DC_MidWeek_021925

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Stage Coach Players to open 2025 season with ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Feb. 27

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – Stage Coach Players will open its 2025 season with performances of the musical “The Wizard of Oz.”

The musical is scheduled to run for two weeks.

“The Wizard of Oz” tells the story of Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, who are swept away by a tornado from their home in Kansas to the Land of Oz. Her house accidentally lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, is threatened by the Wicked Witch of the West and saved by Glinda, the Good Witch. The pair must journey to the Emerald City and meet the Wizard of Oz in order to find their way back home. Dorothy and Toto also meet the Scarecrow who wants a brain, the Tin Man who wants a heart, and the Cowardly Lion who wants courage.

“The Wizard of Oz” is based on the 1900 book by L. Frank Baum and the 1939 MGM movie of the same name. The Stage Coach production will be directed by Steven Meerdink, who previously directed the Stage Coach production of “Cabaret” in 2024. Musical direction is provided by Judy O’Connor with choreography by Melissa Roseberg and Aaliyah McCormick.

Meerdink said the vision came from the idea that the original story from Frank L. Baum was written at the very end of the Victorian period and steampunk is the vision the Victorians had of the future.

“I wanted to take a well-known tale and make it new!” Meerdink said in a news release.

The cast features Blythe Schwaller as Dorothy, Isaiah Panke as the Scarecrow, Brock Demeter as the Tin Man, Todd Pope as the Cowardly Lion, Emelie Walton as Glinda, Paula Tsiagalis as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Eli Oleson as the Wizard.

The rest of the cast includes Greg Anderson, Summer Arwood, Daerielle Balika, Saelyn Balika, Addison Bentz, Kora Cahill, Sophia Cook, Avery Drake Devin Drake, Mike Groark, Lily Harned, Elianna Kettley, Ava Lamere, Alyssa Landshaft, Rosie Landshaft, Joel Ledbet-

ter, Aaliyah McCormick, Amanda Martin, Charlie Nall, Maddy Nall, Sydney Nall, Elizabeth Pickett, Melissa Roseberg, Monique Smith, Karli Waldrep and Julia Woodward.

Performances of “The Wizard of Oz” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 through March 1 and March 6 through March 8 at the Stage Coach Theatre, 126 S. Fifth St., DeKalb. There also are matinee performances at 2 p.m. March 2 and 9. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $23 for seniors and children ages 12 and younger. For information, visit stagecoachplayers.com.

Matt O’Connell, a master’s student at Northern Illinois University from Barrington, fishes Oct. 24, 2023, in the lagoon at NIU in DeKalb. See story, page 6.

Shaw Local News Network file photo

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Photo provided by the Stage Coach Players
Stage Coach Players cast members rehearse a scene for the upcoming production of “The Wizard of Oz.” The show opens Feb. 27.

City of DeKalb grant to help church keep residents warm

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb recently received a $25,000 grant from the City of DeKalb’s Architectural Improvement Program to install two rooftop furnaces. The check was presented to the church board by DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes, the city’s community services coordinator Jennifer Yochum and city communications and engagement manager Scott Zak on Jan. 24. “Throughout the year the church helps support other local nonprofits through special collections during its Sunday services,” the Rev. Julia Jones said in a news release. “Our church members also tend to be avid community volunteers. All of these efforts are in keeping with the UUCD mission to offer love and hope for all.” The City of DeKalb Architectural Improvement Program helps DeKalb organizations in the downtown business district pay for building improvements. UUCD is operating as an overnight warming center through March 11. The church is accepting donations to help restore its funds. To donate, send via mail to Kathryn Jones, UUCD Office Manager, 158 N. Fourth St., DeKalb, with “capital campaign” in the memo.

THE ARTS AT NIU

Feb. 14-16, 20-22

Mystery Dream Suite March 19 through May 10

FOCUS: School of Art and Design Sabbatical Exhibition Through February 20

Photo provided by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb

Sycamore parking meters could outlast the penny

SYCAMORE – A decision by President Donald Trump’s administration to stop the minting of new pennies won’t force Sycamore to move on from the Duncan parking meters used for downtown street parking.

Street parking in downtown Sycamore requires something tolls on Illinois interstates no longer require: change. The city’s dated parking meters don’t take all coins, however. Instead they only accept coins worth less than 25 cents.

Trump’s decision means a third of the coins that can be used for Sycamore street parking will no longer be minted.

Sycamore City Manager Michael Hall said that even if pennies completely fall out of circulation, the city’s parking meters still will be maintained and required for downtown use.

“Sycamore’s parking meters accept nickels and dimes in addition to pennies, rendering the decision to discontinue minting new pennies inconse -

quential for our meters,” Hall wrote in an email to Shaw Local News Network.

On Feb. 9, Trump announced his administration had ordered the end of penny production, which currently costs 3.69 cents per penny, according to the U.S. Mint.

Pennies are the most popular coin made by the U.S. Mint, which reported making 3.2 billion of them last year, The Associated Press reported. That’s more than half of all the new coins it made in 2024.

While the cessation of penny production could reduce the costs the federal government spends making the coin, the return on investment isn’t the point of the parking meters that still accept them.

At least not in Sycamore, Hall said.

“The primary objective of these meters is not to generate revenue but rather to stimulate turnover and guarantee the availability of parking spaces for both visitors and businesses within the downtown area,” Hall said.

Motorists who park in spots with Sycamore city meters are required to use them daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

excluding federal holidays and Sundays. The meters have a two-hour time limit.

A dime gets you the full two hours, a nickel half that, and a penny gets 12 minutes.

Those who violate the city’s parking meters by staying in a space too long or not paying when required are fined $1, according to the city’s website. Subsequent meter violations incur $5 fines. Late penalties range from $25 to $75.

The city even has a form inviting people to report issues on its vintage parking meters.

In 2024, Sycamore collected $11,286 in revenue from parking meter coins, and $13,799 from parking fines.

At more than $25,000, the revenue Sycamore receives through its parking meters is less than 0.1% of the city’s $26.6 million fiscal 2025 budget.

While Hall said he doesn’t anticipate any issues for the parking meters from a change in federal policy, he said city officials will be paying attention.

Sycamore City Manager Michael Hall said the city’s timeless parking meters, like this one seen on Feb. 13, will continue to be operated as is after President Donald Trump announced the end of penny production on social media earlier in the week.

“We will diligently monitor any potential repercussions and make necessary adjustments to maintain the effectiveness of our system for the benefit of the community,” Hall said.

Camden Lazenby

IVT offers scholarships for fine arts students

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

SANDWICH – The Indian Valley Theatre is accepting applications for its annual Mimi Bryan Memorial Scholarship for Sandwich-area graduating seniors.

The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating, college-bound student from high schools in Sandwich or the surrounding communities in May.

Applicants are required to have a performance or fine arts major or minor and do not need to have experience participating in theater activities.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who participated in the fine arts, including Indian Valley Theatre productions, and are interested in

receiving further education in the fine arts field. The applicants will be considered by the theater’s board of directors scholarship review committee.

The application deadline is April 1.

To apply, visit a high school guidance counselor, email press@indianvalleytheatre.com, or visit indianvalleytheatre.com.

Mimi Bryan was a founding member of Indian Valley Theatre. She was active both onstage and behind the scenes at the theater. She was instrumental in giving actors a chance to perform and bringing community theater to the Fox Valley area.

To donate to the IVT Mimi Bryan Memorial Scholarship, email press@ indianvalleytheatre.com or visit indianvalleytheatre.com.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Ellwood House accepting ‘Arts in Action’ exhibit applications

DeKALB – The Ellwood House Museum and DeKalb County History Center announce an art call for the third Arts in Action exhibition.

The application deadline is May 31. The exhibit is free and intended for artists with northern Illinois living experience.

The exhibit will explore DeKalb County’s race relations history through exclusion, fear, community and hope themes. Artists can submit any artwork medium that provides a look into their lived experiences. Art pieces connecting to local history

or one of the themes are encouraged. A $500 stipend will be awarded to selected artists.

“Arts in Action” began as a collaboration between the Ellwood House Museum and DeKalb County History Center in 2020. The project’s goal is to tell the story of the area’s history more accurately and inclusively. The project’s research and past exhibit information is available at createchange.today. The exhibit will run from June 29 through Dec. 31. For information, visit createchange.today, or email projcoord@dekalbcountyhistory.org.

– Shaw Local News Network

Trinity VBS Kumla Dinner Fundraiser

Dinner includes Ham, Kumla (or baked potato), corn, dessert and beverage. Proceeds help defray Vacation Bible School supplies and expenses.

Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025 Seating 12:00, 1:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00

Trinity Lutheran Church 303 S. 7th Street DeKalb, IL. 60115

For Tickets Phone: 815-739-3545, 815-739-3570 or contact the TLC office (815-756-7374)

Raffle Baskets will be available as well!

Next Breakfast March 8th 7am-10am

FEBRUARY

THURSDAY MEAL

Homemade Turkey Ala King Served Over Mashed Potatoes with Green Beans & A

A CLOSER LOOK Campus canopy

NIU awarded $475K Morton Arboretum grant to plant hundreds of trees

DeKALB – A more than century-old arboretum in Lisle is giving Northern Illinois University almost half a million dollars to help add some shade to its DeKalb campus.

Through the Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative, NIU was awarded $475,000 to plant as many as 450 trees over a four-year period, according to a university announcement this month.

NIU President Lisa Freeman said the primary benefactors of the tree-planting program will be students.

“This exciting project supports our goals for enhancing climate resilience through increased shade coverage in highly trafficked areas, which is especially important for students who rely on walking or biking,” Freeman said in a news release. “This project additionally offers exciting opportunities for student involvement through internships, capstone projects and community outreach initiatives.”

NIU isn’t the only local entity to benefit from the arboretum’s program. The city of DeKalb announced in January plans to plant 50 trees with help from a $255,300 grant.

Sycamore, Maple, Birch and Elm trees, which are known for their shade, will find new homes near residence halls and busy walking paths. Some will even offer a treat tastier than a respite from the sun.

More than 10% of the trees to be planted through the initiative will grow fruits and nuts, according to NIU. The bounty those trees bear will be used by campus dining services and donated to NIU’s Huskie Food Pantry.

Bryan Flower, assistant director for Food Systems innovation in the NIU Office of Innovation, said the university also intends to install plants and trees native to Illinois. The plants and trees will benefit each other in groups to create mini ecosystems.

“We’ll be surrounding a sapling or saplings with other food or flower-bear-

Improving the distribution of trees and green spaces directly impacts the health and economic outcomes for communities. Projects like this improve quality of life and boost the urban tree canopy’s resilience to threats posed by environmental conditions, pests and diseases.”

ing plants, so the trees won’t just stand alone,” Flower said in the release. “We hope to create these as free-to-pick areas.”

University officials haven’t yet finalized what kind of fruit and nut trees they’ll plant. Pawpaw and walnut trees are contenders, according to the university.

NIU’s director of campus sustain -

ability Courtney Gallaher will lead the project. She said students will help identify where to plant the trees. Student groups also will take inventory and care for the plants.

Gallaher said she’s particularly excited for how the project will reshape university grounds.

“There are parts of campus that have lots of trees, and other areas, par-

ticularly near student housing, which have low canopy cover,” Gallaher said in the release.

Shade-producing trees can help cool local area temperatures, especially in urban areas with hot and dry climates, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. While that study was conducted in

Shaw Local News Network file photo
Colorful trees surround Altgeld Hall and the East Lagoon Oct. 17, 2022, on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

Chessie the Railroad Kitten program set for Feb. 23 at the Glidden Homestead

DeKALB – The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center’s next Soup-er Sunday program will feature a presentation by railroad and train enthusiast Bill Cummings on the corporate symbol Chessie the Railroad Kitten. The program will be held at noon Feb. 23 at the Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb. Admission is free for homestead members and $5 for nonmembers.

Cummings will share the story of Chessie, a cat character used as the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway’s symbol. Proceeds from the program will go toward the homestead. Soup and a house tour 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 opportu-

• TREES INITIATIVE

Continued from page 6

Baltimore, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Miami, Tucson, Denver and Las Vegas, the temperature difference created by trees also can be felt in DeKalb, Gallaher said.

“In places where we don’t have a lot of tree coverage on campus, the outdoor temperatures are an average of 2 to 3 degrees hotter,” Gallaher said. “Adding more shade to our campus will make it easier for everyone to cope with the summer heat and walk around campus.”

NIU was chosen among 40 other

nities to the public.

For information, call 815-756-7904, visit gliddenhomestead.org, or email jessi@ gliddenhomestead.org.

Memory cafe set for Feb. 20

DeKALB – People experiencing memory loss and their care partners can attend a memory cafe at the DeKalb Public Library.

The program will be held at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 20 in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, 309 Oak St. Participants will discuss vintage toys. The program also includes sing-alongs; a “get to know you” question; and a game, craft or shared reading activity.

Coffee, tea and snacks will be served. Free giveaways, resources and books to check out will be offered.

First-time attendees must provide the care partners’ and guests’ names.

For information or to submit names, email susang@dkpl.org or call 815-7569568, ext. 2114.

– Shaw Local News Network

nonprofits, government agencies and groups for the grant. The Inflation Reduction Act funding came through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service through the arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative.

Zach Wirtz, director of the trees initiative, said NIU’s plan could benefit the community in more ways than one.

“Improving the distribution of trees and green spaces directly impacts the health and economic outcomes for communities,” Wirtz said in the release. “Projects like this improve quality of life and boost the urban tree canopy’s resilience to threats posed by environmental conditions, pests and diseases.”

DCCF accepting Spinoso scholarship applications

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

SYCAMORE – Applications are now open for the Spinoso Masters Scholarship, made possible by the continued generosity of John and Vivian Spinoso through the Spinoso Masters Scholarship fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

New for 2025, the Spinoso Masters Scholarship application now is part of the foundation’s Universal Application, which opened on Feb. 1. Eligible post-graduate students can apply at dekalbccf.org/scholarships by the April 1 deadline.

“Now in its 14th year, the Spinoso Masters Scholarship has awarded over $390,000 to local graduates,” Grants & Scholarships Manager Sara Nickels said in a news release. “John and Vivian Spinoso have a deep commitment to supporting advanced education, and we are truly grateful for their ongoing generosity.”

The scholarship is open to graduates of DeKalb County high schools who are pursuing a master’s degree or higher at an accredited institution, in any field of study.

For full eligibility details and application instructions, visit dekalbccf.org/ scholarships. For additional questions, contact Sara Nickels at 815-748-5383 or s.nickels@dekalbccf.org.

We are offering “Countering The Mass Shooter Threat” classes which are designed for every House of Worship, School, Business and Family. Please contact us for further information and/or scheduling dates. These classes can be taught at any location. Please call or e-mail for further information. See website for detailed description of all classes

Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation 2024 Spinoso Masters Scholarship recipient Misty Villagomez.
Dennis Leifheit

LOOKING BACK

1925 – 100 YEARS AGO

Stating that no oil truck was in danger of being struck and that the crossing was clear and traffic safe-guarded, Geoge Letherby, the gateman at the Fourth Street crossing wishes to make a statement relative to the near-accident yesterday morning. The disturbance occurred when a special train, thought to be the 8:45 west bound passenger, went through this city without stopping at the depot.

Warren Hubbard, county superintendent of school, is this week inspecting the schools of DeKalb and expects to get the work completed there within a day or two. It is understood that after Mr. Hubbard completes his visitation of the DeKalb schools, he will spend some time in attending other school sessions throughout the county. In some instances, it is reported, Mr. Hubbard visited a school more than once, especially if he finds conditions existing that do not meet with his approval.

Automobile drivers of the city experienced their difficulties this morning due to the icy coating on the pavement in all parts of the city. Brakes took hold easily and rear wheels would slide and it was impossible to stop, unless there was an obstruction in front of the machine. While there were no serious accidents reported during the day, there was a number of close calls due to the ice.

Jack Plapp, the village blacksmith of Malta, who is so well known in all parts of the county, has not been at his shop for two or three days according to reports yesterday. It is understood that Mr. Plapp is sick, and while his illness is not thought to be of a serious nature, it is not known when he will be able to return to work.

The Tokyo Electric Bureau has decided to employ 300 girls as conductors on its lines as a means of reducing expenses. The girls will be paid from $25 to $35 a month. Special uniforms will be given to them and they will work eight hours a day or two hours less than men conductors.

Thinking that the train was going to stop at the depot in DeKalb, the Fourth Street gatemen this morning nearly caused an

accident to an oil truck when they failed to lower the gates. The train, coming from the east, arrived just ahead of the west bound passenger, and the gatemen expected the passenger to stop and for that reason did not lower the gates.

1950 – 75 YEARS AGO

A sudden sleet storm which hit this area at approximately 8:30 o’clock this morning transformed the roads into sheets of almost a glare of ice. Traffic was moving at a snail’s pace and motorists parked along curbs in the city were having trouble backing away. The sleet did not seem to cling to the telephone and power lines as much as earlier in the week, but the comparatively dry roads were quickly made treacherous. Motorists were advised to drive with caution.

The annual father-son banquet of the Hinckley community was held Thursday evening at the Hinckley Methodist Church with 164 men and boys attending.

A group of 15 adults and several children from Sandwich gathered in the library Wednesday evening in response to an announcement that a stamp club would be formed. Following an information discussion on stamps here each person stated his phase of the hobby, Carl Scent acted as chairman and the president, Bob Bushnell, and the Secretary, Mardelle Higgins, were elected.

DeKalb is again feeling the pinch of the coal shortage, Superintendent of Schools A. B. Sullivan announced this morning that

the Haish, Ellwood and Glidden schools would close their doors Friday afternoon for an indefinite period. Although every effort has been made to replenish coal supplies for the schools, the stocks have reached rock bottom and with no relief in sight, it is necessary to close the schools.

Members of the street crew of Sycamore have been busy during the past few days taking care of the tremendous amount of snow and ice that has been causing considerable traffic trouble. The ice and slush were pushed into huge piles along the side streets and with the aid of the front-end loader of a tractor it was gradually being shoved into trucks and hauled away. Along streets in the residential area the snow and ice have caused numerous parking problems and moving cars either into or away from curbs proves a difficult job.

Due to the condition of the roads in northwest Malta, many farmers are beginning to wish they had kept a horse. In many places it is now necessary to drive in the ditch to avoid ruts that have been cut in the roads so deeply that they will hang up the average car.

1975 – 50 YEARS AGO

A proposed revision in the route of an Amtrak train brought an enthusiastic response this morning from DeKalb Mayor Carroll Van Patter. The suggested passenger train route would run from Chicago, through DeKalb and Rochelle to Dixon and then south through Peoria and Springfield. The route would end in St. Louis.

A certified master watchmaker will open a new jewelry store in Somonauk soon. German born Ehrhart Eichert of Lake Holiday, Somonauk, hopes to open his store at 107 Market St. in the next few weeks. He has been remodeling the former Kesling Builders location. Eichert will carry a complete line of jewelry, rings and watches, however, his specialty will be watch and jewelry repair.

The whole trip was a debut the Northern Illinois University Marching Band won’t soon forget. After traveling nearly a thousand miles to New Orleans, Louisiana, to play in the Mardi Gras celebration, the band marched in five parades in five days Feb. 5-9, in conditions that were less than traditional. Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets daily to see the band perform and at times the crowds had to be literally pushed out of the way so the performers could continue marching.

2000 – 25 YEARS AGO

The county has to pass one more inspection before residents of the old DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center can be transferred to the new facility on Annie Glidden Road.

Expulsions at DeKalb middle schools and DeKalb High School have gone way down in the past year. It is not because principals are letting disruptive students remain in school, it’s because they are working with students when they first show signs of becoming troublemakers. By heading off problems at the get-go, the school administration is making the school safer for all students, and they are helping disruptive students help themselves.

While an early-morning storm dumped 4 inches of snow, another snow-packed burst is set to hit the area with another 5 inches later today.

Christensen Roofing of Rockford is restoring the Ellwood House Museum roof to its original condition replacing the current shingles with the original style of polychrome multi-color slate. Slate used for the roof, which was hand-cut and delivered from Vermont, arrived mid-January.

– Compiled by Sue Breese

Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center
The Eagle grocery store at 1700 Sycamore Road in DeKalb is seen in March 2000.

Roots of jazz presentation scheduled Feb. 19

DeKALB – Adults and teens can learn about the cultural and historical roots of jazz at the DeKalb Public Library.

The presentation will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 19 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.

OBITUARIES

JANICE GLORIA GOODWICK

Born: June 3, 1932 in Sycamore, IL

Died: February 6, 2025 in Elgin, IL

Janice Gloria Goodwick, 92, of Sycamore, IL passed away on February 6, 2025 at Crescent Care of Elgin, after several years of care for Dementia. She was born in her family home on Stark Ave, Sycamore, on June 3, 1932. Janice kept herself busy, working until the age of 83. She was most recognized for her active role in Altepeter Equipment Company, Elburn, from 1963 to 1972 as bookkeeper and

Attendees can learn about jazz’s historical roots. The presentation will feature the music of Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Buddy Rich and Sammy Davis Jr.

No registration is required to attend.

For information, email thomask@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150.

DeKalb library to host play group for children with special needs

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a play group for children with special needs ages newborn to 5 and their families.

The group will meet at 10 a.m. Feb. 20 in the library’s Story and Activity Room, 309

Oak St.

Children can participate in activities that cater to their interests and abilities. Children must be accompanied by a parent.

For information, email theresaw@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350. – Shaw Local News Network

parts counter clerk. Whether at Altepeter Equipment Company, her many years hostessing for Kingsway Restaurant in Sycamore, her most recent office position at Civic Apartments in Sycamore, or the variety of service positions she held in between, Janice always put her heart into her work and loved the connections she made with her regulars. Additionally, she found joy in her participation with the Virgil Sts. Peter and Paul Altar and Rosary Society, where she was also a 4-H Leader to the Virgil Starlets. She had a passion for tending to plants, specifically African Violets. She was a talented crocheter, gifting beautiful baby blankets, dolls, and hand towels to many of her family. Janice loved dogs, and enjoyed spending her downtime reading and playing solitaire on her computer when she got older.

She leaves her legacy of four generations as she goes to be with Our Lord. Surviving are six of her seven children: Carolandra Dyer, Roscoe; Lynna Cavallo, St Charles; Henry (Cheri) Altepeter, Creston; Jeanette Harper, W. Burlington IA; Mary Lake, Burlington; David (Pam) Altepeter, Maple Park; 23 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren.

Janice was preceded in death by her youngest son Paul Altepeter, her husband Lawrence Goodwick (whom she married later in life), her children’s fathers Edwin Myllymaki and William Altepeter, parents Raymond Sellers and Myrtle (Sellers) Vierig, infant sister Nancy Ann Sellers, maternal grandparents Frank and Ada Houghtby, paternal grandparents Calvin and Linda Sellers, and sons-in-law Terry Dyer,

Pat Cavallo, and Paul Harper.

Interment will be with family at South Burlington Cemetery, Ramm Road Maple Park. A celebration of life will be held on May 31, 2025 from 4PM – 8PM on Percy Road (1/2 mile North of Ramm Rd), Maple Park. Food will be provided at 6PM. Her family invites any of the community whose lives have been touched by Janice’s legacy to attend and share memories. Arrangements by Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178. To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com

Experience Cleaner Air with the Respicaire Oxy 4 Indoor Air Purifier

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The Respicaire Oxy 4 Whole Home Indoor Air Purifier is designed to combat airborne contaminants by utilizing cuttingedge technology to ensure cleaner, fresher air for you and your loved ones. When tested on the Covid virus, it inactivated 99% of it in seconds.

What sets the Respicaire Oxy 4 apart is

its unique fourth stage: the Photo-Catalytic Oxidation (PCO) technology. This innovative process uses UV light to activate a catalyst, which effectively breaks down volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bacteria, and viruses, ensuring comprehensive purification.

With whisper-quiet operation and energy-efficient design, the Respicaire Oxy 4 seamlessly integrates into your existing HVAC system.

DeKalb Mechanical carries the trusted Respicaire Oxy 4 system to help transform your indoor air quality. Call 815-756-6528 today for a quote, and experience the difference in air purity and freshness that you deserve. Breathe easier, live healthier, with the Respicaire Oxy 4 Air Purifier.

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Ph: 815-756-6528

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DeKalb County Nursing Home Foundation awarded $10K for website upgrades

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – The DeKalb County Nursing Home Foundation recently was awarded a $10,000 Websites for Good by Green Closet Creative 2024 grant, meant to help modernize the foundation’s website.

This initiative, a collaboration between Sycamore-based Green Closet Creative and the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership, provides a local nonprofit with a modern, user-friendly website to better connect with the community, donors and stakeholders, according to a news release from the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the DeKalb County Nursing Home Foundation to create a digital platform that showcases the critical services they provide,” Darby Ward Dwyer, Green Closet Creative co-founder, said in a news release. “Quality nursing care is essential to the well-being of our community, and we’re honored to help highlight the impactful work they do every day to support residents, families and the broader community.”

Green Closet co-founder Ellie Peter-

son said she’s grateful for the chance to collaborate with the foundation’s Nonprofit Partnership program.

“Their dedication to supporting nonprofits in our community is inspiring, and we are thrilled to contribute to that mission by helping the DeKalb County Nursing Home Foundation improve its digital presence,” Peterson said in the release.

Planned improvements to the nursing home foundation’s website include modernizing its platform, and improving access to important information about its services, updates and ways to support the foundation’s mission.

“This initiative represents a unique extension of our traditional grant programs, and we are incredibly excited to see local businesses like Green Closet Creative step up to support the nonprofit community in such a meaningful way,” Nonprofit Partnership director Ben Bingle said in the release. “By contributing their expertise, they are strengthening an organization that provides essential care to our community, reinforcing the power of collaboration in driving positive impact.”

For more information about Websites for Good by Green Closet Creative, visit dcnp.org.

Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation
Green Closet Creative co-founders Darby Ward Dwyer and Ellie Peterson.

AMUSEMENTS

DENTAL ASSISTAN

LARGE LIVE PUBLIC AUCTIO N

ored or Unrestored Cars &

ONE ER: LYLE LEE

IL State Li cen se #440.000200 WI # 2863-52

CLERKS & CASH IE RS: LEE AUCTION SER VICE

TE RM S: See Website. Visi t ou r web si te at www.leeaucti ons ervice.co m fo r term s & check out Auction Look or Auc ti on Zi p for pictur es & more info

Erie Home is trusted by homeowners nationwide to provide a level of value on new roofing that other home improvement companies simply can’t match. Erie Home’s metal roofing system is designed to provide the ultimate defense against everything from hurricane-force winds to hail while also boosting energy efficiency and curb appeal. It’s not only the best protection you can get for your home, but it’s also designed to last a lifetime.

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