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Veteran Harold Maples is pictured placing U.S. flags around the World War I cannon on the Oakland square.
By CHRISTOPHER HEIMERMAN For Illinois Press Association
OAKLAND – Residents of this sleepy town have undoubtedly walked past the World War I cannon on the Oakland square, numerous times.
But did they ever stop to appreciate the town’s oldest home? The log cabin, a stone’s throw away from the cannon off the northwest corner of the square, has been there since 1838.
Janice Hunt has. Many times. So early in the stay-at-home order, the owner and one-woman band at the Oakland Independent put together and published a board game that both educates those who haven’t stopped to take pictures, and gives the fewer than 900 residents a lift when they need it most.
“I hoped it would not only give people something they could do at home, but then when the sun comes out, they could actually get out to see these things,” said Hunt, 44, a seventh-generation Oakland resident. “I’m very steeped in Oakland history. I know the town like the back of my hand, so I could do this walk through town in my head.”
But it’s the subtle touches in each space of the board that remind small-town residents why they chose their homes, and make big-city folks long for a quiet reprieve from the rat race.
Pick up sticks in someone’s yard? Move ahead three spaces. Mail a nice card to someone? Move ahead two. Conversely, don’t forget to wave at that person driving by. If you forget, you move back five spaces.
The concept is simple. Each player rolls a die, then follows the instructions in the space they land on. Along the winding path are ads from local sponsors, including longtime partner Birkey’s Farm store, where office manager Kathy Pardi keeps things humming. She’s also president of Oakland Landmarks, which oversees many of the timeless historic sites in the game.
“Landmarks are a real key part of the story of our community,” said Kathy Pardi, president of Oakland Landmarks. “So many people either don’t know the story, or they just know tidbits.”
She’s sewn more than 600 masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, so it brings her joy to see them out and about.
“Nobody has any time to do anything,” Pardi said. “This has been a welcome slowdown for us. We always search long and hard for something that takes us away from home. Well, this is a little trip we can take away from home. I thought it was an amazing idea.”
Hunt said she sold the ads at the normal rate. After all, this is very personal for her. She initially worked as an intern and then a reporter at the Journal Gazette & Times Courier in Charleston, about a 20-minute drive from Oakland, after earning her degree from Eastern Illinois University.
She said she “went to the dark side” by working in public relations at EIU for about 8 ½ years, before a fortuitous turn of events led her to buy the Independent in June 2013.
“I asked the owner (Pam Hudson) if she’d ever thought about selling it, and she told me she had decided at noon that day, at lunch with her husband that she was going to sell it,” Hunt said. “It was always kind of my dream to come back and own this paper.”
She uses a couple of stringers for sports, but apart from that she does it all herself. Well, apart from a crucial volunteer. Her mother, Bev Hunt, is her proofreader – “and she does a wonderful job,” Hunt said – and she also goes in on Wednesdays to help stick the mailing labels on the papers.
Her heart breaks for the children whose school years came to an abrupt end – especially the seniors, who won’t get to walk across a stage at graduation, and many of whom won’t get to celebrate after a last forensics meet, or stand on the podium at the state track meet right down the highway at EIU.
There’s no telling how many medals would have been hung around the necks of her nephew and niece, Ramsey and Kaylenn. Ramsey, a senior at Oakland High School, won a gold in the triple-jump last year, among other medals. Kaylenn, a junior who has committed to play volleyball at Bradley University, also brought home medals last year. She was on the Titans girls basketball team that took third at state this spring – right at the buzzer, before schools were closed as part of the stay-at-home order.
“Everyone has some way this is hitting them, and it’s heartbreaking,” Hunt said. “So I was just trying to think of some way to give kids and families something to do together.”
If they get far enough into the game, one space in particular will give children and their families a chance to bask in a memory and look forward to the future, even if it’s an unpredictable one.
“You stop to look at the baseball diamond and swimming pool and smile, remembering fun summer days.”
Don’t move forward any spaces. Don’t move back. Just be there, the game says.
Janice Hunt is shown with her nephew and niece, Ramsey and niece Kaylenn, after they won several medals at the 2019 Illinois Top Times meet, the indoor version of the state track meet held at Illinois Wesleyan University.
The lion water fountain at left roars in the direction of the Columbian Building (with the turret). This brick street – the south side of the city square – used to be the site of horse and pony shows. All are mentioned in the game.
The Rutherford House was built in 1847 by Dr. Hiram Rutherford, who was a friend of Abraham Lincoln. Rutherford and another man helped some escaped slaves; when the slave owner sued to get his "property" back, Rutherford tried to hire Lincoln to represent him in court, but Lincoln had already agreed to represent the slave owner. Historians find this very interesting, given his future role as the Great Emancipator. You can read more here.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2026 Media Contact Information: Fox Valley Review / OrganoSys Media Group submit@foxvalleyreview.com https://foxvalleyreview.com
Strategic collaboration highlights the intersection of athletics, leadership, and storytelling in the Fox Valley
Saint Charles, IL — May 1, 2026 — Fox Valley Review, a regional arts, culture, and ideas magazine, is proud to announce a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership with Tony Chahino (@tchahino on X, and @tony_chahino on Instagram), the standout quarterback for Roosevelt University. This collaboration marks the publication’s first athlete partnership and signals a broader commitment to elevating the voice and story of the modern student-athlete. More than a traditional endorsement, the partnership represents a strategic alignment between performance and perspective, bringing together one of the region’s rising athletic leaders with a publication dedicated to thoughtful storytelling and community engagement. Chahino is no stranger to the Fox Valley. A native of Geneva, Illinois, his name has carried weight in the community since his high school days, when he led the Geneva Vikings to the 2024 IHSA State Championship game as their starting quarterback. That run did not just energize the town, it cemented Chahino as a hometown figure whose rise has always felt shared by the people who watched it begin. Widely recognized for his leadership on and off the field, he has emerged as a defining presence within Roosevelt University’s football program. His discipline, work ethic, and command of the game have positioned him as not only a top-performing quarterback, but also as a role model for young athletes across the region. Through this partnership, Fox Valley Review will develop a series of editorial features, digital content, and community-facing initiatives that highlight Chahino’s journey, offering readers a deeper look into the mindset, preparation, and character behind the position. The collaboration will include a flagship feature story, a dedicated athlete profile, and integrated storytelling across the magazine’s platforms. “This partnership reflects where we believe the future of regional media is headed,” said Dr. Baudelaire Ulysse, Editor-in-Chief of Fox Valley Review. “We are not simply sponsoring an athlete; we are building a platform around a voice. Tony represents a powerful combination of discipline, leadership, and purpose, and we’re excited to help tell that story in a way that resonates with our readers and our community.” Chahino echoed that vision, noting the opportunity to connect with audiences beyond the field. “I’m honored to partner with Fox Valley Review,” he said. “This is about more than football; it’s about sharing my journey, representing my community, and hopefully inspiring others who are working toward their own goals.” The partnership also reflects a broader shift in how Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities are being approached. By centering storytelling, intellectual engagement, and community presence, Fox Valley Review aims to redefine the role of NIL collaborations, moving beyond visibility toward meaningful connection. As part of its expanding media ecosystem under OrganoSys Media Group, Fox Valley Review continues to explore new ways to bridge culture, education, and public life. This partnership with Chahino represents the beginning of a new initiative focused on athlete storytelling and regional influence. Additional features and content related to Chahino will be released in upcoming issues and across digital platforms. About Fox Valley Review Fox Valley Review is a regional arts, culture, and ideas magazine rooted in the Fox Valley. Through essays, features, and visual storytelling, the publication captures local stories with global resonance, connecting community voices to broader conversations in education, culture, and public life.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aaron Franco, communications director (312) 520-9802 aaronfranco@isms.org
CHICAGO – Tripti C. Kataria, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., is the new president of the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) following its recent annual meeting. Dr. Kataria will become the first woman of color to hold this office. Dr. Kataria earned her medical degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, then completed an anesthesiology residency at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts followed by a fellowship in cardiothoracic anesthesiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. She also earned an M.P.H. in Health Policy and Management from Harvard University and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. As a part of Physician Anesthesia Consultants physician group, Dr. Kataria practices as an independent attending anesthesiologist at community teaching hospitals, free-standing surgical centers and private physician offices throughout the Chicagoland area. She has been an active member of ISMS for more than 15 years, most recently serving as president-elect. She has also served as speaker, vice speaker and chair of the Governmental Affairs Council. Dr. Kataria is actively involved in leadership roles within the American Medical Association (AMA), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and the Illinois Society of Anesthesiology (ISA), where she previously served as President from 2020-2021. Dr. Kataria’s term as president will run through April 2027.
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Founded in 1840, ISMS is a professional membership association representing Illinois physicians in all medical specialties, and their patients, statewide.
CHICAGO – The outstanding contributions and commitment of three Illinois physicians were recognized by the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) during its annual meeting this past weekend. The doctors are recipients of awards that celebrate the achievements of Illinois physicians in the fields of medicine, education, advocacy and volunteering. These three physicians were chosen for recognition among the many quality nominations received. Physician of the Year An addiction medicine physician whose advocacy and education work have had a profound impact on the community, Ruchi Fitzgerald, M.D., is the recipient of the 2026 ISMS Physician of the Year award. Dr. Fitzgerald is the service chief for PCC Community Wellness Center-MacNeal Hospital’s addiction medicine consult service and an associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at Rush Medical College. As a family physician and addiction medicine specialist, she has expanded the scope of services for pregnant women experiencing substance use disorder across diverse settings. She has spent her career focused on advancing equitable addiction treatment, reducing the stigma of addiction for new mothers and increasing access to evidence-based treatment for underserved communities, including those on Chicago’s West Side. Beyond the hospital setting, she has contributed clinical expertise to policy reforms regarding perinatal substance use disorder treatment in Illinois and served as a subject matter expert for the White House Office on National Drug Control Policy. Physician Leader of the Year A nationally recognized educator, researcher and specialist in pediatric infectious diseases, Archana Chatterjee, M.D., PhD, is the recipient of the 2026 ISMS Physician Leader of the Year award. As Dean of the Chicago Medical School and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs at Rosalind Franklin University, she ushered the institution through the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and secured the school’s first eight-year Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation in over two decades. Under her tenure, the school also saw increased student enrollment, expanded clinical partnerships across multiple states and the tripling of endowed scholarships for under-resourced students. Dr. Chatterjee is a nationally recognized authority in pediatric infectious diseases and vaccinology, serving on the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee and multiple other advisory bodies. Throughout her 30-year career, she has coauthored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and led more than 120 clinical trials, contributing to the licensure of many life-saving vaccines used worldwide. Her selection also recognizes a trailblazing career: Dr. Chatterjee is the first woman and person of color to serve in her current role, and she is the first woman of South Asian descent to serve as dean of a LCME-accredited medical school. Physician Volunteer of the Year For his work as an orthopedic surgeon and for his commitment to expanding global access to specialty surgical care, Andre Ivy, M.D., is the recipient of the 2026 ISMS Volunteer Physician of the Year award. Dr. Ivy is an orthopedic surgeon at Duly Health and Care who specializes in hand and upper-extremity surgery. An international fellowship in the East African country of Tanzania led him to found a nonprofit called HandZania in 2019. Since then, Dr. Ivy has worked to bridge the gap in surgical care for a country that previously lacked a single specialized hand surgeon. Through the nonprofit, Dr. Ivy conducts recurring training missions and provides long-term mentorship to local surgeons in Tanzania. His exchange model also brings Tanzanian surgeons to the United States for three-month immersions, where they live with his family, train at his practice and travel around the country learning from other hand surgeons. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Dr. Ivy views international service as one way to make an impact on the world while embodying the highest professional ideals of service, education and humility.
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ISMS recognizes physicians in these award categories every year at its annual meeting for members. These awards were created to recognize and show appreciation for individual Illinois physicians for their commitment to serving their patients and community. If you know of an Illinois physician who should be nominated for a future award, please contact our Membership Division by email. Founded in 1840, ISMS is a professional membership association representing Illinois physicians in all medical specialties, and their patients, statewide.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2026 Media Contact Information: Carrie Skogsberg (309) 821-4175 news@countryfinancial.com
As planting season begins and farmers head back into the fields, COUNTRY Financial is encouraging the agricultural community to prioritize safety and check on farm insurance coverages. Taking proactive steps now can help reduce accidents, prevent breakdowns and protect farm operations during one of the busiest times of the year. COUNTRY received more than 180 farm equipment collision claims between the months of March and June 2025. These claims include collisions on the road with other vehicles, as well as collisions with buildings or other equipment on the farm. “The planting window is short, and farmers can’t afford to lose time to setbacks from accidents, which unfortunately can happen when rushed or not prepared,” said Zack Hinthorn, agribusiness underwriter at COUNTRY. “Taking time now, before the rush begins, keeps farmers safe and operations running smoothly.” Hinthorn shares the following tips for a safe and successful planting season: Improve visibility on the road
Accidents involving farm equipment often occur at dawn or dusk during peak commuting hours, especially when motorists attempt to pass slow-moving vehicles or do not anticipate turns or stops. Use flashing lights, ensure reflective tape and Slow-Moving Vehicle emblems are clean and confirm all lights are functioning properly to help maximize visibility and reduce risk. Remember to use turn signals, as drivers often misinterpret a tractor moving to the right side of the road before making a left turn.
Drivers should plan ahead during the busy planting season, remembering that farmers will be on the road and allowing for extra time. Slow down, stay focused on the road and look for the lights on farm vehicles. Prepare equipment Equipment malfunctions are a common cause of farm accidents. Thoroughly inspect and maintain all farm equipment before hitting the fields. Regular maintenance such as checking worn parts, replacing filters and lubricating moving components can reduce unexpected breakdowns and improve overall safety. Take extra caution when handling chemicals Chemical safety is another critical focus during planting season. Review safe handling procedures for fertilizers, pesticides and other hazardous materials with all farm workers to help ensure everyone is aligned on proper protocols. Have Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on-hand in case of emergency and ensure the use of personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles and masks. “Safety on the farm isn’t just about equipment—it’s about awareness, communication and looking out for one another,” Hinthorn said. “Refreshing safety practices each season helps prevent injuries and protects everyone involved.” Prevent theft Theft of tools, chemicals and other personal property is common during planting season and can occur when equipment is left unlocked in the field, and when farmers are in and out of sheds frequently and don’t close and lock the doors. Take time to ensure valuable items are secured. Check insurance coverage and review extra coverage options Farmers should check their farm insurance coverages to be sure they have the right endorsements and coverages. For example, with Extra Expense coverage, a farmer who has a covered loss on a piece of equipment may be able to receive additional payment to rent equipment and resume operations. Farmers who sell seed corn need to purchase additional coverage. Check farm inventory lists to be sure they are accurate and up-to-date, especially if you have sold or purchased new equipment. Meeting with an insurance agent to discuss equipment, buildings, livestock, crops and employees can help ensure proper protections are in place and that any recent changes to operations are addressed. Take care of your health Finally, farmers are encouraged to prioritize their health and wellbeing. Long hours and physical demands can take a toll, making it important to take breaks, eat healthy meals, get enough rest and understand how medications may affect alertness. Let family members or employees know where you’re working and keep a phone or walkie‑talkie nearby in case of emergency. Taking time to prepare for a safe planting season helps prevent accidents, reduce stress and protect against the unexpected. COUNTRY Financial has been protecting farms for more than 100 years and has more than 400 Farm Certified representatives ready to serve farmers’ crop, farm and liability insurance needs. For more information, visit countryfinancial.com/farm. Policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL, an equal opportunity provider.
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