DeKalb tree-planting a joint effort

DeKALB – Officials from the city of DeKalb, Castle Bank and DeKalb School District 428 came together last week to plant trees at the soccer field near Huntley Middle School.

Fourth Ward Alderman Brendon Gallagher’s idea to provide shade at the soccer fields behind the school became a reality after he found out the city needed to do something with trees planted about 20 years ago in a tree nursery or risk having to mulch them.

Forty-five trees were planted. The city was to provide $9,000 of the cost, and Castle Bank $4,500 as part of its Planting Roots initiative to invest in communities in which it has branches. But Castle Bank donated an additional $4,500 after finding out the city still had some trees that could be planted.

“This is a great project for the community; something that the students and residents can enjoy for many years to come,” said Frank Roberts, executive vice president of Castle Bank. “Castle Bank is proud to partner with the city and school district to help support this initiative and give back to the communities we were born and raised in.”

A class of students attended a ceremony April 10 and helped shovel mulch on the final tree to be planted. Also in attendance was Mayor Kris Povlsen, DeKalb Park District Executive Director Cindy Capek, DeKalb Schools Superintendent James Briscoe, Roberts, Gallagher and City Manager Mark Biernacki.