sewers, unable to contain such volumes of liquid, overflowed, authorities said. The magnitude of damage across Illinois was so great that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared Cook County a major disaster area in midAugust. This opened up federal assistance for those impacted by the historic flooding. Under the declaration, Cook County residents are eligible for resources through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, See FEMA on page 2
Todd Bannor
Principal Terriyaka Watson greets a student on the first day of classes at Forest Park Middle School.
Kids head back to school as summer fades What’s new and who has later start dates By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
Across Proviso and surrounding communities, children and parents alike, are trying to soak up the last few days of summer before heading back to school for the 2023-24 school year.
Some, such as the high schoolers in most communities, have already begun. But here’s who is left to relish the last few, free days in the sun and what’s in store for them when school doors open. River Forest School District 90 will have its first day of school for both elementary and middle school Thursday. After approving all-day kindergarten in the district, the first-time kindergarteners at Willard Elementary School, 1250 Ashland Avenue, River Forest, and Lincoln Elementary School, 511 Park Avenue,
River Forest, will be attending for a full day of learning and fun. The district’s PTO will also be providing coffee for parents to celebrate the first day. D90 is starting the new year with 18 additional new hires, with most serving as teachers. The new hires also include a social worker, a psychologist, and an IEP facilitator. Oak Park Elementary School District 97 opens today for its eight elementary schools and two middle schools. The disSee BACK TO SCHOOL on page 4