SkokieNews - New police chief, CTA update, and more

The latest news from the Village of Skokie

December 19, 2023

Deputy Chief Jesse Barnes Appointed Police Chief

Village Manager John Lockerby has announced the appointment of Deputy Chief of Police Jesse Barnes as the Village’s next police chief.

Barnes, a 23-year veteran of the Skokie Police Department, has served as deputy chief since July 2021, first overseeing the Department’s Administrative Services Division and currently leading its Field Operations Division.

Barnes’ appointment is effective Friday, December 22 and will follow the retirement of Chief Brian Baker, who is retiring after nearly 30 years of service to Skokie.

CTA Yellow Line Update

Service on the CTA Yellow Line remains suspended as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its review of the November 16 incident near Howard. Last week, the CTA announced several interim safety enhancements that it plans to implement out of an abundance of caution to provide the highest level of safety.

Stay tuned for updates: The Village remains in communication with the CTA regarding the safe reopening of the Yellow Line. A date for the reopening has not yet been set. Service updates will be shared on the CTA website.

Free shuttle service continues: In the meantime, the CTA continues to provide free shuttle buses for Yellow Line customers, connecting the Howard station and the two Skokie stations, Oakton-Skokie and Dempster-Skokie.

Skokie Lights Up the Holidays

The holiday season is bright in Skokie! Thanks to all those who shared photos of their dazzling holiday light displays. View them on the Village’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Recycle Holiday Lights and Christmas Trees

Lights: Drop off string lighting and extension cords for recycling at Skokie Public Works, 9050 Gross Point Rd., through January 31.

Trees: Public Works will pick up Christmas trees during the weeks of January 2 and 8, 2024. Place trees in your normal refuse collection area and remove all lights and ornaments. Do not place trees in plastic bags.

Holiday Service Schedules

The Village has announced changes to refuse and recycling collection schedules due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

For the week of December 25 and January 1:

Monday collections will occur on Tuesday
Tuesday collections will occur on Wednesday
Thursday and Friday collections will occur as normal

Village Hall will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1.

Support Local Businesses this Holiday Season

What A Gift!

The Village’s “What A Gift” campaign is highlighting local businesses this holiday season! Meet the people behind North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Kaleidoscope Dance, and Blank Mason, and stay tuned for a new business highlight every day on Explore Skokie.

Last Minute Gift Idea: Free Coffee All January!

Looking for a perfect last-minute gift for the Skokie coffee lover in your life? Purchase a “Start Your Day In Skokie” travel mug at Soul Good Coffee, Qahwah House, Will’s Place or Kneads and Wants. The mug can be filled with a free serving of coffee or tea every day during the month of January.

Find Unique Handmade Items at The Giftorium

The Village has partnered with The Village Makery to gather local artisans in one place – the Skokie Holiday Giftorium – this December! Stop by 4853 Oakton St. in Downtown Skokie Thursday, December 21 through Saturday, December 23.

Support the Assist-a-Family Campaign

There’s still time to donate to the Village’s Assist-A-Family Campaign! Donations will provide eligible Skokie families with gift cards for area businesses to purchase food, household goods, and other items specific to their needs. Donate today.

LanzaTech CEO Recognized

Congratulations to LanzaTech CEO Jennifer Holmgren on being named one of TIME’s Top 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders in Business!

Making Skokie proud: LanzaTech, a carbon recycling company headquartered at Skokie’s Illinois Science + Technology Park, has developed the world’s first alternative aviation fuel derived from industrial waste gasses.

Local Artist Featured on WGN News

This week, WGN News featured Skokie artist John Wangendo, who developed his hidden artistic talent during the pandemic and strives to educate about his native homeland of Africa through his charcoal drawings.

See for yourself: John's first solo exhibit is now on display through January 18 at the gallery at a + c architects, located at 4840 Main St. in Skokie!

Electricity Aggregation Letters Mailed

This week, MC Squared Energy Services is mailing letters to approximately 1,500 eligible Skokie households who qualify for the Village’s municipal electricity aggregation program. This includes new residents and others who now qualify based on electricity usage.

If you receive a letter: No action is necessary unless you choose to opt out.