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Watch a video detailing the Village seal design process.
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Village Seal Committee Shares Recommended Design
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Created by Skokie artist Mary Fedorowski in collaboration with Marne Smiley, the Committee's recommended design features:
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- Fire: The flame represents the Potawatomi (Keepers of the Fire) and The Council of Three Fires tribes historically from the region. The design is inspired by the eternal “Skokie Spirit” flame, which symbolizes the collective power and energy devoted to making Skokie a better place for everyone.
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Cattails: Broadleaf cattails symbolize the indigenous plants native to the area, including those found at Emily Oaks Nature Center. They provide food, weaving material, shelter, medicine, and help clean polluted water.
- Wabskoki: The Potawatomi word for marsh, “Wabskoki” describes the land that is now Skokie, reflecting a connection to the land and people historically from the area.
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Stained glass: The artistic style is inspired by the “Skokie Spirit” stained glass artwork created by Joe Folise, which is found above the Oakton Street entrance to Village Hall. The work is a mosaic reflecting the collection of smaller, individual pieces fitting together to create a larger, more beautiful image, representing Skokie’s cultural diversity.
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The Committee made a number of updates to the design following community survey input. These are detailed in the committee’s video, presentation (PDF), and memo (PDF).
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The Village seal is primarily used for authoritative and ceremonial purposes, including on proclamations, official documents, certificates, and more. Some assets that incorporate imagery from the current Village seal, such as police and fire uniform patches and the Village flag, will be redesigned.
The Village logo serves as the primary identifier for Village programs and services, and has been replacing the current Village seal in many applications since 2022. Look for the Village logo on marketing materials, publications, the Village website and online forms, and new fleet vehicles. Updates are occurring over time to minimize costs.
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Why Replace the Current Seal?
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In November 2018, the Village’s Human Relations Commission began a periodic review of the current Village seal, which features Native imagery and has been used since the 1940s. Through extensive research and a listening session with members of Native communities, the commission concluded that:
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The seal is not an accurate representation of the tribes historically from the Skokie area
- The seal is in conflict with how some members of the Native community would like to be represented
- Depictions of Native people can reinforce stereotypes and prejudice.
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The Village Seal Committee, which is composed of volunteers with a broad array of expertise, experiences, and viewpoints, was then formed to develop a new seal.
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Village Board Implements Term Limits
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On Monday, the Skokie Village Board approved an ordinance amending the Skokie Village code pertaining to term limits. The Board placed a referendum concerning the imposition of term limits for Skokie elected officials on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot, which was approved by voters.
About term limits: Term limits for the elected offices of mayor, clerk, and at-large trustee will begin in 2025, and for district trustees in 2027. Individuals will be limited to no more than three terms for each elected office.
Other election changes: Review additional changes that will be in effect beginning with the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election, including the establishment of four trustee districts, staggered elections occurring every two years instead of every four, and nonpartisan elections.
Cast your ballot: Early voting takes place March 17-31 in Skokie. Election Day is April 1.
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Reducing Waste and Litter
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Composting Options Expand
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Skokie residents now have more flexibility and choice with two approved vendors – Wastenot Compost and Collective Resource Compost Cooperative – for container-swap compost service.
Something for everyone: Whether you’re a resident or a business, an existing or new customer, you can explore pricing and service options to hire the compost service that best fits your needs. Both companies also provide event services.
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Research: Visit each vendor’s website for information on pricing and service
- Choose your provider: Select the vendor that works best for you
- Direct signup: Once you’ve selected a vendor, sign up directly through their website. All logistics and payment are handled directly through the vendor.
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Clean Green Litter Pick-up Begins March 10
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Looking for a simple way to make a big difference? Join Skokie’s Clean Green Litter Pick-Up initiative and help keep our community clean.
Why it matters: Picking up litter protects wildlife, improves water quality, and fosters community pride—plus, it’s a great excuse to enjoy the fresh spring air!
Sign up: This flexible volunteer opportunity is open to all ages and group sizes, March 10 through April 19. Sign up online or call Public Works at 847-933-8427.
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2024 SOAR Exhibit (Photo by Rich Cahan)
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The Skokie Fine Arts Commission invites you to the annual Student Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR) exhibit, taking place at Oakton College's atrium lobby from March 1 through 31. The exhibit features artwork from 21 Skokie-area schools, showcasing students from preschool to eighth grade.
Exhibit Hours:
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- Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- An open house reception for the artists and their guests will be held this Wednesday, March 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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Illustrator Jennifer Otsuka attended the Feburary 25 artist networking event. “I feel a lot can happen here,” she said of The Storefront, the Village’s new creator hub. (Photo by Rich Cahan.)
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Skokie Artists Share Ideas for The Storefront
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Nearly 100 Skokie artists, illustrators, puppeteers, writers, photographers and creatives shared ideas and opportunities with the Skokie Fine Arts Commission at a networking event last week at The Storefront, the Village’s new creator hub for artists and small businesses.
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The Village Board approved the purchase of the previously vacant commercial building, located at 4051 Main St., in 2024 as part of strategic efforts to revitalize the Main Street Commercial Corridor.
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Enjoy s’mores at Winter Market on Main. (Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography.)
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Winter Market on Main: S’mores on Sunday
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Back by popular demand - s’mores! Starting at 10 a.m., snack on a s’more by the firepit (while supplies last).
- Enjoy live music by Market Jam Band.
- We’ll be collecting canned goods, toiletries and diapers for the Niles Township Food Pantry.
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Remember to BYOB – bring your own bag. Street parking is available.
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Prevent rats: Clean up after your pet
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With snow and ice melted, now is an important time to clean up any pet waste that may be remaining in your yard.
Why it matters: Dog waste serves as a food source for rats and is a contributing factor for rat activity. Review actions you can take to discourage rats on your property.
By the numbers: Active rat cases in Skokie have decreased by more than 60 percent compared to the same time last year.
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For the week of March 3, 2025, there were 160 active rat cases in Skokie compared to 420 cases during the same week in 2024, continuing a downward trend that began in September.
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Do your part: The Village has added resources and adopted a collaborative and innovative approach to rat control. We need your continued partnership to reduce the rat population.
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Free STI and HIV Screening Event, March 10
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Skokie Health and Human Services is partnering with Chicago House to offer free screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV at a walk-in event on Monday, March 10, 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Skokie Village Hall (lower level), 5127 Oakton St.
Services offered: In addition to free screenings, community members can receive free MPOX, influenza, and COVID vaccines, and pick up STI prevention and educational materials. No ID or medical insurance is required.
Why it matters: This collaboration aims to break down logistical and financial barriers to enhance access to healthcare for everyone.
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MRC members Anna Kotsovos and Mary Madigan distribute water on February 14.
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Join the Medical Reserve Corps!
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Are you a public health professional or licensed mental or behavioral health professional living or working in Skokie? The Village of Skokie invites you to make a meaningful impact by joining the Village’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).
What is MRC? The MRC is a network of volunteers who assist during public health emergencies and support initiatives that promote community well-being.
Mental health professionals needed: If you’re a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), psychologist, psychiatrist, school counselor, or other licensed mental health professional, we want you on our team!
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Join Skokie HHS In Supporting Heart Health
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Find Information About Your Property
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Find information about your property – such as your refuse and recycling collection day, voting district, elementary school district, property tax breakdown and more – using the Skokie Community Portal.
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On Monday, the Village Board approved a resolution authorizing the Village to extend its annual Geographic Information System (GIS) Consortium membership, which powers the portal.
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Phishing Scam: Tollway Texts
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The Illinois Tollway has been alerted to a text message phishing scam claiming that recipients owe money for unpaid tolls and detailing a specific outstanding toll amount. These are not legitimate messages from the Illinois Tollway. Do not respond or provide payment information.
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Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.
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5127 Oakton St. | Skokie, IL 60077 US
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