Age: 52Education: Robert Morris CollegeJob/role: Loulou Belle/OwnerOther elected positions: N/A Issues:I believe our library’s important issues are supporting literacy and education, promoting lifelong learning and serving as a community gathering space. Goals:One of my top goals is to supply our library with inclusive learning materials and services that reach every member in our community.
Provided News
Meet the Candidates: Adrienne N. River, Homewood library (free)
Age: 63Education: B.A., Carleton College, and J.D., Northwestern University.Job/role: Appellate attorney for the Office of the State Appellate Defender, a state agencyFamily: Husband Dr. Philip River, and a daughter.Other elected positions: Currently president of the Homewood Library Board of Trustees; former trustee of the Village of Park Forest. Issues:The most important ongoing issues in a[Read More…]
Meet the Candidates: Thomas ‘Tom’ Popelka, Homewood library (free)
Age: 41Education: M.A. History, Rice University; M.A. Education, University of Illinois at Chicago; B.A. History, DePaul University.Job/role: Associate Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations, University of ChicagoFamily: Wife, Becky, and two daughters.Other elected positions: NoneIssues:The most important issue for me is the library’s continued commitment to being a community space for everyone. This includes a commitment[Read More…]
Meet the Candidates: Jennifer Cutshall, Homewood library (free)
Age: 43Education: Master’s in Library and Information ScienceJob/role: Library Director, Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library DistrictFamily: Married with two sons.Other elected positions: NoneIssues:Current and future financial stability. Equal access to all materials and services. Patron and staff satisfaction. Goals:I will be a capable and responsible public steward of our library and aim to serve the[Read More…]
Meet the Candidates: Angie Coderre, H-F Park District (free)
Education: Denison University.Job/role: Sr. Manager Corporate Strategy at US Foods.Family: My wife, Kim, and I have a 1-year-old daughter and we are expecting our second child in June.Other elected positions: NoneIssues: Goals:
Meet the Candidates: Brent Bachus, H-F Park District (free)
Age: 53Education: Master’s in Education, Illinois State University.Job/role: Retired.Family: Wife Maggie and two daughters.Other elected positions: Serving on the Park Board of Commissioners since 2016.Issues:Reopening the HF Ice Arena; invest in aging infrastructure, including revitalizing the Racquet & Fitness Club; run effective transition for incoming HFPD executive director. Goals:Addressing the issues outlined above, as well[Read More…]
Meet the Candidates: Michael Rouse II, D161 (free)
Age: 55Education: B.S. Mathematics, Purdue University; M.S. Secondary Mathematics Education, Quincy University.Job/role: Thornton Township District 205 mathematics instructorFamily: Married with 4 children.Other elected positions: NoneIssues: Ensuring that all decisions are made by first focusing on the impact on student learning and how those decisions support our teachers ability to provide[Read More…]
Meet the Candidates: Christina Popolla-Vlietstra, D161 (free content)
Age: 38Education: B.A. Elementary Education, Governors State University.Job/role: State Representative Anthony DeLuca office aide.Family: Husband Chad Vlietstra and two daughters.Other elected positions: Serving on the District 161 board since 2019. Issues: Goals:
Franciscan Health Diabetes Prevention Program open for registration
Franciscan Health Olympia Fields is offering prediabetic patients the opportunity to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with its year-long Diabetes Prevention Program. Franciscan Health’s 12-month Diabetes Prevention Program follows guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that have been proven to prevent or delay type[Read More…]
Cook County Partners with Rebuilding Together to Launch Veteran Home Repair Program
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced Wednesday, March 1, the call for applications for the County’s Department of Veterans Affairs home repair program. In partnership with Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago, Cook County has allocated $1.25 million to complete indoor and outdoor repairs to at least 15 veteran-owned homes each[Read More…]


