New Trier-Sears collab created double the impact

How far is it between New Trier High School and The Joseph Sears School?

Locals know that, literally, the distance is a couple of blocks — a 10-minute walk if you’re taking your time.

But thinking beyond distance, the space between Sears and New Trier is more significant, and two teachers aimed to put weight to that thought with a recent inter-school collaboration.

The result was “The Space Between,” a photo exhibition created by student teams each featuring a student from New Trier High School and an eighth-grader from Sears.

New Trier art teacher Jenn Jackson explained that the project “explores both the physical distance between the two schools and the important mentorship relationships that develop as junior high students transition to high school.”

The students made double-exposure images on 120-millimeter black-and-white film, in which one student would take an exposure and then pass the camera to the second student for another take. This created overlapping images that “reflected both students’ visions,” Jackson said.

New Trier photography instructor Jenn Jackson at “The Space Between” exhibit May 8 in Kenilworth.

The students also worked together in post-production, editing and developing the film to be ready for display. An exhibition with the photos was held in May at Kenilworth Assembly Hall.

Jackson said the students barely dwelled on introductions when they met and just got to work — the high schoolers providing thoughtful mentorship while allowing the Sears students to figure things out.

“The experience was incredible for students!,” said Annie Wood, a Sears’ art teacher in an email to The Record. “Sears students were able to experience visiting their future high school, interact with the space and be mentored by New Trier students in a meaningful and creative way.”

Both teachers praised the impacts of the program and said they’d like to partner again in the future.

“With the wonderful success we had with this project, we hope to continue to deepen our partnership with New Trier in future collaborative photography projects, exploring a wide range of digital and film photography techniques and themes,” Wood wrote.

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West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes found in Skokie, Wilmette

A North Shore government agency has located West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in Wilmette and Skokie, officials announced Wednesday.

The mosquitos were collected in traps between June 13 and June 17 by the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District and tested in the local agency’s lab as part of its mission to control the regional mosquito population and reduce the risk of mosquito borne illnesses, according to a statement from the agency.

Though the mosquitoes were the first ones to be found that test positive for West Nile virus in Wilmette and Skokie this year, mosquitoes already tested positive for the virus in Niles and Glenview earlier this month, according to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District’s Mosquito surveillance dashboard.

So far, these are the only four pools with positive results of 233 pools tested for West Nile virus this year.

West Nile virus is a disease transmitted by mosquito bites that causes fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to the CDC. Although it can be asymptomatic, about 1 in every 150 people affected develop a serious illness, which in some cases can be fatal.

The current risk level for West Nile virus is low, but illness prevalence tends to increase later in the summer, the agency said. The agency also urged people to use protective measures to minimize risk of exposure to mosquitoes and the virus.

People should examine their property for items that can hold water, which in turn breeds mosquitoes. They should also use insect repellent, wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid mosquitoes’ primary feeding times at dawn and dusk.

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As affordable housing availability in Highland Park takes a hit, city officials reaffirm commitment to addressing shortage

Highland Park’s City Council voted unanimously on Monday to renew its formal commitment to addressing a shortage of affordable housing units in the city.

The vote, however, did not enact any policy changes to the “City of Highland Park Affordable Housing and Appeals Act Plan” that the council first adopted in 2005 and most recently updated in 2020.

But state law required Highland Park to evaluate and reapprove its plan for supporting local affordable housing after the Illinois Housing Development Authority notified the city in 2023 that less than 10 percent of the city’s total housing stock qualifies as affordable by state standards.

Only 6.3 percent, or 766, of Highland Park’s 12,079 total housing units were deemed affordable by the state agency in 2023. That was a decrease of 290 affordable units from 2018.

Joel Fontane, Highland Park’s director of community development, said during the June 16 meeting that the city was within 80 units of hitting the state’s 10 percent benchmark in 2020, but he was “not surprised” the city lost a couple hundred affordable units since then due to changes in market rate affordability.

Highland Park’s 2025 plan outlines the city built its first affordable housing development, the Frank B. Peers Building, in 1978. The development is supported through a federal rental subsidy program that pays fair market rental costs above 30 percent of each household’s annual income.

Other developments and measures — Highland Park’s Inclusionary Housing ordinance requires 15 percent of units in all new developments be permanently affordable — have increased the number of affordable units in Highland Park from the 213 total quantity the city had in 2005.

Rising house prices and rents, a recent slowdown of multifamily development construction and major terrain challenges limiting the amount of available buildable land contribute to Highland Park’s affordable housing shortage. | PROVIDED

But as Highland Park councilmember Anthony Blumberg indicated Monday, “robust development” of new market rate units in past years have impacted the current ratio of affordable units in the city.

Fontane also acknowledged how changing economic conditions, mortgage rates and ongoing discussions with the state over how its housing agency determines housing units to be affordable are all factors contributing to the city’s fluctuating ratio of total affordable housing units.

According to the city’s plan, rising house prices and rents, a recent slowdown of multifamily development construction, major terrain challenges limiting the amount of available buildable land all set the stage for a demand for affordable housing in Highland Park that exceeds its supply.

Only 20 affordable units across five developments were approved between 2019 and 2022, city data shows. Since 2023, only one new multi-family development containing one affordable unit has been approved.

However, three proposed developments are currently under consideration that, if approved by the city, will contain 43 affordable units. The city already offers incentives to developers, including the waiving of certain fees and costs attributable to affordable units.

Though Highland Park is largely “built-out,” the city is also considering an application to rezone 28 acres of vacant industrial property adjacent to a residential district to allow for a 240-unit townhome development that would feature 37 affordable units.

Amy Rosenfeld Kaufman, vice president of community relations for the Community Partners for Affordable Housing nonprofit, commended the city council on Monday for what she said was their commitment to affordable housing.

“Your leadership is a model across the country,” Kaufman said. “People see this multi-tooled approach that Highland Park has taken including the inclusionary housing ordinance as very effective in creating affordable housing opportunities in communities like Highland Park.”

Police Reports: Residents cited after dozens of teens flee Northfield party, thousands in jewelry stolen from Winnetka home

The following reports were pulled from the latest police summaries provided by departments in our coverage area (Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northfield, Kenilworth and Glencoe).

WILMETTE

June 11

• Employees of a business in the 100 block of Lake Avenue reported that unknown persons had entered the building around 3 a.m. and stolen several items.

June 9

• Officers stopped a vehicle near Lake Avenue and Skokie Boulevard for a traffic violation and charged the driver with driving under the influence, speeding and changing lanes without signal.

• Officers responded to a vehicle in the 3200 block of Lake Avenue that was reported stolen out of Dolton earlier that day. The lone occupant was taken into custody and released without charges pending the Dolton Police Department’s continuing investigation.

WINNETKA

June 9
• An individual reported to police around 10:26 a.m. that approximately $5,000 worth of jewelry was stolen from the victim’s home in the 1400 Block of Asbury Avenue sometime between May 7 and June 9.

GLENCOE

June 8
• A person reported to police that they were walking near Green Bay Road and Linda Lane when a vehicle approached them and they started yelling obscenities, stating they were going to kill the individual. Police identified the suspect, arrested him around 11:46 a.m. and released him with a court date.

HIGHLAND PARK

June 15
• An individual reported to police around 8:41 p.m. that their $800, unlocked bicycle was stolen from their walkway in the 300 block of Central Avenue.

June 12
An individual reported to police around 3:56 p.m. that approximately $400 worth of items were stolen from their vehicle in the 500 block of Elm Place.

June 9
• An individual reported to police around 3:44 p.m. that three male suspects had stolen property from their residence in the 1200 block of Linden Avenue.

NORTHFIELD

June 13
• Officers responded to a report of a party with underage drinking in the 400 block of Chapel Hill Court around 9:34 p.m. and saw approximately 100 teenagers running from the area as police arrived. Two residents were then cited for allegedly failing to maintain supervision of premises where underage drinking was reportedly taking place.

June 12
• A resident in the 4000 block of Arbor Lane reported to police around 3:51 p.m. that an unknown individual had defrauded them of $2,000 by purporting to be a Chase Bank employee.

The Record’s police reports are taken from police-activity summaries prepared by local police departments. Police Reports contain public information from preliminary reports and are not a complete listing of all police activity. The Record does not publish the names of individuals arrested and named in preliminary reports unless the incident is a matter of public safety or has significant community implications. All arrestees are innocent until proven guilty.

With under 2% of housing units in Kenilworth considered affordable, village’s updated plan aims for significant increase to 15%

Kenilworth, on Monday, became the latest community in New Trier Township to update its affordable housing plan, fulfilling a requirement that it be revisited every five years.

The plan, which was unanimously approved following a brief discussion and public hearing at the Village Board’s regular meeting on June 16, includes a goal to make 15% of the village’s residential units considered affordable.

According to village data, of the 755 occupied housing units in Kenilworth, the Illinois Housing Development Authority has determined that 1.6%, or 12 units, were determined to be affordable. To reach 10% of affordable units, the village would have to create 75.5 more housing units that are classified as affordable.

Additionally, the approved plan identifies areas where it would be most appropriate for affordable housing development or redevelopment. These include the west side of Green Bay Road, between the village’s limits north of Roger Avenue and Park Drive to the south, and “in the commercial area on the north side of Park Drive west of Green Bay Road.”

“These locations are proximate to public transportation, the (Joseph) Sears School and various park parcels,” the packet stated.

The affordable housing plan also lists incentives for affordable housing, which include expedited permit reviews, reduced water billing rates and municipal property tax abatements.

Kenilworth’s plan also features additional goals, one of which is requesting the village manager to prepare a report on financial programs, including grants, that would help the village in developing affordable housing.

Officials also stated in village documents the other challenges to providing additional housing in the village, including its small size of 384 acres and lack of many areas that are suitable for development.

Trustee Christopher Ottsen praised the updated affordable housing plan.

“I thought it was very well-written and put things into perspective well,” he said. “It’s a unique village. This isn’t the easiest task to meet.”

The only public comment received during the meeting was from resident Evelyn De La Cruz, who lives adjacent to one of the areas identified as a potential development opportunity. She requested that the village work with the neighbors if any plans go forward.

“We just want to make sure that this is moving forward in a way that continues to support our neighborhoods, the value of our neighborhoods, the peace and quiet of our neighborhoods in the construction process, and builds our community as a whole without negatively impacting the residents who are most closely co-located,” she said.

Village President Cecily Kaz thanked De La Cruz for her comment and said the village will work with neighbors should any developments proceed.

“I believe that is reflective in the document and in our process for reviewing any type of project and the way that we look at the business district,” Kaz said.

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Police investigating ‘antisemitic, threatening’ letter delivered to Highland Park home

Officials are investigating a letter found in a Highland Park mailbox on Sunday that contained threatening, antisemitic comments.

Highland Park police officers responded around 8:30 p.m. Sunday evening to a residence in the 900 block of Marion Avenue after residents reported receiving a threatening letter containing anti-semitic messages, according to a news release posted on City of Highland Park’s website.

The letter was tested for hazardous material and reportedly deemed non-toxic. Law enforcement’s preliminary investigation indicated that the letter was sent through the United States Postal Service. Officials said the scene was declared safe at 10:08 p.m.

“An act of antisemitism reported in our community tonight has shaken many of us, and understandably so,” Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said in another letter posted on the city’s website late Sunday.

“It is a reminder that even in a place like Highland Park—where we strive to lead with compassion and inclusion—hate can still find its way to our doorstep,” she continued. “Let me say this clearly: Highland Park condemns antisemitism in all its forms. It has no place in our city.”

Highland Park police have implemented a close watch on houses of worship and other significant Jewish sites over the past few weeks in light of “increased concerns regarding global antisemitic activity,” the city statement said.

These patrols will continue, as the city stands “unequivocally condemns antisemitism and all acts of hate, standing in solidarity with our Jewish community.”

Highland Park police notified the FBI and the State Terrorism and Intelligence Center after responding to the letter. The local police department will coordinate a follow-up investigation with federal partners.

The city also encourages community members to report concerning behaviors to the public safety non-emergency line at (847-432-7730). Individuals with additional questions are encouraged to email the City of Highland Park at cityhp@cityhpil.com.

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Hello, Hermès: Iconic luxury brand to set up shop in Wilmette’s Plaza del Lago

One of the most esteemed luxury retailers in high-end fashion is soon headed to Wilmette.

Hermès is planning to open up a new location in the revamped Plaza del Lago shopping center. Jill Segal, a spokesperson for WS Development, the Boston-based developer that owns the storied Wilmette center, confirmed the brand’s plans to The Record via email.

The new Hermès store will be two stories and will be approximately 8,000 square feet, Segal confirmed.

According to Segal, Hermès’ Plaza del Lago location is slated to open sometime in 2026. While an exact storefront location has not yet been made available as of publication time, Segal did confirm that Hermès will be on the south-facing side of the Plaza del Lago property.

Hermès new Wilmette location will be the well-known brand’s second in Illinois. There is currently a location on East Oak Street in Chicago. According to the company’s website, Hermès has more than 290 stores in 45 countries across the world.

“We could not be more thrilled to officially announce Hermès as our first new retail partner within the reinvigorated Plaza del Lago,” Samantha David, president of WS Development, told The Record in a statement via email. “This marks not just the arrival of an iconic luxury house, but the beginning of a new era for this iconic destination.

“Plaza del Lago was at one time the heart of the community and it is our commitment to return it to that noble calling. Hermès shares our deep appreciation for community, quality and tradition which makes them the perfect partner for this journey of restoration and revitalization. We are honored to bring them to the North Shore of Chicago.”

Although David described Hermès as the “first new retail partner,” The Record has previously confirmed several other businesses joining Plaza del Lago under its new ownership. The Record reported earlier that Jenni Kayne and James Perse are also planning to open in the Sheridan Road property

While Plaza del Lago is still open, the historic shopping center is currently under construction for facade, signage, parking and other improvements. David had previously told The Record more about plans for Plaza del Lago’s future in an exclusive interview in January of last year.

Several spaces throughout the center are open as there’s been a departure of several former Plaza businesses, including Yellow Bird Stationery, Chantilly Lace (both of which moved to downtown Wilmette), Cluckers Charcoal Chicken and Rosati’s.

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Wilmette firefighters top police department in charitable softball game to claim the President’s Cup

In any traditional softball game, losing by a wide margin would likely lead to disappointment.

But that was far from the case on Thursday evening at Wilmette’s West Park, where the village’s fire and police departments competed in a friendly softball game for bragging rights, and, more importantly, raising money for worthwhile causes.

The community-wide President’s Cup on June 12 pitted the Wilmette Police Department — who won an original President’s Cup battle 18 years ago — against the Wilmette Fire Department. The police were raising money for Special Olympics Illinois, while the fire department was supporting Illinois Burn Camp.

Wilmette’s police and fire departments pose for a group photo Thursday, June 12, when the two departments squared off in a charity softball game.

The fire department took the early lead, and while the police put up a valiant effort in the later innings, it wasn’t enough, as the Fire Department earned the President’s Cup after a nearly two-decade wait.

“I think it’s a great time for Team Fire, bringing the trophy back to the Fire Department,” Wilmette Fire Chief Brian Lambel said. “It’s been a long time. Since 2007, police have been holding onto this. Now it’s our turn.”

Lambel also commended the team on their victory.

“This just represents what a department we are,” he said. “Team Fire Department and doing things together all the time. I’m proud of these guys and girls.”

Wilmette firefighter Ryan Schmidt (right) chases back a runner.

And while Police Chief Michael Robinson said he was disappointed in the loss, he was quick to add that the real winners weren’t competing that night.

“The Fire Department won, but the big winners are the charities,” he said. “We’re happy to take the loss, but Special Olympics can take the win.”

Robinson also congratulated both teams on their performance.

“Great job by the Fire Department, and our players played great,” he said. “We’re just glad the community could come out and rally behind this good cause.”

Though final fundraising numbers weren’t immediately available, Katie Degen, the owner of Wilmette’s Central Station Coffee and Tea, who came up with the idea for the game, said the turnout was “amazing.”

“So many people coming out, all the families from the fire department and our police department coming out and seeing the village supporting them,” she said. “It was amazing.”

Wilmette police and fire teams line up for national anthem with local children and families at West Park.

Village President Senta Plunkett noted the President’s Cup tournament was great for Wilmette.

“It’s a wonderful event and the Police Department and Fire Department are taking this seriously,” she said. “They’re all in, so it’s really exciting. I just love this atmosphere.”

She later added that it was great seeing the community come out and show support for the village’s public safety departments and their charities.

“I think this is great for the community,” she said.

While there was an 18-year gap between the last President’s Cup tournament and Thursday’s, everyone seemed confident that wouldn’t happen again, and the teams were already anticipating next year’s game.

“Next year we’ll be back,” Robinson said. “And maybe we’ll practice a little bit more next time.”

Lambel agreed.

“Hopefully next year we’ll give (the Police Department) a shot at it again.”

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News Briefs: New Trier’s Pitch Night; HP pawfficer’s retirement; County Health’s new leadership

New Trier High School’s Startup U: Entrepreneurship class hosted its eighth Pitch Night on May 15, when three students teams presented their concepts to a panel of judges.

Positive Snacks (Leila Heitner, Ricki Viner), Stim Shield (Sam Knudson, Jake Peters, Jordan Rhys, Oliver Smith) and Direct Dose (Pratyay Rao) were the finalists, with Direct Dose — a simpler and more accessible way of managing and funding insulin treatments — earning the judges’ favor.

Rao earned the right to pitch Direct Dose at the Uncharted Learning Summit in July in Chicago.

In StartUp U, a program funded by the New Trier Educational Foundation since 2018, students begin each school year with an idea for a new product or service and — with help from volunteers from the community — develop that idea through business planning, financial modeling, and market research and analysis.

Pitch Night is a “Shark Tank”-style event in which judges determine the best concept among a group of finalists. Three finalist teams were chosen from seven that created and developed a product in the year-long business course.

End of watch for Highland Park service dog

Sit. Good boy.

Highland Park pawfficer Vinny Duke has retired.

The three-year veteran therapy dog with the Highland Park Police Department completed his final shift in early June.

In a Facebook post acknowledging the occasion, the City said that with his partner Officer Darren Graff, Duke visited schools, local businesses and community events, and was a regular friendly face at City Hall.

“Having served the community with distinction, Pawfficer Duke is looking forward to extra naps, snacks, and playtime with Officer Graff’s family.”

At a birthday party for Duke in January 2024, Police Chief Lou Jogmen commented on his impact.

“There’s no doubt about it: A dog like Vinny Duke helps bridge the gap between police and the people. It’s a true win-win for us all and he deserves to be celebrated,” Jogmen said at the time.

New leadership announcement from Cook County Health.

Cook County Health’s new leaders

Cook County Health recently announced the appointment of Dr. Daniel McCormick as the executive chief clinical officer and Dr. Lauren Smith as chief medical officer.

McCormick fills the newly created role of executive chief clinical officer, a position that will lead the delivery of clinical care across the county health system, according to a release from the county.

“Dr. McCormick and Dr. Smith bring a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for patient safety and operational excellence to Cook County Health,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, the organization’s CEO, in a statement. “Their combined experience in improving patient outcomes and system performance will be essential to guide the health system into its next phase of growth and transformation.”

McCormick, an experienced nephrologist, joins CCH from Franciscan Health Crown Point in Indiana, where he served as CEO and hospital president.

“I am honored to join Cook County Health and contribute to its mission of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to our community,” he said in the release. “I look forward to working with the talented team at CCH to ensure we continue to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care for all of our patients.”

In the role of chief medical officer, Smith reportedly will lead the development and implementation of clinical standards, measure and improve clinical outcomes, and ensure alignment of provider services with CCH’s strategic goals. She most recently served as associate chief medical officer for patient logistics and emergency medicine with UI Health.

“Returning to Cook County Health feels like coming home,” said Smith, who previously had a leadership role at CCH’s Stroger Hospital. “I am passionate about fostering clinical excellence and ensuring our patients receive timely, efficient and equitable care. I’m excited to build upon the 180-year strong foundation here and to support our physicians, advanced practice providers and all staff, in delivering outcomes that truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

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Trevians powerlifters finish strong once again

More than 300 student-athletes from across the state muscled their way into New Trier High School on May 24 for the annual state powerlifting championships, organized by the Illinois High School PowerLifting Association.

Participants from 29 high schools competed in the event, which was split into two divisions based on team size. Three lifts — squats, deadlift and bench press — are measured.

The New Trier girls team was the runnerup in the 2A field to Sandburg out of Orland Park, while the boys tied for third place with Lincoln-Way East (Frankfort) and behind Minooka and Sandburg.

Rowan Araujo (114 pounds) and Zoe Gerber (198) were New Trier’s two state champions, while Danny Friedman (220), Aiden Huh (114), Lola Bianco (114) and Ruby Awtry (132) placed second in their respective divisions.

“A truly impressive day overall, at one of the largest and most competitive competitions around,” Trevians head coach Jim Davis said in a message to The Record.

The competition also passed out other honors through the End-of-Season Awards program. New Trier was well represented:

• Beyond Strength (mindset, character, etc.): Ruby Awtry and Ruth Cases
• Resilience: Awtry and coach Hanna Cohen
• High Command Coach (creating enriching culture, equity in opportunity): head coach Jim Davis
• Start Fast (potential as future leader): coach Rijad Pekmez

New Trier’s powerlifting team was established 15 years ago, and both it and the sport have come a long way since under Davis.

New Trier powerlifters with their hardware following the national competition.

Prior to the state competition, New Trier powerlifters participated in their 10th national championships in April in Oklahoma City, where the Trevians collected their fifth consecutive national team title.

The girls side placed first in the unequipped (no special equipment) category, and the junior-senior contingent first in the equipped category.

The boys took first in unequipped and second in equipped, led by Friedman’s first place finish at 220 pounds, Araujo’s at 114.5 and Francis Karp at 275.5, among others.

Davis expressed gratitude for his team’s efforts all season, especially seniors such as Bianco, Gerber and Awtry.

“Our staff could not be more proud of this team,” Davis said. “They embodied all that we expected from them: hard-working, high character, coachable, and supportive of each other. They proved that they could compete with the best athletes in the state and the nation — and more often than not, they came out on top!

He added, “We have a strong group of committed athletes coming back. Excited to see their commitment and watch them progress as a team.”

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