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May 26, 2026

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Cook County rendering of the proposed roadway between Hamlin and Central Park Avenues. 

In advance of Cook County's Oakton Street Improvement Project, underground utility work will begin June 1.

What to expect: Improvements along Oakton Street will include both underground natural gas and water main upgrades, followed by Cook County roadway enhancements. This work is being coordinated to maximize efficiency, and multiple phases of construction may occur simultaneously. Construction on Oakton Street is anticipated to continue through 2026.

Impacts: Two-way traffic will be maintained on Oakton Street throughout all phases of construction; however, roadway users will experience temporary lane shifts, parking restrictions and intermittent construction activity between Skokie Boulevard and McCormick Boulevard.

PHASE 1 - NICOR GAS IMPROVEMENTS - STARTING JUNE 1

The first phase of work will begin with infrastructure upgrades by Nicor Gas. This project will focus on improving and modernizing natural gas utilities and facilities near and along Oakton Street, between East Prairie Road and St. Louis Avenue.

PHASE 2 - VILLAGE OF SKOKIE WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS

The Village will replace the water main between East Prairie Road and McCormick Boulevard. The work will replace aging infrastructure and improve service reliability for nearby homes and businesses.

PHASE 3 - COOK COUNTY RESURFACING AND BIKE LANE PROJECT

The final phase will include roadway improvements between Skokie Boulevard and McCormick Boulevard led by the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways. The project will include roadway resurfacing and reconfiguration, new and improved bicycle lanes (including some protected segments), pedestrian safety enhancements, and select streetscape and greenspace upgrades. Visit Cook County’s Oakton Street Project page for details.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is making improvements to Niles Center Road, from Main Street to Carol Street.

Project scope: The project will include pavement resurfacing, curb and sidewalk spot repairs, drainage improvements, pavement markings, and other roadway enhancements.

Project timeline: Construction began this week and will continue through this summer.

Traffic impacts: There are no road closures anticipated during the project, but using alternative routes is always recommended.

Opening day at the 2025 Skokie Farmers’ Market. (Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography.)

Kick off summer and the start of the Skokie Farmers’ Market this Sunday! This season’s market will feature a rotating cast of more than 85 vendors, plus live music and children’s activities every week.

Highlights for this weekend: There’s nothing sweeter than strawberries at the first market of the season! Activities and entertainment this Sunday include:

Stay informed: Get the entertainment lineup and vendor highlights weekly by subscribing to the Skokie Farmers’ Market eNewsletter.

Skokie Community-wide Garage Sale. (Photo by Rich Cahan.)

Skokie’s 4th annual Community-wide Garage Sale is this weekend! Find bargains galore at more than 200 locations across the Village this Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31.

Plan your route: View an interactive map of garage sale locations, including hours and anticipated items for sale. Hours vary by location.

Want to host a sale? Complete the online application form to add your location to the map.

Skokie flu shot clinic. (Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography.)

Does your child need health services for school registration? The Village’s Health and Human Services Department is partnering with Advocate Ronald McDonald Mobile Unit and Miles of Smiles, Ltd. to host the Skokie Health Fair on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St.

Who should attend: This event is for students entering kindergarten, 2nd grade, 6th grade or 9th grade who need required physicals, vaccinations or dental exams to meet school registration requirements.

Plan ahead: Appointments are required for some services and exams. Learn more about the Skokie Health Fair.

Environmental Health Officer Lillian LaSanta conducts an alley inspection. (Photo by Rich Cahan.)

The Village continues work to reduce rat activity throughout the community. While treatment plays an important role, long-term rat control depends heavily on prevention. 

Take action: You can greatly reduce the chances of rats living on or traveling through your property by removing food sources, limiting harborage areas, and making simple property improvements. Review these property maintenance tips.

It’s hard to miss the green compost carts outside of Village Hall. The free drop-off program is one of several convenient options the Village offers to help residents divert food scraps from the landfill.

In 2025, Skokie composted a collective 293 tons of food scraps, diverting methane-producing organic material from the landfill. 

Help Skokie keep up the momentum: Learn about the Village's convenient composting programs – including drop-off and curbside services – and take our Composting Challenge pledge by June 10 for a chance to win a countertop compost bin or a $20 gift card to a Skokie business.

Learn about cybersecurity and the tools you can use to protect yourself from cyber crime!

The Village’s Technology Advancement and Transformation Commission (STAT) is hosting a Cybersecurity event on Thursday, May 28, 7 p.m. at Skokie Police Station. Register in advance.

Evanston/Skokie School District 65 will host a community conversation on Thursday, May 28 focused on gathering ideas and feedback related to the future of the Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies property, located at 3701 Davis St., which is closing at the end of the 2025-26 school year. If you’re unable to attend, complete the electronic feedback form through June 1.

This Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., BAPS Charities will hold a walk/run fundraiser in the area of Laramie Park, the neighborhood north of Touhy Avenue and east of Niles Center Road. There are no road closures anticipated for this event.

Don't miss your opportunity to experience The Resonance of Form at The Storefront (4051 Main Street), a free live performance combining dance, music and technology from Storefront Artist Fellows Tim Corpus and Rachel Molinaro. Please note that Friday, May 29 is sold out, and limited seats remain for Saturday, May 30. Reserve your seat today before it's gone!

EVENTS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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