2022 Flashback: The year’s top stories based on readers of TheRecordNorthShore.org
As we complete another journey around the sun, it is worthwhile to revisit what moved us over the past 365 days.
Whether we laughed, cried, smiled, screamed or sighed, the stories that filled our community in 2022 made an impact, and we are here to take a look at the ones that captured your attention.
As we look back at the year that was, positive and uplifting stories make plenty of appearances but the challenges of the year are also in the spotlight.
Here are the 12 most-read stories of 2022 at TheRecordNorthShore.org, as well as the top stories by month (JUMP TO MONTH TO MONTH):
1. Hanukkah takeover at Glencoe home is a must-see (Dec. 6)
A profile of the Hazan family’s awesome holiday lights display was picked up by a national newsletter, causing pageviews to go bonkers — much like the Hazans’ Hanukkah decorations!
2. Group of New Trier lacrosse players reportedly beat teammate and record incident (March 28)
The Record broke this story about a leaked video showing high school lacrosse players hazing one of their teammates. Among other news, followup stories detailed the initial response by New Trier High School and the ouster of the program’s longtime head coach.
3. Death of man found near lakefront result of ‘violent’ altercation with two others (Sept. 18)
A breaking news story about a curious and tragic incident in Highland Park, where three individuals reportedly were involved in a fight that hospitalized two claimed the life of one of them: a 45-year old resident.
4. In Tribute: Community mourns Wilmette 22-year-old who died in Omaha car accident (April 4)
A memoriam of Mary Kate Phelan, an alumna of Loyola Academy and college student at Creighton University.
5. With new concept, Wayfair will take over vacant Carson’s space in Edens Plaza (Jan. 6)
Just after the new year (2021), news broke of a plan to overhaul Edens Plaza in Wilmette and finally fill its vacant anchor building, formerly occupied by Carson Pirie Scott. Stay tuned to The Record early this year for an update on the project’s progress.
6. In Tribute: Winnetka’s Kate Hilbrant, 32, remembered as positive force in her family, community (Jan. 28)
A Wilmette teacher and former New Trier All-State water polo player, Kate Hilbrant died in early 2021 and family and colleagues shared her impact with The Record.
7. Son reportedly stabbed parents to death in Highland Park apartment (Sept. 8)
This followup piece to a offers more details on the alleged offender in a horrendous crime in Highland Park.
8. ‘Real Housewives’ of Winnetka? That’s not a thing. (June 10)
In late spring, rumors started to swirl about a version of the popular reality television series coming to Winnetka. But the rumors were unfounded — to the disappointment of some and the joy of many others.
9. New Trier High School, Wilmette D39 maintain universal masking; Winnetka D36, Glencoe D35 go mask-optional (Feb. 6)
Local school districts responses to a decision by a judge out of Central Illinois to place a temporary restraining order on mask mandates for schools involved in the lawsuit.
10. Sunset Ridge student, 13, arrested for reportedly threatening ‘the destruction of school building’ (June 11)
Details on the arrest of a middle-school student who posted threatening messages online related to his Northfield school.
11. 85-year-old Conney’s Pharmacy wraps things up (Nov. 2)
To the shock of many, a Winnetka institution closed its door for good in November. The pharmacy business transferred its accounts to a local Walgreens, and the retail shop closed later that month. In a followup piece, The Record revealed that the building at 736 Elm St. was acquired by the developers of One Winnetka.
12. ‘A terrible idea’: Winnetka trustees voice opposition to proposed wall for Elder and Centennial beach project (June 8)
The most read article of several in 2022 related to the multimillion-dollar land swap between the Winnetka Park District and resident and property owner Justin Ishbia. The plan to merge the beaches contained a slatted steel wall around portions of the beach.
Click Here to Visit a Photo Gallery of the Best Images of gallery of 2022
Top 3 Stories of Each Month in 2022
JANUARY
1. With new concept, Wayfair will take over vacant Carson’s space in Edens Plaza
2. In Tribute: Winnetka’s Kate Hilbrant, 32, remembered as positive force in her family, community
3. Wilmette’s Post Office’s mailboxes removed after tampering
FEBRUARY
2. In Tribute: Kenilworth’s Alan Swain leaves incomparable legacy in field of jazz piano
3. Arrivederci: Pandemic-era challenges are final straw for The Noodle in Wilmette
MARCH
1. Group of New Trier lacrosse players reportedly beat teammate and record incident
2. Historic New Trier basketball season ends in dramatic sectional finale
3. From Lad & Lassie to breakfast and lunch: Restaurant planned to vacant Wilmette building
APRIL
1. In Tribute: Community mourns Wilmette 22-year-old who died in Omaha car accident
2. Order up! Buck Russell’s sandwich and bakery is up and running in downtown Wilmette
3. Brewer among track stars helping New Trier chase a state trophy
MAY
2. In Tribute: ‘Best life’ founder Erika Hlavacek leaves everlasting impact
3. ‘Something special’: New Trier caps 33-win water polo season with program’s first state championship
JUNE
1. ‘A terrible idea’: Winnetka trustees voice opposition to proposed wall for Elder and Centennial beach project
2. ‘Real Housewives’ of Winnetka? That’s not a thing.
3. Sunset Ridge student, 13, arrested for reportedly threatening ‘the destruction of school building’
JULY
1. At least 7 dead, 35 hospitalized in mass shooting in Highland Park
2. Downburst uproots tree and causes other damage in Northfield
3. Police apprehend alleged mass shooter after 8-hour manhunt
AUGUST
1. Ramblers make statement with ESPN, Ohio powerhouse visiting Hoerster Field in Wilmette
2. Pedestrian robbed at gunpoint, fleeing suspects fire shot at officers, according to police
3. Ramblers hope ESPN opener is just the beginning of a highlight-filled state-title chase
SEPTEMBER
1. Death of man found near lakefront result of ‘violent’ altercation with two others
2. Son reportedly stabbed parents to death in Highland Park apartment
OCTOBER
1. Wilmette retail thefts lead to multimillion-dollar bust of ‘sophisticated’ scheme, police say
2. 78-year-old driver dies following crash into Glencoe business
3. Caravan hold off Ramblers as battle of high school football titans does not disappoint
NOVEMBER
1. 85-year-old Conney’s Pharmacy wraps things up
2. Winnetka 36 and North Shore 112 referendums cruise to voter approval on Election Night
3. Pregame Prep: Background, stats and more for Loyola Academy and Lincoln-Way East’s second state-championship meeting
DECEMBER
1. Hanukkah takeover at Glencoe home is a must-see
2. Emotions on display as Isbia family’s plan to raze three lakefront homes moves forward
3. Loyola football coach John Holecek steps down in wake of third state championship
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Joe Coughlin
Joe Coughlin is a co-founder and the editor in chief of The Record. He leads investigative reporting and reports on anything else needed. Joe has been recognized for his investigative reporting and sports reporting, feature writing and photojournalism. Follow Joe on Twitter @joec2319
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