A weekly summary of Skokie news sent from the Village right to your inbox.

June 25, 2024

View in browser

Greetings Ivan! 

🎸 Put your hands in the air and dance to “Shout Out” tomorrow night at Wednesdays on the Green.

 🚲 Learn about plans to add bike lanes on Church Street at an “open house” meeting this Thursday.

🥫 Donate non-perishable food items, toiletries and clothing for all ages at the Skokie Farmers’ Market on Sunday. 

We hope you can join us for a full day of Independence Day festivities in Skokie on Thursday, July 4.

Skokie Village Hall will be closed on Thursday, July 4. Thursday refuse and recycling collections will occur on Wednesday, July 3. Yard waste collections will occur on Saturday, July 6. All other collections will occur as normal.

Skokie Police will increase patrols around July 4th and will be enforcing the illegal fireworks ordinance.

Who to call: Report fireworks noise complaints by contacting the police non-emergency number (847-982-5900) or text a tip to 226787 and begin your message with “Skokie.” For fireworks-related issues that pose a life safety threat or fire hazard, call 911.

Major improvements to the Old Orchard Road corridor continue, and with this progress comes new traffic patterns. Starting this week: 

Detours will remain in place until the fall of 2024. Old Orchard Road remains open to eastbound and westbound traffic. Visit Cook County’s project website for more information and updates.

Photo by Rich Cahan

Do you have leftover oil-based paints, cleaning products, fluorescent bulbs, lithium batteries or other household chemical materials collecting dust at home? We have you covered!

Sign up: Safely and responsibly dispose of accepted materials at Skokie’s free collection event on Saturday, July 27 at Niles North High School.

Furniture and design brand Arhaus is now open at Westfield Old Orchard in the newly renovated former Lord & Taylor building! 

Take a look: NBC Chicago covered the store’s opening.

What’s next: High-tech mini-golf experience Puttshack and furniture and decor retailer Pottery Barn are set to open in the space later this year.

Can you spot the torch at Aw Yeah Comics on Lincoln Avenue?

There are just a few days left to “Track the Torch” at Downtown Skokie businesses!

Start here: Pick up a scavenger hunt map card at the Skokie Public Library to begin your adventure and find hidden torches at participating businesses.

Win prizes: Turn in your completed map card to Ignite Gaming, 8125 Skokie Blvd., by June 29 and you’ll receive a $10 arcade gift card and be entered into a drawing for great prizes!

Have a sweet tooth? Sweet Reserve Cafe & Bakery, 4845 Oakton St., just might be your new favorite place!

Looking to start the next chapter of your career right here in Skokie? The Village is seeking a Planning Manager (.PDF) to lead its Planning Services Division, responsible for overseeing land entitlement processes, updates to zoning code, and revisions to the Village's Comprehensive Plan.

Join your hometown team: Browse all current Village employment opportunities.

The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District has found the first West Nile virus positive mosquitoes to occur in its traps in Skokie this year. 

Take action to minimize mosquito bites: 

The Village’s Commission on Family Services partnered with Skokie Public Library and Skokie Heritage Museum to host a fair housing event on June 11. See coverage in the Skokie Review. (Note: Subscription may be required; Skokie Public Library offers library cardholders free access to periodicals.)

Did you know: Skokie was the first in the state to pass a Fair Housing Ordinance prohibiting unlawful and discriminatory housing practices.

The Skokie Fire Department’s Fire Explorer program is hosting a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, June 29, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Skokie Fire Station #16, 7424 Niles Center Rd. 

Supporting future firefighters: Proceeds will assist the Explorers in funding their tuition for the Explorer Cadet Fire School conducted at the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute, July 18-21. 

On Monday morning, Skokie Fire Station #18 served as the starting point for the 2024 National EMS Memorial Bike Ride (Midwest Route), a 6-day ride to St. Paul, Minnesota.

Honoring our heroes: This year, participants are riding in honor of Skokie Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Andy Cutting, who died on January 20, 2023, as well as 14 other honorees.

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