Local Schools, Suits, Development: 2019 In Lake Forest

LAKE FOREST, 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 news in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.

Coverage of local schools, rescues, the loss of a local business and longtime philanthropist and among the the top stories of the year.

Below are 10 of the most-read articles from Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch that readers may have missed over the past year.

Board Accepts Principal's Surprise Resignation At Raucous Meeting

Tom Cardamone resigned after 22 years at Deer Path Middle School, citing unfulfilled "information reporting" responsibilities.
Earlier: Lake Forest Middle School Principal Resigns Without Explanation

Lake Forest Man Helped Save Woman Airlifted From Northbrook Crash

A Knollwood Fire Department veteran has been credited with helping save the life of a woman seriously injured in a crash on I-294.

Ex-LFHS Employee Pleads Guilty To Theft, Gets Judgement Deferred

The former assistant athletic director at Lake Forest High School admitted he stole over $2,600 of school funds as part of a plea deal.
Earlier: Daughter's Engagement Party Costs Led To LFHS Theft, Police Told

Longtime Lake Forest City Manager Indicted

Former City Manager Bob Kiely was charged with official misconduct in October.

Smith's Men's Store In Lake Forest Closes After 82 Years

Retiring from the shop where he'd worked for 37 years, owner John Tadel decided to shut down business for good in June.

Lake Forest Man Charged With Bribing Chicago Alderman, Lying To FBI

Attorney Charles Cui is accused of hiring the law firm of indicted Ald. Ed Burke in exchange for help with a permits and a $2 million TIF deal.
Later: Lake Forest Lawyer Pleads Not Guilty To Bribing Indicted Alderman and Lake Forest Attorney Named In New Indictment

Repeat North Shore Bank Robber Sentenced To 5 Years Probation

Rajko "Ray" Bozic, who pleaded guilty to bank robberies in Deerfield and Lake Forest, begins his probation with one year of work release.
Earlier: Man Admits Robbing North Shore Banks To Feed Gambling Addiction and Bank Robber Accused Of More Crimes Due To Be Sentenced

Lake Forest Philanthropist Nancy Hughes Dies At 68

She's remembered as an inspiration for filmmaker John Hughes, a generous local donor and a dedicated daughter, mother, aunt and grandmother.

Earlier: With Gift, Lake Forest To Rename Beach Road 'Hughes Gateway' and Grand Opening Of Hughes Gateway Beach Access Road

Judge, Prosecutors Permit Early Release Of 82-Year-Old Prisoner

Larry Hayes, who suffers from dementia and glaucoma, was freed after serving 25 years of a 55-year sentence for a cocaine conviction.

Worker Trapped 80 Feet Underground Rescued From Elevator Shaft In Lake Bluff

A member of a special rescue team rappelled down the elevator shaft around 3 a.m. to reach the trapped worker.