Top 10 Most-Read Stories From 2024 In Wilmette, Kenilworth

WILMETTE, IL —From lakefront fences to school funding fights, 2024 was a year full of debates and developments for Wilmette and Kenilworth.

Residents rallied against the newly erected barrier at Gillson Park, voiced their opposition at the ballot box to borrowing $90 million and raised questions about unscheduled migrant arrivals, prompting action from local municipal lawmakers.

Legal wrangling also made waves, with high-profile lawsuits involving the botched construction of a billionaire heiress' lakefront mansion to a settlement revealing public records from New Trier High School.

Meanwhile, Wilmette village officials cut a deal on the controversial Ryan Field redevelopment, avoiding a legal showdown over Northwestern University's new concert venue and sports stadium.

On the lighter side, a highly endangered bird was rescued from a Wilmette backyard and safely returned to its home in Wisconsin.

Presented below in no particular order, here’s a look back at the top 10 stories of 2024 on Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch:

'Rethink This Monstrosity': Residents Criticize New Gillson Park Fence

The Wilmette Park District has fenced off what was formerly one of the North Shore's only free beaches.
Related: Gillson Park, Wilmette Harbor Listed On National Register Of Historic Places

Parents Rally To Save Local School, Defeat $90 Million Referendum In District 37

A bond referendum on this month's ballot would replace Avoca West in east Glenview with a new school on the Marie Murphy campus in Wilmette.
Then: Voters Flunk $90 Million Bond Referendum In Avoca School District 37

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Lost Whooping Crane Rescued From Wilmette Yard, Returned To Wisconsin

Local birders and conservationists helped the endangered bird complete her first northern migration after being raised in captivity.

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Laura Ricketts's 'Defective' Wilmette Mansion Leads To Legal Battles

The sports team owner alleges she paid an extra $7 million to fix problems with the house because its builder botched its construction.

Countdown To Opening Day For Wayfair Store At Wilmette's Edens Plaza

The home furnishing retailer moves from clicks to bricks as it struggles for profitability.

Teen 'Upset Because His Mother Took His Phone' Indicted Over Armed Robbery Of Jogger

Two 18-year-old men are accused of stealing a woman's phone at gunpoint. Both have been ordered to remain in jail while awaiting trial.
Earlier: 'Volatile And Violent' 18-Year-Old Crime Spree Suspect To Stay Behind Bars Ahead Of Trial

North Shore Fundraiser For Controversial Republican Candidate Mark Robinson Called Off

Amid "Nude Africa" porn forum scandal, North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson's planned event Sunday in Kenilworth scrapped.
Earlier: Controversial Candidate Mark Robinson Comes To North Shore Amid 'Nude Africa' Porn Scandal

Unscheduled Migrant Drop-Offs Restricted Under New Rules Passed By Wilmette Village Board

The ordinance was needed to prevent the drain on village resources from unannounced arrivals outside of business hours, village staff said.

Instead Of Suing Evanston Over Ryan Field Zoning, Wilmette Cuts Deal

The Wilmette Village Board unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement over the Ryan Field rebuild rather than filing a lawsuit.

Undisclosed Settlement In New Trier FOIA Lawsuit Yields 4,400 Pages Of Emails

Parents Defending Education dropped its suit after administrators turned over the requested records, but it had to cover its own legal fees.
Earlier: Holocaust Sticker Snafu Leads New Trier Admin To Address Antisemitism