2015 in Evanston: The Top Stories of the Year

EVANSTON, IL - It’s been another big year for Evanston. Some changes in city government due to a state budget crisis and work on new projects was coupled with groups speaking out for certain causes and ahead of the game strides being made right here in town. Thanks to our readers for your heightened interest, as the number of Facebook and e-mail subscribers has risen steadily throughout the year.

Let’s take a look back at the stories from 2015 pressed the most buttons.

Racist Woman at Chicago Beach is From Evanston: Sadly, it’s hardly a surprise to see blatant displays of racism in public places nowadays, like this one of a woman directing the ‘N’ word at a black woman from the south suburbs at a Chicago beach. But what was surprising here is that the woman lives in Evanston, a city known for its progressiveness, open-mindedness and inclusion. An anomaly, for sure. But still makes you shake your head.

Cop Saves Suicidal Man Who Almost Jumped Off Maple Avenue Parking Garage: Evanston’s finest came through in a big way in May when officer Ken Carter’s quick-thinking actions while off-duty helped save a man’s life. The man had been threatening to jump off the parking garage, but was stopped by Carter, who crawled up behind the man and pulled him off the ledge.

Evanston Becomes 1st Midwest City to Adopt Gender-Neutral Restroom Signage: A city ordinance passed in October requiring all city businesses with either one or three or more restrooms to adopt gender-neutral signage. The move, approved unanimously by the City Council and without much discussion, further shows Evanston’s ability as a whole to look forward and get ahead of the game. Related: Evanston is the site for “Becoming Us,” an ABC Family show based on a transgender woman and her son, Evanston resident Ben Lehwald.

Residents Speak Out on What Needs to Be Changed: We asked a question on the Evanston Patch Facebook page about what needs to be changed or improved in the city. The responses were numerous and included everything from being tougher on crime to allowing free access to the city beaches for all residents. Here’s what the Mayor had to say on that.

Two Aldermen Resign: The City Council saw a minor shakeup despite it not being an election year. 9th Ward Ald. Colleen Burress left for a job on the east coast, while 7th Ward Ald. Jane Grover will leave at the end of the year to pursue a job in Chicago. Burress was replaced by Brian Miller and Grover’s replacement is expected to be named in January.

Purple Line Not Extended: The CTA tested an increased use of the Purple Line that serves Evanston during the summer months, but numbers did not add up in the test and an extra late-night train was not added permanently.

Year of the Protest: Chicago isn’t the only place on the western Lake Michigan shore making headlines for protests. Quite a few have happened in Evanston. At Gordon Food Service, animal rights groups called for more humane treatment of chickens, the Black Lives Matter movement made specific demands at Northwestern and anti-hate groups called for better treatment of Muslims in Fountain Square.

The most read story on Evanston Patch in 2015 was about a resident who has long since passed. DNA evidence unveiled this year showed that Nan Britton, who lived here in the early 20th century, gave birth to a child fathered by former President Warren G. Harding. Britton had made the claims years ago, but was not believed.

Tim’s Pick: A community that questions is a good community. While the city government here is as well-oiled of a machine as I’ve ever seen, citizens that speak up only make for a better community. I’m going with the story on what needs to be changed.