Giles challenges incumbents
Two former West Side aldermen who were convicted of taking bribes while in office are looking to regain their old jobs in next year’s election.
Percy Giles, former 37th Ward alderman, will challenge incumbent Ald. Emma Mitts in the February primary. Giles was convicted in 2000 in the Silver Shovel federal corruption investigation for taking bribes. Mitts was named by Mayor Daley to replace Giles in 2001. Wallace Davis, owner of Wallace Catfish Corner, 2800 W. Madison, will challenge incumbent Ald. Madeline Haithcock in the 2nd Ward. Davis was alderman of the 27th Ward from 1983-1987. Davis was convicted of bribery and extortion in 1987 and served four years in prison.
Fire consumes church and
construction company
An afternoon fire on Monday reduced an Austin church and construction business to rubble and debris.
There were no injuries. Chance Ministries, 309 N. Cicero, and Martin Construction, 305 N. Cicero, went up in a blaze Monday. Fire trucks responded to the location at around 12:30 p.m. The fire was put out by 2:30. Fire Department officials did not say what caused the fire. -Terry Dean
