News Briefs: West Nile found in local mosquitoes in regular sign of summer; NTHS board approves teachers contract; Firehouse opening this summer

The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District recently found the first West Nile virus positive mosquitoes to occur in Northfield traps this year.

The sample was taken on June 2 and tested on June 6, according to a release from the district.

It marks the first time this summer West Nile-positive mosquitos were found in New Trier Township; though, a positive sample was taken from traps in Evanston.

West-Nile-positive traps are found locally every summer, and the mosquito abatement district is calling the risk to humans “low at this time.”

No human cases have been identified in the district yet in 2023. The 10-year average is 5.2 people per summer, a number anchored by 20 positive human cases in 2012.

The most prolific months of West Nile spread are typically August and September, and the abatement district continues to urge residents to remove all standing water from their yards, as well as minimize mosquito bites by using repellent, wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding peak mosquito times (dusk and dawn)

“Remember, if it can hold water, it can breed mosquitoes,” the district says.

Five-year NTHS teachers contract includes 4% raises and improved retirement benefits

The New Trier High School Board approved on Monday, June 5, a five-year faculty contact that represents more than 100 hours over five months and 20 sessions of negotiations, according to a district press release.

A mediator reportedly participated in the collective bargaining.

“We are proud of the collaborative process our negotiating committee used to reach this fair contract, which balances the district’s commitment to hiring and retaining high-quality faculty members with its financial stewardship on behalf of taxpayers,” reads a joint statement from School Board President Keith Dronen and New Trier Education Association President Teri Rodgers.

The agreement reportedly will increase teachers’ base salaries by 4.3 percent in 2023-24 and by 4 percent in 2024-25. The increase in 2025-26 will be set by the December 2023 Consumer Price Index, with a floor of 2 percent and a ceiling of 4 percent. Increases for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 years will be set by the December 2024 and December 2025 Consumer Price Index, with a floor of 1.5 percent and ceiling of 3 percent.

The new contract adds three steps to the current 24-step salary program, which officials say puts it more in line with neighboring districts. The cost of the step increases is 1.39 percent in 2023-24, 0.95 percent in 2024-25, 0.84 percent in 2025-26, 0.79 percent in 2026-27, 0.58 percent in 2027-28, according to district info.

With the new contract, retirement benefits change for program participants hired on or after Jan. 1, 2011. These teachers will receive $1,500 in annual district contributions, up from $750 in the last contract, with the option of an additional $1,000 annual match.

The contract also works to continue to manage healthcare costs by capping the maximum district increase in medical and dental costs.

New firehouse dedication set for July 15

The City of Highland Park will celebrate the opening of its the new Ravinia Fire Station #32 with an open house from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on July 15 at the station, 692 Burton Ave.

The event will feature tours of the space, emergency vehicles, a photo wall, public education tables and more. Children are welcome, according to a press release from the City.

Coffee, juice, doughnuts and bagels will also be served.

The new facility replaces the previous station #32 that was originally built in 1929.

“The new station will serve the public for many decades providing improved public safety operations and increased efficiency,” the release says. “We hope you can join us in celebrating this historical event.”

For more information, visit cityhpil.com/raviniafirestation, or call (847) 926-1000 or (847) 433-3110.

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