Note: This story is the first in a three-part series that originally was published in the July 1 print edition. Dog attacks in Homewood have become increasingly problematic. Frightening encounters have left residents scarred — physically, emotionally or both, changing how they view walking in their neighborhoods. This has left[Read More…]
Feature
H-F graduate earns pilot’s license at 17, pursues career in aviation
Just weeks after graduating from Homewood-Flossmoor High School, 18-year-old Charley Dieringer is already accomplishing goals many aspiring aviators spend years working toward. Dieringer earned his private pilot’s license this spring, passing his check ride just three days before his 18th birthday. Now, he is continuing his flight training while pursuing[Read More…]
Retirees 2026: Thomas took on various roles at H-F High
Over the past 28 years, Kevin Thomas has been a Homewood-Flossmoor High School classroom English teacher, was the EDDA magazine advisor, a WHFH radio supervisor using his FCC license, and Career and Technical Education program chair, who also taught woods, small engines and business classes. As he steps away from[Read More…]
The Obama Presidential Center: A study in community values
When I was offered the opportunity to preview the new Barack Obama Presidential Center, I jumped at it. I knew the nature of some parts of the complex — a basketball court, a new library branch, a raised-bed, food-producing garden, artifacts from the Obamas’ eight years in the White House[Read More…]
Retirees 2026: Scott McAlister — caring and supportive superintendent
As Scott McAlister ends his 34-year career in education in June, there is much applause for him and his leadership the past 13 years with Homewood School District 153. Words such as caring, empathetic, amazing, supportive are used by those who have interacted with him in his role first as[Read More…]
Flossmoor beekeeper lands role at Obama Presidential Center
Janelle Dunlap is an accomplished artist, a researcher, the founder of a nonprofit, a cultural archivist, a former community gardener and a mother of two. The Flossmoor resident’s job titles now include being one of the official beekeepers for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, which officially opens on June[Read More…]
Museum’s old things leave big impressions on second graders
By today’s standards, the house is small. But what it holds are the wonders of a century and more. Dave McManus’ Willow School class of 19 second graders took a morning excursion May 18 to the Dorband-Howe House, 2035 183rd St., home of the Homewood Historical Society. Many people drive[Read More…]
H-F students hope strangers will discover kindness on a rock
The H-F Pebbles & Pins Project is spreading encouragement throughout the community, one painted rock at a time.On May 8, seniors from Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Design Thinking and Collaborative Arts class invited the community to Flossmoor Community Church to paint rocks and clothespins with uplifting messages. Their project aims to[Read More…]
Unsung heroes: Caregivers’ support organization celebrates one-year anniversary
“The toughest job you’ll ever love” may be a Peace Corps slogan, but it rings true for caregivers like Denice Rhodes, too. Rhodes is the founder of Caregivers’ Safe Space. The organization will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Saturday, May 23, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at North &[Read More…]
Parker, IJP students ride into history on Flossmoor’s ‘Time Machine’
Flossmoor Veterans Memorial Inc.’s “Time Machine” doesn’t need flashing lights or a stainless-steel DeLorean to transport students through history. Instead, it relies on something more powerful: the real stories of local men and women who served. Now in its second year, the immersive program invites seventh and eighth graders to[Read More…]
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