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Retiring newspaper carrier Ed Calkins, 63, of Willow Springs, applied his lifelong experience working overnights to write a vampire-themed novel, "Ruthless" (Photo by Ed Calkins)
Editor’s Note: This story was originally published Feb. 9 by the Daily Southtown in Tinley Park.
CHICAGO – Ed Calkins, 63, has worked nights all his adult life. His career in newspaper distribution began when he was a boy with a bicycle, and Sunday, Feb. 14, was his last day.
The previous night, he celebrated publication of a 401-page novel he wrote. He welcomed guests and chatted online with visitors during a virtual book release party.
For the past several years, Calkins has worked out of a distribution center in Tinley Park. While most people sleep, he stuffs newspapers into plastic bags. Then he loads hundreds of bags into a vehicle.
"I've been in newspapers all my life," he said. "As a driver, it's been 43 years"
He had regular routes covering Justice and Willow Springs, where he lives. He filled in covering other routes in Palos Hills, Palos Heights, Hickory Hills, Bridgeview and throughout the south suburbs, he said.
"I'm in several ZIP codes at the moment," Calkins said. "I'm not so much a carrier as a down routes driver. I do the routes we can't fill."
His maternal grandfather was a distribution manager for the Southtown Economist, a predecessor of The Daily Southtown. The publication traces its roots to 1906. Radio, television and other media gradually eroded the influence of newspapers.
"Way back when, there were distributors that had contracts for papers. They would buy them and distribute them," Calkins said. "They were called news agencies. When newspaper boys delivered papers on bicycles, my dad had an agency."
About 15 years ago, Calkins said, he was delivering a Joliet newspaper and got to know Denise Baran-Unland, another carrier who handled several routes with other members of her family.
Baran-Unland also is an author who wrote a trilogy of novels about vampires collectively known as the Bryony series.
Calkins said their friendship inspired Baran-Unland to create a character named Ed Calkins, who appears in her novels as a sort of comic relief amid a dark realm.
"Somebody told her they would like to see the back story of my character," Calkins said. "She replied, 'The only way that's going to happen is if he writes it himself.' I took up that challenge."
The result is "Ruthless," a 140,000-word novel available for sale in paperback through Amazon.
Calkins said he overcame dyslexia to write the book.
"This has been a lifetime dream of mine," he said. "I've tried to write novels many times. I never finished. I never felt it was worth reading."
That is, until now. Calkins said he's happy with how "Ruthless" turned out, and that his writing process involved dictating a story passage and recording it on his phone. He would then transcribe the recording and use a computer's spell check to figure out words he was unsure about.
His wife, Nancy, was featured in a front-page Daily Southtown story in 2014 when she retired after teaching art for 40 years at Brodnicki School in Justice. She created the book cover and 26 other illustrations for the novel.
About 15 years ago, she said, her husband was about two-thirds of the way through writing a book. There was only one copy of the working draft.
"He never backed it up, and the computer went down and he lost everything," she said.
Calkins said he worked on the book every day for about 18 months. Perseverance was key, he said.
"I think the primary thing is to make sure the butt hits the chair," he said. "Your inspiration might not show up, but you have to show up and still be satisfied even if you're not able to produce anything you're going to use. You just have to come back the next day and basically keep at it."
Calkins said "Ruthless" is about his vampire character, also named Ed Calkins.
"I get killed on my route," he said. "There's an auxiliary police officer who is pretty sure she knows who did it because she remembers pointing the gun and pulling the trigger, but what she doesn't remember is why."
As one would expect in a story about vampires, there are supernatural elements to the story. In "Ruthless", the dying newspaper carrier turns into a vampire and has 7 seconds to create a son before he bleeds to death.
The story involves mirrors, time travel, the imagination and questions about existence, Calkins said. A promo for the book release event said Calkins would discuss collaborations, how to fictionalize a real person and astrophysics. "It's interesting when you think about, How do you be a fictional character and a real person at the same time?" he said. "In the book, I get to deal with beings who aren't so sure they exist. They think they might be a figment of somebody else's imagination."
That sounds reminiscent of the 2006 film "Stranger Than Fiction", in which an IRS auditor played by Will Ferrell turns out to be a character in a novel being written by an author played by Emma Thompson.
Nancy Calkins said her husband drew from real-life experience to create a fantasy world inhabited by vampires and time travelers.
"A lot of the stories were related to people that came in and out of his life through newspapers, the other drivers," she said. "He would come home and talk about other newspaper carriers. He was very proud of the people he worked with and what they did."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director 2940 Baker Drive Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) encourages communities to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week Oct. 18-24, 2026, and Principal Appreciation Day on Friday, Oct. 23, to highlight the dedication of principals, assistant principals, and deans. This annual recognition has been recognized by Illinois governors since 1990. October is also National Principals Month, supported by the IPA, the National Principals Association (NPA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA). Brian Faulkner, IPA president and principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School (Sugar Grove), shared: "During Principal Appreciation Week, we celebrate the dedicated school leaders across Illinois who work tirelessly to create schools where students can learn, grow, and thrive. Principals are lead learners, culture builders, advocates, and champions for both students and staff. We are grateful for the passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment they bring to their schools and learning communities each and every day." “This year, we celebrate our state’s school leaders for what they do – unlocking the potential of those they serve,” said Dr. Jason Leahy, IPA executive director. “These courageous individuals lead their learning organizations with optimism, humility, vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to do what is best for their students. Both research and common sense tell us how critical these servants are to positively influence young people, teachers, and communities. For this, they deserve our respect and gratitude.” IPA invites teachers, students, parents, and community members to show appreciation for school leaders on Friday, Oct. 23.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director 2940 Baker Drive Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) will host its 55th Education Leaders Annual Conference, “Unlocking Potential,” from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20 in Peoria. The event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities to help school leaders enhance their impact on schools and communities. 2026-2027 IPA President Brian Faulkner shared, “Unlocking Potential is grounded in the belief that leadership is not confined to a title. Leadership lives within every member of our school community, and when we create opportunities for others to lead, we unlock the collective potential of our students, staff, and communities.” The conference kicks off Sunday, Oct. 18, with a golf tournament, committee meetings, and a welcome reception honoring past IPA presidents. Keynote speakers include: Phil Januszewski, a 20-year educator turned full-time motivator, will deliver a keynote Monday morning titled “Less Tired. More Inspired: Three Actions Toward Thriving Instead of Surviving.” Januszewski will share three crucial actions that will allow leaders to leverage individual strengths and passions to reach higher levels of happiness, fulfillment, and giving, all while avoiding burnout and a negative mindset. Brian Faulkner, 2026-2027 IPA president, and Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders will speak Monday afternoon. IPA Awards for Excellence, Herman Graves Awards, Reaching Out & Building Bridges Awards, and the Mr. John Ourth & Dr. Fred W. Singleton Professional Development Scholarships will also be presented at this session. Dr. Mary Hemphill, CEO and founder of The Limitless Leader LLC, will open Tuesday morning with her session “Future-Proof Leadership: Unlocking Potential in a Skills-Based Economy.” Future-proof leadership will equip principals. assistant principals and deans with a practical framework for leading a skills-based economy, including actionable strategies to implement immediately for kindergarten through high school. Additionally, Tuesday’s IGNITE session will feature fast-paced presentations from school and district leader duos, including Dr. Ben Collins, superintendent, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64; Dr. Courtney Goodman, principal, Eugene Field Elementary School (Park Ridge); Dr. Jill Griffin, superintendent, Bethalto Community Unit School District 8; and Justin Newell, principal, Civic Memorial High School (Bethalto). These leaders will share their perspectives on implementing the School Leader Paradigm and Illinois School Leader Evaluation Plan in their respective districts. The conference will conclude with IPA Deputy Executive Director Brian Schwartz and IPA Government & Public Relations Director Alison Maley, who will provide updates on new education-related laws passed during the 2026 Illinois Legislative Session, and offering insights on how school leaders can stay informed and advocate for their schools. For more information about the IPA or to register to attend, please visit ilprincipals.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2026 Media Contact Information: Office of the Highway Commissioner Northfield Township Road District 237 Melvin Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 724-8300 ntroad@northfieldtownship.com
Property acquisition moves the MWRD–Road District partnership closer to protecting 130 residential structures and critical roadways from flooding across Northfield Township NORTHBROOK — The Northfield Township Road District (NTRD) announced that the purchase of the nearly 16-acre property for the stormwater detention basin serving the Central Road Flood Control Project closed Sept. 8. The project is designed to reduce flooding affecting 130 residential structures and several roadways in South Glenview. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners authorized the purchase of the 15.82-acre site, along with a 0.91-acre temporary construction easement, from Ridgewood Cemetery Company, Inc., for $8.15 million plus closing costs. The property acquisition is a major milestone in the intergovernmental partnership between the Road District and the MWRD to deliver flood relief along the Central Road corridor from the Des Plaines River to Glenwood Lane. “For the families in South Glenview who have watched water come up their driveways year after year, this property acquisition means the detention basin is no longer a line on a drawing — it is on its way to becoming real,” said Highway Commissioner Michael J. Korman. “When Central Road stays open and dry during a major storm, every resident of Northfield Township benefits, whether they are commuting, getting kids to school, or counting on first responders to get through.” The project will bring direct relief to residents of South Glenview and the surrounding unincorporated area, where flooding has repeatedly threatened homes, yards, and streets. Once operational, the project is expected to reduce flooding that impacts 130 single- and multi-family residential structures, as well as several roadways within and around the project area. The full project includes new mainline storm sewers under Central Road and Dearlove Road and lateral storm sewers on Glenwood Lane, Glendale Road, Glenshire Road and Hillside Road within the Road District’s jurisdiction. The approximately 16-acre detention basin site near Dee Road and Central Avenue will capture and temporarily store stormwater during major rainfall events, reducing pressure on the corridor’s existing drainage system. While the detention basin will capture and store stormwater at the west end of the corridor, the benefits extend across the entire Road District. Reduced flooding protects the pavement, culverts and drainage infrastructure the Road District maintains on behalf of all Township residents, lowers long-term repair costs, and keeps a vital east–west route reliable during severe weather. MWRD is leading and funding the $8.15 million land acquisition, along with the design and construction of the project. Once construction is complete, the Road District will assume long-term ownership and maintenance of the improvements within its jurisdiction. “Strong partnerships are essential to building more resilient communities, and we appreciate the Northfield Township Road District's collaboration on the Central Road Flood Control Project,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “Together, we're expanding stormwater storage, reducing flood risks, and protecting our waterways while creating lasting benefits for Northfield Township residents.” Next steps include completing due diligence on the property, conducting survey and staking work, and continued progress on the project design. Aquatic biologists from the MWRD’s Monitoring and Research Department will also be assessing the potential transfer of turtles and fish. The aquatic biologists are conducting an environmental suitability assessment in September to evaluate that conditions are appropriate for this plan. The Road District will keep residents informed as the project advances toward construction. For updates on this project and other Road District programs, visit ntroad.com. About the Northfield Township Road District The Northfield Township Road District is an independent unit of local government organized under the Illinois Highway Code (605 ILCS 5/), responsible for the construction, maintenance, and drainage of roads within its jurisdiction in Cook County, Illinois. The Road District is led by an elected Highway Commissioner and serves residents across Northfield Township, including unincorporated areas.
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