Kubinski named new fire chief in Killeen, Texas
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Jim Kubinski, bureau chief for Naperville Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services for the last four years, has been tapped to be the new fire chief in Killeen, Texas.
Kubiniski, 45, joins the department Feb. 1, and will succeed retiring Fire Chief Brian Brank in July.
A 25-year career firefighter who has spent the last 20 with the Naperville department, Kubinski said his decision to apply for the Killeen position was based, in part, on the opportunity it would give him a chance to be fire chief in a town almost the same size as Naperville.
Killeen’s population was estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau to be 151,666 in 2019; Naperville’s was estimated at 148,449 in the same year.
Both departments also have their own ambulance services, Kubinski noted.
His annual salary in Killeen will be $149,500.
Greene Farm Barn illuminated for the holidays
Greene Farm Barn at Hobson and Greene roads in Naperville has been illuminated for the holidays with decorations that can be seen after sunset through Jan. 1.
Eave lights and an 8-foot-wide illuminated wreath with large red bow can be seen by visitors who drive to the parking lot on Greene Road behind the barn, a news release said.
Those who make the trip can walk the farmstead grounds and take photos that can be posted on social media using the hashtag #TheGreeneBarn.
The display was organized by Naperville residents Britney Toussaint, Becky Simon and Mary Lou Wehrli working in cooperation with the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, the release said. The women’s goal is to bring attention to the historic barn in the hope it might one day be open for public use.
The farmstead anchors the 1,388-acre Greene Valley Forest Preserve, which has 12 miles of marked trails, an off-leash dog area, picnic shelters, a seasonal scenic overlook from which the Chicago skyline can be viewed, and more than 540 native plant species.
For information call 630-420-2282 or go to TheGreeneBarn.org.
Library winter reading challenge for kids starts Monday
Naperville Public Library’s Winter Reading Program for children starts Monday, Dec. 14, and runs through Jan. 31.
Kids up to fifth grade are eligible to register, and a library card is not required to participate, a news release said. Children read books and complete reading levels, logging their progress and vying for a chance to win prizes, coupons and entries into weekly prize drawings.
A grand prize drawing will be held Jan. 31 when one winner from each of the three library branches will be chosen, the release said.
A Winter Reading Program prize kit can be picked up at the Children’s Services desk at any library building or via curbside delivery on or after Dec. 14. The kit includes three different prizes, including a new book.
When a child completes a reading level, their parent or caregiver can give them the corresponding prize, the release said.
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For more information, go to www.naperville-lib.org and do a search for “winter reading program.”