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February 10, 2026

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Greetings Skokie73.5! 

Here’s what you need to know this week:

🚗 Drive safe: Senior Engineer Samantha Maximilian shares an overview of Skokie’s 25 mph speed limit, which will go into effect for most residential streets March 1.

🍬 Sweet addition: The Record North Shore highlighted culinary offerings at Skokie’s newest bakeshop.

👩‍⚕️ Pop-up clinic: Skokie Health and Human Services will offer a free STI testing pop-up clinic at Village Hall on February 23.

Click the image to review the designs and take our survey.

Share your input on a new Skokie flag! A panel of local artists, graphic designers and staff – with support from the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) – has selected three finalist designs out of 79 submissions to share with the community for public input:

Take our survey: Review the flag designs and descriptions, and provide your feedback by taking our short survey by March 8.

The Village’s panel will review feedback received before a final design is presented to the Village Board later this spring.

Become a flag nerd: In selecting finalists, the Village’s panel considered five principles outlined in ”Good” Flag, “Bad” Flag, compiled by Ted Kaye of NAVA.

We’re planning important upgrades to our building permit and inspection application system to improve efficiency and service!

TEMPORARY OUTAGE PLANNED

From Wednesday, February 25 at noon through Monday, March 2, the following Village systems will be temporarily unavailable while data is migrated to a new, cloud-based system and staff receive training:

Both online and in-person processing of the services above will be unavailable during this transition window; however, staff will be able to review previously submitted requests and answer questions. Please plan ahead to avoid any delays with your projects. 

The Village anticipates that the upgraded permit system will be available and all services restored by Tuesday, March 3.

NOT IMPACTED

Other online and in-person services – such as utility bill payments, parking fines and fee payments, and pet licensing – will not be impacted by this transition and will continue to be available.

We appreciate your patience as we complete this upgrade, which will improve service in the years to come.

A very warm welcome (back) to Patrick Hastings, the Village’s next public works director! 

About Patrick: A lifelong Skokie resident and graduate of Niles West High School, Hastings currently serves as the director of public works for the Village of Schiller Park. He brings 18 years of hands-on experience in municipal public works, strategic management and community-focused service delivery to his new role.

Hastings began his local government career with Skokie Public Works in 2006 before taking on administrative and leadership roles in Libertyville, Wood Dale and Schiller Park.

His words: “I’ve had the privilege of watching this community grow my entire life, and now I’m honored to help shape its future,” said Hastings. 

He'll begin his new role in Skokie on February 23.

Skokie Village Hall will be closed in observance of Presidents' Day on Monday, February 16. Many Village services are available 24/7 online or through Access Skokie.

TRASH COLLECTION

During the week of February 16:

RECYCLING COLLECTION

All collections will occur as normal.

Candy apples on display at NC Chocolatier, 3745 Dempster St.

Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, February 14, and there’s no shortage of sweet Skokie businesses ready to help you show that special someone how you feel!

Love your locals: Whether you’re planning a fun date night, looking for gourmet chocolate, or seeking a jaw-dropping flower display, local Skokie businesses have you covered. Shop local to support our business community and your loved ones!

Start exploring: Check out the Village’s Explore Skokie Instagram and Facebook to explore art, culture, dining and entertainment experiences in Skokie, and start planning your day – if you haven’t already.

Opening reception for the 2nd Annual Skokie Art Exhibit on February 6.

The Skokie Fine Arts Commission invites you to experience the creativity of our community at the 2nd Annual Skokie Art Exhibit at The Storefront, 4051 Main St. 

What to expect: Juried by artist Gabriella Boros, the exhibition brings together a diverse group of Skokie artists whose work reflects the richness of our village and the many ways we view the world.

Exhibit hours: Stop in on Saturdays, February 7 and 14, from noon to 4 p.m.; and Sundays, February 8 and 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free.

EVENTS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St.