Local Schools, Suits, Development: 2019 In Winnetka, Glencoe

NEW TRIER TOWNSHIP, 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 among New Trier Township communities.

Coverage of local schools, commercial and residential properties, local government, lawsuits, development and more has been among the top stories of the year in Glencoe, Kenilworth, Northfield, Wilmette, Winnetka.

Below are 15 of the most-read articles from Winnetka-Glencoe Patch and Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch that readers may have missed over the past year.

Chicago Cubs Co-Owner Owes Years Of Back Taxes For Wilmette House

The reassessed value of Todd Ricketts' custom-built home more than doubled after years of paying taxes on the demolished house it replaced.
Earlier: Cubs Co-Owner Avoids Paying Property Taxes On Wilmette Mansion

Glencoe Accepts Application To Demolish Frank Lloyd Wright House

After the new owners of the historic Booth Cottage begun a demolition countdown, preservationists asked for proposals to move the structure.
Earlier: 2 Historic Glencoe Homes Among 'Most Endangered' Places In State and 'Endangered' Frank Lloyd Wright Home In Glencoe Sold For $550,000

One Winnetka Developer Defaults On Deal, Leaving Blight Downtown

Winnetka filed suit against the developer after he failed to meet his obligations under a development agreement despite a 6-month extension.
Then: Developer Offers Apology, Warning, Expansion Request and One Winnetka Development Agreement Repealed In Unanimous Vote

School District Bans Dad Who Accused Administrators Of Racism

District 36 officials say the Winnetka man was banned after using profanity — he accuses administrators of discrimination and a cover-up.

Winnetka D-36 Voters Reject $90.6 Million School Bond Referendum

Voters in District 36 decided against borrowing more than $90 million for facilities improvements by a nearly 2-to-1 margin.

Binge Drinking, Vaping, Stress Concern New Trier Administrators

New Trier High School students are binge drinking alcohol at a rate of more than twice the national average, according to survey data.

In Effort To Redraw Districts, Winnetka Residents Hire Consultant

A new citizens group launched a campaign to adjust boundaries between Winnetka District 36 and Avoca District 37.

Court Rejects Winnetka Man's Claim Stormwater Fees Are Illegal

An Illinois appellate court found village staff do not need to "personally confirm that water soaks into earth and flows across pavement."

George Trois Reopens Alongside 2 New Restaurants In Winnetka

Chef Michael Lachowicz reopened his award-winning Green Bay Road restaurant and introduced a pair of new ones — Aboyer and Silencieux.
Earlier: George Trois Becomes 1st Suburban Winner Of Top Restaurant Award

Former Edens Plaza Carson's Sold For $14 Million

The buyers are now in "discovery mode" to determine what's next for the shopping center along the Edens Expressway in Wilmette.
Earlier: Rest Of Edens Plaza Sold To Real Estate Investor For $71.9 Million

Accountant Stole Over $55 Million From Winnetka Family: Feds

The accused embezzler bought 25 houses, about 60 guns, four yachts, two private aircraft and more with the proceeds of his fraud, prosecutors said.

Release Accused Murderer's Guns, Asks Winnetka Attorney

The new lawyer for the man charged with the murder of a prominent Northfield attorney wants him permitted to sell property seized by police.
More: Judge Rejects Lawyer's Request To Sell Accused Murderer's Guns

Disgraced Pastor Sues Wilmette Radio Host Over Defamation Claims

Ex-Harvest Bible Chapel Pastor James MacDonald sued his former friend and parishioner Erich "Mancow" Muller over the host's on-air comments.
More: Mancow's Police Report Details Pastor's 'Murder-For-Hire' Request

Fired Soccer Coach Sues Loyola Academy For Over $250,000

Craig Snower said he suffered "humiliation and emotional and physical distress" after being fired over complaints of inappropriate conduct.

Kenilworth Trustees Approve Controversial TIF District

Officials in Illinois' richest town sayits Green Bay Road business district is at risk of becoming blighted without a tax increment financing district.

Former Governor Sells 'Stunning, Tranquil Oasis' In Winnetka

Bruce and Diana Rauner sold the Winnetka home they bought in 1995 for $2.75 million on Friday.