News Briefs: Village leader retirement; HPHS Charity Drive; free tax help; local high schools recognized

Wilmette’s director of engineering and public works is retiring in March, according to the Village.

Brigitte Berger-Raish will retire on March 9 after 25 years with the Village of Wilmette. The Village will celebrate her during the Village Board meeting on Feb. 10.

“Brigitte is our rock star and her retirement, while well-deserved, is a huge loss for the community,” Village Manager Mike Braiman said in a statement. “Brigitte has had an outsized impact on the quality of life for all those who live in Wilmette, leading generational infrastructure projects, ensuring the highest levels of customer service, and serving as an inspirational leader to the EPW team. We wish her the best in her retirement.”

Berger-Raish came to the Village in 2001 as a village engineer overseeing the water plant. Thirteen years later, she was promoted to director of engineering public works. In the role, she led a team of 45 employees across numerous Village departments, including engineering, facilities, vehicle maintenance, sewer and water, and streets.

Berger-Raish was recognized by the American Public Works Association in 2021 as a Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year.

The Village says under Berger-Raish several “impactful” projects were completed, including the reconstruction of Sheridan Road, the Central Avenue and Downtown Streetscape Project, development of the Edens Pollinator Corridor, restoration of Elmwood Dunes, and the creation of the West Park Sanitary Storage Reservoir and Pump Station.

In the Village’s release, Berger-Raish called her colleagues the “true heroes of public service”

“Wilmette is an incredibly special community,” Berger-Raish said, “and it will always own a piece of my heart. I want to extend my sincerest thanks to the businesses and residents, Village boards and commissions, management teams, other Village departments who have supported our mission over the years.

“Over 30 years ago I chose a career in public service so I could have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Fast forward to today, I’m extremely proud of the critical infrastructure projects and public services that we’ve delivered.”

Dan Manis, village engineer, will take over for Berger-Raish as the Village’s director of engineering and public works, while Ron Milanesio, a project manager, will replace Manis as village engineer.

Manis has been with Wilmette for eight years and previously worked for the City of Evanston.

Milanesio joined the Village in 2023 and was with the City of Highland Park before then.

“I am excited to announce the promotions of Dan and Ron into their new roles,” Braiman said in a separate village release. “Succession planning has been a priority for us, and both individuals are well prepared to take on these critical roles. Dan and Ron are exceptional, well-respected engineers, both of whom will ensure that we continue to provide the highest levels of service to Wilmette residents.”

HPHS Charity Drive underway

Highland Park High School’s month-long Charity Drive has begun and this year will raise support for Propel A Cure For Crohn’s Disease, a selection by HPHS students and staff.

The annual program includes a series of events, including a bake off, parents night out, game night, dodgeball tournament and more through Feb. 10.

A silent auction is also available, as well as direct donations.

Propel A Cure supports finding a cure and better treatments for Crohn’s disease.

Moraine Township to offer free tax help

Moraine Township, which covers most of Highland Park and Highwood, is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service to offer free tax return preparation for low- and-moderate-income taxpayers from from Jan. 31 to April 11.

The program, offered through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, features volunteers who are trained and certified by the IRS to prepare basic federal and Illinois income tax returns for taxpayers earning less than $68,000 annually.

Volunteers will be available between 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturdays beginning Jan. 31 for taxpayers to drop off their tax documents at the Township office, 800 Central Ave., Highland Park. The prepared returns will be ready for pick up on a subsequent Saturday.

Tax return preparation is handled remotely; volunteers will review taxpayer documents and will call taxpayers with questions if necessary.

To participate in the program, visit Moraine Township between 8:30 am and 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays, or leave a message at (847) 780- 6644.

Taxpayers do not need to be Township residents to use this service.

Local high schools recognized for college-prep efforts

Regina Dominican, Niles West and Niles North high school all made the College Board’s 2025 AP School Honor Roll, a program that recognizes schools for how they prepare students for college.

AP, or Advanced Placement, programs allow high school student to pursue college-level studies. The College Board began its Honor Roll program in 2023 and about 30% of schools nationwide receive recognition. The full list of recipients is not public.

Regina Dominican, of Wilmette, earned the platinum distinction (the top level) for the third year in a row.

According to the school, 88% of Regina seniors took at least one AP exam (55% took five or more) during high school with 75% scoring a 3 (out of 5) or higher on at least one AP exam.

“We are incredibly proud” of the honor, said Dr. Kassie Porreca, principal of Regina Dominican, in a statement. “Not only has Regina Dominican achieved platinum status each year since this recognition was established, but we continue to strengthen and expand our AP program for our students.

“This year, we are setting records, with twice as many students earning college credit through AP exams compared to just four years ago. … This recognition is a direct reflection of their dedication, hard work, and commitment to academic excellence.”

Both schools in Niles Township High School District 219 earned College Board recognition, with Niles North High receiving gold distinction and Niles West silver.

“We want every D219 student to have access to challenging coursework that prepares them for life after high school, whether that’s college or career,” D219 Superintendent Tom Moore said. “These top spots show that more of our students are not only participating in AP classes, but they are succeeding academically.”

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