The Northbrook Park District has announced that the renovation of the multigenerational spaces inside the Leisure Center is expected to start this fall serves as the headquarters for the park district’s recreation programs for children and adults the Senior Center and the Northbrook Theatre the building used to hold the former Indian Ridge School and was acquired by the park district in the 1980s The facility needs to be renovated and upgraded to extend its life span and boost the park district’s ability to meet the needs of the community “This renovation represents a significant investment in the future of our community,” Northbrook Park District Executive Director Chris Leiner said “We’re grateful for our board of commissioners’ continued support and shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Northbrook These upgrades will allow us to better serve residents of all ages with spaces that are more welcoming It’s about honoring the legacy of this facility while preparing it to meet the evolving needs of generations to come.” The cost of the project is currently estimated at about $12.1 million and will be partially funded by a $2.8 million grant from the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources The project will feature functional upgrades catering to all users and elevating the interior of the building with a more open and inviting feel There will be an improved and welcoming main entrance an enhanced lobby with a new reception area and expanded hallway spaces The building will feature all new exterior windows and facade improvements and classrooms will have ambient lighting and new viewing windows for a brighter additional art spaces and a technology and training room demonstration kitchen and multipurpose rooms and technology will be added throughout the building to augment meetings The Northbrook Theatre will have a designated entrance with a new direct outdoor walkway along with upgrades to the smaller theater space as well as the lower-level green room Safety enhancements will include a designated access point for the early childhood area and improved wayfinding signage The work will also upgrade the building to current ADA standards including accessible bathrooms in the early childhood classrooms the Leisure Center has provided Northbrook with a communal gathering space where children adults and seniors can nurture their interests explore new hobbies and make new friends,” Northbrook Park District Director of Recreation Eileen Loftus said “We are thrilled to embark on this renovation project which will allow us to offer an even more vibrant and welcoming recreational space for our community.” As an element of the upcoming renovation, the park district is evaluating the facility’s name. Members of the community are invited to share ideas and feedback at nbparks.org/projects/leisurecenter by Friday all programs that typically take place at the Leisure Center will be relocated to other park district facilities plus a few additional locations in the community All park district staff that currently work at the Leisure Center will also relocate and continue running their respective programs “Our patrons will continue to interact with all the familiar faces they see at the Leisure Center,” Loftus said “We know that many in our community have developed a sense of comfort and trust with our staff members and they can rest assured that will not be disrupted during the construction project.” Sunshine Preschool will be held at the Sports Center The preschool’s furniture and materials will be moved to the new temporary location to ensure a familiar and welcoming environment for children and families will be held at other Northbrook Park District facilities Techny Prairie Activity Center and the Sports Center As the start of construction approaches, additional information regarding the plans for this facility will be shared at nbparks.org/ projects the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services parks and facilities through environmental The views expressed here are the author's own Weeknight dinner is done when we bring Savory Crust to you on Thursday Try traditional empanadas like Argentinian beef unique flavors such as chicken curry and Philly Cheese steak Each comes with your choice of dipping sauce Bowls for the family make for an easy meal for all Your order will be available for home delivery between 2:30 - 6:00pm We’re delivering this restaurant event to Vernon Hills, Winnetka, Northfield, Deerfield, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Mundelein, Northbrook, Wilmette, and Lincolnshire. Learn more about our delivery zones here View menu + order: https://dwell.social/3YOlbt0 high-octane good time next month with Northbrook Community Theatre’s production of “School of Rock.” The musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber is based on the 2003 movie starring Jack Black which broke the record for music-themed comedies at the time by grossing nearly $20 million at opening a failed wannabe rock star who gets kicked out of his rock band and poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school he makes jaws drop by turning a class of academically-focused pupils into an amazing Five performances featuring a cast of 31 actors as young as 9 through 60-plus will take place between May 15 and 18 at the Northbrook Theatre The park district is thrilled that its community theater musical programming — which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary — continues to elicit enthusiasm among the community said Performing Arts Supervisor Melody DeRogatis “Music belongs everywhere and to everybody — everyone deserves the chance to rock!,” De Rogatis said ‘School of Rock’ is about self-acceptance and celebrating the people around you for exactly who they are I hope everyone comes to our show to celebrate their authentic selves and rock out with us!” Northbrook Theatre is inside the Northbrook Park District’s Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nbparks.org/programs/theatre Northbrook Community Theatre is one of three companies under the umbrella of Northbrook Theatre along with Northbrook Theatre Youth Company and Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences Experience one of the most buzzed-about restaurants in Chicago DwellSocial is bringing its award-winning meals to you on Friday The winner of 6 MICHELIN Bib Gourmand awards a 2025 James Beard Foundation Best Chef finalist as well as being named “Best New Restaurant: 2018” by Chicago Magazine have created a menu of modern Vietnamese dishes that will make you drool Chef Thai's World-Famous Caramelized Fish Sauce Wings Most of the menu is GF for those with restrictions Your order will be available for home delivery between 2:00 - 6:00pm View menu + order: https://dwell.social/43bZLbV And don't forget to stock up for the week from this local favorite Please leave a cooler outside if you won't be home We are delivering this restaurant event to Vernon Hills, Winnetka, Northfield, Deerfield, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Mundelein, Northbrook, Wilmette, and Lincolnshire. Learn more about our delivery zones here View menu + order: https://dwell.social/43bZLIX A network of correspondents providing impartial news reports and analysis in 33 languages from locations around the world Up-to-the-minute news and analysis from around the world and in Chicago Hosted by WBEZ's Mary Dixon and NPR's Steve Inskeep Newshour is the award-winning flagship program of the BBC World Service the world’s largest news gathering operation 1A convenes a conversation about the most important issues of our time smart reflection on world news as it’s happening innovators and artists from around the globe with news from Chicago from WBEZ’s Lisa Labuz Reset digs into how the news has moved since you left the house discussing and unpacking the biggest stories and issues in Chicago and beyond right in the heart of the day Fresh Air is a weekday “talk show” that hardly fits the mold Fresh Air Weekend collects the week’s best cultural segments and crafts them together for great weekend 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Have a laugh and test your news knowledge while figuring out what's real and what we've made up It's Been a Minute features people in the culture who deserve your attention Plus weekly wraps of the news with journalists in the know Exploring the biggest questions of our time with the help of the world's greatest thinkers A radio journal of news and culture produced from a Latino perspective and offbeat features from Chicago and around the world with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior shape our choices and direct our relationships Your guide to examining how the media sausage is made Important ideas and practical advice: Code Switch features fearless and much-needed conversations about race—and Life Kit offers practical advice on things in life no one prepared you for Created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX Reveal is public radio’s first one-hour radio show and podcast dedicated to investigative reporting A weekly program presented by the New Yorker magazine’s editor killer beats and the edgiest new talent in storytelling come together for a weekly show that straps audiences into an audio rollercoaster Radiolab is known for its deep-dive journalism and innovative sound design Created in 2002 by former host Jad Abumrad the program began as an exploration of scientific inquiry Over the years it has evolved to become a platform for long-form journalism and storytelling Radiolab is hosted by Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser A pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run May 1 A pedestrian was fatally struck in a hit-and-run early Thursday in suburban Northbrook Officers responded to the 2900 block of Shermer Road after a call of a deceased male found in the area While not much is known regarding the circumstances of the person’s death detectives confirmed he was struck by a vehicle while on foot and the vehicle left the scene No further information was immediately available Terms of Use • Privacy Notice • Cookie Policy • Terms of Sale The annual Northbrook-On-Ice skating extravaganza returns over Mother’s Day weekend for its 55th edition a special show featuring multiple generations of ice skaters “A Broadway Spectacular!” running May 9-11 will take spectators on a theatrical journey on ice featuring talented skaters ages 3-57 The audience will recognize music from family-friendly productions timeless stage classics and iconic movies-turned-musicals As is tradition for milestone anniversaries the cast will include returning alumni of the show “A Broadway Spectacular!” will feature 344 skaters including those who participate in the Northbrook Park District’s skating school; upper-level freestyle skaters (Icettes Icettes and Dancettes); and returning Icettes One family has three generations involved: skater Layla Kunitz a returning Icette; and grandmother Carol Wald The annual Northbrook-On-Ice has been such a significant part of their lives that even major events — including bat mitzvahs — have been scheduled around it over the years The Kunitzes live in Deerfield; Wald in Northbrook Ice skating has given her confidence in herself who was born with no hearing and now has a cochlear implant and wears a hearing aid “It’s a good chance to try something out and see that it’s OK to make mistakes because you can learn from them,” she said The Northbrook Park District’s skating program offers a supportive environment with stellar teaching “It’s really cool that something I loved and brought me such joy is now bringing Layla so much happiness and joy.” Northbrook-On-Ice has been called the best amateur ice show in the country and has enchanted spectators since 1969 (one edition was skipped due to the COVID-19 pandemic) national ice-skating entertainment shows such as the Ice Capades and Ice Follies sent scouts to Northbrook-On-Ice to find talent The Northbrook Park District’s ice-skating program teaches skills like teamwork and discipline there are a lot of things that you gain that translate to real life like stepping out of your comfort zone and overcoming fears,” returning Icette Stacy Karel of Chicago said “It’s a part of my childhood that really stuck with me.” The memories made at Northbrook-On-Ice over the years are indelible who can even recall choreography from her favorite numbers such as skating to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” wearing a zombie costume “Being an Icette is like belonging to a sisterhood,” Karel said “The most interesting thing about the reunion is that you have women in the dressing room that are grandmas and you have women that are breastfeeding simply being back on the ice before an audience is a fantastic feeling She and Karel will be part of a showgirl-style group number with plenty of sequins and sparkles “The chance to be in the spotlight again and to perform for anybody that will watch is a privilege And I consider it a privilege to be part of the Icette program and to have been associated with Northbrook-On-Ice “The fact that we have kept this program alive for so many years and it continues to attract the talent that it does is really a testament to its foundation and the alumni and coaches that continue to keep it going.” Among Icette mother-daughter pairs are alumna Laurie Martinelli and her daughter Emma a member of the Teams Elite that last month earned the United States’ first gold medal at the ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships taking the ice one last time as an Icette will be just as meaningful a Northbrook resident and senior at Glenbrook North High School “It’s an accumulation of all the work I put in over the years to stay involved,” said Emma who has a two-night solo to music from “The Phantom of the Opera.” “Some of the people who used to be more into synchronized skating gave it up for Icettes I am proud that I was able to do both — it’s always been my goal to graduate as an Icette.” Laurie Martinelli has participated in three reunion shows over the years where she relished reconnecting with friends and forging new friendships with younger generations of alumni she will sit out so the spotlight can be all on her daughter when they do the finale and you take your final bow and the lights go off Northbrook-On-Ice performances are at 7 p.m For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nbparks.org/programs/ice-skating/northbrook-on-ice A documentary critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians was screened at the Northbrook Public Library this week months after the library demanded organizers pay a security fee that the American Civil Liberties Union called unconstitutional The library held the screening of “Israelism” Thursday evening without incident followed by a virtual question and answer session with co-director Erin Axelman according to screening organizer Anna Tarkov of the Chicagoland Jewish Labor Bund Her group had canceled two previous screenings at the library in September and October the Chicago Jewish Alliance called on people to email and call the library to protest the event The library responded by demanding the screening organizer pay $3,000 for security and insurance Free speech advocates called the cancellation a clear case of “heckler’s veto,” which occurs when a speaker is shut down due to the actions of a hostile crowd Organizers balked and began looking for another venue, Tarkov said. But the library dropped its security fee requirement after the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois sent a letter to library administration questioning the constitutionality of charging security fees in anticipation of protests Officers were dispatched at the library Thursday evening as potential crowd control “out of an abundance of caution,” the village of Northbrook said in a statement Tarkov called the police presence “intense” and unnecessary Police blocked the street in front of the library and closed one of the library’s two entrances Axelman, in a social media post promoting the screening, characterized the event as being “un-canceled.” He did not reply to a request for comment “After a mass outcry against this attempted cancellation, the Library is reversing course,” the film’s production team said in another social media post The library is reviewing the policy that led it to charge a security fee Hall said the library’s board discussed the issue at their January meeting and the library is pursuing changes to the policy in May as always we remain committed to the First Amendment right of free speech,” Hall said The Chicago Jewish Alliance told the Sun-Times in December it was open to attending a screening to discuss the film’s ideas. But on Wednesday the group said in a social media post that it would not attend the screening The organization said it was not satisfied with the Q&A format and would have preferred a formal debate on the film The group claimed that the film spreads “misinformation.” the organization criticized how the debate was framed as a free speech issue “This isn’t a First Amendment issue — you can stream the film anywhere,” the Chicago Jewish Alliance said in the statement “This is about deliberately provoking Jewish communities with films that incite hostility They refused to debate us and instead bragged about being on streaming platforms why the need to force it into Jewish spaces?” The film’s website says it’s about “when two young American Jews raised to unconditionally love Israel witness the brutal way Israel treats Palestinians It won several awards at film festivals in 2023. But the film sparked renewed controversy in the wake of the Oct Tarkov said she knows several other organizers who have screened similar documentaries including “Israelism,” have not faced such intense public response 2025 at 6:21 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Polls closed in Cook County at 7 p.m IL — Two slates of candidates squared off in an election battle for Northbrook Village President and seats on the Village Board voters showed they supported the positions of the Northbrook Caucus of 2025 over those of Northbrook Focused 2025 Ciesla was running for a second four-year term as Village President as a member of the former For three seats on the Northbrook Village Board two current trustees — Joy Ebhomielen and Michelle Kohler — were running for reelection Both candidates are part of the Northbrook Caucus of 2025 and look to be joined by fellow caucus candidate Matt Cassidy Also vying for a four-year term were Laura Hochstein Anthony Riccardi and Charles Zivin part of the Northbrook Focused 2025 slate According to the Cook County Clerk's Office who has been an attorney at law since 1997 was seeking her second term as Village President She has been an elected member of the Village Board since 2009 Ebhomielen was seeking reelection to the Village Board She is a senior finance manager for Clinical Trial Payments at AbbVie Kohler has served on the Village Board since being appointed to a seat in 2023 following the resignation of former Trustee Muriel Collison She has nearly 30 years of experience in marketing and business strategy Cassidy has been working in financial technology for the last 26 years He is currently a member of the Northbrook School District 28 board of education RELATED: 6 Candidates Seek Northbrook Village Board, Prez Race — 2025 Election Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 2025 at 2:08 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The incidents and arrests below were reported by the Northbrook Police Department from April 18-23 IL — The following information comes from the Northbrook Police Department and court records as a record of incidents reported to police and those arrested on criminal charges which represent accusations by the state that are often dropped or reduced Updated information may be available from the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Everyone arrested is presumed to be innocent unless found guilty in court beyond a reasonable doubt with a defective taillight and suspended license plates at Dundee and Pfingsten roads Police stopped the car and spoke to the driver the officer said he smelled unburnt cannabis from inside the vehicle The officer found a duffel bag with cannabis inside and a loaded 9mm Glock pistol After running the serial number of the firearm it came back stolen out of Chicago from 2022 Peterson was charged with having a defective taillight no insurance; Hearts was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm LAST WEEK'S BLOTTER: Water Bottle Thrown During Road Rage Incident — Northbrook PD Blotter is accused of violating an order of protection Police said the court order had been served to him in February and he violated it when he became intoxicated at a family residence in Northbrook that was protected by the court order A Rutgers Lane resident reported at 1:41 p.m he had received a phone call from someone claiming to be with Medicare The caller advised him that he needed to confirm his personal information and participate with a swab test otherwise Medicare was going to drop him from the program The complainant tried calling his doctor to confirm the information The complainant complied and supplied all his personal information with the caller on the phone His real doctor called him later and advised him to make the complaint that it was a scam The complainant is working with Medicare to change his account information in case of fraud The staff at a banking institution in the 2300 block of Waukegan Road called police at 2:40 p.m to report someone had walked into their lobby and attempted to deposit a check issued in the amount of $41,257.32 A second person utilized the drive-thru to deposit a check in the amount of $571,120.42 The bank staff contacted the account holders who issued the checks and confirmed the checks were fraudulent The person in the lobby walked out and got into the vehicle of the other person before fleeing the area A resident in the 600 block of Marshall Road called police at 4 p.m to report someone had entered her parked 2021 gray Hyundai and stole her Tumi backpack and Google Chrome laptop The vehicle had been parked in her driveway overnight A resident in the 1400 block of Techny Road called police at 2:16 p.m to report he had mailed a business check to an insurance company in March It appeared the check was intercepted prior to getting to the payee A subject altered the check payee and made it payable in the amount of $41,882.73 someone tried changing the altered check’s number with different information and cashing it again in the amount of $41,882.73 The business has contacted the banking institutions to inform them of the check’s theft and forgery to report he had left his iPad on a treadmill at his fitness facility in the 1100 block of Skokie Boulevard He walked away to get some water and when he returned 2025 at 10:49 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Most of these awards are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study and provide annual stipends that range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year IL — The National Merit Scholarship Corporation released the names of the first group of winners in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program According to the Evanston-based organization approximately 830 distinguished high school seniors have won corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarship awards financed by about 124 corporations Also included in this category are awards supported by several foundations and individual donors who have established endowments with NMSC Scholars were selected from students who advanced to the Finalist level in the National Merit Scholarship competition and met criteria of their scholarship sponsors Corporate sponsors provide National Merit Scholarships for Finalists who are children of their employees who are residents of communities the company serves or who plan to pursue college majors or careers the sponsor wishes to encourage Most of these awards are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study and provide annual stipends that range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year Some provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000 Recipients can use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S 2025 at 8:22 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Kathryn L Ciesla has been an attorney at law since 1997 IL — Ahead of the April 1 consolidated municipal elections Northbrook Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot Ciesla is running for a second four-year term as Village President as a member of the Northbrook Caucus of 2025 Northbrook Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim Campaign website: www.NorthbrookCaucus.org Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): Northbrook Caucus Party of 2025 Does anyone in your family work in politics or government This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for Illinois) Juris DoctorHarvard University Law School (Cambridge Negotiation for Senior ExecutivesUniversity of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana Institute of Government and Public AffairsNorthwestern University (Evanston Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office The most pressing issues facing our Village are maintaining a strong economy despite national economic challenges including building three new facilities for police I will continue leading Northbrook with an emphasis on smart intentional growth that boosts our economy while preserving the character of our community I’ve worked collaboratively with developers property owners/managers and our Chamber of Commerce to attract and recruit new businesses and help current businesses expand Focusing on all areas of our community allows us the flexibility to adjust to market conditions and our economy as we work with Brookfield to redevelop Northbrook Court The strategy has been successful as last year we saw an increase in sales tax revenues by 5.8% for the first seven months of our fiscal year we are seeing growth of 7% I will continue working with stakeholders to reimagine our downtown I will also fast-track the much-needed replacement of outdated Village facilities and infrastructure while ensuring that our Climate Action Plan guides future development I bring decades of professional and civic experience to this role—including three terms as a Village Trustee (2009-2021) and serving as your Village President since 2021 I have been endorsed by the Northbrook Caucus which is an organization that hosts a public vetting process involving a written application I’ve voted in every local Northbrook election since moving here in 2001 and have built a reputation for leadership that is transparent and grounded in results both within our community and other governmental bodies My opponent has no experience holding any elected office or serving on citizen committees and has not voted in a single Northbrook municipal election - despite living here for years rather he was selected to run by the same group that put forth candidates in the 2017 and 2021 elections all of whom lost those races by double digit percentages He operates a private Facebook page for his campaign and refused to participate in the League of Women Voters’ Candidate Forum and led economic growth—my opponent offers vague promises and favors personal attacks rather than focusing on issues My opponent has criticized our police department while I’ve worked to strengthen public safety—funding police and fire pensions in excess of minimum requirements and advancing the construction of three major new public safety and infrastructure facilities He dismisses the tremendous momentum we’ve built at Northbrook Court where we’ve passed a $90 million economic incentive package to help Brookfield redevelop the mall and property to create a livable - walkable shopping and entertainment destination I’ve been—and will continue to be—a leader who listens Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform Strong financial stewardship: Maintaining our AAA bond rating and low property tax levy while investing in pensions and leveraging grant opportunities Reimagined downtown: Attracting new businesses and visitors with better walkability Modern infrastructure: Building a new fire station and implementing a new ERP system to modernize Village operations Climate Action: Continuing to implement our Sustainability and Climate Action Plans to reduce long-term costs and environmental impact Community engagement: Expanding how we share information and collect feedback from newsletters to community meetings and digital platforms World-class services: Ensuring Village staff are equipped and empowered to provide the highest quality service to residents What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job I'm proud of the leadership I’ve brought to Northbrook as Village President and I believe my record shows that I’m well-prepared to continue handling the responsibilities of this role with focus We’ve kept Northbrook financially strong—even through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic At a time when many municipalities struggled and continue delivering high-quality services we’ve passed balanced budgets year after year and made long-term investments in infrastructure and community services Our property tax rate remains one of the lowest in the area thanks in part to our focus on growing our local economy and increasing sales tax revenue through commercial development—not by increasing the burden on residents Public safety has always been a top priority Northbrook remains a very safe community thanks to the dedication and professionalism of both our Police and Fire Departments Our police officers are highly trained and equipped with best-in-class tools like body armor We’ve also embedded four full-time social workers within the department to help residents connect with critical mental health and social services our Fire Department provides exceptional service and emergency response and facilities that ensure our firefighters and paramedics can respond quickly and effectively when our residents need them most we support the wellness of our fire personnel because we know strong departments depend on healthy We’ve also made sustainability a central priority Northbrook has embraced ambitious environmental goals and invested in infrastructure that moves us toward a more energy-efficient We’re committed to being part of the solution to climate change while improving quality of life here at home I’ve worked to make Northbrook a place where people at different stages of life and income levels can live attainable housing options—especially for seniors and those who work here but may not currently be able to afford to live here Through zoning reform and thoughtful development we’re making progress while preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods We’ve also changed the way Northbrook approaches development Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to us and modernizing how we work with developers We’re rewriting our zoning code to reflect that shift and make the process clearer We’re also upgrading our software to move much of the development process online—making it easier for residents we’ve worked to ensure that Northbrook is a welcoming We adopted the Welcoming and Inclusive Community Pledge to make it clear that hate has no home here—and that our village is a place where everyone I’ve stood up against discrimination in all forms and worked to foster a culture of belonging That’s not just a value we say—it’s something we strive to live every day Across all these areas—fiscal responsibility and inclusion—I’ve shown I can bring people together and deliver results that reflect our community’s values I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited to keep moving Northbrook forward Because I’ve worked hard to lead with integrity we’ve prioritized strong financial stewardship—passing balanced budgets long-term investments in our infrastructure and services and helped bring new energy and investment to our community—while protecting the character and values that make Northbrook special I take seriously the responsibility of managing taxpayer dollars and I believe good governance means planning ahead and making decisions that benefit both today’s residents and future generations I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together and I’m committed to building on that momentum with transparency and a deep commitment to the people who call Northbrook home success to me would mean continuing to move Northbrook forward in a way that’s thoughtful and sustainable—while staying true to the values that make our village such a special place I would consider my term a success if we complete the comprehensive rewrite of our zoning code and fully modernize our development systems—making it easier for residents and developers to engage with the village in a clear That work will help us attract the right kind of growth I also want to continue strengthening our public safety services—not just with investments in tools and training Supporting both the people who serve and the people we serve is key to keeping Northbrook safe and united A major milestone for the next term will be delivering on three critical infrastructure projects: a new police station a new fire station to replace the aging Station 11 These facilities are essential to the long-term efficiency and reliability of our operations—and they represent smart future-focused investments in the services our community depends on every day Another clear marker of success will be seeing construction at Northbrook Court officially underway This long-anticipated redevelopment is a transformative project for our village—bringing new housing and energy to one of Northbrook’s most important commercial anchors Getting that construction started will be a major step forward for our local economy and for the future of our community I want to continue expanding housing options so that people at all stages of life and income levels can afford to live here A more inclusive Northbrook is a stronger Northbrook I want to build on the momentum of our sustainability efforts—ensuring we leave behind a healthier more resilient community for future generations then I’ll know we’ve done something meaningful That’s the kind of leadership I’ve offered—and will continue to deliver I take fiscal responsibility very seriously Every dollar that comes into our village government comes from the hard work of our residents and businesses—and I never lose sight of that Northbrook has passed balanced budgets while continuing to invest in core services We’ve maintained our AAA bond rating—the highest possible—because of our sound financial practices and long-term planning and always keep the future of our village in mind Northbrook’s property tax rate remains one of the lowest among our neighboring communities We’ve been able to keep it that way by focusing on growing our local economy—attracting and retaining businesses that generate sales tax revenue That additional revenue allows us to fund essential services without putting additional pressure on homeowners I believe government should be efficient and responsive always looking for ways to deliver better outcomes without unnecessary spending That means being careful with taxpayer dollars while still investing in the things that make Northbrook a great place to live my approach to fiscal policy is rooted in responsibility and respect for the people who fund our government and we’re proud of our consistently low crime rate That’s a direct reflection of the outstanding professional work of our police department and the strong relationships they’ve built across our village Our officers are highly trained and deeply committed to serving and protecting all members of our community We’ve made it a priority to ensure they have the best tools and resources available—investing in top-tier equipment like new body armor and license plate readers to enhance their ability to do the job safely and effectively But public safety is about more than just responding to crime—it's also about preventing it and addressing root causes That’s why we’ve embedded four full-time social workers within the department They play a critical role in helping residents access mental health resources and crisis intervention—ensuring that people get the help they need when they need it most Northbrook’s approach to public safety is proactive We’re always looking for ways to strengthen that model What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development Northbrook’s approach to commercial and residential development should be thoughtful and reflective of our community’s values and long-term goals We’re not interested in growth for growth’s sake—we’re focused on smart sustainable development that strengthens our local economy and preserves the character of our village One of the things I’ve worked very hard to change is the old perception that Northbrook is a town where development simply comes to us and strategic in attracting the kinds of development that align with our goals And we’ve made real progress in doing just that we are rewriting our zoning code—a comprehensive effort to modernize outdated regulations make the process clearer and more accessible and ensure the code supports the type of development Northbrook wants to see We’re also investing in upgraded software to move much of the development process online and other stakeholders to navigate approvals and get projects moving efficiently It’s all part of our goal to create a more user-friendly we’ve focused on attracting and retaining businesses that meet the needs of our residents and generate sales tax revenue to help keep our property taxes low We’ve prioritized revitalization in key areas and partnered with stakeholders to bring renewed energy and investment into our business districts We have and continue to offer business incentives and that's why Northbrook will have a Hometown Coffee later this year we know that people choose Northbrook because of our excellent schools We take care to ensure that new housing fits well within the fabric of our village—meeting changing needs while protecting the character of existing neighborhoods That includes supporting a range of housing options for seniors Development decisions are always about balance—and I believe we’ve struck that balance by listening to residents and staying grounded in what makes Northbrook such a special place to call home what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents What will need to be done to make this happen I’ve heard from many residents that they want to see thoughtful community-driven improvements—especially in areas like revitalizing our commercial corridors and offering more diverse housing options to meet the needs of seniors There’s also strong interest in seeing more dining and local gathering places that add energy and convenience to everyday life People love Northbrook for its sense of community and they want development that enhances—not disrupts—that character That means continuing the work we’ve started: rewriting our zoning code to modernize outdated regulations making our development process more transparent and accessible and upgrading our software so that more of the permitting and approval process can be done online—saving time and making it easier for homeowners We also need to keep building strong partnerships—with residents and the development community—so we can attract the kind of projects that truly serve Northbrook’s long-term interests It’s about striking the right balance: encouraging quality development while protecting what makes our village special and I’m committed to continuing the kind of forward-thinking community-centered planning that helps Northbrook thrive Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office That guidance has stuck with me throughout my life Leading a community means you’re often faced with tough decisions and the reality that not everyone will agree with you But doing what’s right—what serves the long-term best interest of the community—has to come before what’s easy Sometimes that means making decisions that aren’t popular in the moment Sometimes it means standing up and speaking out when it would be easier to stay quiet But I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about avoiding discomfort—it’s about having the courage to face it head-on with honesty and integrity That’s the mindset I bring to this role every day I may not always tell people what they want to hear but I will always work to do what’s right for Northbrook—even when it’s hard What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions I’m a mom to two amazing daughters who inspire me every single day My oldest is in graduate school earning her doctorate in psychology and my youngest is graduating college this May and heading straight to law school in the fall and commitment to making a difference in the world motivates me in everything I do and my work focuses on representing children That experience has shaped how I lead—always putting people first and understanding the importance of listening and advocacy It’s taught me to approach every challenge with empathy public servant—are all deeply connected for me They’re grounded in a belief that communities are strongest when we care for one another and when we never shy away from doing what’s right That’s who I am—and that’s how I’ll continue to lead Northbrook We are excited to announce our very first Big Night Out for Fox 11 Living!! Join Jyll & Abby at Northbrook Golf & Grill for a delicious 5 course meal paired with drinks Cost: $65 per person (tip & tax included) For Reservations: (920) 845-2383 or click here to book your reservation online Appetizer: Buffalo Chicken Roll-crispy eggroll wrapper stuffed with scallion cream cheese and buffalo chicken Served with ranch coleslaw and buffalo drizzle 2025 at 8:53 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The incidents and arrests below were reported by the Northbrook Police Department from April 4-10 following a road rage incident at Pfingsten and Dundee roads Both the complainant and Serrano said they cut each other off during lane changes and were flashing lights at each other Serrano threw a water bottle and the complainant’s car LAST WEEK'S BLOTTER: Traffic Stop Leads To Cannabis, Weapon Bust — Northbrook Police Blotter A general contractor at a construction site in the 100 block of Point Drive reported at 8:54 a.m someone had entered the fenced area of the property and stole $22,000 worth of construction materials and tools The stolen items ranged from construction lumber A Skokie Boulevard resident reported at 10:19 p.m she had posted furniture for sale on a website The buyer claimed they couldn’t “Zelle” her the payment since she didn’t have a business account They asked her to send $500 through to validate her account and then they could send the payment and $500 back and that she had sent over $10,000 electronically to the subject A Shermer Road resident called police at 10:39 a.m to report receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be a detective from a suburban police department The person said they were investigating a missing person’s case and asked him to take a test to rule him out They claimed the testing fee was the complaint’s responsibility and he would have to pay through various cash apps to perform them The complainant complied and paid a total of $2,850 through four different cash apps After speaking to a friend about the unusual phone call A resident of the 3400 block of Harris Drive reported at 5:04 p.m he had purchased collector baseball cards and had them shipped to his house via the U.S he noticed the envelope was torn open and the contents were missing He never saw anyone near his mailbox after the mail carrier delivered the mail that day A First Street resident called police at 3:22 p.m to report she had advertised her 2019 Toyota Highlander for sale on the internet When someone responded wanting to purchase the vehicle the complainant drove to a location in Chicago to have them look at it the buyer handed the complainant a cashier’s check for $23,000 signed the title over and gave the vehicle to the buyer After several days the complainant was advised by the bank that the check wasn’t valid Patrons of Techny Prairie Activity Center will see a temporary road detour for about 10 days due to maintenance work by Metra Metra will perform the work at the railroad crossing on Techny Road This project will require a full closure of Techny Road between Anets Drive and Kingsley Circle for approximately 10 days Sidewalks and bike lanes will be closed at the crossing during construction Techny Road east of Anets Drive will remain open to traffic The work is expected to be completed by Wednesday Map of Temporary Road Detour For more information, please visit the Village of Northbrook website This press release was produced by the Northbrook Park District The views expressed here are the author’s own 2025 at 6:18 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Emergency personnel provided immediate care to the person and they were taken to a local hospital for further treatment IL — A resident experiencing a mental health crisis was taken to an area hospital Tuesday afternoon after emergency personnel provided immediate care Northbrook police determined there is no danger to the community and it was an isolated incident Police responded to an apartment complex in the 3000 block of Pheasant Creek Drive at around 3:38 p.m for a well-being check of someone experiencing a mental health crisis The person was found barricaded inside their residence which prompted a swift and coordinated response from the North Northern Illinois Police Alarm System who successfully established contact with the person Emergency personnel provided immediate care to the person The Village commends the swift response of its first responders and appreciates the community's cooperation 2025 at 2:57 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Matt Cassidy has been working in financial technology for the last 26 years Northbrook Patch provided questionnaires to all municipal candidates on the ballot two current trustees - Joy Ebhomielen and Michelle Kohler - are running for reelection Also vying for a four-year term are Matt Cassidy (Northbrook Caucus of 2025) Riccardi and Zivin are part of Northbrook Focused 2025 Office Sought: Trustee on Northbrook Villae Board Campaign website: www.northbrookcaucus.org Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): N/A I have been working in financial technology for the last 26 years During that time I have held a variety of roles supervising teams in six countries on three continents) and outside of management (programmer Prior to that I was in law enforcement for about three years Current: District 28 Board of Education (elected in 2021)Village of Northbrook Economic Strategy Commission (nominated in 2023) Past:Village of Northbrook Economic Development Committee (2019-2022)Village of Northbrook Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force (2013-2015) The most pressing issues facing our (board and this is what I intend to do about them While there are a number of important topics in front of the Village Board the area which requires the most focus at present is economic development Residents have been asking for a more vibrant downtown since before I even moved here in 2011 I am supportive of the project getting underway right now to improve the infrastructure including expanding space for outdoor dining and overall enhancement of the appearance of the neighborhood But the harder work is about helping existing businesses thrive and bringing in new businesses and new customers I want to see the multi-point plan outlined by the Economic Strategy Commission (of which I am a member) brought into strategic policy offering support and incentives to both existing and new businesses I also believe it is key to do everything possible to encourage more residential construction in and near downtown whenever private property owners seek to sell or rebuild key properties And of course the economic incentive program needs to be available for areas throughout town This package of available financial and logistical assistance along with the already-underway work to streamline the building codes will go a long way to delivering what people are asking for Of course we cannot talk about economic development without talking about Northbrook Court No one is happy to see it in the state it is currently in I am very much supportive of the current development plan that the village and hope to see shovels in the ground very soon The village needs to make sure that in addition to the TIF and approvals already emplaced we are constantly in communication with the owners and developers to make sure they have everything they need to proceed and to proactively manage and offer assistance to the project at every step of the way The planned development will be a great addition to the village but it won't get there without active management What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post Our Northbrook Caucus slate of candidates for Trustee stands out for our demonstrated commitment to and experience in serving our community I am currently serving on the District 28 Board of Education as well as the village’s Economic Strategy Commission I have previously served on the Economic Development Committee and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Forice Outside of government I am currently a Board Member of and the House League Director for Northbrook Girls Softball – our local non-profit youth softball organization – serving hundreds of families in my years in that role I have spent quite a few hours volunteering at the Northfield Township Food Pantry as well What all this and similarly deep backgrounds held by Michelle Kohler and Joy Ebhomielen mean is that we not only have the knowledge and experience to know how to make positive change but also the clear and demonstrated commitment to making our community stronger The opposition slate for Trustee includes one person who dropped out of the race and won’t serve another who dropped out but is now reportedly back in and just one who has stayed in for the campaign Aside from the obvious lack of commitment shown the remaining opposition candidates also have minimal to no history of community service Neither has even voted in a municipal election The Caucus slate is committed to making Northbrook the best community it can be The opposing slate has shown no such commitment in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency) though I am on the Northbrook Caucus slate with two current Trustees there are clearly ways in which our local government can improve Policies around economic development can be laid out in some detail and brought to the attention of all our existing businesses and marketed publicly for new ones But we also need to ensure we are protecting the many things that make Northbrook special today Our Northbrook Caucus slate believes strongly in ensuring Northbrook is a welcoming We strongly support the continued substantial investment in our public safety agencies including the building of new police and fire stations We need to finish the job on streamlining the municipal code and the implementation of digital forms to get away from slow paper processing and go further to make working with the village as easy and efficient as possible Having served as an elected member of a school board - while successfully navigating a pandemic and still improving academic results - means I can jump in and be productive as a board member immediately Being part of both iterations of economic development-focused village commissions has allowed me to gain an understanding of the local economic environment and be part of proposing solutions that are now or will soon be in front of the Village Board My career background in finance and technology gives me a depth of knowledge to work from on topics that are crucial for the village My previous work in law enforcement and as a volunteer EMT will help me understand the pressures and needs of our police and fire departments My background puts me in a strong position to be a valuable representative of the residents of Northbrook to their village government With all the volunteer work I have done in the community and raising a family here for the last 15 years or so I stand by who I am and I think you will find that I have earned the trust of many in the community what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success I believe the biggest key to showing our community the kind of improvements they desire is to have real progress on some of the key development projects underway or planned to be so the HODC supportive affordable housing project the remaining portion of the Grainger property new businesses coming into town and existing businesses expanding or investing further But getting done the mechanical things needed like making the village code and paper-based processes much more efficient are also big wins because they set up the village for long term success and not just for what is right in front of us today government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking Northbrook’s tax revenue levels per capita are already lower than most nearby communities That is a testament to running a lean municipal government and I want to see that continue this should not preclude the village from making smart targeted investments in projects and programs that will create economic multipliers for our residents and businesses Balancing these efforts is what fiscal discipline is about We need to continue to be alert gatekeepers and make sure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and wisely while investing resources when and where the reward to the community is substantial What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town Crime rates in Northbrook are far below the state and national averages; thanks in part to our excellent police force crime here is low and violent crime is very rare We need to make sure we continue to give our police department the tools and resources they need to keep it that way as well as the public support that makes them feel appreciated for their work As someone with a public safety background I am sensitive to this topic and thankful we have such a professional force I want to see the village’s approach to both commercial and residential development make a leap from tactical to strategic Making the village’s approach to economic incentives for developers and businesses actual policy is a good example; using the framework from the Economic Strategy Commission as a starting point and having something we can publish and market is the goal streamlined municipal code done and put in place will make things much more efficient as will getting rid of paper forms wherever possible And we need to communicate these new realities in every way possible to get the information in front of the people who would drive development These are changes that will accelerate development of all kinds in Northbrook I recently saw a video of actor Jeff Goldblum reciting a George Bernard Shaw quote that I felt deeply and it applies to both how I approach community service and the role for which I am running: the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can I want to be thoroughly used up when I die It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” While we all feel the deeply partisan nature of national politics at this moment I believe it is critical for our local leaders to focus on what is best for their community Just as I have been doing on the school board I will be laser-focused on making the best decisions for Northbrook moved to a larger space in the mall in 2017 has been planning a redevelopment of the 100-acre property for a number of years the Northbrook Village Board signed off on a $250 million redevelopment plan which included $27 million in incentives to Brookfield The pandemic slowed the plans at 1515 Lake Cook Road to a halt RELATED: Northbrook Court Redevelopment Gets Final Approval From Village The redevelopment plan at Northbrook Court started to gain traction again in 2023 presented a Conceptual Master Plan for the Redevelopment of Northbrook Court in April of that year The representative said the cost of the updated project was still being discussed and determined but admitted it will be more than the original estimate of $250 million He did say it would generally be in the same proportion of the public/private ratio negotiated in 2019 thriving asset with best-in-class retail and restaurants set among the fabric of multi-generational neighborhoods," Ben Freeman senior vice president of development/commercial with Brookfield Properties Apple's closure comes on the heels of Lululemon shuttering a location at Northbrook Court last month, as reported by NBC 5 Chicago Apple currently has nine stores in Illinois RELATED: New Vision For Northbrook Court Discussed At Village Board Meeting 2025 at 4:42 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Each seat on the Village Board carries a four-year term IL — Two slates of candidates are set to square off in an election battle for Northbrook Village President and seats on the Village Board voters will weigh in on whether they support the positions of the Northbrook Caucus of 2025 or those of Northbrook Focused 2025 Ciesla is running for a second four-year term as Village President as a member of the former two current trustees — Joy Ebhomielen and Michelle Kohler — are running for reelection Patch received responses from Northbrook Caucus of 2025 candidates is seeking her second term as Village President "The most pressing issues facing our Village are maintaining a strong economy despite national economic challenges, improving infrastructure, including building three new facilities for police, fire and public works, sustainability, and housing affordability," Ciesla said in her Patch questionnaire Ciesla's opponent, Kaplan, is a small business owner and has lived in Northbrook for the past 15 years, according to the Northbrook Focused 2025 website "As the owner of Josh's Hot Dogs in west Northbrook I have fostered a welcoming space where kids and parents alike feel at home — building bonds with residents through countless contributions to local schools Ebhomielen is seeking reelection to the Village Board "This job requires patience, experience, knowledge, and an exceedingly high level of involvement and commitment," Ebhomielen said in her Patch questionnaire "I am confident that I already have these attributes and have shown that in the board meetings over the last four years." "I really want to see smart and sustainable growth for Northbrook," Kohler said in her Patch questionnaire "I also want to honor the character of the community and make sure this is done with foresight and care so that the community retains the parts that we all love." "While there are a number of important topics in front of the Village Board, the area which requires the most focus at present is economic development," Cassidy said in his Patch questionnaire "Residents have been asking for a more vibrant downtown since before I even moved here in 2011 and overall enhancement of the appearance of the neighborhood." Hochstein is the founder of Mommy's Nite Out a member-only women's group that holds events for moms to have fun at all over the North Shore "I would like to see Northbrook restored to its glory days when we had an even more robust downtown and Northbrook Court was the crown jewel of the Northern suburbs," Hochstein said on the Northbrook Focused 2025 website Riccardi is president and owner of William A "My long-standing relationships with real estate industry veterans provide me with a unique insight that our village board is currently lacking," Riccardi said on the Northbrook Focused 2025 website "I would like to bring my forward-thinking experiences in the development industry and help lead Northbrook’s future as we address various development opportunities." Zivin is a partner at Wolf Solovy & Zivin "If elected, I promise to listen openly to the ideas, concerns, and suggestions of all Northbrook residents," Zivin said on the Northbrook Focused 2025 website "I am committed to implementing meaningful improvements that respect our budgetary constraints responsive Trustee with a focus on enhancing Northbrook for all who call it home." 2025 at 7:15 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The incidents and arrests below were reported by the Northbrook Police Department from April 11-16 is accused of failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident Police had responded to a non-injury auto crash where Botthof had run off the roadway and struck a tree is accused of disobeying a no left turn signal Police had stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation and spoke to Cruz The officer could smell the odor of burnt cannabis coming from inside the vehicle Cruz said he did have some cannabis open inside the vehicle The officers found two unsealed baggies containing a leafy substance that appeared to be cannabis as well as a loaded 9mm handgun in a pocket of the driver’s seat Cruz did not have a valid Illinois FOID card LAST WEEK'S BLOTTER: Woman Charged With Felony Eluding Police — Northbrook Police Blotter A Bridlewood Lane resident reported at 10:37 a.m someone had used her personal information to create an unauthorized account with People's Gas She recently learned of this account when she received a $1,000 from People's Gas on a property in the city of Chicago that she has no affiliation with A resident in the 4400 block of Lindenwood Lane called police at 4:13 p.m to report someone had cut his tarps that were covering his outdoor furniture and stole some of his patio chairs the Northbrook Police Department reported on April 12 finding several windows smashed at a closed church in the 3700 block of Dundee Road It appeared rocks were thrown through the windows of the building on different days of the week It was discovered on April 15 that a Village of Northbrook credit card number was used in Kentucky and Indiana at auto repair centers for the purchase of tires The staff was still in possession of the credit card but didn’t know how someone retrieved the number to facilitate the fraud A total of $11,485.02 was illegally charged on the card A Horizon Lane resident reported at 7:28 p.m someone had hacked into her Facebook account and changed the account and profile The complainant tried several times to change the account back to her settings A Landwehr Road resident called police at 8:38 p.m to report receiving threatening message on his Instagram account The message was nonspecific ranting about Jewish people The complainant supplied the account message to the Northbrook Police Department to determine who sent the message A Ridge Road resident called police at 6:19 p.m to report he was contacted by someone claiming to work for an antivirus company specific to his computer He told the complainant there was an issue with his computer and he needed the complainant to take $10,200 out of the bank to fix the issue the complainant was instructed to deposit the funds into a cryptocurrency machine and supply the person with account information “You have just been scammed!” The complainant tried calling the person back He was unable to retrieve the money he lost An Aspen Road resident called police at 8:21 p.m to report they had received an email from PayPal The email indicated that there had been a series of suspicious purchases under his account Since the complainant didn’t have a PayPal account he called the phone number listed on the email to discuss it with them The supposed representative advised him of the fraud and instructed the complainant to deposit $22,000 into a cryptocurrency machine under a certain account and purchase over $50,000 from two different gold companies to fix the issue 2025 at 8:12 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Starting at 10:30 a.m. the new restaurant will reward the first 100 guests in line with "Free Wings for a Year." (Buffalo Wild Wings)NORTHBROOK IL — While the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant chain is known for its chicken wings and live sports on countless televisions at its locations the Georgia-based company also got into the take-out game five years ago The latest Buffalo Wild Wings GO restaurant is set to hold a grand-opening Saturday in Northbrook the Northbrook Buffalo Wild Wings GO restaurant will give guests the option to order takeout or delivery as well as in-store seating for dining at the restaurant is designed to streamline guests' orders whether they decide to dine-in or enjoy their meal on-the-go "We are excited to expand the BWW GO concept and bring it to my neighborhood offering guests the food that they love in a concept streamlined for delivery and take-out services," Fayyaz Gillani "Our team is eager to share our passion for great food and can't wait to open our doors to welcome the Northbrook community for the first time." the first 100 guests in line will win "Free Wings for a Year." No purchase is necessary and the contest is open to Illinois resident in the Northbrook area over the age of 18 Recipients will receive a voucher for six wings every week there will be a prize wheel for guests to spin and win Buffalo Wild Wings swag LLC will host the store's official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Northbrook community the new Northbrook Buffalo Wild Wings GO will present Glenbrook North High School Athletics with a $500 donation the new location will offer traditional and boneless wings and all 26 Buffalo Wild Wings signature sauces and dry rubs The 2,489 square-foot restaurant employs 10 crew members and is open daily from 11 a.m 2024 at 1:51 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois the boards of the Northbrook Public Library and the Highland Park Public Library have unconstitutional meeting room rental policies (Google Maps)CHICAGO — Policies at public libraries that put a price tag on controversial viewpoints are unconstitutional an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois notified trustees of a pair of North Shore libraries the chief First Amendment litigation counsel for the Illinois ACLU on Thursday issued public letters to the boards of the Northbrook Public Library and the Highland Park Public Library urging them to rescind policies that impose extra safety or security fees when protests are anticipated the library may not charge a premium on a rented room because the renter will express controversial ideas that may cause others to act badly," Glenberg said The letters come in response to the cancellation of a planned screening of the documentary "Israelism" in Northbrook in September The event was to have been hosted by The Chicagoland Jewish Labor Bund and Jewish Voice for Peace and followed by a question and answer session with Jewish It was not sponsored or endorsed by the library Facing public backlash over the content of the film library officials demanded upfront payment for outside security staff event liability insurance and a written safety plan the library's director cited a policy that allows it to charge additional safety fees as needed and assured the public that it was following the First Amendment the Library is bound by the laws of our country Constitution and the protections guaranteed by the First Amendment which guarantees individuals’ right to express their views even when those views may challenge or provoke," Executive Director Kate Hall said "The library will continue to uphold this Constitutional protection as it applies to all viewpoints with regard to room bookings." "We agree that the safety of those using the library is important. But the library may not address safety concerns by imposing extra fees on constitutionally protected but controversial speech," she told the Northbrook library board and we request that you promptly rescind it." Highland Park library trustees unanimously adopted a new room policy on Oct "A challenge in a neighboring community led to a discussion about freedom of expression and the understanding that if a group’s event requires additional support such as security the Library will pass on the charges for such services to the group," according to minutes from the meeting The policy now provides "unbounded authority" to library staff to determine if "Specifically, the policy gives the Executive Director unbridled discretion to require proof of insurance or to 'charge an additional fee for costs relating to security and related services,'” she told the Highland Park board Federal courts have repeatedly held that policies that penalize speakers based on the expected reactions of listeners are a violation of the First Amendment Supreme Court case that struck down a Georgia ordinance that allowed officials to charge fees based on estimated security costs That case resulted from the refusal of a white supremacist group to pay a $100 fee for a permit to hold a rally to protest Martin Luther King Jr "Listeners' reaction to speech is not a content-neutral basis for regulation," Justice Harry Blackmun ruled, in Forsyth County v. Nationalist Movement any more than it can be punished or banned simply because it might offend a hostile mob." The ACLU attorney also cited a 2011 case in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, Surita v. Hyde in which Waukegan officials imposed burdens on public speech by selectively enforcing permit requirements and charging fees for protests based on their content "Restrictions that slip," ruled Judge Charles Clevert and manner concerns into concerns about content are never permitted." Northbrook library staff provided a statement in response to Glenberg's letter pointing out that the Northbrook Police Department had "identified security concerns" — but would not protect the library upon request "Following the Police Department’s response that they would not provide security we engaged outside security services to ensure the safety of our attendees "We appreciate the interest of the ACLU in our Northbrook Public Library room booking process," the statement continued our Board of Trustees is engaging in a policy review to ensure our policy protects both public safety and constitutional rights without creating barriers to free expression We expect to announce any proposed or planned updates to our meeting room policies following our board's comprehensive review." 2025 at 9:41 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Village of Northbrook sent out an alert regarding the water main break at around 9:30 a.m IL — Crews are working to repair a water main break that occurred Tuesday morning in the 900 block of Waukegan Road the work being done between Thornwood Lane and Kiest Avenue will not interrupt water service distribution to residents or businesses northbound traffic on Waukegan Road is being restricted to one lane and Village staff will employ a series of barricades and cones to flow traffic into the singular lane from Kiest Avenue to Thornwood Lane 2025 at 4:40 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}W.W IL — Citing the developer of the former Grainger site failing to meet the latest deadline for purchase of the property at 1657 Shermer Road the Village of Northbrook announced it is terminating an agreement with Quarterra Multifamily Company The 10.3-acre site was acquired by the Village in 2018 W.W. Grainger, Inc., an industrial supply company, ceased operations in Northbrook, Patch reported in 2017 The Village purchased the property from W.W RELATED: Exiting Niles And Northbrook, Grainger Shifts Operations the site was targeted for a relocation of the Metra train station The Village Board started the process of placing the site up for sale in fall 2021 A listing agreement was approved with real estate brokers Cushman and Wakefield in September of that year Quarterra Multifamily Company entered into agreement with the Village to purchase the property for $10.5 million mixed-use development on about 8.8 acres consisting of 335 luxury apartment homes five of which would be set aside as affordable housing in accordance with the Village's inclusionary housing ordinance amenities and a parking structure with approximately 500 stalls According to the Village the development was also to include an approximately 6,500 square foot retail parcel along Shermer Road to be developed for retail uses such as a restaurant and off street parking for approximately 60 cars Officials said the termination of the agreement occurred as the developer failed to meet the latest deadline for purchase of the property "amid rising costs and challenges in securing capital for large-scale developments 2025The city of Chicago reached a tentative agreement to settle its legal battle against companies belonging to Northbrook Wilson.CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago has reached a tentative agreement to settle its legal battle against a north suburban woman dubbed by city attorneys as the city's "worst landowner." The $11.5 million settlement would resolve the city's ongoing legal claims, which are estimated at $49 million and speed up the process of selling off the vacant lots owned by the businesses of Northbrook resident Suzie B. Wilson and her sister The city's move against Wilson's companies came after an investigation by Illinois Answers Project and Block Club Chicago revealed Wilson's companies had racked up the most unpaid fines of any city landowner These fines are linked to hundreds of weed-strewn and garbage-filled lots across the South and West sides Illinois Answers Project has been following the investigation into Wilson and her properties. You can read their full report at illionisanswers.org SEE ALSO | Bidding opens for properties 'city's worst landowner' must sell the Northbrook Park District has received support from the Illinois Arts Council with grants that help stage community and youth-focused productions The park district recently was awarded two grants from the Illinois Arts Council: a grant of $3,390 for youth employment in the arts from federal funds through the National Endowment for the Arts; and a grant of $15,000 for general operating support and youth employment from state funds the IAC’s grant support has been integral in achieving the creative freedom to expand theater offerings for the Northbrook community which has a deep appreciation for arts programming,” said Northbrook Park District Visual and Performing Arts Manager Drew Kambach The Northbrook Park District’s Northbrook Theatre is home to three companies: which features actors ages 8 and up performing plays and musicals enjoyed by audiences of all ages whose productions are performed by professional actors and serve as wonderful introductions to live theater to children and youth which welcomes community members of all ages and abilities to take the stage This year’s general operating grant was especially generous The grant helped support this month’s production of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” (Northbrook Theatre Youth Company) along with the upcoming “School of Rock” (Northbrook Community Theatre) “13” (Northbrook Youth Company) and “A Christmas Chaos” (Northbrook Community Theatre) This is the first time the park district will utilize the youth employment grant after having received one in 2020 that was returned in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic The park district plans to use this grant to hire a young person who will provide support in an artistic and administrative role including assisting directors and production management While Northbrook Theatre is home to three companies, these IAC grants are specifically earmarked for youth and community theater, directly supporting programs for those in our community. For more information, visit nbparks.org/programs/theatre 2025 at 11:12 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The incidents and arrests below were reported by the Northbrook Police Department from March 1-6 is accused of misdemeanor speeding (80 mph in a 45 mph zone) is accused of criminal damage to a vehicle/road rage the complainant got into an argument with Sturgeon both drivers were yelling at each other with name-calling Sturgeon walked up to the complainant’s vehicle and punched the side mirror Sturgeon said the complainant called him a derogatory ethnic name Employees of a retail store at the location said the pair stole five bottles of Veuve Clicquot champagne Booker reportedly concealed the bottles and walked outside to hide the bottles behind the building Officers found the stolen bottles of liquor and charged them with felony retail theft The total value of the stolen bottles was $324.95 Both Booker and Freeman had active arrests warrants in other counties for theft A court date of March 5 was assigned for the Northbrook charges LAST WEEK'S BLOTTER: Man Charged With Felony For Stealing Ambulance — Northbrook PD Blotter A Marcee Lane resident reported at 4:29 p.m they had met someone online that claimed he could help with her sick husband The person never helped her with any remedies and the complainant isn’t sure who the person really is the complainant realized she had been scammed A Suzann Terrace resident called police at 2:50 p.m to report someone had illegally gained access to his account and withdrew $2,000 the person made a Zelle payment to themselves totaling $1,800 When the complainant reported the fraud to his bank the staff did not know how those involved had gained access to the account to an eye care center in the 1900 block of Cherry Lane for a burglar alarm Once the officers arrived at the closed business they found the rear door had been pried open The officers found several pairs of glasses were strewn all on the floor and several missing The manager estimated that $10,000 worth of eye glass frames were stolen 2025 at 9:42 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The consolidated election will be held on April 1 building improvements at the four schools in Northbrook District 28 were proposed as part of a 10-year facilities master plan voters will decide if the $94.9 million in bonds to fund the plan in April's Consolidated Election The district's board of education approved placing the referendum on the April 1 ballot during a special meeting Wednesday night "This has been at least a two-year endeavor," Board President Jennifer Gallinson said "We went through a thorough process to identify priorities We've really had the best minds working together on this." recommendations were made by DLA Architects Officials said the improvements would address the areas of accessibility The original number to facilitate these changes was $80 million RELATED: Plan Recommends $80M In Building Improvements For District 28 Schools In addition to the proposed $94.9 million in bonds to be decided by voters an additional $20 million for the project will come from the district's existing operating funds putting the total price tag at $115 million District 28 launched Building Tomorrow Together an initiative it said is intended to help plan for the future of D28 schools Two community workshops were held in October and a team of 15 volunteers convened with district leaders to develop specific priorities based on the facilities master plan The group recommended to the district and school board the $94.9 million plan the district released the following breakdown of where the money would go if approved: Meadowbrook School Replacement ($56 million) Replace the existing school with a larger building that meets learning needs today and into the future the concept will be developed into a detailed design with input from students Northbrook Junior High Addition And Renovation ($20.6 million) Greenbriar School Addition And Renovation ($20.3 million) Westmoor School Capital Projects ($13.7 million) The district said it is developing a communications program "to provide many opportunities for community members to learn about the plan and answer questions." RELATED: District 28 Seeking Public Input On Aging Schools In Northbrook Early Childhood Education Franchise Opens in Northbrook Brings Well-Rounded Program to the Community NORTHBROOK, Ill., Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care will celebrate the grand opening of its newest school in Northbrook on Feb the new school will begin operating on March 3 providing a customized program that addresses the physical and academic needs of children while adhering to Illinois' early education standards Celebree School of Northbrook is owned and operated by local entrepreneur Maggie Pisarczyk has always had a passion to nurture and teach children she realized her true calling was early childhood education Pisarczyk took a chance on a teaching role at a school in Highland Park where she immediately connected with the children When she and her husband began looking for a business investment and she fell in love with its support system She believes children are the most incredible gift and that early education is key to instilling kindness Owning a Celebree School is a dream come true and she is beyond excited to create a nurturing environment where young minds can grow and thrive "You can't teach a 40-year-old how to be kind but you can shape a 4-year-old into a kind and compassionate person," shared Pisarczyk and I'm so excited to be working with them—helping them learn and develop the important life skills that will shape who they become." Celebree School of Northbrook will host a grand opening event on Feb and will feature a variety of exciting activities and exclusive perks Attendees can enjoy referral incentives and founding family member perks including a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card The event will also include a cake cutting ceremony Guests are welcome to tour the beautiful new school explore classroom showcases and take pictures in a photobooth making this a memorable event for the whole family Celebree School lives by its promise to Grow People Big and Small™, and was founded on the belief that success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and a connection that extends beyond the classroom to address the needs of the whole child and the whole family Each Celebree School is a village made up of parents and educators while providing curriculum-based care that prepares your child for kindergarten and beyond Care is available part time or full time and parents are allowed to drop in and visit at any time "We're honored to continue to help brilliant entrepreneurs like Pisarczyk actualize their business goals and have them join our Celebree School family," said Richard Huffman "As we continue to expand our brand's footprint through franchising it's more important than ever that we partner with local community leaders who have a passion for early childhood education The opening of Pisarczyk's school brings me immense pride and joy I know she is the perfect franchisee to drive our mission forward." Celebree School of Northbrook is open Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. For more information on Celebree School of Northbrook, please visit https://www.celebree.com/northbrook-il/ or call (847) 597-1110 Media Contact: Kira Obolsky, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300, or [email protected] a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care It's never too early to start learning about money is taking financial literacy to the next.. Education Children Corporate Expansion Do not sell or share my personal information: where organizers are posting about the protest on the sidewalk in front of the Tesla dealership at 1200 Skokie Blvd Similar protests are being organized at Tesla dealerships in Chicago "Tesla Takedown is a peaceful protest movement," the posting reads This protest is a lawful exercise of our First Amendment right to peaceful assembly." Organizers are also asking participants not to display Nazi symbols such as swastikas or SS runes on their signs calling it "entirely unnecessary," and stating has been drawing the ire of many Americans since joining President Donald Trump's administration in January The Global Day of Action will include protests at Tesla dealerships across the United States Organizers are asking citizens to sell their Teslas and dump any Tesla stocks they may own parking will be available in nearby lots at the Northbrook event "If you are parking near the Josselyn Center please park as far from that building's entrance as possible," the post reads "There will be flyers you can help distribute There have been a number of vandalism acts across the United States in recent weeks, including one in Buffalo Grove. Earlier this month a new Tesla dealership there was vandalized by a Buffalo Grove woman who was charged with felony criminal damage to property and criminal trespass (misdemeanor) Last week, Trump suggested sending anti-Tesla protestors to a notorious prison in El Salvador if convicted, as reported by Axios RELATED: New Tesla Dealership Vandalized, Buffalo Grove Woman Charged — Police