Watch Out for New Variations on Scams

The Wheaton Police Department has seen a recent uptick in internet/phone scams and has become aware of a new variation of the "Grandchild in Distress" Scam. Traditionally, this scam is carried out only via phone and the victim is told to send the offender money via wire transfer, Western Union, mail, or gift cards. Recently, police departments in DuPage and Cook counties are experiencing a variant in which the offender(s) come to the victim's home or assisted living facility and pose as a "Bail Bondsmen" to collect money. Read more about these scams and how to protect yourself on the City’s website.

Happy Earth Year 2022

Many people celebrate Earth Day, but one day isn’t enough to celebrate all the earth-friendly events that our Environmental Improvement Commission leads. From monthly electronic recycling events to Arbor Day, the Native Plant Sale, Recycling Extravaganza, Adopt-a-Highway and more, there are opportunities to make sustainable choices all year long in Wheaton. That’s why Mayor Suess presented Environmental Improvement Commission Chairman Ted Witte with a proclamation recognizing Earth Year 2022 at the April 4 City Council meeting. Thank you to our commission members, volunteers and participants for making Wheaton a cleaner, greener place all year long! #earthyear2022

Volunteers Needed for Prairie Path Cleanup

The annual Wheaton Prairie Path Cleanup is back for 2022! The Environmental Improvement Commission encourages families, individuals, scout groups, sports teams, friends and every other kind of group to join in helping make the Wheaton Prairie Path cleaner and greener with the annual cleanup event. From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 23, volunteers will meet at Lincoln Avenue and the Prairie Path (2 blocks west of Gary Avenue) to be assigned a spot on the path to clean up. Plastic bags will be provided. Everyone is welcome to participate. Please contact wheatoncleanup@gmail.com to volunteer.

Congratulations to Team G.L.O.W. on State Championship

The Gnarly Llamas of Wonder (G.L.O.W.), an all-girls team of Wheaton 7th graders, accepted a proclamation honoring their team's FIRST Lego League Illinois State Championship as they prepare to represent the state of Illinois at the World Championship in Houston, Texas. Teammates Luci, Sonora, June, Nooriya and Kate participate in the FIRST Lego League program, which involves research, problem-solving, coding and engineering to build and program a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a robot game and solves a real-world problem. Congratulations girls, and keep on glowing in Houston!

Yard Waste Pickup is Back

LRS has begun picking up yard waste curbside through its annual program. Did you know that you can dispose of certain other compostable materials with your yard waste, too? Several years ago, the City added the ability for residents to add certain materials to be composted along with yard waste. You can include the following materials in your biodegradable bag or yard waste container (remember to include a yard waste sticker on each container/bag):

Plants:

• Floral trimmings
• Tree trimmings
• Leaves
• Grass
• Brush
• Weeds

Foods:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Meat
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Shellfish
• Bones
• Rice
• Beans
• Pasta
• Bread
• Baked goods
• Grains
• Cheese
• Eggshells

Other Compostable Items:

• Napkins
• Paper towels
• Paper plates
• Paper milk cartons
• Tea bags
• Coffee grounds/filters

DO NOT Include:

• Grease
• Cooking oil
• Stickers on produce
• Any sort of plastic
• Pizza boxes

If you have questions about what you can/can’t include with your yard waste, contact LRS at 773-685-8811. Other information on yard waste pickup is available on the City’s website.