Dave spearheaded many
community campaigns through his newspaper columns and editorials, as well
as his active leadership and participation. Among those are redevelopment
of the 23,500-acre former Joliet arsenal, creation of the Abraham Lincoln
National Cemetery for veterans, the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie,
Taylor Pirc Video Camera Campaign, the Will County Law Enforcement Memorial
and many local fund-raising efforts.
Dave was honored by Copley Newspapers, former owners of the Herald News,
by winning the company's top award for exceptional community service a
record three times. He won 30 writing awards from journalism
organizations during his career at the newspaper.
He was active in many local groups, hosted a weekly radio program on WJOL
and is remembered for his columns
on "Things That Bug Me."
Dave Hass was inducted
into the Joliet/Will County Hall of Pride for his work on the 1990 tornado
memorial, which stands on Fort Beggs Drive in Plainfield. Dave urged creation
of the monument following the devastating storm. He assisted with the
community fund-raising campaign to honor the 29 persons who died as a
result of that storm through Plainfield, Joliet and Crest Hill. Dave served
as master of ceremonies for the monument dedication one year after the
tornado in 1991.
Dave was a columnist and editor at the Herald News from 1980 to 2000.
He worked with many community groups, including two terms as president
of Joliet/Will County Project Pride. He suggested establishment of the
Hall of Pride and assisted with its location in the Joliet Public Library,
as well as numerous annual induction ceremonies.
