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ON THE COVER
DeKalb County Administration Building is seen May 13, 2021, in Sycamore. The DeKalb County Board spent time remembering one of their own, the late Jerry Osland, who died Feb. 2 and represented District 12 as a Republican on the board. See story, page 6.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
St. Mary’s School to host Brews, Bottles and Blarney event March 1
Annual tasting will have silent auction
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – St. Mary’s Catholic School will host its fourth annual Brews, Bottles and Blarney tasting event to support the school and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
The event will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. March 1 at St. Mary’s Memorial Hall, 322 Waterman St., Sycamore. Admission to the event is intended for people ages 21 and older.
The event features games, silent auction items, food, a Pot of Gold raffle with cash prizes up to $500 and a tasting of various craft beers, spirits and wines. Items available for auction include an
autographed jersey by former Cubs player Cody Bellinger, a football and jersey signed by Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet, specialty alcohol baskets and one spring season of Aggression Club Volleyball.
The beer, spirits and wine vendors include Whiskey Acres, Rush Creek Distillery, MVPs, Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits, Small-batch Colonel E.H. Taylor and Blanton’s, Bellissimo Chicago Limoncello and Coroco Coffee Cask’d. The samples will complement with desserts, a charcuterie table, and a mashed potato bar.
“We are excited to host our 4th annual St. Patrick’s themed school fundraiser, Brews, Bottles & Blarney. This playful theme attracts many people from the surrounding Sycamore/ DeKalb community to come out for a casual evening of tastings, good food, fun games and a fantastic silent auction
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Hygge Winter Happiness program set for March 1 in DeKalb
DeKALB – People can learn how to beat the winter blues at a DeKalb Public Library program as part of its Hygge Winter Happiness series. The program will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.
March 1 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
The program will focus on preparing for spring’s emergence. Attendees can paint a garden ornament, create homemade essential oils scented cleaning spray and craft spring flowers frames. Tea and honey sticks will be
to support St. Mary’s Catholic School of Sycamore,” St. Mary’s Catholic School Principal Pat Strang said in a news release.
“We are looking forward to gathering together with our school and parish families along with our generous community to celebrate and have fun while raising money for our wonderful school.” St. Mary’s Catholic School pastor Rev. William Etheredge also said in the release.
Tickets cost $40 or $75 for a couple and include a commemorative tasting glass. To buy event or raffle tickets, visit stmarysycamore.com/school.
St. Mary’s Catholic School provides education from Pre-K through eighth grade and is dedicated to academic excellence, service to others, and spiritual formation since 1924.
For information, visit stmarysycamore.com/school.
provided by Big Red’s Heavenly Honey. Hygge is a Danish word used to describe the creation of a cozy, warm and inviting atmosphere. No registration is required to attend.
For information, email susang@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2114. – Shaw Local News Network
Accuracy is important to The MidWeek. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411 or email at readit@midweeknews.com.
Kishwaukee Valley Art League urges art show participation
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The Kishwaukee Valley Art League will host several programs and events in March at Gallery on State, 322 W. State St., Sycamore.
The league’s next general meeting is set for 7 p.m. March 4 at the gallery. The meeting features a floral watercolor painting and layering demonstration led by artist Liz Waddington.
The Second Saturday series will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8. The program will be hosted by KVAL artist Chris Myroth and feature photography. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own supplies.
KVAL also will host a wood burning
introduction class from 10 a.m. to noon March 22. The class will be led by KVAL artist Pam Bradford. Materials will be provided.
The gallery’s new art rotation recently began Jan. 13. The rotation includes 3D or 2D artwork. The art pieces will be displayed for upcoming sales and exhibitions.
Applications are available for the league’s 54th annual Northern Illinois Art Show. The show will be held May 31 and June 1 on the front lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St., Sycamore. The show features up to 70 artisans exhibiting fine arts and crafts mediums. The application deadline is March 17. To apply, visit kval-nfp.org or the gallery.
FEBRUARY THURSDAY MEAL
Image provided by the Kishwaukee Valley Art League Floral watercolor painting created by artist Liz Waddington.
Kishwaukee Concert Band to perform end of winter concert March 9 in DeKalb
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The Kishwaukee Concert Band will perform a concert to celebrate the end of winter.
The free concert will be held at 3 p.m. March 9 at the Boutell Concert Hall in the Northern Illinois University Music Building, 550 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb.
The concert, directed by Deb Shofner, will feature music including the classic Spanish march “Amparito Roca” by Jamie Texidor. “Cape Fear Chronicles,” arranged by Robert Sheldon, is a composition inspired by the Carolinas Cape Fear area. Vaughn Williams’ “Folk Song Suite” features a three-movement suite that provides traditional melodies charm and originality.
“Fortress,” by Frank Ticheli, is a
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
KSO accepting music scholarship applications
DeKALB – The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra is accepting applications for its annual KSO High School Musician Scholarship.
The application deadline is March 16.
The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one or more high school student musicians living in DeKalb County who have played in an instrumental music ensemble in high school and will be members of a college instrumental music ensemble in the fall.
Applicants must write an essay and fill out the application. Students should be prepare to list their music and non-music activities and arrange two letters of recommendation. To apply, visit kishorchestra.org/scholarships/.
The recipients will be announced during their respective high school music awards nights and at the KSO Spring Concert: Vive La France at 7:30 p.m. May 3 in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall at the Northern Illinois University Music Building, 550 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb.
music piece with an ominous sounding quality and processional’s rhythmic excitement. “Horn & Hounds,” arranged by Alun Cook, will be performed by French hornist Alex Wilson.
Hugh M. Stuart’s “Hymn for Band” includes rich melodic content.
“American River Songs,” by Pierre La Plante, is a tribute to an earlier time when rivers and waterways were the nation’s lifeline. “When the Stars Began to Fall,” arranged by Fred J. Allen, is based on Marian Anderson’s “My Lord, What a Morning.”
The Kishwaukee Concert Band is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization composed of adult volunteers who have played an instrument in the past.
The concert is sponsored by the Kyler family of Malta and their friends to honor the memory of Bobby Kyler.
For information, visit kishconcertband.org or the band’s Facebook page.
ROCK RIVER VALLEY TRAIN SHOW
For information, email musicoutreach@ kishorchestra.org.
Celtic band Gaelic Storm to perform Feb. 28 in DeKalb
DeKALB – The Egyptian Theatre will host a concert featuring Celtic band Gaelic Storm as part of its Roll Out the Barrel Tour.
The concert will be at 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at the theater, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb.
Gaelic Storm will perform Celtic music. The concert also includes performances by country blues band Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band.
Gaelic Storm was founded in the mid-1990s in Santa Monica, California. The band’s performances include upbeat tunes and rhythms and celebrates Celtic culture.
Tickets cost $39. To buy tickets, visit egyptiantheatre.org, call 815-758-1225 or visit the Egyptian Theatre box office.
The Egyptian Theatre is owned and operated by the Preservation of Egyptian Theatre Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. – Shaw Local News Network
March 29 & 30, 2025 Sat 10-5 Sun 10-3
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, DeKalb County Community Gardens is making sure residents stay fed with Grow Mobile pop-up food pantries at locations throughout DeKalb County.
Rooted For Good lists March
Grow Mobile food pantry dates
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Rooted For Good released a list of March locations for Grow Mobile, a mobile food pantry that offers free food and household items to all who visit, no requirements necessary.
Rooted For Good is working to ensure the well-being of residents, staff and volunteers. Organizers ask that people practice good hand hygiene and stay home if they are ill.
To receive Grow Mobile alerts, text FreeGroceries to 844-727-2012.
Grow Mobile dates in March:
• 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. March 4 at the Clinton Township Community Building, 160 W. Lincoln Highway, Waterman.
• 3 to 5 p.m. March 6 at University
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Artificial intelligence workshop set for March 4 in DeKalb
DeKALB – Teens and adults can learn about the world of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT at a workshop held at the DeKalb Public Library.
The workshop will be held at 6 p.m. March 4 in the library’s lower-level
Village Apartments, 722 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.
• 3 to 5 p.m. March 11 at the Cortland Lions Club Shelter, 70 S. Llanos St., Cortland.
• 11 a.m. to noon March 13 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.
• 3 to 5 p.m. March 18 at University
Village Apartments, 722 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.
• 3:30 to 5 p.m. March 20 at the Malta Historical and Genealogical Society, 127 N. Third St., Malta.
• 4 to 6 p.m. March 25 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, 340 W. Arnold Road, Sandwich.
• 11 a.m. to noon March 27 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.
Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
Participants will be able to learn how AI works and ChatGPT helps people talk with computers. No registration is required to attend.
For information, email brittak@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2100.
– Shaw Local News Network
County Board remembers late colleague Jerry Osland
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Board spent time remembering one of their own, the late Jerry Osland, who died Feb. 2 and represented District 12 as a Republican on the board.
Wednesday was the first County Board meeting since Osland’s death. Many of his colleagues used their time Wednesday to grieve, reminisce and honor Olsand’s legacy as an elected official.
DeKalb County Republican Party Chair Tim Bagby, a board member from District 3, said Osland was proud of the corner of DeKalb County he was born and raised in.
“The way he said Sandwich let you know what he thought of his hometown,” Osland said. “He was proud of his prowess as a football player and things like that. He was a very unique individual.”
Rhonda Henke, a Republican representing District 1, said she thinks Osland’s sense of humor was second to none, but said there was more to his legacy.
“What I would like to remember Jerry by is he was a staunch supporter of anything that had to do with seniors,” Henke said. “He was adamant that we care for them.”
Osland, as well as Henke, was a member of the DeKalb County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center oversight board, which was formed in the aftermath of a failed effort to sell the nursing home to third-party buyers. Bagby said Osland was “kind of stubborn on some issues,” including solar, but mentioned how flexible he could be when it came down to it – particularly with the nursing home.
“He was, along with the rest of the board, among the people who when we had to face the tough decision to sell the nursing home voted to sell the nursing home,” Bagby said. “Then, when the circumstances changed and the ground had shifted, he was flexible
enough to not only support keeping her open, but he actually lended his hand to be on the nursing home committee.”
Osland was elected to the DeKalb County Board in 2016 and maintained the position until he died Feb. 2, according to his obituary. His time on the DeKalb County Board officially ended Wednesday when his seat was declared vacant.
The local Republican Party will be tasked with filling the seat.
Appreciation for Osland’s contributions to the community came from across the partisan aisle, too. Half of
the people who took time to honor Osland on Feb. 19 were Democrats.
Rukisha Crawford, a Democrat from District 6, called Osland “an awesome friend.”
“I just wanted to say thank you for the peaches he gave me, thank you for the jokes that we shared,” Crawford said. “I learned a lot from him.”
Osland’s ability to crack a joke was a common theme among those who reflected on his legacy. Democrat Mary Cozad, representing District 10, said she appreciated his “mildly snarky but very funny” sense of humor.
“Those of us that were kind of sitting back there, close to him, would be cracking up and trying to keep from giggling,” Cozad said. “The rest of the board wouldn’t have any idea what was going on. That was enjoyable.”
Democrat Terri Mann-Lamb, of District 7, said Osland took her under his wing when she was first elected to the board. She, like many others, described Osland as someone who could passionately stand his ground, but also said he had a compassionate, thoughtful and caring side to him.
Mann-Lamb said she saw that side of him before she left for an overseas trip.
“He had seen something in the news and he was concerned,” Mann-Lamb said. “He said, ‘I have something for you,’ while out in the parking lot and gave me pepper spray, and said ‘I want you to come home safe.’”
She said she felt “a huge loss” when she arrived for the DeKalb County Board meeting Wednesday and didn’t see his truck in the parking lot.
“I thanked him for everything he gave me and taught me,” Mann-Lamb said.
Republican Roy Plote, of District 11, served alongside Osland on the board’s highway committee for years.
“He is the one person that could hold [DeKalb County Engineer] Nathan [Schwartz] to the candle and get away with it,” Plote said. “His knowledge was definitely a unique experience in his world with doing underground tiling, and installations and waterworks, etc. He will be missed.”
Bagby concurred with Plote’s sentiment.
“He was not afraid of any administrator or any member of the public,” Bagby said. “He would ask whatever he wanted to ask, sometimes in a frank, friendly way and sometimes in a way that let you know he meant business. But if St. Peter is giving him a thumbs up tonight, I think it’s because of his greatest virtue, which was he was a Cardinals fan.”
He was not afraid of any administrator or any member of the public. He would ask whatever he wanted to ask, sometimes in a frank, friendly way and sometimes in a way that let you know he meant business. But if St. Peter is giving him a thumbs up tonight, I think it’s because of his greatest virtue, which was he was a Cardinals fans.”
Photo provided
Jerry Osland, Republican candidate for DeKalb County Board District 12
Tim Bagby, County Republican Party chair
DeKalb mayoral candidates share their platforms
2nd Ward candidates
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – DeKalb mayoral hopefuls got their chance to meet with voters and share their platforms this week during a public forum, where taxes, business growth and the role of city committees took center stage.
A little more than halfway through a question-and-answer period during a candidate forum Feb. 19 at Faranda’s Banquet Hall, 7th Ward Alderman John Walker spoke about one city committee that’s been defunct for a year. The city’s Human Relations Commission, previously tasked with reviewing city policies, doesn’t have enough members to meet, officials have said. The group, which still has a page on the city’s website, consisted of local residents meant to help review city code to ensure exist-
ing policies were fair and equitable.
“They dissect some of the issues we have in our town that City Council may not be able to touch,” Walker said. “I honestly think that the HRC really needs to be implemented as of yesterday. I believe we’re doing the city a disservice by not having the board to be able to break down some of things that go on in town.”
The commission’s failure to meet has come under recent public scrutiny, after some of its longtime members said they were not reappointed despite serving for years. Though the commission has no policy-making power in city government, its members can suggest City Council hold votes on certain policies.
Walker is challenging incumbent Cohen Barnes for DeKalb’s mayoral office. They’ll also face off against Northern Illinois University IT support associate Kouame Sanan and NIU educator Linh Nguyen.
Barnes, who as mayor is responsible for proposing city committee appointments, although City Council final
approval is required, reiterated similar comments he’s made suggesting the Human Relations Commission evolve into something else. Barnes said he’d like to see the commission evolve into a “Belonging Commission,” or a steering committee, which he admits may require a lot of time to get up and running.
“Ultimately, the point that we’re at right now is, do we keep the HRC around, who’s going to be on it and what’s their mission going to be?” Barnes said.
Nguyen, who was present during the Feb. 19 meet and greet but not invited to participate in the forum, has been in legal disputes with the city for her spot on the mayoral ballot. She’s running as a write-in candidate in the only race on Tuesday’s Primary Election ballot. If successful in that race, her name is expected to be next to the three other candidates in April.
Sanan said he sees no use for the
See FORUM, page 8
THEATRE/DANCE
Feb. 14-16, 20-22 Feb. 29-Mar. 2, Mar. 5-7 Holler River Prowess
Kendra Holton, Director Roxanna Conner, Director Black Box Theatre Sally Stevens Players Theatre Stevens Building Stevens Building
NIU.EDU/ ART MUSEUM
Mystery Dream Suite March 19 through May 10 OLSON GALLERY NIU.EDU/ART
Annual Juried Blick Art Materials Ars Nova Exhibition March 4-27
Mark Busch
DeKalb mayoral candidate Linh Nguyen, who will have to win a primary to get her name on the ballot, talks to an attendee Feb. 19 at the DeKalb Area Rental Association and DeKalb Area Builders Association Candidate Night at Faranda’s Banquet Center in DeKalb.
from page 7
Human Relations Commission.
The commission, which according to city code aimed to meet every other month, is tasked with advising the city and its departments on matters of policy to prevent discrimination and other things.
“Obviously, if they have not been meeting for a whole year, there’s no need for them,” Sanan said. “That’s how I see it. Because how are they a committee that doesn’t meet? That means there is nothing for them to work on.”
Forum discussion also broached the topic of taxes. In Barnes’ first term in office, city officials have pointed to growing business on the south side as a way to lower property tax rates for residents.
When asked how the city can continue the momentum, Walker said the key is to diversify the property tax base. He pointed to local developers.
“One of the main ways is with [founder of Communities by Grainger] Brian Grainger’s 55 and over retirement homes,” Walker said. “We have to bring money into the city in order to make it run. There’s no other way around it. You have to figure out things. You have to think outside the box.”
Sanan pointed to businesses.
“To me, I believe the way to reduce property tax rates is to keep working to bring businesses here,” Sanan said. “The more businesses who have been here that are contributing to the tax to increase the revenue for the city, which also, in turn, help the city reduce the property tax.”
Barnes said creating a business-friendly environment is critical.
“We have to have the right infrastructure,” Barnes said. “You have to have incentives. Incentives to attract them away from Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin. ... We are checking all those boxes right now. But it didn’t just happen. It took a lot of work. It took building a lot of relationships.”
City Council candidates share their platforms
Candidates running for DeKalb City Council’s lone contested race in Ward 2 took time to share their views and interests. Other Council seats up for election have only one candidate: Newcomer Justin Carlson for the 4th Ward; incumbent Andre Powell for the 5th Ward and incumbent Mike Verbic for the 6th Ward.
Vying for the 2nd Ward seat are incumbent Barb Larson and DeKalb
resident Michael Embrey, a U.S. Air Force veteran who also owns a local tourism and events company. Embrey also ran an unsuccessful campaign for DeKalb mayor in 2017. Laura Jackson had initially filed to run in the 2nd Ward race also, but dropped out to take a staffer role in State Rep. Amy Briel’s office.
In his opening remarks, Embrey said fancy resumes mean nothing.
“It’s about somebody who’s going to do the job,” Embrey said. “Somebody who’s going to be able to stand up and say, ‘I’m going to take responsibility.’ You can put all the accolades you want. You can put all the titles you want. You can put all the trophies and awards. That’s not going to make a successful civil servant. We want to be there to serve the people and that’s what it’s about.”
Larson said she encourages residents to reach out to her directly should they have any questions or concerns about what’s happening in the community.
“I love helping out the residents and their questions and problems,” Larson said. “I find working one-on-one the best and quickest way to help them out, which is why I haven’t held a ward meeting. Call me. I answer my phone.”
When asked how the city can continue its trajectory of lowering property tax rates for DeKalb residents, Embrey said it’s comes down to the city putting its best foot forward to be more visitor friendly.
“Our tourism dollars continue to grow,” Embrey said. “Millions of dollars have come to DeKalb from our special events whether it’s a university football game or whether it’s a concert at the Egyptian Theater. That’s new economic money that comes here all the time. It’s free money that comes to our town. ... We need to project ourselves as a visitor friendly city and if we don’t, we’re going to start losing a good chunk of that money.”
Larson said she believes the city shouldn’t take its residents for granted.
“There’s two ways to increase our revenue and it’s either residents or businesses, and there’s no way the current council is looking at the resident as a cash cow,” Larson said. “We are trying very hard to alleviate and ease up your tax burdens.”
The DeKalb City Clerk’s race won’t have any names listed on the ballot, though three have announced to run as write-in candidates: Lynn Fazekas, Steve Kapitan and Brad Hoey. Kapitan and Fazekas previously served as city clerks. Hoey is retired from NIU’s marketing department.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS CARRY
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
Dennis Leifheit
LOOKING BACK
1925 – 100 YEARS AGO
That the building operations will be as great as in 1924 is the expectation of contractors of DeKalb, as the erection of homes has already started on an active scale. One contractor in lumber yesterday afternoon stated that his firm has furnished lumber for five homes that are in the process of construction while orders have been filed for the erection of four more homes as soon as the weather is such that work can be started. This will be news that is of interest to the entire community.
All dirt and gravel roads in the county were yesterday closed to heavy trucks, the order to be effective until such time all the frost is out of the ground and the road bed such that heavy traffic will not cause ruts to be formed.
That automobile stealing in DeKalb is carried on a large scale may be gained from the fact that six automobiles, five of them Fords have been stolen from the street of DeKalb since the first of the year. Since December 1, 1924, nine automobiles have been stolen. Taking the records for this year, six cars have disappeared in a period of eight weeks. Some of the cities in this vicinity have a much larger record, the average being better than one car missing each week.
Marshall H., and a chicken thief seems to have been the cause for the excitement about 1:30 o’clock last night in the vicinity of South Fourth street. The shots, five in number, were heard by many people, and until noon today the shooting was a mystery. No record of the shooting could be found at the police station this morning. According to the story told by Marshall H., he arrived at his home on Roosevelt Street shortly after one o’clock to find a person coming out of his father’s chicken house. Going into the house after the revolver he returned and fired after the person. The thief ducked into the chicken house again and Marshall took two more shots at the place where he thought the man night be hiding. After the third shot the man made a run for liberty and escaped, although he was shot at again.
Construction work at the new bank
High winds and drifting snow yesterday combined to make travel around the county difficult. South First Street Road, south of DeKalb seemed to disappear in the mounds of swirling snow.
Santa Barbara, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol stopped Ronald Reagan’s red station wagon for speeding twice in two months. The first time, Reagan was governor, and no ticket was issued. The second time, he had left office, and his driver got a citation.
James Naismith, a Canadian-born teacher living in the United States, created the game of basketball in 1892 as a way to keep football players in top shape.
building at the intersection of Somonauk and Main streets in Sycamore was halted today on account of the extreme cold weather. The contractor was busy pouring cement for the foundation yesterday and the day previous, but it is reported today that he did not believe it would be best to continue such operations.
1950– 75 YEARS AGO
Brownout Information For DeKalb Residents – Following meetings with industry and business yesterday, at which time all agreed to take immediate steps to the use of electricity, the results were very encouraging. Last evening the power company was able to take a boiler off an hour and one-half earlier that the previous Friday night thus effecting a savings of 24 ton of coal.
The Chronicle office in Sycamore will be open next week despite its darkened appearance. In attempting to cut power uses 25 per cent along with everybody else, it was found that the only way it could be done was to eliminate some of the lights. Therefore, the light at the top of the stairway will be dark until the power shortage is relieved by end of the coal strike and two of the four lights in the office have been turned off.
The radio receiver for the Sycamore police station has been installed and is operating today. This connects the Sycamore police station directly with the sheriff’s radio enabling police officers in the station to contact officers in the squad car, the
sheriff, the Sycamore fire department, or any of the deputy sheriff’s out on the road. The radio was installed last night. The set of the police car has been working for some time.
There’s an art to soft-boiling an egg! The eggs must be at room temperature so as not to crack when dropped into the rapidly boiling water. Then cover the pan, turning off the burner and let the egg stand in the water for six minutes. The result is a perfect soft-boiled egg.
Russel C. of Maple Park was driving on Route 30 east of Big Rock the other day when a strong gust of wind aided the slippery ice in blowing his truck off the highway into the ditch where he struck a telephone pole, breaking it at the base. Part of his load of baled hay was thrown to the ground. There were no injuries and minor damages to the truck.
1975 – 50 YEARS AGO
Principals at six DeKalb schools expect no substantial changes in programs or number of teachers in 1975-76. Principals at Tyler and Chesebro elementary schools will lose six teachers. Tyler no longer will have three special education teachers. The district central administration will absorb special education costs. Chesebro, the new southeast school, which replaces Haish will lose 2.7 teachers due to declining enrollment. Other principals said their schools and staffs should remain essentially the same next year.
A study of mass transit needs in the DeKalb-Sycamore area will begin in the next few weeks. The study is expected to take about six months. A federal grant of $28,850 will pay for the survey.
2000 – 25 YEARS AGO
Casting shadows has been an educational experience for students and businesses in the DeKalb area. Youths in several area school districts have been studying a variety of career choices by working side by side with job-shadowing hosts such as medical centers, funeral homes, police department and other companies.
A new vote-tally system will made participating in this year’s DeKalb County primary election faster and easier than ever. The county plans to lease an Election System 2000, made by Governmental Business System Inc. of Burr Ridge, for the March 21 election at a cost of $45,000. The state-ofthe-art system features a paper ballot that’s easy to fill out. With the ES-2000, there no longer a need for punch-card systems.
The old Quonset hut on DeKalb Avenue in Sycamore was demolished recently as Soft Water City prepares to move to a different office. The new structure, behind the demolished hut, will house Soft Water City and have a permanent apartment for rent on the second floor. The current Soft Water City office is located to the right of the hut. –CompiledbySueBreese
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives
A mixture of horses and cars parked on Maple Street looking northeast in Sycamore, during a February 1936 cold snap. Courtesy of DeKalb County History Center Archives.
DCCF launches redesign of scholarship applications
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK
SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Community Foundation is launching a newly designed Universal Scholarship Application in 2025 and one application cycle, meant to help encourage more students to apply.
The streamlined application simplifies access to various scholarship opportunities using one convenient online form. In addition to one application, there will only be one application period for all scholarships, which opens Feb. 1 and closes April 1.
“Our goal in creating this new universal application and condensing our application period into one cycle is to make the process as efficient as possible for scholarship seekers at every stage,” Grants and Scholarships Manager Sara Nickels said in a news release. “Bringing all our awards into one application will automatically match qualified applicants to the appropriate scholarships, eliminating
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Kishwaukee College celebrates Career and Technical Education Month
MALTA – Kishwaukee College will join educational institutions and communities in celebrating Career and Technical Education Month in February.
Educational institutions and communities across the nation observe CTE Month to raise awareness of the role that CTE plays in preparing students for college and career success.
“CTE programs provide students with the skills and training necessary to fill in-demand roles in the local workforce. Students can gain real-world skills, explore careers to find their passion, and set up options for further college and career advancement,” Kishwaukee College dean of instruction Chase Budziak said in a news release.
the guesswork and, we hope, reaching more students.”
The Universal Scholarship Application allows high school seniors and college, nontraditional, and graduate students, to apply for the full range of the Foundation’s scholarship offerings. Applicants can test their eligibility for over 100 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.
The online application opens on Feb. 1, with an April 1 deadline. Students are encouraged to visit the Community Foundation website at dekalbccf.org/scholarships to learn more about available scholarships, view eligibility requirements, and submit applications.
For questions or additional information, contact Sara Nickels at 815748-5383 or s.nickels@dekalbccf.org.
Kishwaukee College’s programs adapt to meet local workforce needs. The programs provide students opportunities to in-demand, high-wage and high-skill careers. The courses also provide a shorter and cost-effective employment path. The college also works with local and regional employers to share industry insights and provide students internships and job opportunities.
Kishwaukee College had 65% of its program graduates employed in a related field and 98.5% employed in the state of Illinois in 2024, according to technical graduate surveys.
Illinois community college’s had 396,000 students participate in CTE programs and around 41,000 students graduate statewide.
For information, visit kish.edu/cte. – Shaw Local News Network ShawLocal.com/ games
Sycamore sisters honored for community contributions
Sycamore Chamber announces 2024 Clifford Danielson Outstanding Citizen Award recipient
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Two Sycamore sisters are expected to be presented next month with an award celebrating their local contributions, business prowess and dedication to the community.
The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 20 announced Michelle Schulz and Kris Wrenn as recipients of the 2024 Clifford Danielson Outstanding Citizen Award. The award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Sycamore community, and this year, it celebrates two sisters whose dedication, leadership and service have left a lasting impact.
Schulz and Wrenn have long been champions of Sycamore, dedicating their time, expertise, and resources to bettering the community in unique and meaningful ways, according to a news release from the Chamber.
“Michelle and Kris embody the true spirit of the Clifford Danielson Outstanding Citizen Award,” Chamber executive director Rose Treml said in a news release. “Their dedication to enhancing our community, whether through business, education, parks, or civic involvement, has left an enduring mark on Sycamore. They have made Sycamore a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Wrenn and Schulz will be honored and acknowledged at the Sycamore Chamber’s 108th Annual Meeting held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 6 at St. Mary’s Memorial Hall. All are invited though reservations are required by March 1. Call the Chamber at 815-8953456 to make a reservation.
Together, the sisters owned and operated Kar-Fre Flowers. Under the sisters’ ownership, the Kar-Fre Flowers donated merchandise, time, and expertise to local nonprofits, schools and charitable initiatives.
“Their annual holiday open house was a beloved tradition that welcomed families to celebrate the season, strengthening the small-town charm and camaraderie that defines Sycamore,” Sycamore Chamber staff wrote
The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 20, announced Michelle Schulz and Kris Wrenn as recipients of the 2024 Clifford Danielson Outstanding Citizen Award. The sisters will be awarded at the Chamber’s 108th Annual Meeting on March 6.
in a news release.
The sisters retired from the business, which as of 2024 has been owned by Adrienne Leach.
Schulz also has been a longtime advocate for parks, recreation and public spaces, according to the Chamber. She served on the Sycamore Park District Board of Commissioners from 2007-2021, and played a pivotal role in the ACTION 2020 Plan, a transformative initiative that led to the development of several recreational facilities, including the Sycamore Community Center, Splash Pad, Soccer Complex, Trail Connections and dog park. Schulz led the voluntee-run Community Center Committee, which helped fundraise $1 million to support these projects.
and fostering community connections, according to the Chamber. She served multiple terms on the Sycamore School District 427 board, where she worked to enhance educational opportunities for local students. She also was a dedicated volunteer in the district’s PTO, sports boosters, and music boosters clubs, helping to strengthen extracurricular programs and support student success. Wrenn’s dedication to Sycamore’s youth and schools ensured that generations of students had the resources they needed to excel both in and out of the classroom.
“Kris and Michelle clearly share the same vision that Clifford Danielson had many years ago that if community leaders share their passion, devote their time, and dedicate their career to enhance the quality of life in Sycamore we all would benefit,” Treml said. “We are proud to be honoring them at our 2025 Annual Meeting.”
The award is named after Cliff Danielson, who was the president and chairman of The National Bank and Trust Company and was active in the community for almost 70 years. Nominees must be Sycamore residents or people who have enhanced life in Sycamore and have 10 years of leadership in civic activities.
Wrenn’s legacy has been deeply rooted in education, civic engagement
Previous recipients include Herold “Red” Johnson, Hays Knodle, Bob Wildenradt, Joe Bussone, Peter Johnson, David Juday, Max Brantner, Marjorie Danielson, Dr. John Ovitz, Michael Cullen, Dean Copple, Robert Hammon, Russ and Berni Schelkopf, Mr. John Kroos, Yvonne Johnson, Mr. John Boies, Bill Nicklas, Tom and Joan Fenstermaker, Bruce Griffith, Ken Mundy, Beth and Richard Willey, Robert Boey, Tim Suter, Joel Barczak, Mike Larson, John Ward, Gary Evans, Kathy Countryman, Tom Doty and Ed Kuhn.
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.
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!
Photo provided by Sycamore Chamber of Commerce
DeKalb continues plans to replace lead-lined water pipes
City Council approves $50K in contracts, work could begin in spring
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – As the city of DeKalb seeks to comply with state requirements mandating municipalities replace residential water pipes lined with lead, officials this week approved a series of steps meant to begin the replacement process.
The city already has an existing and growing local database used to identify which homes have lead pipes.
The DeKalb City Council recently approved a pair of contracts to move the plan forward. A $45,000 contract will go to Badger Hydrovac to help expose identified utility lines for replacement in the ground. And a $5,000 contract with Engineering Enterprises will perform excavation of the shafts down to the water service lines.
“We have to positively identify every service line in this city,” City Manager Bill Nicklas said. “We’ve gone about this for years now.”
Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Illinois Lead Service Line Notification and Replacement Act into law in 2021. The bill was meant to lower health risks associated with lead in public water supplies by replacing aging pipelines and infrastructure under a set timeline.
One thing complicating matters is the city owns the water service line only from the water main to the shut-off box, officials have said. The rest of the service line, which extends from the sidewalk to inside the home, is owned and maintained by the property owner.
Under the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency mandate, all community service lines must be dug and exposed to help identify the type of piping material with two points of verification for potential replacement.
If lfound to have unknown or galvanized iron pipe, the city treats them in the same manner as lead and they must
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Conversations About Migration series to begin March 4 in DeKalb DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host the first of its Conversations About Migration series for people to discuss
be replaced in their entirety without verification, city documents show.
The city’s Water Division has spent hours over the past several years inventorying its 10,717 water service lines in DeKalb. Of that, 171 lines were identified as unknown or having galvanized iron, documents show. If found to contain lead, those service lines will need to be replaced.
The city also has pursued a $3.1 million forgivable loan through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to
help offset some of the engineering costs, city documents show. If granted, the work would begin in late June.
Nicklas said he hopes the city can obtain some help with this initiative.
“Hopefully, we can get that EPA money to finish,” Nicklas said.
Engineering and hydroexcavating work would begin in the spring as the temperatures warm. Work is expected to take a few weeks to complete.
Mayor Cohen Barnes said he’s proud of where the city stands with its lead ser-
vice line replacements.
“Being on the Illinois Municipal League and talking to mayors from around the state of Illinois, a lot of people are a lot further behind on their lead pipe replacement than we are,” Barnes said. “Definitely got to commend the water department and city administration as well as for just really staying on top of that. It’s nice to know that if we had the funds in a couple of years we could eliminate the last of the lead pipe plans.”
immigration-related media.
The event will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 4 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
The event will focus on children and
school. Attendees must read “Eleven” from “Woman Hollering Creek” by Sandra Cisneros and the first two chapters of “The Newcomers” by Helen Thorpe. Because of limited group space, registration is
required to attend.
For information or to register, email brittak@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2100.
– Shaw Local News Network
Shaw Local News Network file photo
A DeKalb water tower stands in the distance March 2, 2017, in DeKalb.
