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BEARDSTOWN – Dale Winscott Barker could certainly share a good story. And many a story she told while on this earth for 90 years. For 44 years, Barker dedicated her professional career to the newspaper industry, which in itself meant she met a variety of people and relayed their sagas in the print media. She died Friday, March 27, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. In her personal life, she was a daughter, wife and mother and enjoyed a host of hobbies and interests which in turn generated a different set of tales. Her life experiences and interactions with family, friends and community produced tales of adventure, humorous accounts, perhaps a few yarns and, as in everyone's life, serious reflections. Her own personal story began Feb. 23, 1930, in Fulton, Missouri, where she was born to A.M. "Scotty" Winscott and Tressie Mae Chaney Winscott. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, David Eugene Barker. Surviving are her daughters, Tressa Lee (Chris) Robinson of Memphis, Tennessee, and Susan Dale (Eric) Warren of Springield; step daughter, Kimberly Dawn (Clinton) Stark; seven grandchildren, Scottie Bingham, Evie Robinson, Chris Robinson II, Whitney Kate (Chris) Wiley and daughter Sloan, Meredith Dale (Simeon) Siudyla, Hannah Mae Warren, and Heath Eric Warren; three step-grandchildren, Clayton Eugene Stark, Carly Briella Stark, and Carissa Lynn Stark. After living in Fulton, she moved to St. Louis, where she spent time learning ballet and becoming a gifted ballerina, a love she enjoyed for much of her adult life. She moved as a teenager to Beardstown and graduated from Beardstown High School in 1948. While attending high school in Beardstown, she immersed herself in the arts, playing lute and piccolo in the band as well as enjoying time in theatre productions. Barker's communication and writing skills led her on a path in the field of journalism. Her career began in high school with her first "assignment" being a stint at the Illinoian-Star in Beardstown. She then went on to the Champaign-Urbana Courier, the White Haven Press in Memphis, Tennessee, the Jackson (Tennessee) Sun, and Martin Publishing Company of Havana before taking the road back to Beardstown. That’s when her next adventure would span 19 years at the Illinoian-Star, serving as publisher from 1973 until her retirement in 1992. It was here the local community along with her peers throughout the state and country took note of her grit and integrity, tempered with humor and grace. She could take an ordinary, mundane topic and write a humorous column to make readers smile. Then again, she could inspire residents to participate in a lag-lying campaign in the wake of the nation's Iranian hostage crisis (1979-1981) which led to an appearance on a PBS television show. She became one of four publishers nationwide who appeared on “The MacNeil-Lehrer Report” on Dec. 20, 1979, to discuss how their communities were responding to President Jimmy Carter's call for renewed patriotism. These efforts did not go unnoticed by the presidential office. In January 1981 after the hostage release, Barker received a telegram from President Ronald Reagan expressing his appreciation for her patriotic stance and support during the crisis. Her journalistic qualities were also noticed by her peers throughout the state. In a profession that was often dominated by men in that era, Barker served on the Illinois Press Association's Board of Directors for 14 years and then in 1988 became the IPA's first woman president. When questioned about this distinction, she humbly told her interviewer she just wanted to be viewed as the next president, deferring any attention to the fact she was the association's first female president. During Barker's tenure at the Illinoian-Star, the newspaper received more than 100 state and national awards for journalistic excellence, many of them for her column, her editorial and feature stories, photography and community service projects promoted by the newspaper. Barker was a member of several state and national newspaper associations. In 1981, she received the esteemed Emma C. McKinney Award from the National Newspaper Association, the group's highest honor for female journalists. In May 2019, Dale was honored by the IPA for her career achievements, receiving the association's Distinguished Service Award. When she was not on the job, Dale's other passions included fishing, hunting and outdoor activities. She spent many years training champion dogs and competing in National Dog Obedience Trials. Dale's dogs were pioneers in providing therapy in and around the city of Memphis. Barker was a music enthusiast, playing lute and bagpipes. She encouraged her two daughters who were active in high school and collegiate bands. After her retirement, she and her husband lived for a while in Missouri, where she particularly enjoyed trout fishing. However, her journalistic penchant did not end as she wrote a column for the local paper there. She penned a poem that became lyrics for a chart topping bluegrass song and wrote a book about her life in St. Louis titled “Carson Road.” Although she leaves behind a career legacy, her life's story told of a zeal for life, dedication to her community and love for family and friends.
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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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