These Are The Biggest Skokie News Stories Of 2022

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

From the village board's approval of an online used car dealer's controversial plan for a glass tower next to a forest preserve, to plans for a transformative redevelopment of the recently deemed "blighted" Old Orchard Mall, to a successful citizen-initiated referendum campaign that is set to reshape the village's electoral system, there have been no shortage of newsworthy events in Skokie this year.

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

Naked Man Kidnaps Woman, 80, Barricades Self In Her Lincolnwood House, Police Say
The 80-year-old Lincolnwood homeowner was left in a bathroom for over 18 hours on Feb. 6 until a 911 call prompted a well-being check, police said.

Critics Cry Fowl As Skokie Trustees Welcome Carvana Tower
The car dealer made concessions to bird advocates before winning board approval for a tower between the Edens Expressway and Harms Woods on Feb. 7.
More:
'Right-Sizing' Carvana Won't Say If It Plans To Build Skokie Tower
Skokie Carvana Tower On Hold After Suspension Of Illinois License
Carvana Again Suspended From Selling Cars In Illinois

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District 219 Hires Connecticut Superintendent of the Year
Thomas Moore was hired in February to take over as head of Niles Township High School District 219 after more than 25 years in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Westfield Old Orchard Declared 'Blighted' As Sales Taxes Hiked 1%
In March, the Skokie Village Board approved a public-private partnership establishing a new tax to pay for the mall landlord's redevelopment plans.
More:
Old Orchard Owner Adds New Stores, Considers Residential Development
Barnes & Noble To Reopen 2-Story Store In Interim Space At Old Orchard
Old Orchard Bloomingdale's Store To Close In October
Redevelopment Plan For Apartments At Old Orchard Mall Unveiled

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'People Are Really Traumatized': Mental Health Center Opens In Skokie
Skyway Behavioral Health opened in April with dialectical behavioral therapy for patients who require more than once-a-week treatment sessions.

Rosemont Mall Shooting Victim Flashed Gun, Gang Signs, Prosecutors Say
Jose Matias, 18, of Chicago, was charged with the March 25 murder of Joel Valdes, 20, of Skokie, and the attempted murder of a 15-year-old girl.

Electoral Referendums Take Aim At Skokie Caucus Party's One-Party Rule
The Skokie Alliance for Electoral Reform began collecting signatures in April to get three election reform referendums on the November ballot.
More:
Van Dusen Moves To Block Voter-Initiated Referendums From Ballot
Skokie Mayor Withdraws Referendum Proposal After Protest
Caucus Party, Mayor Van Dusen Campaign Against Election Reforms
Voters Approve Skokie Electoral Reform Referendums

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Chicago Woman Masterminded Murder Of 9-Year-Old In Skokie, Authorities Say
Tamesha Clark organized the fatal May 14 shooting of Jeremiah Ellis and his 5-year-old brother in retaliation for an earlier killing, authorities said.
More: 2 Charged With Murder In Killing Of 9-Year-Old In Skokie

Kevin Olickal Defeats State Rep. Denyse Stoneback In Democratic Primary
Gun violence prevention groups financed the opponent of a founder of a gun violence prevention nonprofit in the June 28 primary.
More: Skokie Democrats Square Off As 16th District State Rep Race Heats Up

Skokie-Born Wilmette Resident Nancy Maldonado To Become Federal Judge
In July, Maldonado became the first Hispanic woman confirmed by the Senate as a federal judge in Illinois.