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Hillary and Jay Dickerson pose with their daughters (left to right) Ruby, 14, Lilly, 17 and Maya, 15. Hillary is the editor of Galena Gazette and Jay is the weekly newspaper's sales manager.
By CHRISTOPHER HEIMERMAN For Illinois Press Association
GALENA – In April, Hillary Dickerson, the editor of the Galena Gazette, wrote a column titled “Finding Silver Linings.” She shared her family’s heartbreak with the weekly newspaper’s readers. Most notably, her oldest daughter’s graduation ceremony and performance in “Mamma Mia” had been suddenly scrapped.
But Dickerson quickly shifted to a place of gratitude for the chance for her, her husband, and their three daughters to spend more time together.
“In the past several weeks, our time together as a family has been the greatest blessing in my life. … I’m sorry to say that it had been far too long since we had time to make dinner together every night and then sit around the table to share that meal,” the Page 4 column in the April 8 edition reads. “There’s no rushing off to the next meeting or activity. We’re present in one another’s lives. We even clear the table together and do the dishes with barely a complaint. We’ve ended the evening with some great board game battles, hours spent huddled working on a puzzle or cuddled up together in the living room watching a movie.”
Her moment of reckoning was just beginning.
In early October, six members of the small-but-mighty newspaper’s staff tested positive for COVID-19, including Hillary and her husband, Jay, who’s also the paper’s sales manager.
“Luckily, the timing worked out that [the office was] able to remain open the entire time,” Hillary said.
She and Jay immediately isolated at home. She was able to connect to the server and lay out pages the following Monday.
“Luckily our symptoms were quite mild, so we were able to push through,” Hillary said.
She and Jay both suffered mild sinus symptoms and extreme fatigue, Hillary said. One of their daughters suffered those same symptoms, as well as a headache. Another daughter, who was diagnosed a week after those three had tested positive, “only” lost her taste and smell, Hillary said.
“It was so strange, all those different symptoms in one house,” she said. “We’re all pretty much back to 100 percent now.”
That is apart from their youngest, 15-year-old Ruby, whose sense of taste is still a bit off.
“She says almond milk is salty, bananas are sweeter ...” Hillary said.
Brace for the real tragedy in all of this.
“... and Goldfish crackers have a weird aftertaste,” she continued.
Hillary and one reporter make up the editorial staff that covers Galena, a popular tourist destination in the state’s northwest corner. Over the years, the Gazette has regularly won the Illinois Press Association’s editorial sweepstakes, and finished runner-up to The Hinsdalean in 2019.
“Having lived and worked near Galena for many years, I’ve always admired the work The Galena Gazette staff has done,” said Jeff Rogers, director of the IPA’s foundation. “It’s consistently one of the best nondaily newspapers in the state. It’s a paper that is really plugged into the communities it covers, and it shows in the journalism practiced by Hillary and her team.”
Since Gov. JB Pritzker issued his stay-at-home order March 20, apart from three staff – two ad reps and a graphic designer – the Gazette’s team has worked in the office, often beyond its reduced schedule of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“As I’m sure you understand, people are often at the office outside those times,” Hillary said. “We have a large enough space that we’re all 10-plus feet apart. We wear masks and require those of customers.”
The week after Hillary’s diagnosis, her reporter started working from home as a precautionary measure.
Whereas many daily newspapers have made their offices completely off-limits, it’s a different game for weekly publications and their small staffs.
The Carroll County Review, in Thomson directly south of Jo Daviess County, has an editorial staff of one – 76-year-old owner and publisher Jon Whitney.
“The office is really an extension of our house and we spend more time here than at home. At least it seems like it,” Whitney said. “We only have a part-time person that missed about six weeks, but is back now. Other than that, it's my wife [Nancy] and I.”
Hillary Dickerson said her family’s experience has given her new perspective, while Jo Daviess County’s positivity rate has eclipsed 10 percent and restaurants throughout the state are bucking orders to close their dining rooms.
“We’ve been very open about our positive test results in the community, and I hope that sharing our experience helps others understand the seriousness of what is happening,” she said. “Our positivity rate in this region is climbing daily and I see all sorts of people not taking the pandemic seriously on a daily basis. It’s frustrating.”
Hillary misses pounding the pavement, covering events, and doing in-person interviews. She said staff will occasionally mask up to cover in-person meetings, while keeping their distance.
“As convenient as it is to attend a meeting virtually, I’ve certainly noticed that the discussion among board members isn’t the same,” she said.
Whitney seconded that, saying one village board has canceled most of its meetings after two of them held in a large space to accommodate social distancing didn’t go well.
“That did not work well because of acoustic problems,” he said. “Most of the board members are elderly and don't hear well; two do not have computers or internet service.”
He said the other village board the Review covers was once virtual but has resumed meeting in person, but will likely return to the virtual format now that cases are again surging.
In lieu of high school sports seasons, the Galena Gazette is producing a special section with feature stories about how the school has adjusted to the pandemic and highlighting some of the unique things that are happening in and out of the classrooms.
“We actually believe this section could have wider appeal than just a typical sports program, so it will be interesting to see the response,” Hillary Dickerson said. “It’s also a great way to document what’s happening now for future generations.”
While newsrooms’ overwhelming consensus lament of 2020 might be “It’s not the same,” the Dickersons, with their newfound perspective, willingly accept it.
“I’m willing to change things up if it means keeping people safe, and we’re still definitely committed to covering the communities we serve,” she said..
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 11, 2025 Contact Information: Cadeala Troublefield, project manager Griffin & Strong Ph: (678) 364-2962 ext. 111 cadeala@gspclaw.com Courtney Clark, deputy project manager Griffin & Strong Ph: (404) 348-0690 ext. 113 courtney@gspclaw.com
VIRTUAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING DETAILS DATE(TENTATIVE): Wednesday, November 19, 2025 6 PM CST/7 PM EST Interested Participants Can Register Here: https://gspclaw.zoom.us/meeting/register/ytfUEAagQzqnrQE8eO8mSQ#/registration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2025 Contact Information: Kara Kienzler, associate executive director - communications Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Ph: (217) 528-9688
SPRINGFIELD — November 15 of each year is designated as School Board Members Day. The day of recognition is an occasion to build community awareness about the important role school board members play in a representative democracy by providing a local voice for community education decisions. In 2007, the Illinois House of Representatives declared November 15 as School Board Members Day in the State of Illinois. The resolution states the annual recognition is “a way to honor those citizens who devote so much of their time and energy for the education of our children.” “School board members serve as our local, volunteer education advocates striving for quality learning opportunities for every student. They take on this immense responsibility not for a paycheck, but because they are committed to their communities and the belief that every child deserves a quality education,” said IASB Executive Director Kimberly A. Small, J.D. “Our school board members wear many hats; beyond their educational leadership, they are policy-makers, contract negotiators, and budgeteers. They are also our neighbors, our friends, and our schools’ biggest fans. On November 15 –– School Board Members Day — it is our chance to say, ‘Thank You.’” IASB encourages school districts, communities, businesses, and others to thank local school board members and recognize them for their dedication to providing successful education opportunities for all students. Resources and images to recognize school board members on November 15 are available at www.iasb.com/thankaboardmember.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2025 Media Contact Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director PH: 217-299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
SPRINGFIELD – In a direct response to the growing school leadership shortage across Illinois, the Illinois Principals Association, through its Ed Leaders Network (ELN), has teamed up with Aurora University to launch an exciting and streamlined Alternative Principal Endorsement Program. This endorsement pathway enables educators who already have five years of experience and hold a master’s degree in education to earn their Principal Endorsement in just one year – without completing an additional graduate degree. Approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards, the program blends an immersive one-year internship with micro‑credentials tailored to school leadership practice. Eligible educators can earn licensure‑approved endorsement within one calendar year. This program is significantly less expensive than a full master’s degree and delivered on a fully remote platform. Participants in the program have appreciated the flexibility and experience the program provides as they enter or continue their school leadership journey. “Having already completed my master's degree, I knew I wanted to add the Principals Endorsement to my license, but I did not want to enroll in another full master's program. I was able to pull from previous leadership experience as I worked through the micro-credentials while still gaining valuable experience during my internship activities. The program is challenging but rewarding as it offers a way to reflect on previous experiences while building new skills as an educational leader."
- Jon Pieper, division head for Career & Technical Education, Physical Education, Drivers Education, and Health Education at Elk Grove High School
“The Alternative Principal Endorsement program was a great fit because everything was online, and I could work at my own pace. The flexibility allowed me to balance professional responsibilities while advancing my leadership skills. I would highly recommend this program to aspiring leaders.”
- Dr. Maribel Guerrero, director of language acquisition, Naperville CUSD 203
Dr. Ed Howerton, director of graduate education programs at Aurora University and former district administrator, shared: "Our program leans heavily into a ‘learning by doing’ framework that is extremely self-driven. It provides flexibility for professionals and ownership in the learning process. Many of our completers have moved into administrative roles sooner than if they had gone through a master’s degree program, and filling leadership voids in our schools is key to promoting student success.” Dr. Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association, also shared: “When compared to a little over a decade ago, the State of Illinois has experienced an almost 60% reduction in the number of individuals who earn their principal endorsement each year. This alternative pathway provides a rigorous, cost effective, and expedited opportunity for quality educators to demonstrate they possess the skills necessary to be effective school leaders.” Eligible candidates must hold a current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), possess a master’s degree in education, have completed five years of teaching or school support experience, are employed in a full‑time, permanent educational position before program start, and complete required evaluation training and principal content exams to qualify for endorsement. Currently, 81 students are enrolled at various stages of the program at Aurora University, including 30 students that began this fall semester. Twenty-four students have completed the program since its inception, with 12 individuals working in leadership positions. Aurora University Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Aurora University is committed to preparing leaders for the future of education. For a full overview of the program’s structure and registration information, visit the Alternative Principal Endorsement at https://aurora.edu/academics/graduate/principal-endorsement/index.html. Illinois Principals Association The Illinois Principals Association is a leadership organization which serves more than 6,900 educational leaders throughout the state of Illinois and whose mission is to develop, support, and advocate for innovative educational leaders. For more information about the IPA, please visit www.ilprincipals.org. Program Contacts Aurora University – Ed Howerton, director of Graduate Education Programs, ehowerton@aurora.edu, 630-844-5626 Ed Leaders Network / Illinois Principals Association – Arlin Peebles, Ed Leaders Network director, arlin.peebles@ilprincipals.org, 217-241-0598
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 5, 2025 Contact Illinois Bar Foundation Jessie Reeves, director of events & administration Ph: 312-920-4681 jreeves@illinoisbarfoundation.org
CHICAGO, November 5, 2025 - Mark D. Hassakis, a personal injury and workers' compensation attorney at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. of Mount Vernon, Illinois, was recently honored with the Illinois Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Award for Excellence on Oct. 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. Mark D. Hassakis has the legal advocacy of Illinois victims in his blood. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Mark followed in the footsteps of his father, Demetri, a lifelong Mount Vernon attorney, to practice law at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C, now celebrating 75 years. Mark has dedicated his professional life to helping his fellow Illinois citizens and the community at large. In addition to his exceptional career representing individuals’ needs in the areas of personal injury and workers’ compensation, professional malpractice, and general tort injury cases, Mark is a true leader with unparalleled dedication to giving back to the community. The Illinois Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Award for Excellence, the organization’s highest honor, is awarded annually to individuals whose career and personal life exemplify their ongoing commitment to the law and legal community. “The selection of Mark Hassakis for this year's Distinguished Award of Excellence reflects our belief in the principle that legal excellence and community service go hand in hand. His career demonstrates how individual attorneys can make a lasting impact not just through their practice, but through their commitment to strengthening the legal profession and ensuring access to justice for all Illinois residents.”
Lauren N. Tuckey, Tuckey Law Illinois Bar Foundation President 2025-26
Bar leadership and community impact Mark's commitment to the legal profession extends far beyond his practice. As president of the Illinois State Bar Association (2010-11), he championed juvenile justice reform, established young attorney mentorship programs, and highlighted the vital role lawyers play in strengthening their communities. His passion for juvenile justice led to the establishment of the Illinois Bar Foundation's M. Denny Hassakis Fund, which focuses on improving Illinois' juvenile justice system through public policy changes and programs supporting vulnerable youth. Mark served as president of the Illinois Bar Foundation from 2000 to 2002, during which time he was instrumental in creating the organization's signature fundraising events, including the Gala and Lawyers Rock concert. Mark has held numerous other leadership positions, including chairman of the ISBA Mutual Insurance Company; president of the Jefferson County Bar Association; and board member of the Hellenic Bar Association, the Lawyers' Trust Fund of Illinois, and the Juvenile Justice Initiative. Beyond his legal work, Mark has been a driving force in Mount Vernon and Southern Illinois development. He has spearheaded projects focused on downtown development, historical building restoration, and the support of community parks and arts initiatives. Notable achievements include bringing nationally acclaimed jazz artists to teach area grade school students and commissioning an "Abraham Lincoln as a Lawyer" sculpture for the 5th Appellate Court grounds in Mount Vernon. A proud Northwestern University alumnus, Mark continues to serve as an alumni regent and member of the Northwestern University Leadership Circle since 2012, acting as an ambassador for the university. Mark's extensive community involvement includes leadership roles with the Downtown Development Corporation of Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County Historical Society, Lincoln Park Foundation, Vernon West Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), and numerous other local organizations dedicated to enriching Southern Illinois. Bar Admissions