SkokieNews - Water warriors, job fair, and more

January 23, 2024

A Toast to Skokie’s Water & Sewer Division!

Raise a glass (of water) to the Village's dedicated Water & Sewer staff, who brave extremely challenging and often bitter cold conditions to repair water main breaks day and night.

Action shots: See recent photos of a crew repairing a water main break on Lee Street on the Village’s Facebook and Instagram channels.

Fast forward: Although water main repairs can take 4 to 8 hours depending on conditions, you can watch one repair in just three minutes!

Pictured (from left): Sergeant Rogelio Cantu, Chief Jesse Barnes, Deputy Chief John Oakley, and Deputy Chief Denise Franklin.

Oakley Appointed Deputy Chief of Police

The Skokie Police Department and the Village of Skokie are pleased to announce the appointment of John Oakley as deputy chief of police! Oakley, a 13-year veteran of the department, was sworn in at the Village Board Meeting on January 16, and will oversee the department’s Field Operations Division.

Also promoted: Rogelio Cantu was promoted from police officer to sergeant. Sergeant Cantu shared his journey to becoming a police officer in a recent video.

Get Involved: Attend a Skokie Police Beat Meeting

The Skokie Police Department holds quarterly beat meetings at locations throughout the Village to connect with residents, discuss local issues, and jointly develop solutions. The final two January beat meetings will be held:

Beat 316: Tuesday, January 23, 6 p.m., Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St.
Beat 317: Thursday, January 25, 6 p.m., Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St.

Lifetime of Learning: Fire Academy Grads Set Age Record

Skokie Review recently shared the story (subscription required) of two residents, Mort and Karen, who set a record as the oldest graduates of the Skokie Fire Department’s Citizens Fire Academy.

Closer look: The Citizens Fire Academy provides eight weeks of classroom and hands-on instruction to community members 18 years and older to provide a first-hand look at Fire Department operations. Watch participants in action during a training exercise.

Test, Treat, Get Better!

Free testing, telehealth and treatment is now available for COVID-19 and flu as part of the national Test to Treat program.

Free telehealth and treatment is available for anyone who tests positive for either condition. Treatment can be shipped directly or picked up at a local pharmacy.

Free testing is also available to those who are uninsured or enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, IHS or VA Healthcare.

In Case You Missed It…

Check out the Village’s digital 2023 Year In Review for some of our favorite photos, videos and highlights from the past year. Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community!

Making Skokie Facilities Greener

The Village has joined a U.S. Dept. of Energy pilot cohort to guide energy efficiency and decarbonization strategies for municipal buildings to advance the Village’s Environmental Sustainability Plan goals.

Provide Input on Housing Chapter Update

Members of the Housing Sub-Committee and Village staff invite residents to share their concerns, goals and ideas to contribute to the updated Housing Chapter of the Village's Comprehensive Plan at two public meetings, January 30 and 31.

Community-wide Job Fair, February 22

Starting your career or in the market for a new position? Attend a community-wide job fair at Oakton College - Skokie Campus on Thursday, February 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Career services and resume support will be available on site. This event is presented by Skokie Chamber of Commerce, Oakton College and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

More Events

Upcoming Public Meetings

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

Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission

January 23, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM @ Conference Rooms D&E

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Updating the Housing Chapter of the Village's Comprehensive Plan Public Input Meeting

January 30, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM @ Oakton Park

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Telecommunications and Technology Commission (STAT)

January 30, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ Conference Room A

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