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Jenny Barkley
Jennifer Lynn Barkley, 79, of Paris, died at 8:44 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2 0 2 6 , at River Pointe Health Campus in Evansville, Ind.
Services celebrating her life were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Templeton Funeral Home in Paris, with Pastor Lance Leeds officiating. Burial followed in Edgar Cemetery. A visitation was from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Survivors include two daughters, Kara Lynn Rose and husband Larry of Newburgh, Ind., and Jana Michele Holmes and husband Ryan of Savoy; four grandchildren — Braylon Eugene Rose and wife Samantha and Brylee Marie Rose, both of Newburgh, Ind.; and Kaelyn Grace Holmes and Kamryn Jo Holmes, both of Savoy; a nephew and several nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Ruth Holcomb, her sister, Kathy Williams, and her beloved husband.
"Jenny" was born Nov. 5, 1946, in Paris, the daughter of Leon Otis and Ruth Osborne Anthony Holcomb. She attended Paris schools and graduated in 1964 from Paris High School. She continued her education at Indiana University in Bloomington, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968.
Also in 1968, she married Ovid Eugene Barkley, also of Paris, and moved to Washington, D.C., while Gene earned a Master of Divinity degree at Wesley Theological Seminary.
A daughter, Kara Lynn, was born in 1971 and the young family returned to Illinois and lived in Ridge Farm, where Rev. Barkley served as pastor of the United Methodist churches in Ridge Farm and Indianola.
A second daughter, Jana Michele, was born in 1975.
In 1976, the young family returned to Paris to establish their home when Mr. Barkley joined the operation on the four-generation family farm. Together, the couple enjoyed 55 years of marriage until his passing in 2024.
Mrs. Barkley's career consisted of over 20 years on the staff of the Paris Beacon-News. She served as writer, photographer and city editor until her retirement in 2007. During her journalism career, she earned several professional awards, including the Gold Media Journalism Award from the Illinois Department of Public Health in 1996 for her role in helping to create the Edgar County Public Health Department, and various awards from the Illinois Press Association.
Mrs. Barkley enjoyed the variety of contacts that her job provided. She also found time through the years to be active in several organizations, which included the Edgar Cemetery Board of Directors, PEO, Edgar County Genealogy Society, Wabash Valley Genealogy Society, Friends of Paris Community Hospital, Edgar County Children's Home Board of Directors, Relay for Life Steering Committee, American Cancer Society, Daughters of the American Revolution and Edgar County Positive Youth Development Committee.
Much of her adult volunteer time was devoted to the Paris First United Methodist Church. She taught classes in adult Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, and served on several committees, such as the Administrative Council and the Board of Trustees, on which she served as chairman for several years.
Mrs. Barkley maintained life-long friendships with childhood, high school and college friends. She enjoyed visiting and traveling with her friends and her husband.
She was unwaveringly devoted to her family. No matter the distance, the Barkleys loved being present for the interests, activities and accomplishments of their grandchildren. Caring, accepting, gregarious and fun-loving, she seldom missed an opportunity to open her home to others. She leaves a legacy of multiple generations of family, friends, and friends of friends who felt welcome and loved at the Barkley's.
Following retirement, Mrs. Barkley became interested in family history, and researched those family members who established residency in Paris as early as the 1800's. She also volunteered as a librarian for the Edgar County Genealogical Library and completed two family history books. She was also fascinated by the growth of digital technology in the newspaper industry.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Edgar Cemetery Tree Fund or to the Edgar County Historical Society.
Online condolences at www.TempletonFuneral-Home.com.
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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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