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Neil Diamond, Eagles tributes among headliners this winter at the Egyptian Theatre
By AIMEE BARROWS abarrows@shawmedia.com
It may be cold outside, but the stage at the Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb is heating up in January and February.
The winter calendar is packed with “can’t miss” performances, featuring rock tributes, live jazz and a family-friendly musical.
The Monkee Men – Jan. 23
Go back to the heyday of the 1960s and relive the music of The Monkees with this high-energy tribute band. Fans will be transported back to the original TV show, complete with its classic hits. Tickets start at $46.
John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party – Jan. 25
Spend a Sunday afternoon dancing to the music of some of rock ’n’ roll’s pioneers. The show is an authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour. Enjoy two hours of some of the most iconic hits of the 1950s, such as “Peggy Sue,” “Chantilly Lace,” “La Bamba” and much more. Tickets start at $35.
Jazz at the Egyptian – Feb. 7
It’s an evening of swinging jazz music with the best local ensembles. The ninth annual event will feature performances by Jazz in Progress, the DeKalb High School Jazz Ensemble, the Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble and the NIU Jazz Orchestra. Tickets are $22 for adults, $15.50 for students and seniors, and $11 for children 12 and younger.
“Dog Man: The Musical” – Feb. 12
This musical is based on the bestselling
PUZZLE ANSWERS
puzzlesonpage16
series by Dav Pilkey, offering hilarious and heartwarming stories of Dog Man, who has the head of a dog and the body of a police officer, loves to fight crime and chews on the furniture. This show is appropriate for ages 6 and older. Tickets start at $43.
EagleMania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band – Feb. 13
EagleMania will channel the legendary rock band the Eagles with its five-part harmony, guitar work and ability to emulate the distinct sound of the Eagles. Audiences will hear the Eagles’ greatest hits, as
well as solo hits from Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Glenn Frey. Tickets start at $45.
So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary – Feb. 14
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the timeless music of Neil Diamond. Robert Neary will perform 24 of Diamond’s biggest hits in the two-hour show that also will include stories and trivia about Diamond’s life. Tickets start at $44.
For more information about these shows or to purchase tickets, visit egyptiantheatre.org.
ON THE COVER
Mount Carmel head coach
Jordan Lynch celebrates last month after their win over Oswego in the IHSA Class 8A state chamionship game in Huskie Stadium at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
See story, page 6.
CORRECTIONS
Accuracy is important to The MidWeek. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411 or email at readit@midweeknews.com.
Photo by Mark Busch
Photo provided
EagleMania will perform at The Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb at 7:30 p.m. Feb 13.
Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center’s next Soup-er Sunday program will feature a DeKalb-area photographs presentation by wildlife photographer Michael Day
Wildlife photographer next up in history program
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center’s next Soup-er Sunday program will feature a presentation on DeKalb-area photographs by wildlife photographer Michael Day.
The program will begin at noon Jan. 25 at the homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
Day will discuss and share his hyperlocal photography project. The photographs share and document the various creatures and beauty found in Prairie Park and Northern Illinois University’s campus. Calendars, prints and cards also will be available to buy.
Day worked as an English professor
at Northern Illinois University and first-year composition program director for more than 20 years. He currently is co-authoring a book on Japanese people in Chicago from 1900 to 1940. Day also is working on a hyperlocal wildlife photography project.
The program is free for homestead members and $5 for nonmembers. Proceeds from the program will go toward the homestead. Soup and a house tour also will be provided.
The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center is a nonprofit organization working to preserve the home and barn while providing educational opportunities to the public.
For information, call 815-756-7904, visit gliddenhomestead.org, or email jessi@gliddenhomestead.org.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
DeKalb library to offer book bedazzling program Jan. 21
The DeKalb Public Library will offer a program for adults and teens to bedazzle books.
The free program will be at 6 p.m. Jan. 21 in the library’s 309 Creative makerspace, 309 Oak St.
Attendees will be able to bring a
paperback book or pick a book from the library’s free selection. Glue and gems will be provided. Because of limited space and supplies, the program is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is required.
For information, email amyf@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center
The
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 NIU CONVOCATION CENTER
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GIRLS VARSITY | 6:00 PM BOYS VARSITY | 8:00 PM
Advance tickets can be purchased for $8 at fnbochallenge.org . Tickets purchased on 1/30/26 online or at the Convocation Center will be $10.
High School Students must have their school I.D. to enter. All other students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
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Abandoned gas station to become convenience store
Redevelopment underway for convenience store at First Street and Hillcrest Drive
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
A new convenience store is preparing to open in a former gas station that was previously abandoned on DeKalb’s north side.
The building, located near the intersection of First Street and Hillcrest Drive, is in the process of undergoing redevelopment.
John Petragallo, the city’s chief building inspector, said the owner’s
plans still require some internal city reviews.
“They need to submit building plans so that when they do their alteration in the store, we’ll know what permits need to be issued,” Petragallo said. “That’s what we’re waiting for.”
Some site preparation already has taken place on the property, as the owner seeks to establish a new convenience store. The fuel pumps have been removed.
Once its redevelopment is complete, the new convenience store is expected to be at a busy intersection occupied by Inboden’s Meat Market and Circle K gas station.
“It’s been abandoned for quite a long time,” Petragallo said. “It’s nice to have somebody back in that building.”
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Blood donors wanted for drive in DeKalb
The DeKalb Public Library will partner with the American Red Cross to hold a blood drive to strengthen its blood supply.
The blood drive will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 27 in the library’s lower-level
Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
Donations of all blood types will be accepted. Appointments are encouraged. To schedule an appointment, call 800-7332767 or visit the Red Cross website. For information, email chelsear@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1700. – Shaw Local News Network
Megann Horstead
A former gas station is seen Jan. 5 at the corner of First Street and Hillcrest Drive in DeKalb.
Jordan Lynch to be inducted into NFF Hall of Fame
By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com
More than a decade after his playing career ended, Jordan Lynch still is making NIU history.
Lynch was introduced as a member of the 2026 National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame Class by the National Football Foundation on Jan. 14, the second Northern Illinois player to earn the sport’s highest recognition.
“It’s a surreal feeling,” said Lynch, who is the head coach at Mount Carmel and led the team to a Class 8A title at Huskie Stadium in December. “To know that of all the players in the history of college football, just over 1,000 have been selected to the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, and to be just the second NIU player named, it’s obviously a great honor.
“To have all the hard work, sacrifice and dedication, the time, the commitment, by not just me but my parents, family, loved ones, teammates, coaches and everyone at NIU recognized is awesome,” Lynch said in a statement.
Lynch led NIU to a 24-4 record as a starter from 2012-13, including a Mid-American Conference Championship and a historic appearance in the Orange Bowl to cap his junior season in 2012. An NIU and MAC Hall of Fame inductee in 2024, Lynch guided the Huskies to an undefeated regular season in 2013, including wins over Iowa and Purdue.
In his senior season, Lynch threw for 2,892 yards with 24 passing touchdowns and added 1,920 rushing yards with 23 touchdowns to earn a trip to New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist. He finished in third place, the highest finish by a player from the MAC. Lynch was a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Manning Quarterback Award.
Lynch’s 1,920 rushing yards in 2013 set an NCAA quarterback rushing record, breaking the mark he had set the previous season when he finished with 1,815 yards. His 321 rushing yards versus Western Michigan set the NCAA record for most rushing yards in a game by an FBS quarterback – once again breaking the record he had set a month before when he ran for 316 yards against Central Michigan. In total, Lynch set five NCAA records and 25 school records during his time at NIU.
“Jordan Lynch was, simply put, the best player I have ever coached,” said former NIU head coach Rod Carey, NIU offensive coordinator in 2012 and head
coach from 2012 until 2018. “When other coaches find out I called plays for him and then became his head coach, I often get this: ‘He was a fullback playing quarterback.’ They mean it as a compliment, but I always say back to them ‘He was a quarterback I asked to play fullback at times. Have you ever coached a quarterback willing to do that?’ That is the trait that separates Jordan in my view.”
In 2013, Lynch was named a first-team All-American as an all-purpose player by the Associated Press and won the MAC’s Vern Smith Leadership Award, presented to the league MVP, for the second time. He twice was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Year and was a two-time, first-team All-MAC quarterback. The Chicago native averaged 343.7 yards of total offense per game, recorded a passing and rushing touchdown in 11 games and set school records for completions, points and rushing touchdowns through an undefeated regular season.
In his first year as a starter in 2012, Lynch guided NIU to the Orange Bowl –the first BCS berth by a MAC team – and finished seventh in the Heisman race. He ranked second in the nation in total offense with 4,953 yards and became the first FBS player ever to pass for more than 3,000 yards and rush for more than 1,500 in a single season.
“In my 31 years of coaching at the collegiate level, I can say wholeheartedly that Jordan Lynch was special – and he was special in every way possible,” said Dave Doeren, NIU head coach from 20112012, in a statement. “I wish I could clone that young man and have him in my offense every single season. He belongs in every college Hall of Fame in my opinion. They don’t make them like him anymore.”
Through his two years as a starter for the Huskies, Lynch was 12-0 on the road and 11-0 at Huskie Stadium. He ranks fourth all-time in school history in both passing yards and touchdowns, as well as third in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
In total, Lynch walked away from NIU with three single-game, 16 single-season and six career records and tallied 100 career touchdowns. He recorded at least one touchdown in all 28 games as a starter and had 19 multi-touchdown games in that time period.
After leaving NIU, Lynch played two seasons for the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League, helping the team to a Grey Cup win in 2015. He returned to NIU as an assistant coach in 2017.
Lynch will join George Bork as the only two NIU players in the Hall of Fame when he’s inducted during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 8 in Las Vegas.
Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch looks to pass during the first half of the Orange Bowl against Florida State. AP
Kyle Bursaw file photo
Northern Illinois quarterback Chandler Harnish tries to strip the ball from fellow quarterback Jordan Lynch (right) while running a drill during practice at the DeKalb Recreation Center.
The Angry Pickle Pub reopens in downtown Sycamore
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
A downtown Sycamore bar that opened and then closed temporarily in 2025 has since reopened, ready to welcome patrons back in with a few changes.
The Angry Pickle Pub held its grand re-opening this month at 215 W. State St.
The pub – owned by couple Josh Smith and Abby Smith, the same people behind The Dirty Bird just blocks away – opened last summer.
The business was closed for months soon after, though no public reason was given.
Instead, The Angry Pickle Pub is back with some tweaks, according to the business’ social media page. The
grand reopening was Jan. 7.
“We would like to welcome you back into The Angry Pickle Pub,” the post reads. “Still the same pickle, just a different flavor. While we’ve had to make some changes to the way we do things, we still want to serve you.”
The new menu is limited to light bar snacks such as flatbreads and pizzas. Customers also can order from The Dirty Bird to have the food delivered to the bar.
Patrons are encouraged to have a little fun, with board games and card games offered. The business is kicking off the new year with other highlights, like a comedy open mic night and a bloody mary bar on Sundays.
The bar opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Photo provided by The Angry Pickle Pub
A downtown Sycamore bar that opened and then closed temporarily in 2025 has since reopened, ready to welcome patrons back in, with a few changes.
LOOKING BACK
1926 – 100 YEARS AGO
Radiophans of DeKalb and vicinity are charging batteries, replacing worn out “B” batteries, slicking up the contact points of the aerial and otherwise giving their set a going over preparatory to the international broadcasting week, which begins Sunday night. There are many powerful sets in DeKalb and vicinity that hope to get several of the foreign broadcasting stations.
The radio station which was put up last summer by Rev. Erdmann Frank of St. John’s English Lutheran church and which was heard on the air on several occasions, has returned its license to the government, according to a statement in the Chicago papers the first of the week. Not many fans were able to pick up the station on account of its low power and some DeKalb fans who were able to hear the station, were compelled to spend several minutes before they were able to bring in the reception. The cause of the shutting down of the station here has not been disclosed.
Announcement was made today that plans are underway whereby a modern gymnasium will soon be added to the college of St. Alban’s and two gifts, each of $1,000 have been received. It is not known at this time whether campaign for raising the necessary funds will be started, but it is believed that before long other gifts of substantial amounts will be received.
F. C. Cracraft, an engineer for the Chicago Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, reported to the police that someone had taken a traveling bag from his Ford coupe, which had been parked on the street in the downtown section.
1951 – 75 YEARS AGO
An explosion, which rocked the western edge of the DeKalb business district shortly before 5 o’clock Thursday afternoon, caused severe damage to The Reliable department store located at 153 East Lincoln Highway and injured two women who were in the basement of the store at the time of the blast. The explosion, of undetermined origin, showered the front and rear of the two-story building with splintered glass as 20 windows, three dis-
play windows and the glass in one of the font doors were shattered by the terrific blast.
Fire Chief Clayton Kennedy again calls attention to the fact that driving any vehicle over unprotected fire hose is a violation of a city ordinance and that violators are subject to arrest and prosecution. Yesterday several instances of violations of this ordinance were noted as motorists drove over hoses while the department was battling the fire at The Reliable store.
Increased golf fees will be in effect for the Sycamore course when it opens this spring. Board members increased fees for use of the community park course to help cover the rapidly increasing costs of maintenance, equipment and construction at their meeting this week. Membership fees for people living in the district have been increased from $12.50 to $15. The cost for a man-and-wife membership jumps from $17.50 to $20.
Taking over the operation of the filling station at the intersection of First and Locust Street the Smith Oil & Refining Company announces that Milt Anderson will be in charge. Anderson, who is known in this community and previously was district supervisor for a bottling company and then affiliated with an auto firm as sales man-
Statistics show that these women have to work and they often have children and homes with which to be concerned.
For the fourth year in a row, a Kishwaukee College horticulture student has been a recipient of a $250 scholarship awarded by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association.
A revised city ambulance rate schedule was prepared Saturday morning by the city council finance committee. The proposed changes include the incorporation of Kishwaukee Community Hospital (KCH), Sycamore Municipal Hospital, the DeKalb County Health Center and the Northern Illinois University Health Center into a city rate schedule. If the changes are accepted by the full city council, ambulance trips to these facilities will cost users $10.
2001 – 25 YEARS AGO
ager, now is operating the station.
A semi-truck with a refrigerated trailer, containing 2,400 pounds of frozen chickens, rolled over on its side about four miles west of Hinckley on Route 30 shortly before noon. The truck was enroute to Chicago. No damage was done to the trailer but considerable damage to the cab of the truck.
Members of the Waterman Woman’s Club will be interested to learn that a letter has been received from the French family telling of the arrival of the Christmas boxes. The mother and children expressed their sincere and great gratitude to the members for giving them a happy Christmas.
1976 – 50 YEARS AGO
The DeKalb Sanitary District sewage treatment plant on Hollister Avenue must undergo major upgrading by 1983 in order to conform to federal pollution regulations. President Ford today proposed giving state and local governments $3.77 billion for sewage plant construction in the next fiscal year.
40% of the American workforce is female and 43% of the women of working age are employed. 85% are either single, widowed, divorced, separated or married to men who earn less than $6,000 a year.
A Friday night fire at Wendy’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers, 1115 W. Lincoln Highway, caused $250,000 in damage but no injuries. Firefighters worked from about 10 to 11 p.m. to get the blaze under control. Investigators believe it started when a grease fire spread to the rest of the restaurant’s kitchen area.
George Walker Bush, swearing the same oath as his father before him, became America’s 43rd president Saturday, pledging to “build a single nation of justice and opportunity” after one of the most turbulent elections in history.
In the hands of a skilled artisan like Dan Edwards, glass can become a thing of beauty or a thing of science, and often both. A sizable crowd gathered recently at Northern Illinois University to see the master craftsman produce delicate objects of art. Edwards created a snowman complete with a three-segment body, twig arms and a carrot nose.
Seniors at DeKalb High School will receive their diplomas at a new venue this summer. The DeKalb School Board has approved a contract with Northern Illinois University to hold commencement exercises for the class of 2001 at NIU’s Chick Evans Field House.
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives Ice skaters are seen in January 1984 at the East Lagoon at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
New charity fund supports youth philanthropy
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
A new charity fund has been established to support youth philanthropy in DeKalb County.
The DeKalb County Community Foundation recently announced the creation of the YEP Changemakers Scholarship Fund, established by foundation board member Brenda Jergens and her family.
This support is made in memory of Kurt D. Hudson, honoring his memory and the values he believed in, according to a news release.
The new fund provides long-term support for the annual YEP Changemakers Scholarship, which since 2022 has recognized Youth Engaged in Philanthropy members who demonstrate leadership, service and a commitment to strengthening their communities.
every recipient becomes a changemaker wherever they go.”
The one-time, $1,000 YEP Changemakers Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior member of YEP who exemplifies the values of youth philanthropy. The award may be used for tuition or educational expenses at an accredited university or college, community college or trade school.
The YEP Changemakers Scholarship was first created in 2022 by YEP member Oliver Keicher, who raised $1,000 during Give DeKalb County to fund the inaugural 2023 award. His idea was to give YEP members an opportunity to experience the receiving side of philanthropy and to recognize students who embody what they have learned through their YEP experience.
Jergens was born and raised in Sycamore and has been a Malta resident for almost 40 years. She has been part of the community her entire life, spending 35 years working for DeKalb School District 428. She also is a longtime supporter of YEP and serves as a board adviser to the program, where she has seen firsthand how the experience empowers students.
term impact YEP has on local youth.
Jergens shared her belief in the long-
“YEP allows students to be trusted with real decisions and real dollars. They learn responsibility, confidence and what it means to make a difference,” she said in the release. “My hope is that
“The YEP program builds a core pillar of philanthropy into excited and engaged youth in DeKalb County,” Keicher said in the release. “What these students learn through hands-on grantmaking stays with them as they enter new communities after high school,
Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation
Brenda Jergens (left) and Kristina Clausen
provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation YEP alum Blessing Coranez presents the YEP Changemakers Scholarship to May 2025 to recipient Ellie Bend.
• NEW CHARITY
Continued from page 10
shaping a lasting habit of giving back wherever they go. I am honored to support these students as they carry YEP’s values and lessons into the world.”
The scholarship recipient is announced each May during the final YEP meeting of the school year.
“We hear from graduates all the time that the YEP experience stays with them for good,” YEP manager Kyle White said in the release. “The
YEP Changemakers Scholarship is one way we continue to support students as they move into the next chapter of their lives. It is no surprise that this scholarship comes from Brenda Jergens and her family. Brenda is a generous mentor, adviser and advocate for students in YEP.”
Gifts of any size are welcome to grow the impact of the YEP Changemakers Scholarship Fund. To learn more about creating a fund or to discuss charitable interests, contact foundation Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Singer, songwriter Dennis Warner to perform Jan. 24 in DeKalb
Singer and songwriter Dennis Warner will perform for community members at the DeKalb Public Library this month.
The free concert will begin at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Warner will perform a blend of serious thought-provoking songs and lighter, up-tempo material. The concert also includes sing-alongs. No registration is required.
For information, email samanthah@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
The Beatles singalong event set for Jan. 24 in DeKalb
Adults can sing along to The Beatles’ songs during an event at the DeKalb Public Library.
The free event will be at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
Participants can sing some of The Beatles’ greatest hits. Trivia and lyrics will be provided. Beverages also will be served. No registration is required.
For information, email susang@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2114.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo
‘I’m excited for our student population’
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
Colleagues who have worked with incoming DeKalb School District 428 Superintendent Billy Hueramo said they’re excited for his appointment, citing his lengthy career in DeKalb and relationship with students as vital to progress.
Beginning July 1, Hueramo is expected to take on the job of succeeding Minerva Garcia-Sanchez, who decided last year not to seek renewal of her employment contract with the district.
Hueramo said he’s put in a lot of work over the years.
“I feel the hard work that I’ve done [and] the dedication that I’ve put into the district started here as a student teacher,” Hueramo said. “I went from student teacher to teacher to assistant principal, from assistant principal to principal. The principal position, I was able to see a whole K-5 cohort go through kindergarten all the way through fifth grade.”
As a familiar face at the DeKalb Education Center, Hueramo will take on the superintendent position after serving as the district’s director of teaching and learning for elementary education. He also has assumed previous roles within DeKalb schools as an elementary curriculum coordinator, bilingual education teacher, principal and assistant principal.
Brent McIntosh, a seventh-grade teacher at Clinton-Rosette Middle School, said Hueramo was great to work with.
Hueramo was one of McIntosh’s assistants in 2009 while both teaching and coaching soccer at the middle school.
“Billy was a great teacher in the classroom,” McIntosh said. “He was a real staunch advocate for his students, and he was a great teammate. It was really easy to work with Billy. You could tell that he really had a lot of high-level teacher skills. His students and the soccer players really gravitated toward him. So, it was real easy to work with Billy.”
Sarah Montgomery, the district’s director of teaching and learning for secondary education, said she’s enjoyed working in tandem with Hueramo.
“He’s been a good partner to [shape] curriculum and instructional strategies and professional development for our building leaders and for our teachers and our certified staff,” Montgomery said.
“We’ve been able to establish strong priorities under Minerva that we will continue under his tenure.”
A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Kishwaukee College and Aurora University, Hueramo brings a foundation of both knowledge and experience to the job.
The job’s duties consist of acting as the CEO to the school board, making recommendations on the district’s budget; building plans; location of sites; selection, retention and dismissal of teachers and other employees; selection of textbooks, instructional materials and courses of study; and other matters requested by the board related to the superintendent’s duties.
Hueramo said he already has a good idea of what the job entails.
“I think it’s more about becoming informed on new policies that are coming out, new strategies within education, working with our students,” he said. “It’s really helping me develop myself so that I can help develop our leaders in the district.”
McIntosh said Hueramo represents everything a teacher could want or need in a superintendent. As an educator nearing retirement, he said he is excited to see Hueramo taking on added leadership.
“The way I look at Billy’s appointment, for me personally, could not have asked for a better candidate to become our superintendent to help me navigate these last four years,” McIntosh said. “I’m excited for our student population. I think that what Billy will bring to our district is a sense of accountability for our students. Along with that sense of accountability, he’ll also supply resources for not only our students, but [also] for our teachers throughout the district to be successful.”
Montgomery said she looks forward to seeing Hueramo exert greater leadership in his new role.
“It will be very important to stay the course of the initiatives that we have and see them through, and then continue to hone and develop them,” Montgomery said. “I think in any educational setting, we need to be careful that we’re not just grabbing and holding onto initiatives that are the flash in the pan. We need to look long term.”
• BILLY BUERAMO
Continued from page 12
As a DeKalb resident, Hueramo has exhibited a dedication to serving the community.
He has spent his entire career in education working for DeKalb schools. Hueramo said he believes he’s prepared to lead on day one.
“I understand a lot of the needs of our families,” Hueramo said. “I’ve been able to make connections with people throughout the community to help support some of those needs. I think [the goal is to] just [continue] to work with local organizations to be able to provide what our families need, and then working with them to get more to participate in education.”
Hueramo pointed to schools hosting family nights as one of the ways he’s helped foster family engagement at the elementary level.
Cortland Elementary School Principal Jennifer Hillard said she’s excited for Hueramo to take over.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Sycamore church’s grief support group begins Jan. 26
St. John Lutheran Church will host a weekly GriefShare grief support group for residents to grieve the death of a loved one.
The support group will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays from Jan. 26 through April 20 at the church, 26555 Brickville Road, Sycamore. Attendees will watch a video with counsel and insights from grief experts
Hillard used to work with Hueramo at Littlejohn Elementary School, where he served as principal from 2014 to 2020.
“He’s never lost sight of what it means to be leader of a building or a teacher,” Hillard said. “When I’ve got questions about anything, he’s definitely my thought partner – someone I go to for advice or just to bounce ideas off of.”
As superintendent, Hueramo will earn an annual salary of $215,000 along with employee health insurance benefits, according to the employment agreement. The contract also affords him paid time off with 20 vacation days, 15 sick days and four personal leave days every year.
Montgomery said she looks forward to seeing what Hueramo accomplishes as superintendent.
“I would say his strong understanding of our current initiatives and his vision to bring them forward and continue to grow and hone them make him a good fit for the role,” Montgomery said.
Hillard said she believes the school board got it right picking Hueramo for the job.
and personal stories. Participants also can receive support and share grief experiences.
The session topics include how to handle difficult emotions, what’s normal in grief and what to do with worries, regrets and questions. Registration is required.
For information or to register, call 815-895-4477, ext. 5, or visit stjohnsycamore.org.
Photo provided by DeKalb School District 428 Billy Hueramo signs his new employment agreement at a Jan. 5 meeting of the DeKalb School District 428 Board of Education.
Vigil-goers mourn Minnesota woman fatally shot by ICE
By DEVIN OOMMEN Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A group of more than 100 people held candles, sang and prayed together in English and Spanish at Peace Corner in DeKalb Friday night to mourn a woman killed by federal agents in Minnesota on Jan. 7.
The woman, Renee Nicole Macklin Good, was shot in the head in a residential neighborhood just south of downtown Minneapolis, The Associated Press reported.
Peace Corner downtown was lit by candles placed in the area by the group Esperanza Latina for the vigil.
“This isn’t about being loud and scandalous,” Veronica Garcia-Martinez, an event organizer, said. “It’s about having some peace.”
Garcia-Martinez said she was more hurt than angry and said she believes self deportations are becoming more prominent as aggression like that seen in Minnesota increases.
“What broke me was seeing a comment of a man who said ‘Who do I call? Tell them I’m ready, send me back. I don’t care if I die where I came from,’” Garcia-Martinez said. “That’s what broke me.”
Good, 37, was a mother of three and a poet who had just moved to Minneapolis, The Associated Press reported.
Garcia-Martinez said the objective of the event was to have 32 minutes of prayer in remembrance of 32 lives that have been lost while in ICE custody in 2025.
DeKalb resident Payten Jarvis described the actions of federal agents as despicable. For Jarvis, it was important to mourn with the community.
“To be here tonight is really important, to see my community out here and to listen to what others are saying and think about people who have died in detention and been hurt by ICE in the past year,” Jarvis said. “It’s just sad that we had to meet like this.”
Immediately following the shooting, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism carried out against ICE agents. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance reinforced that narrative on Jan. 8.
But local Minneapolis officials and bystanders, including video captured from multiple angles, have disputed that narrative repeatedly.
Vigil-goers
Good was a U.S citizen born in Colorado and never charged with anything beyond a single traffic ticket, The AP reported.
Illinois Democrats have denounced the shooting and called for a full investigation and transparency by DHS and the Trump administration.
Reports emerged late on Jan. 7 that border patrol agents shot two people in Portland, Oregon.
Garcia-Martinez called on the mayors of DeKalb, Cortland and Sycamore to implement policies to protect the local immigrant community.
Illinois law enforcement is barred under the Trust Act from participating in federal immigration action. But that hasn’t stopped local fear.
“We have mixed-status households in all three of those places. If they’re going to start going door to door are we going to allow that?”
Garcia-Martinez said. “You can’t tell anybody’s legal status just by looking at them. So why are we going to allow untrained immigration agents to
power to do so?”
come in and think that they have that
Photos by Devin Oommen for Shaw Local News Network
gather holding lit candles in downtown DeKalb at Memorial Park on Jan. 9, for a vigil to remember the life of Renee Nicole Good, 37, a Minnesota mother who was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7.
DeKalb area residents hold lit candles and stand for a moment of silence during a peace vigil downtown on Jan. 9, 2026.
DeKalb welcomes Luke Howieson as fire chief
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
The city of DeKalb has a new top brass to lead its fire department.
On Jan. 12, Luke Howieson formally accepted his appointment as fire chief. He’s been serving in the role as acting chief since July 2025.
Howieson, 47, was sworn in at the City Council’s first regular meeting of the new year by a special person: his son, also named Luke.
Howieson said it was difficult to describe the magnitude of that moment to him.
“I’ve been blessed to be around a lot of amazing people,” Howieson said. “People have impacted me and really have helped me get to where I am today. I never anticipated being fire chief. I’ve been able to move up the ranks. But, you know, opportunities happen. I’m fortunate to be where I’m at.”
During the meeting, Howieson acknowledged the crowd on hand, saying he appreciates everyone’s support.
“It’s almost like we’re voting on a data center tonight in this room,” Howieson said. “I appreciate everyone being here. My first action as fire chief might be to clear this room, since we’re over occupancy.”
Howieson was joined by family and two former DeKalb fire chiefs, Mike Thomas and Lanny Russell.
City Manager Bill Nicklas pointed to Howieson’s guidance throughout all the facets of the department, including review of existing fire response policies.
“We not only need leadership at the top, we need leadership down through the shifts and he’s very good at encouraging that,” Nicklas said. “He served in every rank of the department, has a very proven record of strategic decision making and operational leadership.”
Mayor Cohen Barnes called Howieson “a solid man” and said he couldn’t think of a better way to kick off the new year.
“I know everyone up here on Council is proud that you stepped up to fill those shoes, Chief,” Barnes said. “So, welcome.”
With his appointment, Howieson becomes the city’s 21st leader to serve as fire chief since 1869.
Howieson said he is proud to serve as the city’s new fire chief.
Throughout his 25-year career with the fire department, Howieson earned a reputation as a hardworking profes -
sional. Since his appointment as chief, he’s also helped craft the department’s 2026 fiscal budget.
Howieson began more than 30 years ago as a cadet for the city of St. Charles before coming to DeKalb.
It’s not been an easy road. Just days after this appointment, new acting chief Howieson led the emergency search efforts for a local tragedy: A young girl drowned in a pond on the north side last summer. Authorities conducted water rescue for hours.
“I was very proud of our firefighters because they went above and beyond,” he said. “Our police officers as well.”
Howieson credits all the partnerships the fire department maintains with neighboring fire districts and other entities for ensuring smooth operations.
“We don’t have a big river. We don’t have a big lake,” he said. “We don’t have to, fortunately, deal with that a lot. We had to get the resources here. There is a lot of quick thinking, orga -
nizing, and leading. ... There’s a lot of that to make that happen.”
Outside his new role as fire chief, Howieson has been a wearer of many hats. He’s served as the agency’s fire prevention officer. He works as an instructor at the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute and previously at the College of DuPage.
Howieson said he thinks his experience as a fire prevention officer and knowledge of building codes uniquely qualified him for the job.
“With DeKalb being an older community, we do have a lot of older buildings,” Howieson said. “If you have a fire in those buildings, there’s different tactics and strategies that you go through to address fires in them. There’s different challenges.”
The fire department has seen its share of change over the years. It’s current ranks include more than half with less than five years on the job.
“We’ve had a big transition, changeover,” Howieson said. “I want to make
sure they’re ready for the future.”
Howieson said he believes his familiarity with the community gives him an upper hand in carrying out the duties of the job.
“Being here almost 25 years and having been in all kinds of buildings in the community, you work with all different groups in the community, know all parts of the different facets of our government – our local government, county government,” he said. “Over time, all those things definitely prepare you to do the job.”
Howieson’s putting together a new internal strategic plan for the department.
He’s eager to help lead the agency and continue serving the DeKalb community.
“I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of people teach me things,” he said. “I’ve been able to learn from a lot of people, and then I’m able to give it back. I’ll be able to pass it on. And that’s what I really want to do.”
Photo provided by City of DeKalb
DeKalb City Clerk Bradley Hoey (left) swears in Luke Howieson as the new fire chief for the DeKalb Fire Department during a ceremony in front of the City Council on Jan. 12, at the DeKalb Public Library.
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62
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
DEKALB COUNTYSYCAMORE, ILLINOIS
U.S. Bank National Associatio n PLAINTIFF Vs Jonathan T. Insley a/k/a Jonathan Insley; et al DEFENDANTS No 2025FC000022
NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 05/12/2025, the Sheriff of DeKalb County, Illinois will on February 26 2026 at the hour of 1:00 PM at Public Safety Building, 150 North Main Sycamore, IL 60178, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of DeKalb and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: PIN 14-15-181-014
Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 501 East Garfield Street Waterman, IL 60556
Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bi d by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Resident ial Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300 in certified unds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxe s, special assessments, or special taxes levi ed agains said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure take s place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees wi l be required to pay any assessment and legal ees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4)
If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
If the sale is set aside for any reason the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other indivi duals presently in possession of the subject premises
The propert y will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the cond it ion of the property. Prospective bid-
purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other indivi duals presently in possession of the subject premises The propert y will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the cond it ion of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Cour file to verify all info rmation.
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SECTION 15- 1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For information: Examine the court file or cont act Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associ ates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-2501183. I3279902
(Published in The MidWeek, Jan. 14, 21, 28, 2026)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
DEKALB COUNTYSYCAMORE, ILLINOIS
U.S. Bank National Associatio n PLAINTIFF Vs Jonathan T. Insley a/k/a Jonathan Insley; et al DEFENDANTS No. 2025FC000022
NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 05/12/2025, the Sheriff of DeKalb County, Illinois will on February 26, 2026 at the hour of 1:00 PM at Public Safety Building, 150 North Main Sycamore, IL 60178, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of DeKalb and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash as set forth below, the following described real estate: THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF DEKALB IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, TO WIT: LOT 110, IN GREEN RI DGE, PHASE II, A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTH 1/2 OF SECTI ON 15, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH RANGE 4, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCI PAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JUNE 1, 2006 AS DO CUM ENT NUMBER 2006009649, IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PIN 14-15-181-014
Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 501 East Garfield Street Waterman, IL 60556
the highest bi d by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Resident ia Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxe s, special assessments, or special taxes levi ed against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure take s place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4)
If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
purc mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4) If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shal be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other indivi duals presently in possession of the subject premises The propert y will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the cond it ion of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all info rmation.
purc
sponsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other indivi duals presently in possession of the subject premises
The propert y will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the cond it ion of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all info rmation.
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SECTION 15- 1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For information: Examine the court file or cont act Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associ ates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-2501183. I3279902
Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bi d by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Resident ial Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds is due
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney. Upon paymen in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other indivi duals presently in possession of the subject premises
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SECTION 15- 1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For information: Examine the court file or cont ac Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associ ates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-2501183. I3279902
(Published in The MidWeek, Jan 14, 21, 28, 2026)
The propert y will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the cond it ion of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all info rmation.
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SECTION 15- 1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Examine the court file or cont act Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associ ates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-2501183. I3279902
