Democratic hopefuls campaign in Sycamore
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By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
Three Democratic candidates, vying for state offices in the March 2026 primary election, made a campaign stop in Sycamore recently, sharing their views on equity in education. None of them face contested races in their primaries. Some are expected to face off against Republican challengers in November, however.
Veronica Garcia-Martinez of Cortland is looking to unseat incumbent candidate Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, in State House District 70, which includes parts of DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties.
Barbara Hernandez, who represents parts of Kane and DuPage counties in House District 50, is running unopposed.
Sarah Mertens of Crystal Lake is vying to replace Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, in State Senate District 35.
The event at Sycamore restarurant Crooked Horns Bar and Grill, was held as a meet-and-greet style. A number of educators, as well as supporters, were in attendance. Mertens emphasized the importance of education.
“I know the value of a valuable education, and if not my own education, learn-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
DeKalb library to host dayglow children’s dance party Feb. 14
Families with children ages six and under can attend and celebrate Valentine’s Day with a dayglow dance party at the DeKalb Public Library.
The free party will begin at 10 a.m. Feb. 14
PUZZLE ANSWERS
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ing foreign languages when you’re older,” Mertens said. “I know how much of an opportunity it is and how much it helps people understand each other, understand their own language and culture.”
“Obviously, that was a big part of the reason why I ran for office to support students for higher education, increasing access to different parts of studies, including bilingual studies, dual language, especially from K-12,” Hernandez said.
Mertens said she, too, has embraced equity in education.
Equity in education was a timely theme for candidates to speak on. In recent days, the administration at Genoa-Kingston School District 424 has faced some public criticsm regarding plans to host a featured stop in the national History Rocks! tour at Genoa-Kingston High School on Thursday.
It marks the latest in a series of events organized by the U.S. Department of Education in partnership with Turning Point USA, a group founded by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Garcia-Martinez said she takes issue with the district hosting the assembly.
“This group that is coming here ... it’s saying we’re going to go back to when
America was great in the 1950s,” Garcia-Martinez said. “What was great about the 1950s, and who was it great for? That’s the question you have to ask yourself. Because my Black friends were treated like garbage. My Latino friends were set aside and ignored.”
According to its website, Turning Point USA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify, educate, train and organize students to promote conservative values in fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government.
Garcia-Martinez said she is against the way the district is organizing the assembly on public school grounds, which are paid for by public tax dollars.
Another hot topic during the event was the pension crisis and how it’s driving some educators out of the profession. Garcia-Martinez said she believes there’s value in connecting with constituents.
“That’s why I want to host things like this because I want people to tell me, ‘What do you think the solution is?’ ” she said. “Because I don’t see anybody talking about it. I do know that we have to go back. I do know that we have to revise what’s been done. And I don’t think it’s too late.”
in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
Attendees can dance and explore rhythm in a safe, kid-friendly environment. Bubble machines, non-strobe-effect lights, glow sticks and music will be provided. Older siblings may attend with parental supervi-
sion. DJ Joe Majesty will perform. Children with hearing sensitivities can wear protection or noise reduction headphones. No registration is required.
For information, email theresaw@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
– Shaw Local News Network
ON THE COVER
Michelle Groeper from Tails Humane Society speaks after accepting the Nonprofit Organization Award on behalf of Tails Feb. 5 during the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration Dinner at Faranda’s Banquet & Conference Center.
See story, page 6.
CORRECTIONS
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Photo by Mark Busch
NIU seeks volunteers for robotics event in March
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Northern Illinois University is seeking volunteers to assist with an upcoming robotics championship that will put seventh through 12th graders across the region.
The FIRST Tech Challenge Illinois Championship is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 7 at the NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology dean Dave Grewell said the March 7 event enables the university to support budding STEM students, while also introducing those students to NIU and its wide-ranging academic opportunities.
“The FIRST Tech Challenge aligns closely with NIU’s mission to engage with communities and support the next generation of innovators,” Grewell said in a news release. “We’re proud to host this championship and to partner with FIRST in creating pathways into STEM education.”
School-aged participants are expected to apply teamwork, technical acumen and tenacity on their robotics teams, according to a news release.
The tournament features 48 state high school robotics teams competing in one of seven regional league championships. The top-performing teams will advance to the FIRST Championship set from April 29 through May 2 in
Houston, Texas.
Teams will compete in randomly assigned two-team alliances with 18-inch robots. The teams also will compete in judged award categories including industrial design, local outreach, innovation and STEM community engagement.
The volunteers will assist the tournament March 6 and 7.
Volunteer positions include guest and volunteer support, event setup and logistics, judges, team and pit support and event operations.
Robotics experience will not be required. Training and support also will be provided by FIRST Illinois Robotics. NIU faculty and staff members and industry professionals can volunteer.
“We are thrilled that NIU is hosting this amazing event that showcases some of the best and brightest STEM talent in Illinois,” NIU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences dean Robert Brinkmann also said in the release.
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is an international nonprofit designed to engage children in hands-on STEM experiences inspiring innovation, building confidence and preparing children for life.
For information, email kgodsell@ firstillinoisrobotics.org or visit firstillinoisrobotics.org or my.firstinspires. org/ExpressVolunteer.
Photo provided by Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University is seeking volunteers to assist with an upcoming robotics championship that will put seventh through 12th graders across the region.
DeKalb County Community Foundation accepting online scholarship applications
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The DeKalb County Community Foundation is accepting online scholarship applications now through April 1.
More than 100 opportunities for financial assistance are available through their Universal Application this year.
Student applicants gain access to local support toward their career goals using one convenient online form.
The Universal Scholarship Application allows high school seniors, as well as nontraditional, undergraduate and postgraduate students, to apply for the full range of the Foundation’s scholarship offerings. Applicants can test their eligibility for all 107 scholarships with a single application, saving time and effort while increasing their chances of receiving financial assistance for their education. These awards are made possible through donations from local individuals, businesses and organizations.
“My goal is to make the application process as welcoming as possible for scholarship seekers at every stage,” Grants & Scholarships Manager Sara
Nickels said. “Offering all our awards through the Universal Application means applicants are automatically matched with eligible scholarships, reducing stress and uncertainty as students plan for their education.”
The 2026 Universal Application includes six new scholarships created by the Community Foundation’s generous donors:
• Bob Suddeth 4-H Scholarship
• Dave Fultz Scholarship
• Jim Rhoades Law Enforcement Scholarship
• Robert and Laura Carlson Scholarship
• Ryan Charles Hill Memorial Scholarship
• Shirley Lorenz Yates Scholarship
The online application is open from Feb. 1 through 11:59 p.m. on April 1. Students are encouraged to visit dekalbccf. org/scholarships to learn more about available scholarships, view eligibility requirements and submit their applications.
For questions or additional information, contact Sara Nickels at 815-748-5383 or s.nickels@dekalbccf.org.
Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation
Wehrli Custom Fabrication Scholarship creator Jason Wehrli presenting the 2025 scholarship to recipient Gavin Lorentzen
DeKalb vigil sparks hope amid national tensions
Peace ceremony highlights resilience and joy in darkness
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
A common sentiment expressed by those gathered at a peace vigil on the night of Feb. 2 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb was about finding hope.
For some, they said they had found it in everyone in the room.
“It does. It helps to see that we have a community here,” DeKalb resident Keegan Conlee said.
Monday’s vigil was the latest in a series of public demonstrations held in the wake of the January killings of two people from Minneapolis at the hands of federal agents from the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Donald Trump, who has said that the action is needed to target illegal immigration. But many opponents, including some local organizers across DeKalb County, have argued the action itself is unlawful, violent and harmful to both citizens and noncitizens.
A recent demonstration, interrupting a church service in Minneapolis, saw two prominent independent Black journalists, Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, among those arrested and charged with federal civil rights crimes, multiple reports show. Both have since been released.
Opening up the vigil with public remarks was the Rev. John Dorhauer, senior pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ. He gave thanks to everyone for showing up.
“I want us, as well, to lean into prayer,” Dorhauer said.
Various protests have since erupted across the nation, calling for reforms to, and in some cases abolishment, of
ICE. Federal immigration agents have conducted massive sweeps of major cities under the direction of President
During the hourlong vigil, dozens took to the church not only for reflection, but also to hear readings of poetry,
See VIGIL, page 7
Mark Busch
Visitors sit in quiet reflection while holding their candles Feb. 2, during the Vigil for Peace at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb. The vigil is being held in remembrance of those lost in recent ICE-related shootings and to show solidarity with the people of Minnesota.
DeKalb Mechanical, DeKalb Chamber’s 2025 Business of the Year
Tails Humane Society honored with Nonprofit Organization Award
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKalb Mechanical, a local commercial HVAC mechanical contractor, was named the DeKalb Chamber’s 2025 Business of the Year.
The announcement came Feb. 5 in a crowded banquet room at Faranda’s Banquet and Conference Center in DeKalb.
It was all part the DeKalb Chamber’s annual celebration dinner.
During the program, the operator of the DeKalb-based contractor specializing in heating, cooling, refrigeration and sheet metal fabrication needs accepted the honor and recognition.
“We really appreciate this,” said Kurt Mattson, president and owner at DeKalb Mechanical. “All the finalists are fantastic.”
Other finalists for the 2025 Business of the Year were Bockman’s Auto, Truck and Tire, G’s R Plumbing and Heating, Spears Design Build Group and The Balloon Bar.
DeKalb Mechanical, 339 Wurlitzer Drive, prides itself on residential and commercial heating and air conditioning repairs and installations.
The company also works to give back to the community.
Last year, DeKalb Mechanical partnered with the DeKalb Chamber to put on a new trades-centric summer camp dubbed Heavy Metal Summer Camp. The experience was cohosted by the city of DeKalb in collaboration with 49 other cities that welcomed almost 900 high school students.
The program was met locally by an overwhelming community interest. So much so, the summer camp broke a record in application submittals in the program’s first year.
It was announced on Feb. 5 that Heavy Metal Summer Camp will make its return this summer with another two-week program.
Mattson expressed appreciation for his staff and what they do.
“Super hardworking – those guys give it all every day,” Mattson said. “And we are not your normal con -
struction company, for sure.”
DeKalb Chamber executive director Matt Duffy offered congratulations to DeKalb Mechanical.
“They’re a tremendous business in our community,” Duffy said.
Animal shelter recognized
Also at the event, Tails Humane Society was recognized with the Nonprofit Organization Award.
Tails Humane Society executive director Michelle Groeper expressed appreciation for the recognition.
“I just want Tails to be a community resource, and just come in any time,” Groeper said. “And I just thank you.”
Other finalists for the 2025 Nonprofit Organization Award were Fox Valley Community Services, J.F. Glidden Homestead, Opportunity House and RAMP Disability Resources and Services.
The Chamber also named Tia Anderson its Ambassador of the Year. The Pioneer Award was given posthumously to Charles “Chuck” Siebrasse, the namesake behind the pop-
ular free corn boil at DeKalb Corn Fest, the city’s end-of-summer festival.
Photos by Mark Busch
Kurt Mattson, from DeKalb Mechanical, walks past the sparklers to accept the Business of the Year Award on behalf of DeKalb Mechanical Feb. 5, during the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration Dinner at Faranda’s Banquet & Conference Center.
Michelle Groeper from Tails Humane Society accepts the Nonprofit Organization Award on behalf of Tails from Matt Duffy, executive director of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Feb. 5, during the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration Dinner
Attendees listen to a poem being read by Joe Gastiger Feb. 2, during the Vigil for Peace at the First Congregational United Church Of Christ in DeKalb. The vigil is being held in remembrance of those lost in recent ICE-related shootings and to show solidarity with the people of Minnesota.
• VIGIL
Continued from page 5
music selections and other remarks.
Attendee Karen Forbes-Johnson admitted that she’s not a regular churchgoer, but said she’s had a good experience at First Congregational United Church of Christ.
“I think we need to surround ourselves at this point more than ever,”
Forbes-Johnson said. “And if there’s maybe one good thing that’s coming out of this, yes, we’re recognizing a lot of evil and bad in the world, but boy,
there’s sure a lot of good people around that are trying their best to make a difference.”
Conlee said he felt compelled to come out and take part in the vigil.
“I have a lot of family and friends in Minneapolis,” Conlee said. “I feel hopeless. There’s not a lot of things I could do. This is something concrete I can do.”
Some at the vigil expressed a desire to reach joy again. Fighting back tears during the vigil was Bonnie Amesquita of DeKalb. She said she’s upset about what’s happening in the country under the president’s leadership.
Mark Busch
City of DeKalb seeks nominations for sustainability award
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The city of DeKalb’s Citizens’ Environmental Commission is accepting nominations for its annual DeKalb STARR Award.
The award recognizes leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability.
The award categories include Green Business of the Year, Sustainable Community Project, Individual Sustainability Champion, Corporate/Institutional Environmental leadership, and Youth Sustainability Leader. The Youth Sustainability Leader award will be presented to a nominee younger than 18.
Community members can nominate individuals, organizations and businesses for their impact in one or more areas aligning with the city’s sustainability plan. The areas include ecological impact, environ -
mental leadership and advocacy, innovation and green technology, community engagement and education and economic contribution to the green economy.
“Whether it’s a neighbor planting a pollinator garden or a business encouraging employees to bike to work, every member of our community can make an impact on environmental sustainability in DeKalb, and the STARR Award celebrates that,” DeKalb Citizens’ Environmental Commission chair Julie Jesmer said in a news release.
“Our Commission encourages everyone to take a moment to nominate one of these community members so their hard work is recognized.”
Nominations can be submitted online at cityofdekalb.com/1544/ DeKalb-STARR.
The nominations are due March 3. The winners will be announced in April.
Photo provided by the city of DeKalb
2025 DeKalb STARR Awards recipients Sweet Life Garden Group, the DeKalb ALDI store, Rooted for Good School Gardens program, Nick Dory and Saige Ruback
LOOKING BACK
1926 – 100 YEARS AGO
Rev. L. A. Owen, of the Universalist church, who is a believer in the community spirit, and any other movement that will interest and benefit the community, is now at work on a community magazine, which he hopes to have issued within a short time. In each issue, articles of interest to everyone in the community will be contributed by business and professional men, written entirely from an unbiased standpoint. If the Universalists pastor is successful, it is expected that the community book will do considerable good in this section of the country.
Much of the success of the household fireman and the amount of coal he uses each season depends upon his skill in feeding the furnace. He may know ever so much about draft control but, if he is careless about feeding coal he will lose actual money, before the winter is over. Too shallow a fire results in heat losses, as does also a deep bed on which the coal is all shoveled at one time. In general, the amateur fireman should remember that it is economy to shovel a good deal seldom rather than a little often.
Announcement was made today stating that the Seventh Street Pharmacy, recently purchased by Gus Kirchner from Paul Gossmann, will hold its grand opening on Saturday of this week. Extensive plans have been made for the opening. Clemens Kirchner is in charge of the Seventh Street Pharmacy, which is the second Rexall Drug store in this city.
There seems to be considerable sickness in Malta at the present time, and while there are only one or two cases of serious illness, there are many people forgetting to report contagious diseases, such as measles, mumps, chicken pox and whooping cough. These matters must be reported to the authorities, immediately after the ailment has been diagnosed as such by a physician.
1951 – 75 YEARS AGO
An announcement was made this morning by Assistant Postmaster Wallace Jackson that the stamp window at the DeKalb post office will remain open until 5 o’clock this afternoon to allow the mailing
of parcel post packages. Orders restricting the mailing of parcel post were in effect during the recent strike of railroad switchmen and many have packages that they would like to mail. The restrictions were lifted yesterday noon. The post office usually closes at noon on Saturday, but the stamp window will remain open today until 5 o’clock to accommodate those having packages to mail.
Friday afternoon a report was received from the DeKalb Iron and Coal Company at Seventh and Oak streets that ten truck tires and tubes had been stolen from their establishment. Early this morning the police received a report that a pony belong to Robert Pigott had been struck and killed by an auto on Sycamore Road between Fifth Street and Kendall Lane.
The Sawyer School, two miles north of Cortland on the Cortland-Sycamore blacktop, has been converted into a modern home for Mr. and Mrs. Sam Gunn. Mr. and Mrs. Gunn lived in Milwaukee, before moving to Sycamore in 1943. While living in Sycamore Mr. Gunn had noticed the Sawyer School and its home possibilities and kept watching for its sale. They purchased the school house, garage and land in August 1949 and started remodeling immediately. The original structure, 30 by 32 feet, now is a modern home with two
bedrooms, living room, kitchen, pantry, bath and basement.
Extreme cold weather, which has been rough on vehicles, also has caused considerable trouble for the parking meters, many of which have “frozen” periodically. The combination of frozen meters and the fact that fewer cars are parked in the business district during periods when the weather is extremely cold has sharply curtailed the meter intake. One of the poorest weeks since the meters were installed was recorded last week when the collections amounted to $204.78.
A large hole will eventually be a part of the foundation for the new elevated water storage tank that will augment the DeKalb water system. Cold weather has halted cement pouring operations on this project on East Oak Street.
1976 – 50 YEARS AGO
Repairing the main hanger at DeKalb Municipal Airport will cost about the same as replacing the World War II structure with a new hanger. The building is structurally sound, but it has been allowed to deteriorate to the point where it will require extensive and expensive repairs.
Several days of warm weather have made ice conditions at Northern Illinois Uni-
versity’s lagoon unsafe. NIU Police have posted no skating, warning violators that they will be prosecuted.
Annually, a fun fest “Mardi Gras style” is put on DeKalb’s social calendar. The big night this year is Feb. 21. Everyone in the area is invited to join in the German American club’s “maskenball.” The carnival season of merrymaking begins on the 11th hour of the 11th month and reached its peak the last week before Ash Wednesday.
Once again it is legal to burn leaves in DeKalb. A city council ban on open leaf burning was vetoed by Mayor Carroll Van Patter Monday night. The council attempted to override the veto, but fell one vote short.
The 25-foot Statue of Liberty at 806 DeKalb Ave., is on its way to being buried by its creators, The Good Tymes Committee. When the honored sculpture lost an arm yesterday, the committee decided to let the form die with dignity and today members are out in the cold tearing down the art work with their shovels.
2001 – 25 YEARS AGO
Rittenhouse Paper Co. will close its DeKalb plant on March 30, causing the loss of 37 jobs, a company officials said Friday. The plant makes paper rolls used in cash registers and cash machines, among other paper products. Its operations will be moved to a Rittenhouse plant in Nashville, Tenn.
Arcade Dreams Sports & Grill likely will become the property of The National Bank & Trust Co., of Sycamore by the end of the month, throwing into doubt the future of the establishment. The bank offered to pay $450,000 for the Arcade property, 1205 W. Lincoln Highway, during a public auction conducted by the DeKalb County sheriff’s office. It was the only bid received.
Strong friendships are rare in today’s society, and friendships that last over long expanses of time are rarer still. The friendship of Margery Prain and Gladys Welter began when the two were 17 years old. Now, with both of them reaching the age of 101, that friendship has spanned most of the 20th century and is moving into the 21st.
–CompiledbySueBreese
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives Looking west at the West Lincoln Highway bridge in DeKalb in 1945.
Homestead and Historical Center
The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will host a “Glidden’s 1873 Date Night” Feb. 13 at the homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb
Glidden Homestead to host ‘Glidden’s 1873 Date Night’ Feb. 13
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will host a “Glidden’s 1873 Date Night” for community members to enjoy 19th-century courting traditions.
The event will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 13 on the homestead’s second floor, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
Highlights include period parlor games, tea, desserts and music. Participants can listen to Joseph and Lucinda Glidden’s love story and write love
notes. Door prizes will be provided. Period dress is not required.
Joseph Farwell Glidden invented “The Winner” barbed wire in 1873. The homestead was preserved and restored by a nonprofit organization founded in 1995.
Tickets cost $80 and are limited. Proceeds from the event will support the homestead’s preservation and operations. To buy tickets, visit GliddenHomestead.org.
For information, visit GliddenHomestead.org, email jessi@gliddenhomestead.org, or call 815-756-7904.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
DeKalb library to host website design class Feb. 15
Adults and teens can learn how to include CSS layouts to websites during a class at the DeKalb Public Library. The free class will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 15 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Participants will be able to learn how to use different CSS layouts to design a
website with Neocities.org.
Attendees must have an email address to create a Neocities account. Laptops will be provided. Because of limited space, the class is first-come, first-served. No registration is required.
For information, email emilyb@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150. – Shaw Local News Network
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Continued from page 6
Sebrasse was lauded for his involvement in the community. He died on Feb. 5, 2009.
Accepting the award on Chuck’s behalf was former DeKalb Mayor Jerry Smith.
“His legacy lives on, and I thank this community again for the recognition of Chuck Sebrasse,” Smith said.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Light and energy STEM Cafe set for Feb. 12 in DeKalb
The DeKalb Public Library will partner with NIU STEAM to host a light and energy exploration program for teens as part of its monthly Teen and Family STEM Cafes. The free cafe will begin at 5 p.m. Feb. 12 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting
In closing the program, Duffy gave a special shout out to Tom and Jerry’s restaurant of Sycamore.
An early morning fire Jan. 31 at the popular establishment destroyed the building.
The eatery, which used to have a location in DeKalb, is temporarily closed now after sustaining $1.5 million worth of damage.
“We wish them the best,” Duffy said of Tom & Jerry’s. “And we know they’re going to come back even stronger than before.”
Room, 309 Oak St.
The cafe features light- and energy-related experiments and hands-on activities from the Hidden No More exhibit series. Pizza will be served. No registration is required.
For information, email stevenm@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3400.
–ShawLocalNewsNetwork
• baked potato
• coleslaw
• dinner roll
• butter & sour cream
• house made tartar sauce & lemon
Dining Options
(1) Dine-In with us!
• join us on our lower level
• park in our upper or lower lot
-OR-
(2) Drive Thru
• use our south entrance • loop around back
Mark Busch
Tia Anderson (middle) has a laugh with Celine Bennetts (left) and Cindy Green- Deutsch after after Anderson accepted the Ambassador of the Year Award Feb. 5, during the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration Dinner at Faranda’s Banquet & Conference Center.
Judge dismisses DeKalb parents’ lawsuit
DeKalb mom says she plans to refile litigation
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
A DeKalb County judge recently dismissed a lawsuit filed by a family against DeKalb School District 428 after their son’s first day of kindergarten went awry.
On Jan. 29, Chief Judge Bradley Waller ruled to dismiss the case in favor of District 428, but called for both sides to appear for a subsequent status hearing in April.
A complaint first filed in court in August 2025 alleged that 6-year-old Stevie Stoker had been placed in the wrong classroom on his first day of kindergarten at Founders Elementary School in DeKalb.
Stevie’s actual teacher had gone looking for him in the building. But the Stokers said their son was misidentified, unaccounted for, marked absent and put on the wrong bus to a location unknown to his parents, the filing alleges. Stevie was eventually found when his parents followed an AirTag, a mobile tracking device, to the school bus where he was.
Stevie’s mom, Shannon Stoker, said the case is not done.
“We are going to refile and try to fix what the judge suggested,” Shannon said. “I know [the district] they wanted it thrown out where we wouldn’t be able to refile, and it would just be done. And that didn’t happen. That being said, I wish we didn’t have to refile, but
DeKalb parent Shannon Stoker speaks at a DeKalb School District 428 school board meeting on Aug. 20, 2024. Stoker alleged the school district misplaced her son on his first day of kindergarten at Founders Elementary School.
it’s not dead.”
The lawsuit filed Aug. 13, 2025, in DeKalb County court names 18 defendants, including some current and ex-school board members, staff and Superintendent Minerva Garcia-Sanchez, records show.
The child’s parents argue in the 123-page filing that their son Stevie, who was 6 at the time, also required medical treatment “to abate their fears arising from this incident.” The parents argued in the filing that their son suffered “emotional distress and confusion.”
Attorney Blake Costantino, who
was representing the Stokers, argued that because of Stevie’s individualized education plan, a higher standard of care was needed.
“He’s not just a regular 6-year-old child,” Costantino said. “He’s a kid with special needs.”
District officials previously have said that Stevie was not missing, and was in fact in the classroom and safe all day – but staffing errors the district has admitted to led to Stevie being misidentified as a different child that day. So Stevie Stoker was marked absent on the record. His parents did not know that until late in the day, they had said.
Attorney Pam Simaga, who represents District 428 defendants, argued the lawsuit “would open the school up to many, many more IEP cases” if the judge didn’t rule to dismiss.
Waller granted the district’s motion to dismiss the case, but without prejudice. That means that, if the Stokers wanted, they could bring an amended complaint back to court.
When asked to comment on Waller’s ruling, a spokeswoman for DeKalb School District 428 declined.
The judge also dismissed First Student’s part in the plaintiff’s complaint.
Shannon said it was difficult to sit through the court hearing.
“I mean, I found the whole thing really belittling,” Shannon said. “Some parts of it were really hard to hear. The whole entire time the school district has tried to act like this is not a big deal. ... I disagree. I think it was a huge deal, and that’s kind of how they sounded today.”
During the court hearing, Simaga repeatedly argued that what transpired on the first day of school in 2024 at Founders Elementary School doesn’t “shock the conscience.”
Shannon said she disagreed.
“I think that is incorrect on so many levels,” Shannon said. “I think this definitely shocks the conscience. We’ve seen a lot of support from people and for them trying to act like this is no big deal, this is normal is very upsetting that that is still how the school district wants to behave.”
The case is expected be heard again at 9 a.m. April 9 at the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St. in Sycamore.
IVT auditions for ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ begin Feb. 13
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Indian Valley Theatre will hold auditions for its upcoming production of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.”
The auditions will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and from 1 to 5 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Sandwich Opera House community room, 140 E. Railroad St.
“The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” based on the novel by C.S. Lewis and the dramatization by Joseph
Robinette, tells the story of four siblings who discover the land of Narnia through a wardrobe. The siblings join the lion Aslan to defeat the Witch, who has trapped the land in an eternal winter.
The IVT production will be directed by Jen Ketchum, produced by Kari Frantzen and stage-managed by Kailey Christine. The auditions consist of cold readings from the script. The theater also will accept stagehands, set builders and lighting and sound help.
The character list for “The Lion,
The Witch and The Wardrobe” includes:
• Aslan – a great lion
• White Witch – an evil queen
• The Children – Lucy, Edmond, Susan, Peter
• Mr. and Mrs. Beaver
• Tumnus – a faun
• Fenris Ulf – a wolf, head of the witch’s police
• Dwarf – a servant to the witch
• Father Christmas
• Elf – Father Christmas helper
• White Stag – white reindeer
• Aslan’s followers – forest animals
• Witch’s Army
• Wood Nymphs
Performances of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” will be held from April 24 through 26.
The Indian Valley Theatre is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the appreciation and development of the performing arts in the Fox Valley area.
For information, visit indianvalleytheatre.com, email info@indianvalleytheatre.com, or send a message on the IVT Facebook page.
Megann Horstead file photo
DeKalb tattoo shop rebrands
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the rebranding of Good One Tattoo and welcomed it to the Chamber’s membership. Chamber staff, board and community members, and ambassadors celebrated the rebrand and joining the Chamber with a ribbon cutting Jan. 23. Good One Tattoo, 125 S. Fourth St., DeKalb, is a tattoo and piercing studio which focuses on professionalism, community and creativity. For information, visit goodonetattoo.com or call 815-242-1120.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Lightbeam Players to perform ‘Conversations at a Dead Man’s Grave’ Feb. 15 in DeKalb
The DeKalb Public Library will host a performance of the Lightbeam Players production of the play “Conversations at a Dead Man’s Grave” for residents ages 10 and older.
The free performance will begin at 2 p.m. Feb. 15 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. “Conversations at a Dead Man’s Grave” tells the story of May Thompson who meets a girl named Sage claiming to be her half-sister while visiting her brother’s grave during his disappearance’s one-year anniversary. Sage provides proof of her story being true, but May can’t escape the feeling that something is wrong. She begins to unravel the mystery of her brother’s disappearance and learns you might not be able to trust things in your own head. No registration is required.
For information, email theresaw@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
–ShawLocalNewsNetwork
Photo provided by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
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