2023's Most-Read Stories On Winnetka-Glencoe Patch

WINNETKA-GLENCOE, 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 the controversy over a billionaire's acquisition of a notable portion of the lakefront, tragedies in the water and on the road, the opening of a new business, new playground and plans for a new golf club.

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

Billionaire's Winnetka Home To Be Most Expensive In Illinois History

Justin Ishbia is on track to spend over $77 million for his lakefront estate, plus another $6.2 million for a house between two parks.

Winnetka Park District's Land Swap With Billionaire Greenlit By Judge

Meanwhile, the park district board has yet to learn the conditions of billionaire Justin Ishbia's "no strings attached" offer of $3 million.

Park District Tables Restrictive Covenant, $3M From Billionaire Ishbia

A dramatic last-minute offer from an anonymous donor has emerged to match a conditional "donation" deal with the billionaire.

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Restaurateur's Historic Winnetka Mansion Heads To Auction Block

The Sheridan Road estate formerly owned by the family that owns Reza's restaurants is set to be auctioned off by a mortgage lender.

Glencoe Voters Approve $15 Million Golf Club Bond Issue

Preliminary results showed 58 percent voters approved a plan to borrow $15 million to finance improvements to the village-owned golf course.

North Shore Suburb Named 'Most Expensive Neighborhood' In Illinois

A recent report compared average property prices in every village and neighborhood in the country.

North Shore Native Opens Flagship Lana Fine Jewelry Store In Winnetka

Lana Bramlette's jewelry has been worn by celebrities including Madonna, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz and Lizzo.

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Winnetka Dad Who Drowned In Lake Michigan During Rescue Identified

Luke Laidley, 43, was a survivor of 9/11, a football coach at Carmel Catholic and Loyola Academy and a father of three, his family said.

Highland Park Shooting Survivor Dies After Bike Crash With Amazon Van

John Kezdy, a former assistant attorney general and lead singer of the influential punk band The Effigies, died three days after the crash.

Grand Re-Opening Celebrates Winnetka Playground's Journey To Ghana

A local Eagle Scout led a project to dismantle the old playground equipment at Nick Corwin Park, take it to West Africa and rebuild it.

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