4 Events in 2 days in Wicker Park, New Smith Park Pres, Derrick Smith convicted, Car smashing cop shooting, Poetry call, French fun

Our Urban Times

WPC Vintage Sale, Green Resource Fair, Wicker Park Choral Singers and Farmer's Market: A Weekend in Wicker Park

Another active weekend in Wicker Park starts on Saturday, June 14, when the Wicker Park Committee (WPC) "opens" its Vintage Sale "doors" on Hoyne at Damen Avenues at 9 a.m., followed by the Green Resource Fair (GRF) in Wicker Park, across the street at 10 a.m. On Sunday, June 15, the Farmers Market opens at 8 a.m. and at noon the fabulous Wicker Park Choral Singers (WPCS) will begin their concert outside the Field House. And, attendance at all is FREE.

Meet Smith Park's new "sheriff": David Ramos

David Ramos is the new Advisory Council (SPAC) President at Smith Park, 2526 W. Grand Ave., who says that he is "the new sheriff in town." Actually that is half true.

He is a 20-year Chicago Police Department officer, though not a sheriff. But, he isn't new to the area.

Convicted on bribery and attempted extortion: 10th District State Rep Derrick Smith

Derrick Smith, 10th District Illinois State Rep., was found guilty of both bribery and attempted extortion, by a Federal jury which announced their verdict just after noon, Tues., June 10, having deliberated a little more than four hours that began on Monday.

Car smashing driver shot by 14th District Officer in Wicker Park

A rampage of destruction through parts of Wicker Park late Tuesday night by a man in an SUV resulted in him being shot at North and Hoyne Avenues around midnight by a 14th Police District officer.

Michigan man charged in car smashing and cop shooting

The offender in the Monday night rampage on streets in Wicker Park is in custody charged on 12 counts, without the availability of bond.

Identified as Michael Cote, 39, from Newaygo, MI, he is charged with:

Poetry submissions call: 21st Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award

Twenty semi-finalists will compete for a $500 prize in front of a voting audience during the Guild Literary Complex's 21st Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award (GBOMA) Wed., July 23, 7 p.m., at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division St. Deadline for submissions is June 30.

Kick back and be Ziczazou-ed

Sometimes it is good to take a deep breath and go somewhere else…not necessarily physically but definitely mentally. To assist you in this journey, there is this option. Without needing to speak French, you can be amazed, amused and chuckle a bit while enjoying some music by the Zic Hepcat (Ziczazou).