Darien announces updates on public safety, storm recovery, and upcoming community events
The City of Darien released its latest updates on July 16, highlighting public safety initiatives, storm recovery efforts, and a range of upcoming community events.
Mayor Joe Marchese addressed the growing concern over unregulated substances such as Kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are increasingly available in local retail outlets. Marchese said, “The FDA also warned about misleading labels and products marketed to look harmless. Americans see the same shelves and draw opposite conclusions. If a store sells it, if a regulator approved it. If a package looks clean, if a product tastes like fruit, danger feels far away.” Marchese also shared his recent appointment to the DuPage Council on Strengthening the System for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care, emphasizing the need for ongoing education about these substances and their potential risks to the community.
The city extended the use of dumpsters for flood-damaged items through July 20 at City Hall and the Public Works facility. Residents are encouraged to contact the city’s waste hauler, LRS, for disposal of damaged items, with allowances for one bulk item and two cubic yards of debris each week on regular garbage days.
The Darien Police Department addressed misinformation circulating about its License Plate Reader camera program. The department said, “The Darien Police Department has deployed Flock Safety LPR cameras at key entry and exit points throughout the city. These cameras are a law enforcement tool designed to capture license plate information from vehicles traveling on public roadways and compare that information against databases of vehicles associated with stolen vehicles, wanted persons, missing persons alerts, and active criminal investigations.”
Chief Greg Thomas announced his retirement, effective November 13, after more than a decade of service. Originally appointed as Interim Chief in 2015, Thomas’s tenure extended far beyond the initial assignment, and the city expressed gratitude for his leadership and dedication.
Several community events are scheduled, including a City Council meeting on July 20, a recycling event at Hinsdale South High School on July 25, and the 38th Annual Darien Fest from August 7 to 9. The city also continues its Summer Concert Series, with the next show on July 30 at Carriage Greens. Residents are encouraged to participate in these events and stay informed through the city’s website and social media channels.