These Are The Biggest Evanston News Stories Of 2022

EVANSTON, IL — As 2022 comes to an end, we're looking back at some of the Evanston Patch stories that captured the attention of readers over the course of the year.

From the historic roll-out of the nation's first municipal reparations program, to a secret sex abuse settlement uncovered via a settlement with a Patch reporter, to a groundbreaking vaccine mandate lawsuit, there have been no shortage of newsworthy events in Evanston this year.

As we review the year gone by, here are some of the most widely read news stories of 2022 from Evanston Patch, presented in chronological order.

Ping-Pong Ball Draw Picks Evanston Reparations Recipient Order
Sixteen ancestors — Black people who lived in Evanston before its 1969 fair housing law— are set for $25,000 grants for home-related costs.
More: First 16 Evanston Reparations Beneficiaries Begin To Receive $25,000

Ex-Northwestern Prof Sentenced In 'Perverted' Murder Of Boyfriend
Wyndham Lathem, a former associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Northwestern University, was sentenced to 53 years in prison.
More: British Accomplice Of Ex-Northwestern Prof Sentenced For Murder

Guns That Prompted High School Lockdown Were For 'Personal Protection,' Principal Says
Administrators said they would consult with school safety experts about whether to install metal detectors at Evanston Township High School.
More: Loaded Gun Found At ETHS, Adult Student Arrested

ETHS Pays Full Salary For On-Leave Senior Staff Until End Of Year
The district will have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to its two top HR employees while on leave — both agreed not to talk about why.
More: New Evanston Township High School Superintendent Appointed

AMC Theaters, Sky Zone, Esports Arena Coming To Downtown Evanston
The new operator of the former Cinemark 12 at Church Street Plaza is set to be joined by a trampoline park, video gaming facility and more.
More: The AMC Evanston 12 opened Nov. 9, replacing the Century 12 Evanston/Cinéarts 6

New Boundaries, 5th Ward School Included In New Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Assignment Plan
The plan calls for the closure of Bessie Rhodes and construction of a new school at Foster Field by the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Connections For The Homeless Needs New Permit For Margarita Inn
Staff found the nonprofit's operations at the hotel comply with Evanston's zoning code — but the existing special use permit has expired.

Nooses Found At Haven Middle School In Evanston After Student Protest
"This is a hate crime," the superintendent said. The nooses were found after middle schoolers staged a sit-in protesting teacher transfers.
More:
Haven Middle School Fight Sends Staff To Hospital, 2nd Time In 8 Days
Nooses Found At Evanston Middle School Not Hate Crime, Prosecutors Say
Charge Over Nooses At Haven Middle School Diverted In Juvenile Court

Secret $225,000 Sex Abuse Settlement Was Never Approved By ETHS Board

Evanston Patch obtained a copy of the settlement after filing suit against the district over violations of the Freedom of Information Act.

Slain Dad Robbed Couple Having Sex In Evanston Park, Prosecutors Say
The man shot to death in front of his daughter recorded a video of his half-naked accused killer having sex just minutes before his death.

NorthShore To Pay $10.3 Million In Class Action Over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
Over 500 past and current NorthShore University HealthSystem staff with religious exemptions to the coronavirus vaccine are set to get paid.
More:
NorthShore Staff Sue Over Religious Exemptions To Vaccine Mandate
Unvaccinated NorthShore Staff Drop Appeal Of Order Allowing Their Firing
13 Of 14 Staff Suing NorthShore Over Vaccine Mandate Have Left Their Jobs

Double Clutch Brewing In Evanston Wins Brewery Of The Year Award
A North Shore brewer took the top small brewery prize, as well as two silver medals for his lagers at the 2022 Great American Beer Festival.

Black Evanston Employees' Racial Equity Concerns Lead To City Roadmap
City officials announced initial steps in response to an open letter and action plan released by a group of about 30 Black employees.

Residents Launch 'Field Of Schemes' Campaign Over New Ryan Field Plans
Northwestern University officials want changes to Evanston's zoning code, planned development approval and a new liquor license.

---

During the course of 2022, two new City Council members were appointed to fill vacancies created by resignations. In February, seven 9th Ward residents made their pitch, asking Mayor Daniel Biss to appoint them to succeed former Ald. Cicely Fleming. Biss picked Juan Geracaris, a network engineer for Northwestern University's business school. In July, 2nd Ward Ald. Peter Braithwaite stepped down after more than 11 years on the City Council. Biss appointed Krissie Harris to succeed him.

Evanston also hired a permanent city manager and police chief, which it had not had since October and April 2021, respectively.

The year began with the City Council's first pick as city manager taking a job in Texas. The council hired another search firm and identified two more finalists, but after the mayor and alderpeople voted to approve a contract with one of them, he sought change some of the details of its relocation clauses and the deal fell apart.

After being named interim city manager in July, Chief Information Officer Luke Stowe landed the job on a permanent basis in August. Later that month, city officials named three finalists for the job of police chief, and Evanston native Schenita Stewart was named the new chief in September — days after the city agreed to pay $125,000 to settle the last of the pending civil lawsuits it faced over its former chief's use of social media.