<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><urlset xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" xmlns:news="http://www.google.com/schemas/sitemap-news/0.9" xmlns:image="http://www.google.com/schemas/sitemap-image/1.1"><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/sponsored/2026/05/14/northern-il-home-search-10086086/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T06:27:35.567Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T06:27:35.567Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Affordable U.S. Cities Where Families Can Thrive]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/etL-5-NZuxfs5M-xehAzg3Ma6Us=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/Y6YNLIJ57VHTBAJNHBIHRAQFEE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Northern Illinois Home Search - Affordable U.S. Cities Where Families Can Thrive]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-chronicle/sponsored/2026/05/14/northern-il-home-search-10025260/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T06:24:37.933Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T06:24:37.933Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Affordable U.S. Cities Where Families Can Thrive]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/etL-5-NZuxfs5M-xehAzg3Ma6Us=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/Y6YNLIJ57VHTBAJNHBIHRAQFEE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Northern Illinois Home Search - Affordable U.S. Cities Where Families Can Thrive]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kane-county-chronicle/sponsored/2026/05/14/northern-il-home-search-132033/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T06:20:51.444Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T06:20:51.444Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Affordable U.S. Cities Where Families Can Thrive]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/etL-5-NZuxfs5M-xehAzg3Ma6Us=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/Y6YNLIJ57VHTBAJNHBIHRAQFEE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Northern Illinois Home Search - Affordable U.S. Cities Where Families Can Thrive]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/sponsored/2026/05/14/northern-il-home-search-104938/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T06:15:39.782Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T06:15:39.782Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Affordable U.S. Cities Where Families Can Thrive]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/etL-5-NZuxfs5M-xehAzg3Ma6Us=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/Y6YNLIJ57VHTBAJNHBIHRAQFEE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Northern Illinois Home Search - Affordable U.S. Cities Where Families Can Thrive]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/high-school-sports/2026/05/14/eastlands-jade-hammer-pitches-a-shutout-wednesdays-sauk-valley-roundup/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T06:14:05.778Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T06:14:05.778Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Eastland’s Jade Hammer pitches a shutout: Wednesday’s Sauk Valley Roundup]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/NWzC2W_R_IW4qvY8stVNnkgAQRE=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/KMG5UYSHMBB43CADXG66MGR53Q.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Sauk Valley Sports Roundup]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/opinion/2026/05/14/m-eileen-brown-how-quiet-acts-of-kindness-strengthen-our-community/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:47:37.069Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:47:37.069Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[M. Eileen Brown: How quiet acts of kindness strengthen our community]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/zlAedFkrymmy4nvHNqAmFubLZGU=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/VIZNWOKGQ5H2JB4V3GYOU5CPHY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[M. Eileen Brown]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/my-suburban-life/2026/05/14/81-year-old-volunteer-marks-26-years-of-keeping-york-softball-field-ready-and-game-day-running/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:22:33.438Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:22:33.438Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[81-year-old volunteer marks 26 years of keeping York softball field ready and game-day running]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/F5rbcrRRVhYm5xXlwGyW9-Xbt_U=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/SSS64BYZYBEHXIWDGG6FGTND2A.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[An Elmhurst resident for 52 years, George Tasson, who turned 81 in March is in his 26th year volunteering with the York girls softball program.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/my-suburban-life/2026/05/14/longtime-downers-grove-residents-new-book-offers-side-by-side-comparison-of-villages-history/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:18:07.042Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:18:07.042Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Longtime Downers Grove resident’s new book offers side-by-side comparison of village’s history]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/Mrmrkjjx2c6njlMI6fzrA2nOR3w=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/FHFBGR7JXVFEHK7BU7MZXK7GPY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Greg Elisha's book, "Downers Grove Past and Present," features 40 side-by-side photo comparisons of the past and present locations in Downers Grove.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kendall-county-now/2026/05/14/kendall-casa-board-leader-dedicated-to-making-sure-every-child-feels-safe/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.685Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.685Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Kendall CASA board leader dedicated to making sure every child feels safe]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/KZQt8thDISOUL0Nq8a7w6IVojqU=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/WNWXGUNPSJHQLGXSUWFWZA7QGM.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Signe Hamman is president of the board of directors for CASA Kendall County.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/how-can-you-walk-away-volunteerism-came-from-her-mother-now-shes-passing-it-to-her-kids/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.526Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.526Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[‘How can you walk away?’: Volunteerism came from her mother. Now she’s passing it to her kids]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[McHenry,mchenry il news]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/cPHF6Yu8JARfMCNB1dHmIuaDKBo=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/OD4LTGTLIRDBPDV4IUBTDLJUEQ.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Barb Neises, a volunteer with the McHenry Riverwalk Foundation, hands out tiles for the McHenry Riverwalk mural project on April 9, 2026, at the McHenry Recreation Center.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kendall-county-now/2026/05/14/business-owner-giving-back-to-oswego-in-many-ways/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.759Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.759Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Business owner giving back to Oswego in many ways]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/J9QX1nMiknXeEWl_E4gI9qRllwY=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/IHW2CC72CNBRTIDT74377SOJJY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Kelley Rice owns Imagination Print & Design in downtown Oswego.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kendall-county-now/2026/05/14/yorkville-115-educator-carries-forth-50-year-square-dance-jubilee-tradition/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.99Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.99Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Yorkville 115 educator carries forth 50-year Square Dance Jubilee tradition]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/Lnl4J2slkA9a9Rw7fON_GPZNQ7s=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/SQMVIHZVWRFS5J4KVNEMJPC5KY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Mary Geary, a paraprofessional at Yorkville Middle School, was a student at the school when the first Square Dance Jubilee was held 50 years ago.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/readers-recognize-mchenry-countys-everyday-heroes-of-2026/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:02.725Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:02.725Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Readers Recognize McHenry County’s Everyday Heroes of 2026]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/0HNbXdRmPjh5qTFSPX8Q6fF-EVc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NQISOUP7YRBLTATTHVLJVUCSIE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Shaw Local will publish “Thank You, Everyday Heroes” across our publications on May 14.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kendall-county-now/2026/05/14/dr-dickerson-leads-with-compassion/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:02.057Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:02.057Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Dr. Dickerson leads with compassion]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/tnCbpRn_P1UVZ_prsAvqJk3JADw=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/OV2Q7PII4ZHJHHPSIG2YO6SIHI.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Dr. Ashley Dickerson, a Kendall County Shaw Local Everyday Hero for 2026]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/2026/05/14/epitome-of-a-volunteer-marseilles-mans-legacy-built-on-service/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:00.426Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:00.426Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[‘Epitome of a volunteer’: Marseilles man’s legacy built on service]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[Marseilles,Marseilles City Council]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/lmNrDXANdsTtHhxOeZzY_RgCvWo=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/DKTIC2A64RDIPHZRVFMPJJVJEU.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[David Raikes poses for a photo after spending several hours maintaining the grounds at the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial on April 8, 2026, in Marseilles.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/2-retired-firefighters-are-the-heart-and-soul-of-salvation-army-emergency-canteen/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:00.806Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:00.806Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[2 retired firefighters are the heart and soul of Salvation Army emergency canteen]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/6VQOE72Dj3XUrIR5-8M3foFcavc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/ATF3TPEQJNDADLI6ICAZ34JCHE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services volunteers Tom Allen (left) and Pat Trunda speak during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new emergency canteen on April 6, 2026, in Crystal Lake.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/everyday-hero-longtime-joliet-district-86-clerical-aide-said-she-tried-to-always-be-helpful/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:00.883Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:00.883Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Everyday Hero: Longtime Joliet District 86 clerical aide said she tried to ‘always be helpful’]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/qhGUgxRwtwMI2u98VHEv4izJVCI=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/JL7FSM4HTFHGTBJQ5ID2ERH7NQ.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Gloria Zamudio has worked at Joliet Public Schools District 86 for 36 years, first at F.E. Marsh Elementary School until the school closed in 1994, and currently at A.O. Marshall Elementary School, from where Zamudio will retire in June. Zamudio is seen in A.O. Marshall's office on April 28, 2026.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/cary-woman-starts-free-little-food-pantry-on-her-front-porch-i-just-want-to-help/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:00.731Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:00.731Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Cary woman starts free ‘little food pantry’ on her front porch: ‘I just want to help’]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/U4f1aekPd1aq1yHduE1GOrysDDs=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/BGJVSRGX7BED7L2WLC552EI4JY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Cary resident Cindy Straeten organizes the latest donations for her free little food pantry on her front porch.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/2026/05/14/getting-people-back-on-their-feet-at-a-servants-heart/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:00.556Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:00.556Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Getting people back on their feet at A Servant’s Heart]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/KoHPX-ZfdFXVzGnYqKFAG8VXUnY=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/7RP4PGXRDVHSTNYQX2X3ZQZ7VA.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Karen Hall looks through her notes before a meeting at A Servant's Heart on May 12, 2026, in Ottawa. Hall is the volunteer treasurer for the organization that serves the needy of La Salle County.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/2026/05/14/foundation-founder-builds-unique-support-system-from-his-battle-with-heroin-addiction/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:00.413Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:00.413Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Foundation founder builds unique support system from his battle with heroin addiction]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/lQPK11Vk_SLaHMNgQdYY5Xqlvoc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/XVCP57ISIJAWZNMWW7AHPLLJ2I.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Perfectly Flawed founder Luke Tomsha, who struggled for years with drug dependency and made helping others his new life's work, talks at his La Salle office in 2024.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/joliet-grassroots-community-activist-makes-low-income-seniors-feel-like-superstars/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.087Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.087Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Joliet grassroots community activist makes low-income seniors feel like superstars]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/NnYeU6RasRpeoYV_qGNWH5h1uyU=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/LEW3EJX64RCJLKE3X66ABEXO5U.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Trista Brown (right) has a heart for low-income seniors and serves the residents of Joshua Arms Senior Residences in Joliet whenever she can. In April 2025, Brown used her modeling and fashion talents to organize a fashion show for the residents, with 13 residents as models. Brown is pictured with Glenda McCullum, Joshua Arms marketing coordinator.

]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/retired-childhood-manager-a-local-literacy-advocate/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.273Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.273Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Retired childhood manager a local literacy advocate]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/YU8PFiAAU1QfQzb92NhCHb-PtKk=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/BOD47G5QJFH6BAHN2PLVUSKIPY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Bev Cavanaugh of Joliet is seen reading to some local school children.  Cavanaugh was nominated as a Shaw Local Everyday Hero for her many years of work in literacy advocacy.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kane-county-chronicle/2026/05/14/just-trying-to-find-god-aiming-to-live-by-faith-led-him-to-devote-life-to-homeless-disabled/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:02.166Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:02.166Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[‘Just trying to find God’: Aiming to live by faith led him to devote life to homeless, disabled]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[batavia]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/WE2ophl-E33ZB34TS8NLlh9woSc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/W7ZRBIG67VDJ3AKOHNMEMC3JFU.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Valley Sheltered Workshop Executive Director Hugo Saltijeral is flanked by a client, Mitch, and his girlfriend, Katie, at the first-ever prom on March 21.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-journal/2026/05/14/911-dispatcher-marc-cote-provides-calm-assistance-when-you-need-it-most/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.411Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.411Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[911 dispatcher Marc Cote provides calm assistance when you need it most]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/cP9mWYLhJofJp4lCtxsbh-CNGXo=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/LPXNFI7PX5HI5GI3YOYFRG2ILQ.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Marc Cote, a KanComm telecommunicator since 2005, sits as his station at the Kankakee dispatch headquarters on April 22, 2026. ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2026/05/14/grundy-county-heroes-helpers-bridges-the-gap-between-first-responders-families/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.231Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.231Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Grundy County Heroes & Helpers bridges the gap between first responders, families]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/lTRhPr0F061MWtoBDo6dFq-VOm0=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/BOBWIQMF5VANLHUVD2BLLVXGO4.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The volunteers who make Grundy County Heroes & Helpers possible pose for a photo during the 2025 An Evening with Santa Claus event.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/readers-honor-the-people-who-show-up-for-will-county-every-day/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.393Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.393Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Readers honor the people who show up for Will County every day]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/0HNbXdRmPjh5qTFSPX8Q6fF-EVc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NQISOUP7YRBLTATTHVLJVUCSIE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Shaw Local will publish “Thank You, Everyday Heroes” across our publications on May 14.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/teen-turf-volunteer-keeps-her-teacher-voice-loud-and-clear/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.933Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.933Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Teen Turf volunteer keeps her teacher voice loud and clear]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/KLE66LdN1ify0RvrcjsuD24NL0U=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/F7QW7H2DEFFQFB524P2NIKRJHE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Sue Tyrrell volunteers with the Teen Turf after-school program in Amboy.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/saffell-brings-can-do-spirit-to-sterling-schools-pto/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.998Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.998Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Saffell brings can-do spirit to Sterling schools’ PTO]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/qG2Nc4__c4lvOBWHh9jpdQvJ62g=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/AYBYHO2XCRHPZFO7ZP27YH7OCU.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Beth Saffell (middle), president of the Jefferson/Lincoln Parent Teacher Organization, is all about looking for volunteers and input from the community.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/ogle-county-news/2026/05/14/rochelle-library-director-builds-community-connections-through-volunteer-service-nonprofit-work/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.576Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.576Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Rochelle library director builds community connections through volunteer service, nonprofit work]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/VFqEjev7qLYEKpXnx8iKvU3LGNI=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/ZEAQANLRUNG3RHOVWJSAVRXSAY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Sarah Flanagan's volunteer work in Rochelle includes time with the Rochelle Rotary Club, From the Heart, the Hub City Senior Center and the Rochelle Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/volunteer-work-keeps-amboy-retiree-on-the-move/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.538Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.538Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Volunteer work keeps Amboy retiree on the move]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/-rcGLfDwlCPkOtwc2qVSv5sKqJ4=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/AH5HB5R7IVD5HMG3DQHTY5IS7A.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Roger Wittenauer joined the Sublette Fire Department at the age of 62.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/ogle-county-news/2026/05/14/readers-honor-the-people-who-serve-rochelle-and-ogle-county-as-everyday-heroes/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.765Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.765Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Readers honor the people who serve Rochelle and Ogle County as everyday heroes]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/0HNbXdRmPjh5qTFSPX8Q6fF-EVc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NQISOUP7YRBLTATTHVLJVUCSIE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Shaw Local will publish “Thank You, Everyday Heroes” across our publications on May 14.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/helping-hands-in-dixon-lions-club-continues-to-make-an-impact/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.01Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.01Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Helping hands in Dixon: Lions Club continues to make an impact]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/Kuq-hVB9_nb-IYJ9vYFhuIF5hp0=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/UXVQNQVHUFA5VES2KLJUTV2IME.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Led by President Thomas Halla (standing), the Dixon Noon Lions Club accomplishes a lot for such a small group of members.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/thank-you/everyday-heroes/2026/05/14/officer-building-trust-on-and-off-the-court-at-princeton-high-school/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.347Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.347Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Officer building trust on and off the court at Princeton High School]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/OGYpQ_nNc79PIg9dMKOWDC02cCc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/XQDXGMALVVGIDKTKQNFOZZNERU.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Adam Gutshall has been the Princeton Police Department School resource officer at Princeton High School since January 2020.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/thank-you/everyday-heroes/2026/05/14/more-than-cameras-how-one-sro-built-a-culture-of-safety-at-seneca-high/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.081Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.081Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[More than cameras: How one SRO built a culture of safety at Seneca High]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/zSMQNG4zBaxqI0gnEyLK3EM0DPY=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/XARWHQVKUJHWRLXHANGRMGLGD4.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Seneca High School Resource Officer Ken Sangston began his career in emergency medical services, where he trained as a paramedic before transitioning into law enforcement. He has been at Seneca High since 2018.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/2026/05/14/they-show-up-every-single-day-the-illinois-valleys-reader-nominated-everyday-heroes-of-2026/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.075Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.075Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[They show up, every single day: The Illinois Valley’s reader-nominated Everyday Heroes of 2026]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/0HNbXdRmPjh5qTFSPX8Q6fF-EVc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NQISOUP7YRBLTATTHVLJVUCSIE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Shaw Local will publish “Thank You, Everyday Heroes” across our publications on May 14.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-journal/2026/05/14/kankakee-public-works-crew-answers-the-call/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.705Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.705Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Kankakee Public Works crew answers the call]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/OY-9yZlrCQei2vbalsAtWY9bhLg=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/LRBAWJH73RCGJFX565GEBXZXSQ.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Kankakee Department of Public Works employees pose for a photo at the Kankakee site.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-journal/2026/05/14/crews-respond-after-tornado-say-theyre-just-doing-their-job/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.613Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.613Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Crews respond after tornado, say they’re just doing their job]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/ilspZ9aGuaHCLnbKd8frlMNcw1I=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/MDZX3RUNGRCGHMBHW4NXF57VQI.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Aroma Fire Protection District Fire Chief Luke Shepherd (right) and firefighters (from left) Jeremy Neufeld, Andrew Bowes and Kyle King stand in the fire station on April 8, 2026. The four are part of a crew that responded immediately to the aftermath of the March 10 tornado that hit Aroma Township and Aroma Park.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-journal/2026/05/14/giving-back-to-community-kankakee-county-marine-corps-league/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.454Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.454Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Giving back to community: Kankakee County Marine Corps League]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/I9AROOW9ZntDMqPmihcs7ILUJ68=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/VOK4G64V4FHPTM6EMKJU5WRRII.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Members of the Kankakee County Marine Corps League gather during their monthly meeting on April 7, 2026.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/cgh-volunteer-greets-patients-with-always-a-smile/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.273Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.273Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[CGH volunteer greets patients with ‘always a smile’ ]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/glpckv_lp2n3CpjOLhMvtoWckqs=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/ORKNAZJVW5EOJH6LSBQFSBAJSU.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Amy Wiseman (left) and Lavita McKinzie discuss volunteer options for the CGH Auxiliary with a visitor at the 2026 Lifescape AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Volunteer Fair on April 2, 2026, at Sauk Valley Community College. Wiseman was inspired to volunteer with the CGH Auxiliary after caring for her parents.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/joliet-foster-grandparent-has-volunteered-almost-20000-hours-and-goes-above-and-beyond-with-the-children/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.085Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.085Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Joliet foster grandparent has volunteered almost 20,000 hours and ‘goes above and beyond with the children’ ]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/O3d-kSt7-aLSPgRSDRKobgfLiho=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/CXFXYOVFSNB6NGDPWNAOQDN53Q.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[In February, Phyllis Holmes of Joliet reached 19,302 volunteer hours with the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, Foster Grandparent Program. Holmes poses with some of her students at the Broadway Head Start Center in April.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-journal/2026/05/14/everyday-heroes-grace-christian-teacher-leads-donation-center/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.051Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.051Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Everyday Heroes: Grace Christian teacher leads donation center]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/3F5vHoJIOxJ1maCQTS8qpg31nNc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/K3XRQOHCOFGJRFWR2IG53LBS3M.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Grace Christian Academy teacher Christine Johnson gathers outside with her third grade students. Johnson took the lead with helping to organize the school's donation drop-off zone after the March 10, 2026 tornado.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2026/05/14/how-shirley-kisss-phone-tree-grew-into-countywide-lifeline-providing-thousands-of-services-each-year/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:06.077Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:06.077Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[How Shirley Kiss’ phone tree grew into countywide lifeline providing thousands of services each year]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/EN4w6_sD3LdVBDVc2GBdF8dHyX8=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/TSMB24KCIJESNN5PEFR3BKXJP4.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[We Care of Grundy County Executive Director Eric Fisher poses with employees Lindsey Cote, Wendy Mulderink and Gillian Doran at the center in Morris.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-chronicle/2026/05/14/cortland-elementary-school-librarian-shares-love-of-books-learning-with-students/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.991Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.991Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Cortland Elementary School librarian shares love of books, learning with students]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/uqvMVgMT0Xb03jAWkBksYRoH948=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/4ONGCWFCU5DNTG6JQNTIQCFF2A.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Cortland Elementary School librarian/media assistant Leslie Leahy talks on March 31, 2026, about why she loves her job.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kane-county-chronicle/2026/05/14/big-hearts-of-fox-valley-lives-up-to-its-name-with-year-round-help-to-kids-and-families-in-need/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:06.259Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:06.259Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Big Hearts of Fox Valley lives up to its name with year-round help to kids and families in need]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/sLVGiEgcMQ-1Sx92lSL5yJKaRU0=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/3FFAFQKIDNBENANTSMNHFDM2FA.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Since Jennifer and Minor Mobley founded Big Hearts of Fox Valley in 2014, the nonprofit, which helps students and families in St. Charles D303 facing financial hardships, has expanded to involve a network of community volunteers.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-chronicle/2026/05/14/this-animal-lover-has-volunteered-at-dekalb-shelter-for-half-a-century/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:06.235Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:06.235Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[This animal lover has volunteered at DeKalb shelter for half a century]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/1_XJJnRLh5-ZKp5kCNtnVbTtBWA=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/SJQPNPANL5F7TALCUWLGQR3R2M.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Longtime Tails Humane Society volunteer Nancy Rigler spends some time with Butterscotch Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Tails in DeKalb.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kane-county-chronicle/2026/05/14/kane-county-prosecutor-greg-sams-mentors-mentor-stands-up-for-crime-victims/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:06.966Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:06.966Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Kane County prosecutor Greg Sams: ‘Mentor’s mentor’ stands up for crime victims]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/4t5MVgOuqtO6KFjyd20ns7_XsHY=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/X4XHYNZRGFELVJSJQKBUUSXZXM.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Assistant State’s Attorney Greg Sams stands in the law library at the Kane County Judicial Center in St. Charles on April 2, 2026.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/thank-you/everyday-heroes/2026/05/14/morris-announcer-turns-volunteer-lark-into-lifelong-calling/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.483Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.483Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Morris announcer turns volunteer lark into lifelong calling]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/6K20GJwiM4VaFDqBmp-a71arRWw=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/62FFU67LLNGQZOW4A4M5YBJDVQ.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Morris public address announcer Jeff Vogen has been the voice of football games for more than 20 years.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/from-knights-of-columbus-to-sinnissippi-centers-dixon-couple-is-driven-by-their-faith-to-do-good/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.836Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.836Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[From Knights of Columbus to Sinnissippi Centers, Dixon couple is driven by their faith to do good]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/OOiBkVtOicmOS3HPv-1OunGfASk=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/TKTPBPDSSVGJBMFWF7IPLCD7YI.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Ann and Larry Prindaville of Dixon work together on many volunteer projects for different organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the Elk’s Club and St. Anne’s Church.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/amboy-depot-commissioner-hopes-to-draw-in-more-volunteers/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.234Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.234Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Amboy Depot commissioner hopes to draw in more volunteers]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/tvFAsanhr_o7XEz_bg_9LvF0LU0=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/WVEOGYXUCRCC3DZY4PURAMQBNU.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Molly Haseman is chairman of the Amboy Depot Commission.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/dixon-animal-shelter-launches-program-to-keep-homeless-families-with-their-pets/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.539Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.539Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Dixon animal shelter launches program to keep homeless families with their pets]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/BHjOqQtBr_85nGk7XBJZ38PgweA=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/3I62VZ7DHREYBCS6ADMBJAJK5Y.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Granny Rose Animal Shelter volunteer Jayden Bonnell takes a dog named Lehman for a walk Friday, April 24, 2026.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/food-pantry-volunteers-make-sure-hungry-neighbors-are-fed-with-dignity/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:02.74Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:02.74Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Food pantry volunteers make sure hungry neighbors are fed, with dignity]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/iIxG6c4-cF7lpza3xbkZnFTHTW4=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/L4MTSR523NAP5C42OYFS5XS7WU.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Grafton Food Pantry Volunteer Pete Schilling sorts canned goods at the Huntley Park District on May 9, 2026.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/dan-ruggles-keeps-huntley-running-through-storms-emergencies-and-everyday-pothole-repairs/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.144Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.144Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[He keeps Huntley running through snowstorms, emergencies and everyday pothole repairs]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[huntley,huntley il news]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/4uKtMvQLUuvgBzXdWpFIymKeSMQ=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/6Q6GYWFLDNBRBLEMLSSKI4T6PE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Huntley Streets Superintendent Dan Ruggles works on the new Huntley fleet facility May 4, 2026.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/volunteer-keeps-whiteside-countys-4-h-tradition-alive/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.252Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.252Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Volunteer keeps Whiteside County’s 4-H tradition alive]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/dV-tXkn5l5gViP1NipA-QfUZbgQ=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/SXDB4P7TTRE5XGOJ2WQHEABSA4.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Gordon Kelm of Tampico raises goats along with his volunteer time.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-chronicle/thank-you/everyday-heroes/2026/05/14/one-man-became-indispensable-to-waterman-by-saying-yes-to-everything/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.073Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.073Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[One man became indispensable to Waterman by saying yes to everything]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/5i83t7r2jt4Afy5_-EoKFSsrISM=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/XQRXO53JRVEWXL47NM4CF4NZTA.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Indian Creek High School head boys soccer coach Nic Gaston looks on during the second half of a game in 2022 at Hinckley-Big Rock High School.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/united-way-of-lee-county-expands-food-access-literacy-programs-in-2025/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.12Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.12Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[United Way of Lee County expands food access, literacy programs in 2025]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/no1SbflW9s3yqDSBW6f9GYGkp8w=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/6LAXTA36A5FKNOT6UXJTI2JNAU.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[United Way of Lee County raised over $400,000 to help support our community last year. Pictured: Addison Noble (left), Executive Director Ashley Richter and Programs and Operations Coordinator Elisa Gatz.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2026/05/14/santa-brings-joy-scholarships-to-first-responders-in-grundy-county/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.222Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.222Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Santa brings joy, scholarships to first responders in Grundy County]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/DTPIqnXMPAiM3KuEwbI7saGvzw0=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/LHNDZ3H6HFBFTIKSCP5O5UUWPM.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Santa Claus is Coming to Grundy County provides scholarships for future first responders.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/ogle-county-news/2026/05/14/rochelle-native-returns-home-to-build-decades-of-volunteer-service-and-community-impact/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.634Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.634Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Rochelle native returns home to build decades of volunteer service and community impact]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/ojCe56zFOmgwkGduepYg9oIqD9M=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/BS7ZCT35RFBRJE6CPQMVOQXSNI.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Dennis Swinton is a longtime Rochelle resident and community volunteer.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/readers-celebrate-the-people-who-show-up-for-the-sauk-valley-every-single-day/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.645Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.645Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Readers celebrate the people who show up for the Sauk Valley, every single day]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/0HNbXdRmPjh5qTFSPX8Q6fF-EVc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NQISOUP7YRBLTATTHVLJVUCSIE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Shaw Local will publish “Thank You, Everyday Heroes” across our publications on May 14.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/ogle-county-news/2026/05/14/founders-vision-for-from-the-heart-gala-leaves-lasting-impact-on-rochelle-nonprofits-and-families/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.956Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.956Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Founder’s vision for From the Heart gala leaves lasting impact on Rochelle nonprofits and families]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/0rwuHRecn08v6fV9St7f_Ckieho=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/BXN2DLIEQRDZLOI4CAMZKPQEZQ.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Dave Eckhardt's volunteer work in Rochelle has included time with From the Heart, Rochelle Rotary Club and the Hub City Senior Center.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/my-suburban-life/2026/05/14/tom-weitzel-unsung-heroes-are-essential-to-a-police-departments-smooth-operation/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.865Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.865Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Tom Weitzel: Unsung heroes are essential to a police department’s smooth operation]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/kgng3vUQNXaT9wgcYGoZ32YwE7A=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/EAJQ5ZESBFA7HI4C4ES7KJEGNQ.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Retired Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/thank-you/everyday-heroes/2026/05/14/longtime-blue-streak-and-voice-of-woodstock-basketball-is-beloved-by-high-school-students-staff/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.201Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.201Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Longtime ‘Blue Streak’ and voice of Woodstock basketball is beloved by high school students, staff]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[illinois high school boys basketball]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/HXNZGp8gOuT8nKy78Br8h60qYqU=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/QPR72MQIGRCMHLR66ZI4GH7BVY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Members of Woodstock's boys basketball program sit with PA announcer Jack Darby  (plaid shirt) during a JV basketball game.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kane-county-chronicle/thank-you/everyday-heroes/2026/05/14/hardystrong-foundation-expands-reach-of-justin-hardys-legacy-far-beyond-st-charles/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.727Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.727Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[HardyStrong Foundation expands reach of Justin Hardy’s legacy far beyond St. Charles]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/g37lRZT9lgXAz2r-4BPsNQiFMpw=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/A7OQ2UEJ7FEMXCPTRD2XEHTK6M.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Jackie Hardy (from left), Karen Hardy and Nathan Hardy pose at the inaugural Amazing Race fundraiser hosted by the HardyStrong Foundation.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-chronicle/2026/05/14/longtime-dekalb-library-volunteers-love-of-puzzle-solving-fueled-post-retirement-gig/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:06.401Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:06.401Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Longtime DeKalb library volunteer’s love of puzzle-solving fueled post-retirement gig]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/YqDqKhv4e3i2ZntUxpQg3oDALOE=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/ZA5KDNCO5JF4VPBAF2QB3ZTWNA.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Longtime DeKalb Public Library volunteer Paul Mandigo, 83, straightens books on the shelves on March 25, 2026, at the library in DeKalb.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/my-suburban-life/2026/05/14/social-service-workers-in-downers-grove-offer-resources-to-residents/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.627Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.627Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Social service workers in Downers Grove offer resources to residents   ]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/G9-nFSJHdHsVp2NrjH93Uu23DW4=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/QN2XPVBBPRBKHJSTTPNZONQVBQ.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Elizabeth Shlah was hired as the Downers Grove Public Library's first full-time social worker in 2025.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-journal/thank-you/everyday-heroes/2026/05/14/kankakee-coaches-marvel-at-resilience-of-community-they-love/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.579Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.579Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Kankakee coaches marvel at resilience of community they love]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/tQJ4HzN0G6j0022qWCZ5XNVeoIk=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/K7LGUI34PFHNTE5UDY2Q2TZB4A.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Kankakee soccer coach Vincent Mkhwanazi (left) and cross country coach Rich Olmstead sprang into action following the March 10 tornado that impacted the community and their athletes.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kane-county-chronicle/2026/05/14/spreading-her-wings-campton-hills-woman-has-made-it-her-mission-to-rescue-monarch-butterflies/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:02.757Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:02.757Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Spreading her wings: Campton Hills woman has made it her mission to rescue monarch butterflies]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/gnllHpumJL-G6PsPIlUeim0fHiU=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/LQ4LUOVTHJD2HI7POYOM6U4L7E.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Monarch rescuer Janie Grillo at the Midwest Groundcovers' greenhouse in St. Charles.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kendall-county-now/2026/05/14/leading-with-compassion-kendall-county-reader-salutes-an-everyday-hero/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:02.548Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:02.548Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Leading with Compassion: Kendall County Reader Salutes an Everyday Hero]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/0HNbXdRmPjh5qTFSPX8Q6fF-EVc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NQISOUP7YRBLTATTHVLJVUCSIE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Shaw Local will publish “Thank You, Everyday Heroes” across our publications on May 14.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kane-county-chronicle/2026/05/14/chop-around-the-clock-fundraiser-in-batavia-helps-ronald-mcdonald-house-spread-hope/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:02.212Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:02.212Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Chop Around the Clock fundraiser in Batavia helps Ronald McDonald House spread hope]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/-nhxMT-wh7KT8acSUvv5owcYx9I=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/SVAAL3FPN5DHBECWTPDZXR32DY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Craig Foltos, barber and owner of Foltos Tonsorial Parlor in Batavia, organizes the annual "Chop Around the Clock" fundraiser with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/dispatchers-on-the-call-during-peoples-worst-moments-help-save-lives-too/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:02.567Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:02.567Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Dispatchers - on the call during people’s worst moments - help save lives too]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/RpjR9vr8g_fybPxIxg8BdJ_yb04=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/CHM24ZDQHJAR3HSVLYWRXQRU7I.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[SEECOM dispatcher Natalie Pergler works April 20, 2026, in the dispatch center in Crystal Lake.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/2026/05/14/34-years-of-open-doors-a-teachers-legacy-at-seneca-high/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:00.576Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:00.576Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[34 years of open doors: A teacher’s legacy at Seneca High]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/LCo5t3H9hBEBsaf94XwjFPnk9f4=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/KR5KGO2CAFBIJJ2EN2MEWBRAQI.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Marilee Applebee stands in front of her classroom bulletin board, which displays challenged books as part of her curriculum on censorship and intellectual freedom. Applebee, who is retiring after 34 years at Seneca High School, uses the bulletin boards to open each unit and engage students in discussions about why certain books have been challenged.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/at-9-crystal-lake-boy-collects-blankets-for-homeless-people-and-his-kindness-is-infectious/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.537Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.537Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[At 9, Crystal Lake boy collects blankets for homeless people – and his kindness is infectious]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/MRrG_W5oXNl-oLadh_0_CjAAhag=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/VFTXX77IPVD6LLAVZUBERQWACY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Aaden Barcus, 9, of Crystal Lake, sits surrounded by about 25 blankets he collected to give to people who are unhoused.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/authenticity-people-trust-algonquin-librarian-is-also-passionate-volunteer-advocate/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.714Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.714Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[‘Authenticity people trust’: Algonquin librarian is also passionate volunteer, advocate]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/uGHMM5kM-87PnjkZGD1kvNcGU3c=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/74DD6PL73ZGCZH2IEQEHTQFPJE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Librarian Holly Eberle of Crystal Lake stands at the Eastgate Branch of  Algonquin Area Public Library on May 4, 2026. She is a librarian who is and has been very active in the community. She volunteered to help teens at the BREAK center in Crystal Lake, wrote letters and sent books to inmates in jail and prison, served on committees against book bans, and she's also on the advisory board for the sheriff's police social worker program.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/everyday-hero-cornerstone-ceo-teaches-and-leads/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.424Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.424Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Everyday Hero: Cornerstone CEO teaches and leads]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/lG8f0OeEY_D4N06fHNALvsWPFe4=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/J3JQYSIDWZFXXEKHS3IGEGZQHI.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Cornerstone Services President and CEO Ben Stortz speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Cornerstone Wellness Center on Aug. 8, 2023, in Joliet.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2026/05/14/gardner-south-wilmington-students-help-each-other-through-student-assistance-fund/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.248Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.248Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Gardner-South Wilmington students help each other through Student Assistance Fund]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/Z0CvylT2ZaJlYBJSB-96POzqf4w=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/IWW7PMWDWFHH5A7GKGKPNWRSUY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Gardner-South Wilmington seniors Britney Fatlan and Madison Wright are both Youth Philanthropy students who help sustain the Student Assistance Fund.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/sisters-in-law-multiply-community-impact-with-recycled-prom-dresses-and-so-much-more/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:02.61Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:02.61Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Sisters-in-law multiply community impact with recycled prom dresses and so much more]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/qScQbCVhwPO-xsHMucb3OeqShsY=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/44IURHH6SRFMVMACTOPOZNPJGI.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Sisters-in-law Denise Smith and Emily Smith, with their husbands in 2025.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-chronicle/2026/05/14/from-the-classroom-to-the-community-readers-nominate-dekalb-countys-everyday-heroes-of-2026/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:02.984Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:02.984Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[From the Classroom to the Community: Readers Nominate DeKalb County’s Everyday Heroes of 2026]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/0HNbXdRmPjh5qTFSPX8Q6fF-EVc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NQISOUP7YRBLTATTHVLJVUCSIE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Shaw Local will publish “Thank You, Everyday Heroes” across our publications on May 14.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/as-a-truant-officer-he-sees-families-struggling-and-hes-helped-scores-of-them/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:00.931Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:00.931Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[As a truant officer, he sees families struggling. And he’s helped scores of them]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/Tq2YQ7XvXnwuIL_09ncbnIE9_E8=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/5OT45EULRZGJDLOZ3GQY3P33MY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Tim Dempsey and Jim Wojtysiak talk about how they and other members of the Wauconda Masonic Lodge 298 will deliver bags of groceries on Dec. 18, 2023, to about 45 McHenry County families, so they will have food for Christmas.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/dixon-high-school-senior-learns-she-can-make-a-change-through-sauk-valley-colleges-earned-tuition-program/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.901Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.901Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Dixon High School senior learns she can make a change through Sauk Valley college’s earned tuition program]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/D9oHv5l0blf8onEkUlTP7mEmLLY=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/VACIEIBZTBBVJNDFM6O6G5YFU4.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Dixon High School senior Saida Bajrami has volunteered through Sauk Valley Community College’s Impact Program since her freshman year, logging hundreds of service hours.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2026/05/14/grundy-eunoia-wellness-center-settles-into-mazon-location/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.364Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.364Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center settles into Mazon location]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/uNv8q8tLo0NP3c0m0Z2cX3JQ9hU=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/M7IZCAC7VJAANLNSUOQVX2OEHY.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Adam Kotowski, clinical director at Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center, stands outside the building at 606 Depot St. in Mazon.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/family-caregiving-inspires-cgh-auxiliary-volunteer/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.229Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.229Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Family caregiving inspires CGH Auxiliary volunteer]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/glpckv_lp2n3CpjOLhMvtoWckqs=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/ORKNAZJVW5EOJH6LSBQFSBAJSU.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Amy Wiseman (left) and Lavita McKinzie discuss volunteer options for the CGH Auxiliary with a visitor at the 2026 Lifescape AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Volunteer Fair on April 2, 2026, at Sauk Valley Community College. Wiseman was inspired to volunteer with the CGH Auxiliary after caring for her parents.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/joliet-district-204-leader-makes-quiet-impact/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.195Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.195Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Joliet District 204 leader makes quiet impact ]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/ZQ0Ms_iIoUkx78c8Cy_nPckLjnM=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/MHFDU2CY2VBVBEOLZL3GGGAGLI.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[District 204 President Matthew Kennedy speaks at the State of the District Address on Jan. 29, 2026, in Joliet.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/plainfield-teacher-recognized-as-will-county-educator-of-excellence/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.193Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.193Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Plainfield teacher recognized as Will County Educator of Excellence]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/p3KEhNQ9Dsbi3QNo8M_HVp9BWOw=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/5V4JJCVLYBBOLKT3OXHPQV7BXQ.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Grand Prairie Elementary School students assist Andrea Paplaski-Grygiel in putting away equipment after class.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/good-for-the-soul-to-be-out-in-nature-says-will-county-forest-preserve-volunteer-of-the-year/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.245Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.245Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[‘Good for the soul to be out in nature,’ says Will County Forest Preserve volunteer of the year ]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/xrD_38-cr9F7DmzGE2rRv99LgQA=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/UO6FZHTBJJDVDC36R2RM4VNGJE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Scott Mortenson (middle) was honored as the Will County Forest Preserve District 2025 Volunteer of the Year on April 1, 2026.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/2026/05/14/just-as-energized-as-i-was-the-first-day-bereaved-dad-turned-a-personal-tragedy-into-community-outreach/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:00.409Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:00.409Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[‘Just as energized as I was the first day’: Bereaved dad turned a personal tragedy into community outreach]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/mBPsheJSBiyfFPIXE0ci7tBe5uE=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/W7YYTONU6JDRLNBKVS33YQUN7U.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[He turned his heartbreak into public service. In 2008, Joshua Jahn's wife and two young children were killed by a drunk driver. Since then, Jahn has spoken regularly to DUI impact panels, where his heartbreaking (and inspiring) story has made DUI convicts reconsider their actions.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/mchenry-man-taught-coached-scores-of-local-kids-remarkable-ability-to-connect-with-people/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:02.007Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:02.007Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[McHenry man taught, coached scores of local kids: ‘Remarkable ability to connect with people’]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/jLsNVEZ8Pp-TmQYsE7aBNWHrwfk=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/DHWT4YEB3VBELMX7ULA6OLZCFQ.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Jerry Eiserman was given the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Frank E. Low Award, recognizing his lifetime of service.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/everyday-heroes/2026/05/14/lincoln-way-central-coachs-time-in-the-army-taught-him-patience/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.68Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.68Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Lincoln-Way Central coach’s time in the Army taught him patience]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/Jg6aHmoeBgMGxvFNDEZBQy9s_n0=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/XFD6SNW4DZBWXH3LF5XPVYUCGM.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Lincoln-Way Central tennis coach Eric Balluff served in Iraq in 2004.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kendall-county-now/2026/05/14/yorkville-coach-finds-joy-in-helping-athletes-reach-new-heights/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:02.423Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:02.423Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Yorkville coach finds joy in helping athletes reach new heights]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/gZNo7iweKy3iwpckcgCp-VjWaUc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/Y3F25GSTEVBE5GMB2E7BQYAPJ4.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Ben Niles (left), shown here with Yorkville's Evan Fals, is a volunteer assistant track and field coach specializing in pole vault. Niles also teaches at Oswego East High School.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kendall-county-now/2026/05/14/roger-matile-continues-to-be-a-caretaker-of-oswego-kendall-county-history/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.805Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.805Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Roger Matile continues to be a caretaker of Oswego, Kendall County history]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/wRq-hTO_B4GbylTiv7VQ7OVbLLk=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/MP7IFJXV7BG37MOMQ2U7FS5B2Q.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Roger Matile has been the volunteer director of the Little White School Museum in Oswego since 1994.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2026/05/14/through-the-years-and-many-changes-operation-st-nick-helps-more-families-than-ever/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.211Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.211Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Through the years and many changes, Operation St. Nick helps more families than ever]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/fe2EDC8rXRCvHIw_q_mVNxYE0bo=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/CZYWB7SY7BH7VLPD4F5WT4XIGQ.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Operation St. Nick President Guy Christensen (left) stands with Operation St. Nick founder Joe Schmitz.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/05/14/walking-that-walk-with-people-who-understand-peers-lean-on-each-other-in-tight-knit-recovery-community/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:01.555Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:01.555Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[‘Walking that walk with people who understand’: Peers lean on each other in tight-knit recovery community ]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/xEge55Nimy2iZxUPc49xvtHbZ_4=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/MVRQL6Q5Z5GKZDVUENZ65VS4NA.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[New Directions case manager Joe Ledesma started a new recovery group on Saturdays at the Other Side sober bar in Crystal Lake. The group uses Buddhist ideologies to help overcome addiction.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/ogle-county-news/news/2026/05/14/rochelle-retiree-finds-purpose-in-decades-of-community-service-and-giving-back/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.415Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.415Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Rochelle retiree finds purpose in decades of community service and giving back]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/bJ8pOCjcP_MXeBzDzrLdxhj2uEk=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/QFBN6NZO2FA3XI5C6E67XDKAOA.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Cal Jacobs' history of volunteering in Rochelle includes work with the Rochelle Area Community Foundation, Rochelle Christian Food Pantry and relief efforts following the 2015 tornado.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/my-suburban-life/2026/05/14/elmhurst-university-professor-teams-with-american-legion-post-to-create-ai-tool-for-veterans/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:05.52Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:05.52Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Elmhurst University professor teams with American Legion post to create AI tool for veterans]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/OBOmTx7UQ22vMQq-RqKuAv0syHs=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/7RATXQKE65G6VLPS7WFTVAU7LE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Patrick Yanahan (left), a member of American Legion Post 80 in Downers Grove, turned to Elmhurst University professor Jim Kulich to create an AI tool to help veterans identify resources.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/ogle-county-news/2026/05/14/longtime-educator-finds-new-purpose-through-19-years-with-rochelle-lions-club/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.621Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.621Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Longtime educator finds new purpose through 19 years with Rochelle Lions Club]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/-xQYMEvNrg6aiIpb9gSyYajIQU0=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/DR7W2OIT35DM3PKKMERW24K25A.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Kevin Zilm of Rochelle is a longtime Rochelle Lions Club member.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/2026/05/14/dixon-police-chief-ryan-bivins-cherishes-impacting-lives-through-his-faith-service-and-basketball/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.641Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.641Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Dixon police chief Ryan Bivins cherishes impacting lives through his faith, service and basketball]]></news:title><news:keywords><![CDATA[illinois high school boys basketball]]></news:keywords></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/JBTfU9W9Us_YGU7jNhFH0cwZChI=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/K2GJTMPPFBE5LHSWT5BSLIZFQE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Sgt. Ryan Bivins was sworn in as Dixon Chief of Police on June 2, 2025.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-journal/2026/05/14/they-showed-up-when-it-mattered-most-kankakee-county-reader-nominated-everyday-heroes-of-2026/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:04.051Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:04.051Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[They showed up when it mattered most: Kankakee County reader-nominated Everyday Heroes of 2026]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/0HNbXdRmPjh5qTFSPX8Q6fF-EVc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NQISOUP7YRBLTATTHVLJVUCSIE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Shaw Local will publish “Thank You, Everyday Heroes” across our publications on May 14.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-chronicle/2026/05/14/clients-kind-of-become-like-family-for-this-dekalb-volunteering-couple/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:06.271Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:06.271Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Clients ‘kind of become like family’ for this DeKalb volunteering couple]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/qC6VVmtFloJZxADC8bFie8MVygM=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/AYUH52MTKNHF5LU5MEY4NGLTNI.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Volunteers Julie and John Ahlbach load up their van on April 17, 2026, to deliver food to local residents as part of the Voluntary Action Center’s Meals on Wheels program.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-journal/2026/05/14/kankakee-county-lieutenant-uses-mentoring-at-and-away-from-work/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.827Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.827Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Kankakee County lieutenant uses mentoring at and away from work]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/AcOK6bxqBg6CvKwMpjHoRGupmjA=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/FYNGVJOQBJGRRKHSFYWLZPLVVE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Kankakee County Sheriff's Lt. Russell Belcher, a Manteno native and 23-year member of the department, stands with the Emergency Response Team's tactical rescue vehicle.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/kane-county-chronicle/2026/05/14/golf-cart-races-and-pure-joy-kane-county-reader-honors-an-everyday-hero/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:03.561Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:03.561Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[Golf cart races and pure joy: Kane County reader honors an Everyday Hero]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/0HNbXdRmPjh5qTFSPX8Q6fF-EVc=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NQISOUP7YRBLTATTHVLJVUCSIE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Shaw Local will publish “Thank You, Everyday Heroes” across our publications on May 14.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-chronicle/2026/05/14/2-dekalb-teachers-recognized-with-award-of-meritorious-service-from-the-state/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:06.834Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:06.834Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[2 DeKalb teachers recognized with Award of Meritorious Service from the state]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/KA87o0Ucx74-wUex5uFL4PNP0ko=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/BY34M5T44ZFZHKNMBCVWQOKCUE.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Veronica Garcia-Martinez (left) and Cherish Olayiwola smile in this undated photo.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-chronicle/2026/05/14/dekalb-content-creator-showcases-local-beauty-through-his-camera-work/</loc><lastmod>2026-05-14T05:05:06.302Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><news:news><news:publication><news:name>Shaw Media Local</news:name><news:language>en</news:language></news:publication><news:publication_date>2026-05-14T05:05:06.302Z</news:publication_date><news:title><![CDATA[DeKalb content creator showcases local beauty through his camera work]]></news:title></news:news><image:image><image:loc>https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/YlEOVu5YqWTi5iqmaTUdUKjvabA=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/43Q2R5NNBBGFNLVS7WUPLRS5Z4.jpg</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Anthony Tortoriello of DeKalb flies his drone April 6, 2026, at Hopkins Park in DeKalb.]]></image:caption></image:image></url></urlset>