SkokieNews - Yellow Line service resumes, MLK holiday and more

January 9, 2024

CTA Yellow Line Service Resumes

On Friday, January 5, service on the CTA Yellow Line resumed following comprehensive safety analysis and testing.

Safe and swift: Mayor Van Dusen joined CTA President Dorval R. Carter to announce the reopening and outline interim measures CTA has implemented to ensure the highest level of safety moving forward.

New Year, New Chief!

Congratulations to Jesse Barnes, who was sworn in as Skokie’s chief of police at the Village Board meeting on Tuesday, January 2.

About Chief Barnes: A 23-year veteran of the Skokie Police Department, Barnes previously served as deputy chief, first overseeing the department’s Administrative Services Division and later its Field Operations Division.

Keep Your Neighborhood Safe

The Skokie Police Department holds quarterly beat meetings throughout the Village to connect with residents, learn about local issues, and jointly develop solutions. Upcoming beat meetings include:

Beat 312: Tuesday, January 9 at 6 p.m., Middleton Elementary School, 8300 St. Louis Ave.
Beat 313: Thursday, January 11 at 6 p.m., Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St.
Beat 314: Tuesday, January 16 at 6 p.m., Panera, 5508 Touhy Ave.

View the beat map and January meeting schedule.

Help First Responders Help You

The Skokie Fire Department has launched the L.I.F.E. File Program, which makes it easy for first responders and medical professionals to access your medical history in an emergency.

How it works: Pick up a free L.I.F.E. File packet at any Skokie Fire station, the Skokie Police Department or Village Hall. Then, complete the form, place it in the provided bag, and store it in your freezer. Register your packet using the provided link so that first responders know the packet is on site.

Inside look: Skokie Fire Inspector Tim Taylor walks you through the process on the Village’s Facebook and Instagram channels.

MLK Holiday Service Reminder

In observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday, January 15, the Village has announced changes to refuse collection and Village Hall facility hours.

Refuse collection: During the week of January 15:

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

Recycling collection: All recycling collections will occur as normal.

In-person services: Village Hall will be closed on Monday, January 15; visit skokie.org or use the Access Skokie app for online services. Note: Some online payments and permits will be temporarily unavailable after 5 p.m. on Friday, January 12 during the holiday weekend for maintenance.

Vote for Skokie: Best Suburb

Skokie is a finalist in the Chicago Reader’s “Best of Chicago 2023” listing!

Help us win: Cast your vote for Skokie now through January 14! Registration required.

Be Winter Ready

Wintry weather is in the forecast this week.

Be in the know: Review alternate-side parking rules, which go into effect after two inches of snowfall, and convenient notification methods to stay informed.

Be a good neighbor: Clear snow, slush and ice from sidewalks adjacent to your property so that everyone can travel safely. Remember: Walking on a snowy sidewalk may not be a challenge for you, but it can make travel extremely difficult – even impossible – for some of your neighbors.

‘Tis the Season: Recycle Holiday Lights and Trees

Trees: Public Works continues to pick up real Christmas trees this week. Place trees in your normal refuse collection area and remove all lights and ornaments. Do not place trees in plastic bags.

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

‘Tis the Sneezin’: Protect Yourself from Respiratory Viruses

RSV, COVID-19 and seasonal flu are circulating widely in Illinois following the holiday season. Protect yourself and your family members by staying up to date on vaccines.

Submit Residential Sustainability Award Nominations

Do you know a Skokie neighbor who is a leader in home sustainability? Nominate them for a 2024 Residential Sustainability Award!

High five: This new award recognizes households that demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices.

Skokie resident to know: John Wangendo

WGN News recently featured Skokie resident John Wangendo, who discovered and developed his hidden artistic talent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the inspiring story.

More Events

Community Calendar

The Laughing Academy: Comedian Anthony Bonazzo, January 19
CPR Skills Testing, January 20
Skokie Idol, January 20

Upcoming Public Meetings

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

Fine Arts Commission Meeting

January 10, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ Conference Rooms D&E

More Details