Highland Park Year In Review: Top Local Stories Of 2017

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The year is almost complete, so as we wind down the holiday season and prepare to head into 2018, let's take a look back at some of the most notable stories from Highland Park over the past year.

During the last 12 months, we've witnessed the beginning of the end for two local elementary schools, youth football at the park district and golf at the Highland Park Country Club — among other things.

So let's take a few moments to have a stroll down memory lane and peruse Patch's most memorable Highland Park stories of 2017, in no particular order:

Tackle Football Canceled In Highland Park As Sign-Ups Plummet

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — As concerns over the long-term health impact of playing football are fueled with each... Read more

Brother Fires Max's Deli Co-Owner After 1 Offensive Post Too Many

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The co-owner of Max's Deli, Joey Morelli, announced Thursday that his brother Greg will be removed from all participation in the business, pending a legal separation agreement.... Read more

• Max's Deli Owner: Vegas Shooting Not Terror, 'Community Outreach'; Apologizes
• Nazi Salutes Jewish Deli Menu

Redheads Reunited At 3rd Annual Redhead Days

HIGHWOOD, IL — Extreme heat and high winds couldn't stop real redheads from coming out last weekend to gather for the 3rd annual Redhead Days Chicago festival in downtown Highwood. More than 2,000... Read more

District 112 Board Votes To Close 2 Highland Park Schools

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The North Shore District 112 Board of Education voted Tuesday to close Elm Place Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School, adopt a full-day kindergarten, consolidate dual language... Read more

• New School Boundaries Considered By D-112 Board
• $3,150 Kindergarten Fee Considered, New Map Approved In D-112
• Mike Lubelfeld Hired As New NSSD112 Superintendent

3 Charged In Armed Robbery, Chase Ending In Highland Park Police Station

LAKE BLUFF, IL — Three Chicago men have been charged with eight felonies each in connection with an armed robbery and police chase beginning at a Lake Bluff shopping center. Around 4:13 p.m. Friday,... Read more

Highland Park Man Guilty of 1st-Degree Murder for 2013 Drug Deal Turned Deadly

HIGHLAND PARK, IL - A 21-year-old Highland Park man who was 17 when arrested for killing an acquaintance was found guilty Friday of first-degree murder. Philip Vatamaniuc now faces up to 75 years... Read more

Crevasse Impasse: Family, Developers At Odds Over Wall Collapse

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — An elderly Highland Park couple want compensation from a developer they blame for forcing them of their home when a foundation wall collapsed at a neighboring construction site.... Read more

Ravinia Cuts Ties With James Levine Over Sex Abuse Allegations

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Following sexual assault allegations against its former conductor and musical director, Ravinia Festival said it has "severed all ties" with James Levine, who had been due to begin... Read more

• 3 Men Accuse Ravinia Conductor James Levine Of Sexual Abuse
• No Sex Abuse Charges Against James Levine In Lake County: Police

Charity Brings Pro Wrestlers To Middle School In Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — World Wrestling Entertainment performer Darren Young and brand ambassador Dana Warrior came to Elm Place Middle School in Highland Park Thursday as part of a promotional event... Read more

No More Golf At Highland Park Country Club? Joint Meeting Set For October

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — A plan by the Park District of Highland Park to stop golf... Read more

• Park District Proposes Converting Highland Park Golf Course To Nature Park
• City Favors $500K Sale Of Highland Park Country Club Golf Course

More top stories from your neighbors:

• Lake Forest Top Local Stories of 2017
• Deerfield Top Local Stories: 2017 Year in Review
• Winnetka, Glencoe Year In Review: Top Stories of 2017