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Polaris Week of 10/16

I’m Grace, your newsletter editor, here to provide you with a weekly line to all things The North Star and news. We’ll keep you updated about what’s going on in Naperville North, the local area and break down the big stories of the week.

Here are this week's local stories:

First, The Naperville Little League proposes a plan for new fields

Recently, the Naperville Little League announced a proposed plan to donate $200,000 for two new astroturf fields at the Dupage River Sports Complex and Knoch Park. The new parks will replace field #5 at both complexes. The projects are set to be finished by 2024.

Aimed to serve as multipurpose fields like those recently installed at Nike Sports Complex and Knoch Park, the new fields will accommodate sports like football, soccer and more.

Turf fields are easier to drain when it rains, resulting in fewer event cancellations due to flooding. Additionally, the Naperville Park District will not have to schedule playing time around maintenance needed for the field. The fields will likely use portable pitching mounds so that players from seven-12 years old can play on them.

Next, A new petition has been started for indoor athletic facilities

Naperville community members recently started a petition to request new indoor athletic facilities from the Naperville Parks Department. The petition was posted about a month ago by Naperville resident Kelly Reif and currently has just over 1,400 signatures. The petition aims to incorporate better indoor facilities for pickleball, aquatics and tennis.

The petition’s description is appreciative of the many opportunities the Naperville Park Department has offered to the community, but states there are “a few major holes” in regards to availability all year-round.Those in support of the petition believe the new facilities would appeal to a wide range of age groups and athletic interests.

Public support for new indoor facilities extends beyond the petition. A survey conducted by the Naperville Parks Department in 2022 states that of 508 random Naperville households surveyed, 54% of people expressed interest or need for an indoor track or running facility, 44% and 36% for indoor fitness facilities and gym courts, respectively and between 19%-32% for indoor aquatic facilities.

In a recent poll, 78% of the Naperville residents said they would be willing to pay more in taxes or fees for an indoor aquatic facility.

As of now, there are no plans for additional indoor athletic facilities. However, Executive Director of the Naperville Parks Department Brad Wilson says the department will continue to listen to the public’s feedback.

In NNHS news

  • Naperville North installed a new scoreboard at Harshbarger-Welzel field. Read the story here.
  • During the Homecoming Olympics competition, staff writer Hannah Castro won the musical chairs section. Read what she had to say about the satisfaction of taking a risk here.
  • The varsity boys soccer team defeated Plainfield South in their IHSA Regionals matchup. Read the story here.

Weekend Update: Your one-stop guide to a great weekend

  • Need information on voting registration? Want to meet DuPage county candidates before election day on Nov. 8? Head to Ready, Set, Vote! the DuPage Voting Expo on Sunday, Oct. 23. Hosted by the DuPage chapters of the League of Women Voters, the event will include information sessions on candidates and voting registration, as well as a meet and greet with candidates for DuPage County offices. The voting expo will be held from 12 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Cantigny Park Visitor Center.
  • Three local art centers: SkyART, the Weinburg/Newton Gallery and Arts and Public Life have partnered for an exhibition series called “Can You See Me?” In an attempt to highlight the impacts of youth incarceration, the exhibit is composed of pieces created by young people who have been incarcerated. Each of the centers will use their studio to highlight the art over three different weekends. On Oct. 21st from 5-7 p.m., you can find the artwork at Arts and Public Life in Chicago. It will then be on view until Dec. 16.
  • Looking for some candy before Halloween? Come trick-or-treating in Downtown Naperville on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at select stores and restaurants. There will also be photo opportunities and halloween-themed games.

Here's what's going on nationally:

President Biden launches his student debt relief plan

On Monday, President Biden announced that the application for the student debt cancellation program is now live.

The program will allow millions of students in the U.S. to apply for up to $20,000 in student loan forgiveness based on financial need. Biden also stated that 8 million borrowers had already applied for forgiveness over the weekend. The program plans for at least $10,000 in federal student debt cancellation for those in households that make less than $250,000 per year.

The plan underwent a legal deliberation process for over a year. The proposal sparked debate ahead of the midterm elections; Republicans and some Democrats say it’s an unfair handout for college graduates. “My commitment was if elected president, I was going to make government work to deliver for the people,” Biden said. “This rollout keeps that commitment.”

On Monday, the White House received over 10,000 thankful messages from borrowers. Thousands went to social media and shared the form, saying that the application process was easy.

Six Republican-led states are suing the plan. They say it oversteps Biden’s executive authority and leads to financial losses for loan servicers.

Borrowers can submit applications through December 31, 2023. For students wanting to apply to the program, visit studentaid.gov.

This week's Polaris was written by Grace, Sarah, and Will

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