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July 1, 2025

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Greetings Ivan! 

Here’s what you need to know this week:

👕 Skokie Spirit: Visit the Village’s Merch Shop and show your hometown pride.

👨‍🚒 Citizens Fire Academy: Register by July 21 to participate in the Skokie Fire Department’s 8-week, hands-on program.

🎶 Out of Space: The outdoor music festival will bring an amazing lineup to the Illinois Science + Technology Park later this month! Get your tickets.

Celebrate Independence Day in Skokie this Friday, July 4!

🚧 Driving to the fireworks? Allow for extra travel time due to ongoing IDOT construction and lane closures on the Oakton Street Bridge over the Edens Expressway. See the fireworks traffic advisory.

Due to the July 4th holiday, this week:

As a reminder, Village Hall will be closed on Friday, July 4.

In advance of July 4, the Skokie Police Department reminds community members about the Village’s illegal fireworks ordinance.

How to report issues: 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.

Consider others: Fireworks can be distressing to people and pets. Watch this video message from the Village and Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.).

As you plan your July 4 celebrations, don’t let rats in on the party!

Past trends: Summer and early fall are historically the most active time of the year for rats, as the weather warms and outdoor food sources become more plentiful. Stay vigilant to help our community continue to make progress towards a rat-free Skokie.

By the numbers: Active rat control cases are down 56 percent compared to the same time period last year following Village enhancements to in-house and contractual rat control services.

Do your part: Don’t be a gracious host for rats – take the following actions to clean up before and after your July 4th barbecue and all summer long.

No matter what time of year, it’s critical that you report any rat issues promptly.

Skokie Fire Chief Jeff Hoeflich (left) and incoming Chief Nicholas Eschner (right).

Skokie Village Manager John Lockerby has announced that Deputy Chief Nicholas Eschner will become the next chief of the Skokie Fire Department following the retirement of Chief Jeff Hoeflich on August 1, 2025 after nearly four decades of exemplary service.

Eschner, a 17-year veteran of the Skokie Fire Department, currently serves as deputy chief, overseeing emergency response operations and professional development.

Learn more about Chief Hoeflich and incoming Chief Eschner.

The Skokie Fire Department recently completed the transition of all non-ambulance fire apparatus to Advanced Life Support (ALS) units, enhancing the department’s ability to deliver critical medical care even faster during emergencies.

Why it matters: With this upgrade, every Skokie fire engine and truck is now equipped to provide advanced medical interventions—such as cardiac defibrillation, airway management and medication administration—even if an ambulance is not immediately available.

By the numbers:

All units are staffed with licensed paramedics and outfitted with the equipment needed to deliver ambulance-level care, minus patient transport.

‘Clue: A Walking Mystery’ is coming to Downtown Skokie, July 23 through August 17!

What to expect: Bring your friends and step into the classic board game! Solve interactive puzzles at a variety of Downtown Skokie locations and figure out who did it, where, and with what.

Book your experience: Tickets are available and timeslots are filling up fast. 

“Clue: A Walking Mystery” is presented by the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

Looking to book your tee time at Puttshack?

Take a look inside: The Village’s Explore Skokie account recently toured the new tech-infused mini-golf experience now open at Westfield Old Orchard! Look inside.

Par for the course: Beat the heat and enjoy a fun-filled experience with your group. 

The Village is seeking candidates for the position of corporation counsel. 

Position overview: The corporation counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the mayor, Board of Trustees, village manager and senior staff, and reports directly to the mayor and Board of Trustees.

More information: Review the job posting (PDF) for more information on position responsibilities and qualifications, and apply by Sunday, July 6.

The Village is considering options of hiring an in-house corporation counsel or utilizing a hybrid system in which an outside, contractual firm would be retained to serve as the primary corporation counsel, with duties customized to the Village’s ongoing legal needs.

Are you a local attorney? The panel will include two attorneys who live in Skokie. Interested individuals who meet the eligibility criteria are invited to apply by Tuesday, July 8.

In February 2025, lender X-Caliber Capital filed a foreclosure action against E&M Strategic Development, alleging the developer of the Downtown Skokie hotel project defaulted on its construction loan amidst cost overruns.

The latest: The Court held a hearing on June 4, 2025 regarding the status of both the foreclosure action and outstanding mechanics liens currently subject to an arbitration process between project parties.

Next steps: The parties are preparing for the next arbitration hearing, which will occur in October, during which an arbitration panel will hear oral argument regarding the priority of payment to lienholders. The Court has paused the foreclosure action pending the outcome of arbitration. A status hearing has been set for November 6, 2025.

Looking ahead: Although the Village is not a party to the arbitration and has no exposure in the foreclosure action, the Village remains frustrated by the pause in construction at this pivotal Downtown location and continues to support an expedited resolution that will allow the project to move forward as soon as possible.

The 3rd annual Tales from the Trails storytelling event takes place Sunday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Sketchbook Brewery in Skokie. 

What to expect: The free, all-ages event features a lineup of storytellers, including educators, writers, artists and community members sharing personal, bike-related stories about cross-country trips, childhood memories, chipmunk trauma and more. 

Who’s invited: The event, run by the Skokie Bike Network and supported by the Village of Skokie Fine Arts Commission, is open to everyone, so bike, walk or drive to Sketchbook and enjoy some Tales from the Trails.

EVENTS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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