Skokie 2021 Year In Review: New Trustees, Community Support

SKOKIE, IL — As a year that began with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines comes to a close with the emergence of a new variant of the virus, let's take a look at some of the village's biggest stories of 2021.

Here are some of the most-read stories from Skokie Patch for the past year:

Historic Group Of New Skokie Village Trustees Sworn In Remotely

Incoming trustees acknowledged the historic significance of their election after their oaths of office were administered in April.

---

Skokie Rallies Against Antisemitism After Hate Crime At Synagogue

Hundreds gathered to condemn antisemitic attacks in Skokie at a demonstration organized by local synagogues and Jewish organizations.

---

Barstool Fund Helps Famed 45-Year-Old Skokie Kosher Diner

Ken's Diner received much-needed financial support from Dave Portnoy's crowdfunded small business relief fund.

---

Skokie To Pay Evanston Over $4.2 Million In Unpaid Water Bills

Village officials said in April they had been planning all along on paying the money eventually.

After: Evanston, Skokie Cut Water Deal After Years Of Liquid Litigation

Parents Petition Skokie Indians Little League Team To Change Name

A group of parents, coaches and players argued the Skokie Indians name and logo are offensive and should be retired.

Amazon Facility Gets Unanimous Skokie Plan Commission Backing

Commissioners recommended approving a special use permit after Amazon began operating at the site with a temporary certificate of occupancy.
After: Amazon argues it is Skokie's responsibility to deal with traffic concerns at the site

Vaccination Rates In Skokie ZIP Codes Among Highest In Suburbs

Public health officials released vaccination data in August showing the east side of the village is significant more vaccinated than its west side.
After: 81% Of Skokie Seniors Get First Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine By End Of March

Construction Underway At Lincolnwood's Purple Hotel Site

As litigation over the redevelopment continues in federal court, work on the District 1860 project has begun at the long-vacant corner.

Fatal Skokie Hotel Shooting Followed 'Midday Adventures': Prosecutors

Prosecutors described the circumstances leading up to the January homicide of a 34-year-old Evanston man at the Hampton Inn and Suites.

Skokie Man Sentenced In Ponzi Scheme Targeting Assyrian Churches

An "unparalleled and incorrigible scam artist," Albert Rossini made off with more than $2.5 million of his victims' money, prosecutors said.

Sex Harassment, Drug Use Suit Settled For $33,000 By Lincolnwood Fire Department

Patch obtained the confidential settlement agreement following a determination from the Illinois Attorney General's Office in July.

Lincolnwood Native Merrick Garland Confirmed As Attorney General

Senators voted 70-30 to approve the valedictorian of the Niles West High School class of 1970 as the U.S. Attorney General in March.

Skokie Teacher Named Golden Apple Finalist

Described by parents as a "complete and total gift," the first grade teacher launched a remote read-aloud series after schools shuttered.

'Revolutionary' Skokie Rabbi Of Deaf Congregation Inspires Series

Rabbi Douglas Goldhamer of Congregation Bene Shalom has dedicated his career to integrating the deaf community into Judaism.