2023's Most-Read Stories On Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch

WILMETTE, IL — Another year is nearly in the books. As we round out the final week of 2023 and prepare to ring in the start of 2024, which promises to bring an extra day in February and a total solar eclipse across North America in March.

Among the year's top local stories were notable openings and closings, a unique-concert, high-profile car crash, a coach's new role, a local graduate's bravery in a crisis, another's participation in a reality show and ongoing legal questions about the redevelopment of a stadium on the village's border.

Below find 10 of the most-read stories that appeared on the Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch over the course of the past 12 months.

3 Charged Over Wilmette Burglary, Police Chase, Carjacking Attempt

One of the arrestees — a Chicago man man on parole for carjacking — was charged with having a stolen car, an illegal gun and fleeing police.

Wilmette Bed, Bath & Beyond To Close, Leaving New Edens Plaza Vacancy

Company officials said there was "substantial doubt" about its chances of avoiding bankruptcy.

Pizza By Sal Opens In Downtown Wilmette

The New York-style neighborhood pizza joint was the fifth Ballyhoo Hospitality restaurant to open on the North Shore in the past 3 years.

Holocaust-Era Restored Violins To Be Played At Wilmette Concert

"Violins of Hope" featured the stories and music of restored violins that witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust in June in Wilmette.

Billionaire Jim Crown 'Racing' Son-In-Law During Deadly Crash: Report

The North Shore native died in a one-car crash at the Aspen Motorsports Park while celebrating his 70th birthday on June 25.

Fired Northwestern Coach Fitzgerald To Volunteer At Loyola Academy

Pat Fitzgerald, who was fired amid allegations of hazing at Northwestern, will work as a parent volunteer with the Ramblers football team.

Body Found In Wilmette Harbor Identified As Missing Swimmer

The body of Ebrahim Akhoon, the 18-year-old swimmer who went missing Aug. 15 in Winnetka, was found Aug. 17 in Wilmette.

Loyola Academy Alum Among Cops Who Stopped Nashville School Shooter

Rex Engelbert, a 4-year veteran of Metro Nashville police, graduated Queen of All Saints School in Chicago before attending Loyola Academy.

'An Insane Journey': New Trier Grad Takes On Squid Game Reality Show

The Kenilworth native, now an art director at a New York advertising agency, was asked to apply after a casting producer saw her on Tiktok.

Lawsuit Over Ryan Field Rebuild Considered By Wilmette Village Board

As residents urge the village to sue, Wilmette trustees met in closed session to talk litigation over Northwestern's stadium concert plan.

After: Wilmette Trustees To Weigh In On Ryan Field Redesign With Resolution and Ryan Field Concert Plan Gets Final Evanston City Council Approval

Read More Of Patch's Most-Read 2023 Stories From Wilmette, Highland Park, Evanston