WEATHER

Glencoe Village Board Considers Renovation of Council Chambers

The Glencoe Village Board is considering renovating its council chambers, which haven't been updated since 1992. They reviewed three proposed concepts on Sept. 21, with budgets ranging from around $696,000 to nearly $847,000, plus potential costs for asbestos removal.

The improvements would include new microphones, speakers, cameras, enhanced video and audio conferencing capabilities, carpet replacement, painting, and woodwork improvements.

There's debate over how extensive the renovation should be, with options ranging from maintaining the current layout to creating more flexible seating arrangements. The village is also considering enhancements to the public safety living quarters on the second floor. Trustees haven't endorsed any plans yet, but staff will return with more detailed cost estimates and designs in 2024.

Monica Sarna Appointed as Glencoe's New Public Works Director

Monica Sarna has been appointed as the new public works director for Glencoe, scheduled to start on Oct. 23. She currently serves as the assistant engineering director in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Sarna has 13 years of professional experience and will oversee various responsibilities within the public works department, including a 10-year Community Investment Program worth approximately $50 million.

Her hiring follows a thorough search process and a competitive selection from a pool of finalists. Sarna succeeds David Mau, who retired in August, and her annual salary will be $175,000.

Wilmette Plans Downtown Mural in Veteran's Park to Enhance Community Gathering Space

The Wilmette Village Board is planning to create a mural in Veteran's Park on Central Ave. An ad hoc committee will be formed to find a muralist and decide on the mural's design. The project is aimed at enhancing the downtown area and attracting residents and visitors.

The mural is expected to cover the entire park wall and will likely reflect the park's name and purpose. The Rotary Club of Wilmette may make a donation, and funds originally allocated for the Sesquicentennial celebration could be used to support the project. The goal is to complete the mural without taxpayer dollars.

The idea for the mural emerged in 2021 as part of the town's 150th celebration plans. Veteran's Park, dedicated in 1983, is a small park honoring Wilmette residents who served in the armed forces. The project is expected to begin in spring or summer.

BUSINESS

Evanston Requests Removal of Stadium Parking Lot from Land Use Dispute Committee Amid Northwestern University Tensions

The City of Evanston has requested a judge to remove the parking lot next to Northwestern University's football stadium from consideration by a committee that addresses land use disputes.

This move has sparked controversy, with residents opposing it and planning to go to court. The dispute is part of ongoing tensions between the university and residents, exacerbated by a recent hazing scandal involving student athletes.

The proposed stadium renovation and its potential impact on noise and traffic have been sources of contention. The requested change in the consent decree is unusual as it comes from the city, not the university. A court hearing on this matter is scheduled.

Northwestern University maintains that the consent decree doesn't cover the stadium area, while residents argue that discussing traffic and noise concerns is essential.

Cook County Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Winnetka Park District's Land Swap with Billionaire Justin Ishbia

A Cook County judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging a land swap between the Winnetka Park District and billionaire Justin Ishbia. The swap aims to unite two lakefront parks and provide Ishbia with land for a larger homesite.

The judge ruled that the park district acted in accordance with state law and that the value of the land exchange was fair. While this clears the way for the swap, it's still subject to community and board opposition.

The lawsuit may be amended to argue that the exchange is arbitrary and unreasonable, with the next hearing scheduled for November 1.

EVENTS

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SPORTS

BEARS

Bears Secure First Win of the Season with Justin Fields and DJ Moore's Stellar Performance

The Chicago Bears won their first game of the season, beating the Washington Commanders 40-20. Justin Fields and DJ Moore had a standout performance, with Fields throwing for 282 yards and four touchdowns, while Moore caught eight passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bears had not won a game in almost a year, ending a 14-game losing streak.

The victory came on the same day the franchise's legendary player, Dick Butkus, passed away. The Bears also had a strong defensive performance, forcing turnovers and sacking the Commanders' quarterback five times.

Washington lost its third consecutive game, struggling with missed tackles and blown coverage. The Bears will host the Minnesota Vikings next, while the Commanders will visit the Atlanta Falcons.

BLACKHAWKS

Connor Bedard Impresses as Blackhawks' Rookie Ahead of NHL Season Opener

Connor Bedard, the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft, has impressed as a rookie for the Chicago Blackhawks. He led the team in preseason with five points and is expected to center the top line alongside veterans Taylor Hall and Ryan Donato.

While GM Kyle Davidson didn't make specific predictions, he expects Bedard to have a transformative impact similar to Sidney Crosby's rookie season. The

Blackhawks are in a rebuild phase and hoping for growth, emphasizing a positive culture. Another key player joining the lineup is Lukas Reichel, their 2020 first-round pick, who will start as the No. 2 center.

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