Niles mayor steps down

The mayor of Niles has announced his retirement after more than four decades with the village.

Nicholas Blase's decision comes before the start of a trial next month on federal charges alleging the 80-year-old took more than $420,000 in a decades-long kickback scheme.

In an announcement posted on the Niles Web site, Blase says he's tired and has no intention of running for office again. His retirement is effective Monday.

Village officials will meet Tuesday to appoint a replacement to fulfill the remainder of Blase's term which ends in April of next year.

Blase has been mayor of the Chicago suburb since 1961. He says he plans to stay in Niles.