Community Corner

These Are The Most-Read Wilmette News Stories Of 2022

Take a look at some of the Wilmette news that most captivated Patch readers during the past year.

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The start of 2023 will mark the 16th year of Patch Media, which has been owned by Hale Global since 2014.
The start of 2023 will mark the 16th year of Patch Media, which has been owned by Hale Global since 2014. (Patch)

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

Some of the year's top stories included plans for the redevelopment of Edens Plaza, a Kenilworth resident sentenced over his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and the discovery of an interstate fencing ring by Wilmette police.

Here are some of the most widely read news stories of 2022 from Wilmette Patch, in chronological order:

Find out what's happening in Wilmette-Kenilworthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Lawyer Who Filed 'Frivolous' Suit Against Patch Faces Discipline
John Xydakis filed nine lawsuits against media outlets and attorneys intended "to harass, delay or burden," according to an ARDC complaint.

District 39 Board Member Takes Flak For Involvement In CTU Election
Wilmette School District 39 board member Lisa Schneider Fabes is linked to a new group looking to unseat Chicago Teachers Union leaders.

Find out what's happening in Wilmette-Kenilworthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Parents Protest Mask Mandate, But Board Told Ending It Is Illegal
A Wilmette School Board District 39 attorney said board members could face legal liability if they violate the governor's executive orders.

New Trier High School Ranked 10th In Illinois, 285th In Nation
U.S. News and World Report ranked New Trier the fourth-best public high school in the state, excluding selective enrollment schools.

Wayfair At Edens Plaza Gets Final Wilmette Village Board Approval
The online retailer is set to open its first physical big box store after renovating the former site of the Edens Plaza Carson's.
More: Wayfair Flagship To Fill Carson's Box After Edens Plaza Sale

In March, the Wilmette Village Board granted final approval to plans to build the first Wayfair department store at Edens Plaza. (Village of Wilmette)

North Shore Brothers In Capitol Riot Deserve 14 Days Jail: Prosecutors
Ahead of an April sentencing hearing, Christian and Mark Kulas' defense attorney said the brothers "succumbed to the mob atmosphere" before entering the U.S. Capitol last year.
More: Suburban Brothers Sentenced To Probation, Home Detention Over Jan. 6

Federal prosecutors filed as exhibits numerous images captured from surveillance footage at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as well as social media posts from the day. (U.S. Attorney's Office)

Gillson Park Named Among 'Most Endangered' Sites In Illinois
In April, preservation nonprofit Landmarks Illinois urged Wilmette Park District commissioners to maintain the park's passive and naturalistic design.

Gillson Park, the 107-year-old lakefront park in Wilmette, is one of five Illinois sites included on the 2022 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois list produced by Landmarks Illinois. (Landmarks Illinois)

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.

Wilmette resident Nancy Maldonado, pictured at a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing in May, was confirmed to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois in July. (U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee/via video)

2 Teens, 1 Adult Charged Over Wilmette Armed Robbery
None of the charges filed so far relate to a bullet that police say was fired at officers Michael Demos and Russell Monk through the windshield of a getaway car in August.
More: Armed Robber Shoots At Officers In Wilmette, 3 Arrested, Police Say

$7.5 million In Stolen Items Found In Bust Of Interstate Fencing Ring: Police
Wilmette police Det. Claudia Olivo and Cmdr. Michael Robinson were awarded department commendations for their role in an investigation that disrupted a cross-country criminal enterprise in October.

Eight people face felony charges in Will County in connection with the discovery of an interstate fencing ring for stolen goods. An Oct. 6 search turned up 126 pallets loaded with about 278,000 individual stolen items, police said. (Wilmette PD)

Loyola Academy Football Coach John Holecek To Step Down After 17 Years
The former NFL linebacker coached the Loyola Academy Ramblers to three state championships and an overall record of 185-36.

Loyola Academy varsity football coach John Holecek plans to depart from the Wilmette Catholic school in June, school officials announced in December. (Courtesy Loyola Academy)

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