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October 27, 2026

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The Village is considering changes to its Zoning Code that would allow and regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family residential districts. We want to hear from you! Take the Village’s ADU survey by this Wednesday, October 28. 

What's an ADU? It's a smaller, independent home located on the same property as a single-family house. Examples include a backyard cottage, an apartment above a detached garage, or an addition to an existing home.

Learn more: Visit the Village's ADUs web page to explore the proposed changes and view recordings and materials from recent community information sessions.

The Skokie Farmers’ Market wraps up its 51st season this Sunday, November 1.

While you’re there: In addition to visiting your favorite farmers’ market vendors: 

Up next: Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 13, when the Winter Market on Main begins its season at 4051 Main St.!

Don’t get spooked — Skokie’s annual Pumpkin Smash composting event is coming up fast! 

Drop off your pumpkins for composting this Sunday, November 1, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., just across the street from the Skokie Farmers’ Market at the northwest corner of Oakton Street and Floral Avenue. (Look for the special dumpster.)

Why compost your pumpkin? Composting returns valuable nutrients to the soil instead of sending organic waste to a landfill.

Painted pumpkins are welcome! Just be sure to remove ribbons, googly eyes, stickers, and anything else that isn’t compostable before dropping them off.

Planning your Halloween trick-or-treat route? Official Skokie trick-or-treat hours are 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Saturday, October 31.

Look for the light: Participating homes are encouraged to turn porch lights on to let trick-or-treaters know you’re open for business. 

Safety first: Trick-or-treaters, increase your visibility by placing reflective tape or stickers on costumes, carrying a flashlight, or wearing a glow-in-the-dark bracelet. Drivers, please use extra caution.

See Skokie’s Halloween guide for more activities and events.

Cook County rendering illustrating proposed Oakton Street improvements between Hamlin and Central Park Avenues.

The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways is set to begin roadway improvements along Oakton Street east of Skokie Boulevard this week. Initial work over the coming months is expected to include curb replacement and select pavement replacement to support successful completion of the project next year.

What's planned: The larger project will include roadway resurfacing and reconfiguration, new and improved bicycle lanes (including some protected segments), pedestrian safety enhancements, and select streetscape and greenspace upgrades. Visit Cook County’s Oakton Street Project page for details.

Traffic impacts: Two-way traffic will be maintained on Oakton Street throughout construction, but expect temporary lane shifts, parking restrictions and intermittent construction activity between Skokie Boulevard and McCormick Boulevard.

UNDERGROUND UTILITY WORK PAVES THE WAY

Two major utility improvement projects along Oakton Street have been completed or substantially completed ahead of the County's roadway work:

How can you discourage rat activity on your property and in your neighborhood? Skokie Environmental Health Officer Derek Walker takes us on a walk through Skokie to highlight common contributing factors that attract rats, including access to food, water and shelter.

Rat control starts with you. Learn more about Skokie’s Rat Control Program, which partners with residents and property owners to spot and fix rodent problems.  

2026 Skokie Community Flu Shot Clinic (Photo by Karie Angell Luc)

Still need your flu shot? Flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent influenza and reduce the risk of serious illness.

Get your flu shot: The Village offers free “Walk-in Wednesday” flu shots every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St.; no appointment necessary. 

In recognition of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Cook County Department of Public Health and Skokie Health and Human Services are bringing increased attention to Illinois’ new universal childhood blood lead testing law and lead dangers.

What to know: The new state lead testing requirements, which took effect July 1, require all children to receive blood lead tests at ages 12 months and 24 months. 

What to do: If you're pregnant or have children, consult your healthcare provider to discuss blood lead testing and determine whether you or your children have elevated blood lead levels.

Why it matters: Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, especially for young children and developing babies during pregnancy. 

Common sources of exposure include lead-based paint and dust in older homes, contaminated soil, drinking water and certain household products, including toys, jewelry and pottery.

Daylight saving time ends this Sunday, November 1 at 2 a.m. Don’t forget to set clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.

While you’re at it: The time change is a good opportunity to test batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

The Skokie Police Department will hold its final quarterly beat meeting of October tonight, Tuesday, October 27 at 6 p.m. at Oakton Community Center. Tonight’s meeting will cover Police Beats 316 and 317. View the October beat meeting schedule and map.

What to expect: Each beat has a permanent officer assigned to it, and Crime Prevention officers also attend. The meetings give residents and local groups a chance to talk with the officers who work in their area, share concerns, and work together to address neighborhood issues.

Learn how to spot online scams, protect your personal information and respond if you become a victim of cybercrime. 

Join the Skokie Technology Advancement and Transformation (STAT) Commission and the Skokie Police Department this Wednesday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. for a free seminar on online fraud and cybersecurity at Skokie Police Headquarters, 7300 Niles Center Rd. Register in advance.

What to expect: Hear from an experienced information security professional and an SPD officer about the online tricks that leave people spooked and the habits that keep them safe. 

Join Niles Township High School District 219 for an inspiring evening to explore real opportunities and plan for your future!

The Career Resource Fair will take place on Thursday, November 5, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Niles West High School in the Main Gym. The event is open to everyone – students, families and community members.  

What to expect: Meet with representatives from local companies, organizations and training providers who can help you explore career pathways, skills and opportunities. View the career fair flyer (PNG) for more details.

Are you looking to support your community? You can make a difference!

Join us at the Skokie Community Volunteer Fair on Sunday, November 15, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Oakton College (Skokie Campus).

EVENTS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St.