Top 10 Stories Of 2024 On Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch

LAKE FOREST, IL — From police precinct plans to political pitfalls, sex offender scandals to shoreline solutions, 2024 has has no shortage of shake-ups and controversies that have kept the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff communities talking.

As the year draws to a close, we’ve gathered the 10 most-read stories from Lake Forest Patch, showcasing some of the moments that resonated most with readers.

From infrastructure investments to legal rulings and leadership exits, these headlines offer a snapshot of the stories that shaped 2024.

Presented below in no particular order, here’s a look back at 2024 on Lake Forest Patch:

Lake Forest City Council Approves Plan To Turn Office Building Into Police Station

The city is set to buy a Conway Park office building for $3.5 million and pay $24-29 million to turn it into a new Lake Forest police HQ.

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In Election Do-Over, Lake Forest Voters Approve Caucus Officer Slate

The group's new president proposed amending the bylaws of the local PAC, which has ignored the results of two earlier votes of its members.
Earlier: Bylaw Breaches: Lake Forest Caucus To Hold Re-Vote In Response To Legal Challenge

Illinois Republican Leaders Oust Vice Chair Mark Shaw Over 'Trans Delegate' Scandal

Party leaders removed the vice chair after he was accused of voting improperly and challenging a rival to a fight at its convention.

Ex-State Senator Terry Link Sentenced To Probation, Set To Keep Pension

The longtime Lake County Democratic Party boss escaped prison for tax fraud and misappropriating campaign funds by working undercover for the FBI.

Sex Offender Arrested For Being In Lake Forest School Zone, Administrators Keep Quiet

The arrest of a sex offender spotted at the Lake Forest Library's book sale led parents to question the district's communication policies.

Lake Forest College President Abruptly Departs After 2 Years

The first woman to lead the college, Jill Baren, is out — effective immediately — replaced, for now, by retired railroad exec Rob Krebs.

Repressed Sex Abuse Memories Claim 'Not Credible,' Ex-Lake Forest High School Teacher Says

Former teacher Cindy Martin's attorneys argue it's "not a case about suppressed memory, but rather about vengeance and financial gain."

Lake Forest Developer Sentenced To Prison For Bribing Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke

Developer Charles Cui received a harsher sentence than corrupt longtime Chicago Ald. Ed Burke after they were both convicted last year.

$73 Million Stabilization Project Shores Up Illinois Beach State Park

The recently completed project to safeguard Illinois' last natural shoreline by combating erosion has earned national recognition.

False Testimony From ISP, Prosecutorial Misconduct Led To Clerk's Indictment, Judge Rules

"So much misleading and false information" was presented that it violated due process, a Lake County judge ruled in a scathing decision.
Earlier: Waukegan City Clerk Janet Kilkelly Charged Over Approval Of Liquor, Gambling Credits and Indicted Waukegan City Clerk Asks Judge To Dismiss Felony Charges, Hearing Planned