Changes At City Hall, Reparations, Settlements: 2019 In Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — With the arrival of the end of the year and the beginning of the 2020s, it's time to take a look back at 2019 in local Evanston news. Some of the most read stories of the year include businesses and developments, acclaim and criticism in local schools, lawsuits in local politics and government and more.

It was a year that included the arrival of a new police chief and the departure of a city manager, as well as the mayor calling for a criminal investigation into the entire City Council. Evanston made national news as it became the first municipality in the nation to establish a reparations fund for black residents and pay for it with tax revenue from future marijuana sales, and local concerns about an announced immigration crackdown led to a change in nomenclature at the county level.

Find below, in no particular order, 25 of the top articles from Evanston Patch that may have slipped under the radar over the past 12 months.

ETHS Teacher Corey Winchester Wins Golden Apple Award

"Teaching is all about building relationships, radical love, and humanizing one another," said the Evanston Township High School teacher.

Earlier: Evanston Teacher Among Finalists For Prestigious Golden Apple Award

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Demitrous Cook Sworn In As New Evanston Police Chief

The chief's mother pinned on his new badge at an emotional ceremony at the civic center.

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Evanston City Manager Appointed Administrator Of Seattle Suburb

The Issaquah City Council voted 6-0 to confirm its mayor's appointment of Wally Bobkiewicz as city administrator

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Evanston Pays $1.25 Million To Man Accused Of Stealing Own Car

Aldermen approved a settlement ending a battery, conspiracy and malicious prosecution suit filed by ex-Northwestern student Lawrence Crosby.

Earlier: Lawyers Agree Settlement Terms In Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit

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Mayor Steve Hagerty Requests 'Official Misconduct' Investigation

The Evanston mayor asked for a criminal probe into the City Council and staff to determine who leaked confidential material.
Earlier: City Council Considers Censure Of Clerk Over Staff Complaints

Future Weed Revenue Will Fund Evanston's New Reparations Program

Aldermen have not yet decided how the money will be spent or who will be eligible to receive reparations from the city.

After Spending Over $8 Million, Evanston Drops James Park Lawsuit

City attorneys agreed to drop their environmental lawsuit against utilities instead of arguing the case on its merits at trial.

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Evanston Aldermen Reject Office Building On City-Owned Parking Lot

A proposal for a 11-story office building on the library parking lot fell two votes short following opposition from residents and staff.

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Cook County Cuts 'Homeland Security' From Department, Committee Names

Commissioners changed the emergency management department's name and logo due to concerns it was being confused with the feds were raised at the Custer Street Fair in Evanston this summer.
More: Cook County Homeland Security Command Van Moved Amid Complaints

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Ex-Northwestern Student's Parents Guilty In Admissions Conspiracy

The wealthy couple admitted to charges of fraud and money laundering after cheating their daughters into elite private universities.

Earlier: Northwestern Student's Parents Charged In College Cheating Scandal and Money Laundering Charges Added In College Admissions Scandal

City Urged To Reconsider Firing Of Community Services Manager

Terminated over allegations he improperly paid parking tickets with a city credit card, Kevin Brown and his supporters suspect retaliation.
More: Mayor Blocks Move To Support Staffer Fired Over Parking Tickets

Federal Judge Tosses Skokie's Lawsuit Against Evanston Over Water Price

Skokie's "alleged injury is neither actual nor imminent," a judge ruled Friday, dismissing the village's suit for a lack of standing.

Renowned Restaurant Boltwood Closes In Downtown Evanston

The family-run restaurant started by an acclaimed chef and Evanston native announced it has closed its doors for good.

City Council Endorses County Tax Break For Bakery's Expansion

Aldermen approved a resolution allowing Cook County property tax break for Hewn Bakery to purchase a vacant space on Central Street.

Pete Miller's Closes, Staff Aim To Save Evanston Jazz Institution

After 25 years of live jazz in Evanston, Pete Miller's permanently closed — but former staff are working to find a new owner to revive it.

Yu Darvish Sued By Neighbors Claiming Fence Illegally Blocks View

The Chicago Cubs pitcher and his wife are accused of using a "bait-and-switch tactic" to violate an easement and a verbal agreement.

Teacher Describes Years Of Transphobic Harassment

As Evanston/Skokie School District 65 launches its first-ever LGBTQ+ Equity Week, a transgender teacher said they are "still not safe" from harassment at work.

ETHS Gave 'Sexual Predators Access To Unlimited Prey': Suit

Evanston Township High School security guards "sexually groomed" and abused students with the help of a "code of silence," a lawsuit says.

Parents Respond To End Of Halloween Parties At Evanston Schools

Several District 65 schools have eliminated Halloween events this year as part of a commitment to equity and an inclusive environment.
Related: Which Evanston Schools Are Still Celebrating Halloween?

City Violated FOIA By Withholding Harley Clarke Demo Donations

Evanston improperly denied Patch's requests for the amounts of donations to the demolition effort, the attorney general's office found.
Related: 88% Of Demolition Funding Came From 7 Donors, More Than Half From A Single Contributor and Evanston Admits Harley Clarke Records Were Incomplete

Evanston Alderman Violated Open Meetings Act: Attorney General

Ald. Judy Fiske improperly restricted public comments at a December committee meeting, according to the Illinois Attorney General's Office.

ETHS Gave 'Sexual Predators Access To Unlimited Prey': Suit

Evanston Township High School security guards "sexually groomed" and abused students with the help of a "code of silence," a lawsuit says.

Fourth Racist Message In A Month Found At Northwestern University

Four messages with the white supremacist slogan "It's Okay to Be White" and a noose-shaped rope have been discovered on the Evanston campus.

Sorority Hazing Led To Suicide Of Northwestern Student: Lawsuit

The mother of Jordan Hankins says hazing by the suspended Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority caused the sophomore basketball player to kill herself.

Beacon Academy Withdraws $500,000 Robert Crown Center Pledge

The Friends of Robert Crown blamed "half-truths and racially tinged memes" for the loss of capital funding and operating revenue.
Earlier: Aldermen Approve 2nd Round Of Robert Crown Center Funding

Police 'Unable To Find' Accused Haven Middle School Custodian, Parents Say

"A child rapist is currently on the loose," the parents of a 12-year-old girl told Evanston Police Chief Demitrous Cook.
Earlier: Parents Accuse Custodian Of Sexually Assaulting Evanston Student

Evanston Snake Survives Washing Machine To Be Reunited With Owner

A homeowner discovered an escaped corn snake in her washing machine after a cycle.