Wilmette 2021 In Review: New Village President, New Trier Gym

WILMETTE, 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 non-coronavirus stories of 2021.

Here are 10 of the most-read stories from Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch for the past year:

North Shore Brothers Plead Guilty To Capitol Riot Charges

Christian Kulas, of Kenilworth, and Mark Kulas Jr., of Lake Forest, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts of parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol.

Earlier: North Shore Man Posted Videos Of Himself During Jan. 6 Riot

$75 Million Gym Upgrade Approved By New Trier High School Board

The 1928-built Gates Gymnasium will be razed and replaced with 150,000-square-feet of new construction and 20,000-square feet of renovation.

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'Antisemitic' Display Draws Ire In Wilmette Window

The "highly offensive" display is the subject of pending litigation and connected to long-running legal battles between condo residents.

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Wilmette Public Works Director Named Among Top 10 In Nation

Brigette Berger-Raish was named one of the Top Ten Public Works Leaders of 2021 by the American Public Works Association.

Edens Plaza Pot Shop Permit Plan Passes Wilmette Village Board

Nearly 11 months after voters approved a non-binding referendum, dispensaries can seek a special use permit to open at the shopping center.

Wilmette Village Manager Gets Raise After 'Exemplary' First Year

"I'm really proud of what we've accomplished this past year," said Michael Braiman, who became village manager in February 2020.

Senta Plunkett Elected Wilmette Village President

Caucus-backed candidates also defeated a pair of independent challengers in the race for New Trier High School board.

$5.8 Million Renovation Allows Full-Day Kindergarten At All District 39 Schools

Families of kindergarteners at Romona and McKenzie elementary schools can pay a $6,460 fee for their child to stick around in the afternoon.

Loyola Academy Names Rev. Greg Ostdiek As New President

The former Navy officer and current Loyola Academy board member is set to succeed the Rev. Patrick McGrath in July 2022.

New Census Data Shows All Villages In New Trier Township Growing

Northfield, Wilmette, Glencoe and Winnetka added residents as the township grew at more than twice the rate of Cook County as a whole.