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March 10, 2026

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Greetings Skokie73.5! 

Here’s what you need to know this week:

☔ Weather alert: The National Weather Service has forecast the potential for severe weather and flooding this evening.

🗳 Cast your ballot: Early voting continues this week for the Tuesday, March 17 Gubernatorial Primary Election.

♻️ Save the date: Skokie’s annual Spring Greening recycling event is April 12.

Pop culture collectors have a new stop in Skokie! Toy retailer Pop Mart celebrated its grand opening this past Saturday at Westfield Old Orchard.

What you’ll find: Known for its viral “blind box” collectibles — where buyers don’t know which character they’ll get until they open the package — Pop Mart has built a devoted fan base around figures like MOLLY, The Monsters, DIMOO and Skullpanda. 

Out of the loop on Labubus? This NPR article provides the origin story of sought-after dolls drawing crowds to Pop Mart.

Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography.

Skokie’s Winter Market on Main continues this Sunday, March 15 on Main Street at Keystone Avenue. 

Music lineup: Enjoy live music from Pierce Crask at 9 a.m. followed by the Duggan Family at 11 a.m.

Vendor lineup: Shop more than 40 market vendors offering farm fresh eggs, apples, peanut butter, oils and spices, and much more to elevate your culinary game.

Please note: Winter Market parking is prohibited at the CVS parking lot.

A newly installed copper water service line.

State and federal regulations require the replacement of all lead water service lines over the next several decades. Water service lines – which connect homes to the public water distribution system – were commonly constructed of lead until 1986. Today, copper is the standard material. 

Already completed a lead service line replacement? In February, the Village Board approved a rebate program for residential property owners who have replaced their lead or galvanized water service lines at their own cost since January 2022. Review eligibility criteria and submit an application form.

Planning a future lead service line replacement? The Village’s cost-share program caps a homeowner’s cost of replacing private-side lead water services. Complete the online interest form and we’ll be in contact as opportunities become available to schedule your project.

Learn more on the Village’s Lead Water Service Lines page.

Click the image to view the digital publication.

Check your mailbox for the spring edition of NewSkokie, our quarterly print newsletter that’s delivered to all Skokie homes. 

Skokie Health and Human Services staff and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers support fall flu shot clinics. (Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography.)

Skokie Health and Human Services strives to make healthcare accessible for everyone.

WALK-IN WEDNESDAY VACCINE CLINIC, MARCH 11

Get free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at Skokie Village Hall (lower level) on every Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., throughout March. No appointment needed.

STI POP-UP CLINIC, MARCH 23

In partnership with CALOR, Skokie Health and Human Services will offer free sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, treatment resources and safer sex kits at a pop-up clinic on Monday, March 23, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Village Hall (lower level). No appointment or insurance required.

Dog waste left in yards, parkways and park areas provides easy nourishment for rats and other wildlife. In late winter and early spring, when natural food sources are limited, accessible animal waste can support rat activity and encourage burrowing near homes and buildings.

Removing food sources is one of the most effective ways to prevent rat activity. A few minutes of cleanup now can prevent larger problems in the weeks ahead.

ANOTHER REMINDER: PROPERLY MANAGE YOUR TRASH

The Village is enhancing enforcement of trash storage requirements in areas experiencing high rat activity. Village Code requires all garbage to be securely bagged and placed inside an approved trash cart with the lid fully closed. Garbage may not be stored on the ground or next to carts. Violations may result in citations and fines.

SOAR student artwork on display at Oakton College. (Photo by Rich Cahan.)

The Skokie Fine Arts Commission invites you to the annual Student Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR) exhibit, taking place at Oakton College's atrium lobby now through March 31. The exhibit showcases artwork from Skokie students from preschool to 8th grade.

EXHIBIT HOURS

An open house reception for the artists and their guests will be held on Wednesday, March 18, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Skokie Fine Arts Commission is accepting applications for the newly reimagined Skokie Arts Grant, a competitive funding opportunity that supports new and innovative fine arts programming in Skokie. 

A single grant of up to $5,000 will be awarded to help launch creative projects that strengthen cultural vitality, foster community engagement, and bring fresh experiences to Skokie residents. Learn more and apply by April 1.

Registration for the 2026-27 school year is underway or starting soon at many Skokie public school districts. Check your district’s website for key dates, deadlines and details.

Parent survey: Schools are also encouraging parents to complete the 2026 Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey. The deadline to take the survey is March 13.

Village staff and Douglas Center clients at Skokie Village Hall.

This month, you can support The Douglas Center in Skokie by dropping off new and gently worn shoes in the lobby of Village Hall (look for the blue barrel) during business hours.

WHAT TO DONATE

Your donation will help support programs for adults with intellectual, developmental, physical and mental disabilities, while also helping advance Skokie’s Environmental Sustainability Plan strategy of diverting materials from landfills.

EVENTS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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