DC_MidWeek_041526 by Shaw Media

Sycamore schools, teachers union agree to new contract

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By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

A local school district and teachers union have agreed to a two-year contract that will begin next school year.

The Sycamore School Board agreed to a multi-year contract with the Sycamore Education Association during a March 31 board meeting.

Sycamore School Board President Michael DeVito spoke positively of the new agreement after it was approved.

“Tonight’s vote reflects our shared commitment to empowering all learners to succeed in their world,” DeVito said immediately after the unanimous vote.

Sycamore Education President Lynnae Ihm, a LEAF teacher at West Elementary School, wrote that she was satisfied with the renewed agreement.

“The SEA prioritized ensuring that all members are clearly represented in

this agreement, and we believe meaningful progress has been made toward that goal,” Ihm wrote. “We also worked to create more equitable compensation for extracurricular responsibilities, including athletics, music, and club sponsorships.”

The new two-year contract will begin with the 2026-27 school year, and was agreed to months before the current agreement was poised to end.

“This agreement reflects what’s possible when educators and district leaders work collaboratively with a shared focus on students,” Ihm wrote.

“It strengthens our classrooms, supports our teachers, and helps ensure our district remains a place where great educators want to come and stay.”

In a statement provided by the school district, Sycamore Superintendent Kristen Campbell said she thinks the agreement shows appreciation for

the educators who teach the district’s students.

“We are proud of the collaborative process and the outcome, which strengthens our ability to support both our staff and our learners.”

During his brief post-vote speech, DeVito said the district expects a “wave” of retirements over the next two years; however, he believes the new contract with the Sycamore Education Association will make the Sycamore schools “a destination district” for educators.

In her comments to Shaw Local, Ihm wrote that base salaries were increased in hopes of recruiting and retaining educators, but the union also got new contract provisions as well.

“A significant aspect of this contract is the inclusion and recognition of many member groups who were not explicitly addressed in previous agreements,” Ihm wrote.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Save the Bees program set for April 21 in DeKalb

The DeKalb Public Library will offer a program for adults and teens to learn why bees are important to the ecosystem and how to protect them.

The free program will begin at 6 p.m. April 21 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.

Participants can explore bee-friendly yard care tips, ways to make a difference

PUZZLE ANSWERS

puzzlesonpage17

and honeybee, native bee and pollinator facts. No registration is required.

For information, email amyf@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 6108.

DeKalb library to hold bookmark sewing program April 19

Adults and teens will be able to sew a bookmark during a program at the DeKalb Public Library, The free program will run from 2 to

4 p.m. April 19 in the library’s 309 Creative makerspace, 309 Oak St.

Participants can learn how to sew a bookmark. Sewing machines and materials will be provided. Attendees also can bring their sewing machines. Due to limited space, the program is first-come, first-served.

For information, email Ambers@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851.

– Shaw Local News Network

ON THE COVER

In 2019, colon cancer survivor Jessica Catlin (black shirt) was a patient speaker at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance Undy Run/Walk. Standing with her in the inflatable colon is her family. See story, page 6.

CORRECTIONS

Accuracy is important to The MidWeek. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411 or email at readit@midweeknews.com.

Photo provided by Jessica Catlin

DeKalb High School performances of ‘Hairspray the Broadway Musical’ open April 16

Performances run through April 18

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

DeKalb High School is set to open its spring production the musical “Hairspray the Broadway Musical,” April 16.

The performances will begin at 7 p.m. April 16 through April 18 in the school’s auditorium, 501 W. Dresser Road.

“Hairspray,” based on the 1988 movie of the same name by John

Waters and the 2002 musical by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a teenager whose dream is to dance on “The Corny Collins Show.” She becomes an overnight celebrity which leads to social change as Tracy fights for the show to become integrated. The musical will be presented through special arrangements with Music Theatre International.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be bought at the musical or can be bought online before the musical at eventbrite.com/e/dekalb-highschool-presents-the-musical-hairspray-tickets.

Support MS Society at upcoming fundraiser at Sycamore Portillo’s

Fundraiser

is April 16 at Portillo’s; MS Walk is May 2 in St. Charles

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Local organizers are inviting the community to support the Multiple Sclerosis Society at an upcoming fundraiser at Portillo’s in Sycamore.

The fundraiser will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. April 16 at Portillo’s, 1780 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore.

Portillo’s will donate 20% of sales

towards the society’s MS Walk which is on May 2 at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles. Diners can show a fundraiser flyer or use the code “PORTILLOS29” when ordering online.

For information, visit portillos. com/good.

The fundraiser and MS Walk are organized by Tina’s Team, a group organized by Genoa resident Tina Brust who was diagnosed in 2000 and is in remission, according to event information.

The MS Society funds research with a goal of finding the cure for MS, to aid patient care and guide those navigating the illness.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

World War II battles seminar set for April 16 in DeKalb Teenagers and adults will be able to discuss the battles of World War II during a seminar at the DeKalb Public Library.

The free seminar will begin at 6 p.m. April 16 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.

Attendees will be able to discuss the U.S. involvement in the war, a key events timeline and battles which ended the war. The seminar is part of the library’s America250 initiative. No registration is required.

For information, call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150, or email thomask@dkpl.org. – Shaw Local News Network

Local youth treated to Easter fun at DeKalb Quick Stop

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

Organizers behind an Easter event held at DeKalb’s Quick Stop convenience store said it was hopping with food, goodies and educational fun.

It was a collaboration between DeKalb Quick Stop and the nonprofit organizations Midwest Family, Social Change and Project I Am, all of which have demonstrated a commitment to

giving back to the community and supporting area youth, according to a social media announcement. The festivities were open to all.

During the April 5 event, area youth were treated to pizza, handcrafted Easter baskets and educational activities.

All the festivities were meant to provide a fun way to help area youth succeed in school and in the community, according to a social media announcement.

Photos provided by Demetrius Page

LEFT: Attendees are treated to handcrafted Easter baskets April 5 during an Easter event held at DeKalb Quick Stop in DeKalb. ABOVE: Attendees engage in educational activities April 5 during an Easter event held at DeKalb Quick Stop in DeKalb.

Colorectal cancer is on the rise in younger adults

By DENISE M. BARAN-UNLAND dunland@shawmedia.com

On July 1, 2016, Jessica Catlin, 39, was on a train to see Guns N’ Roses play at Soldier Field when her intermittent rectal bleeding escalated.

Unfortunately, Catlin, formerly of St. Charles and now Chicago, was still several weeks away from the colonoscopy she’d fought to schedule because she was “too young” – despite a family history of rectal cancer, she said.

“Too young” doesn’t cut it anymore. Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in people younger than 50, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, people born in 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer and quadruple the risk of rectal cancer than people born in 1950, the American Cancer Society also said.

In 2025, Lincoln-Way East teacher Jason Berg shared on the Silver Cross Hospital video “Beating Colorectal Cancer: The Power of Early Detection” his colorectal cancer diagnosis at the age of 42.

Dana Borror, 44, of Crystal Lake, said she was 38 when her symptoms began: constipation and anemia.

Nick French, 41, of Rockford, said he had narrow stools shortly before experiencing “Montezuma’s Revenge” after a trip to Cancún, which progressed to constipation and bleeding.

Wenora Johnson of Joliet was lucky. In 2011, Johnson’s doctor ordered a fecal occult blood test since Johnson, 45 and asymptomatic, was too young for a colonoscopy.

In 2021, the recommended screening age for colonoscopy was lowered from 50 to 45.

Johnson was subsequently diagnosed with 3B colon cancer and Lynch Syndrome, a genetic condition that can cause colon and other cancers.

“In 2016, I had a total hysterectomy,” Johnson said in a 2020 interview, “only to find out I was already at stage 1 endometrial cancer. It [the genetic test] was spot on.”

And then in 2017, Johnson’s dermatologist “wound up cutting out two inches of basal cell carcinoma,” Johnson said.

But Catlin, Borror and French all heard their bleeding was likely due to hemorrhoids, they said.

Symptoms no one should ignore

According to GI Partners of Illinois, people should call their doctor if they have

• Bathroom habits that have quietly changed and stayed that way

• Persistent abdominal discomfort, cramps, gas, pain

• Feeling like your bowel doesn’t fully empty

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest

• Narrow or pencil-thin stools

“If you have symptoms, don’t mess around,” said Dr. Manish Bhuva, a board-certified gastroenterologist and board president of GI Partners of Illinois.

Doctors don’t fully know why cases are rising, but lifestyle and diet are key suspects, Bhuva said.

But risk factors include a diet high in ultra-processed foods, red meat, processed meats, sugary drinks, added sugars, and low in fiber (which increases inflammation in the colon) – with lack of exercise, obesity and disruption of the gut microbiome adding to the risk, Bhuva said.

radiation and a temporary ostomy. She turned 40 between radiation, which caused intense burns and instant menopause, and surgery, she said.

To update loved ones, Catlin blogged about her experiences, which she published in a book: “Full Circle: How Politics, Depression, and Yoga Helped Me Crush Colorectal Cancer and Crisis.”

‘Eat more fiber’

For two years, health care providers told Borror to “eat more fiber and drink more water,” Borror said.

When Borror also developed anemia (attributed to her menstrual cycle), she was told to “take more iron,” she said.

“Which causes constipation,” Borror said. “The constipation – it was never-ending.”

Two years later, Borror began passing small amounts of “hardly noticeable” blood, which was blamed on “probably internal hemorrhoids” caused by constipation, she said.

In late 2022, Borror finally received a referral to see Bhuva, who worked with her insurance company to approve a colonoscopy, she said.

Borror was subsequently diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at 41.

She had surgery to remove “a lot” of her colon, a colectomy and six months of chemotherapy.

Colonoscopy remains the gold-standard screening test for colon cancer because it finds and removes polyps, Bhuva said. Stool-based tests are good at detecting colon cancer but less effective at detecting cancer precursors, he added.

Bhuva understands why people avoid colonoscopies.

“It’s not like going on vacation; it’s not a pleasant thing,” Bhuva said. “You’re not eating for a day, the prep. But it’s not like you’re doing it every month.”

‘Can I please get a colonoscopy?’

When multiple doctors didn’t take her rectal bleeding seriously, Catlin said she finally “pulled out the family history card.”

“My grandmother died of this. Can I please get a colonoscopy?” Catlin pleaded.

The colonoscopy found a 2-inch lesion in Catlin’s rectum. Catlin had stage 3 rectal cancer.

Catlin had surgery, chemotherapy,

“Chemo is a beast,” Borror said. “It’s rough. And I had kids. I was working fulltime. It was very challenging. But I had a great circle of friends and family; they were bringing me dinners and all those things.”

Borror said she takes a ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) blood test every three months to check for cancer DNA in her body. Because ctDNA is an emerging technology, private insurance and Medicare don’t always pay for the test.

‘I had a tumor blocking three-fourths of my colon’

French also sought several opinions before a colonoscopy was scheduled six months out.

French said it was “a gigantic shock” to learn – post-colonoscopy – he had “a tumor blocking three-fourths of my colon.”

The diagnosis? Stage 3 colon cancer –at 38 and subsequent treatment at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center’s cancer center.

French underwent chemotherapy,

Photo provided by Jessica Catliin

In 2017, Jessica Catlin (left) stands with her friend Hilary Moore during one of Catlin’s eight chemotherapy sessions for colorectal cancer.

11AM - 1PM PRESENTED IN PART

SATURDAY APRIL 18

SYCAMORE Community Expo & Job Fair

GIVEAWAYS, ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS, AND MORE!

SYCAMORE PARK DISTRICT

LOOKING BACK

1926 – 100 YEARS AGO

Announcement is made today by Commissioner of Public Works, Harry B. Goodison, that Gund Graham & Company of Freeport, the firm recently awarded the contract for the paving work in DeKalb in 1926, expects to start work next week, possibly before. It is said that North Eleventh Street will be one of the first streets to be paved and at this time the stakes have been placed and grading operations may start this week.

Farny Wurlitzer, formerly vice president of the Wurlitzer Grand Piano Company, was yesterday afternoon elected president of the company at a special meeting held in Chicago. Mr. Wurlitzer will succeed F. S. Rauworth, of Dekalb, who early this week announced his resignation as president of the piano company in order that he may enter into business for himself.

Sycamore people by the hundreds were downtown Tuesday night to get the news of the election furnished through the cooperation of the telephone girls, County Clerk S. M. Henderson and The Chronicle at the Seeaneye Inn. During the early evening a crowd of several hundred people were on the street, congregated in the Inn, and on the side walks and in the street. As soon as a Chronicle bulletin was received it was posted on the window, and there was a general scramble on the part of the interested ones to see how this or that candidate might be fairing. The telephone at the Seeaneye Inn was one of the busiest in the city. The last inquiry concerning the race of the various candidates was received at 1:35 Wednesday morning.

According to reports, the Genoa Road leading to the pavement of route 23 has been given much attention during the last days and is now open to traffic. For several days the road was a typical slough and vehicles of any kind had difficulty in getting through.

Members of the DeKalb fire department and hundreds of other people of the city who know something of the life of a fireman, are deeply interested in the election of next Tuesday, at which time the little ballot affecting the fire department will be voted. The boys at the station are confident that the people will vote “yes” on the little ballot,

cials have notified the city they want a rate hike under terms of the present franchise ordinance, which was signed in 1964.

If you were arrested in DeKalb last year, chances are you are a white male between the ages of 18 and 21. If you were the victim of a burglar, chances are it happened at home, you don’t know when it occurred and you probably got little or nothing back.

The elaborate Lincoln Memorial in Springfield houses the original tomb built just after the President’s assassination in 1865. During the transfer of the body from the Lincoln family crypt, thieves attempted to kidnap the body for ransom.

which will make possible the regulating of the working hours. They believe that people realize that a 24 hour a day job is getting to be a thing of the past, and will be willing to accept the issue.

1951 – 75 YEARS AGO

Apropos of the news which has had everybody talking this week, it might be well to recall that when politicians get delusions of grandeur, they start firing able generals. A comparatively recent case in point was the manner in which one Adolf Hitler disposed of one of the ablest generals, Marshall Tommel, the Desert Fox. There are many other instances which could be cited if you know your history.

A fire which caused considerable damage occurred at the Waterman Locker plant owned by the DeKalb Locker plant owned by the DeKalb Locker Company on Wednesday evening at 8:20 o’clock. The loss is estimated from $500 to $600. W. M. discovered the fire and turned in the alarm. From all indications the fire started from an overheated oil stove and was hard to extinguish because of the ammonia gas pipes. The Waterman Fire Department extinguished the fire in a comparatively short time.

A survey of the Sandwich Civil Defense organization reveals Sandwich can supply,

for a period of a week or longer without outside supplies, food, clothing and shelter for 1,000 extra people.

All lights and power in the business district of DeKalb was cut off for a short time about 8:40 o’clock last night when high winds caused a short in the power circuits. Officials of Central Illinois Light Company said that the winds had probably whipped some branches across the lines causing a temporary short. Service was resumed after a lapse of a minute or two.

Police Chief John Remsey today has an official warning for all DeKalb youths owning and operating motor bikes. With spring here, the chief said, boys are starting to get out the motor bikes and he said that a word of warning was timely. According to the chief, boys must be at least 15 years old, and have a valid driver’s license before they can operate a motor bike. Also, the chief said, the bike itself must have a license from the state.

1976 – 50 YEARS AGO

The DeKalb City Council will try to iron out some of its differences with Warner Cable Co., tonight. Mayor Carroll Van Patter has called a special meeting to discuss cable television rates and the city’s franchise ordinance with Warner. Warner offi-

After almost four months of operation, Kishwaukee Community Hospital is preparing to open a new combination medical and surgical wing. Occupancy at the new hospital has been climbing steadily since it opened Dec. 27, 1975. March was the busiest month since May of 1972, when the former DeKalb Public Hospital reached its most active period.

2001 – 25 YEARS AGO

For its work with Safe Passage, the Sycamore Police Department has been recognized as one of the top agencies for victim services in Illinois.

It was a scene that one witness compared to the Oklahoma land rush of 1889. On Saturday morning, kids ranging from infants to 3rd graders lined the area of Hopkins Park designated for the DeKalb Park District’s annual Easter egg hunt. At the sound of the whistle, the multitude rushed forward to stake their claim on as many of the colorful plastic eggs as they could collect in their assorted bags, buckets and baskets.

A mother and two of her daughters took a little off the top on Wednesday to provide a lot more up there for cancer patients. Xuyen Nguyen and two of her daughters, Cecilia, 13 and Angela, 10, participated in the Locks of Love program. Locks of Love is a not-for-profit organization that provides hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children younger than 18 who suffer from medical hair loss.

Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives

The First Church of Christ, Scientist (formerly St. John’s English Lutheran Church), looking southeast across North Main Street from Exchange Street in Sycamore, 1949.

DeKalb County nursing center ranks 25th in best nursing homes

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center recently was ranked 25th in Newsweek’s America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026 rankings.

The ranking highlights nursing homes which stand out for commitment to safety, care quality and residential well-being.

The ranking also reflects the nursing center’s staff’s dedication to providing high-quality care in a supportive, clean and professional environment.

“Our team works hard every day to ensure residents feel safe, respected, and cared for,” DeKalb County administrator Ruth Kedzior said in a news release. “As I continue learning more about county operations, I am especially impressed with the Rehab & Nursing Center. The facility is exceptionally clean, professional, and welcoming. It was touching to talk to some of the residents and learn how special the nursing home is to them. Making this coveted

list is a validation of what we already knew, and receiving this honor is very exciting.”

“For over 170 years, our county nursing home has been a cornerstone of care and compassion in this community,” DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center administrator Bart Becker also said in the news release. “Being named among the top 25 nursing homes, with over 150 beds, in Illinois is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hardworking team members who treat every resident like family. We are deeply grateful to be part of so many lives and proud to continue delivering the high-quality, person-centered care our community deserves.”

The DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center is a not-for-profit, Medicareand Medicaid-certified nursing home which offers various services including restorative care, memory care, rehabilitation, long-term support, nursing and respiratory therapy.

For information, call 815-758-2477 or visit dekalbcountyrehab.org.

• COLORECTAL CANCER

Continued from page 6

radiation, then surgery (“They took my entire colon,” he said) and then the ileostomy.

“I was freaking out for a few days: ‘What is life going to be like, life with this bag? Poor, poor me,’” French said. “But I had the surgery and within a couple of months, it’s normal.”

Survivors and advocates

Johnson, a staunch advocate for colorectal cancer awareness, appeared at the March 3 Joliet City Council meeting to thank the council for issuing a proclamation recognizing March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month for the third year in a row.

“As a three-time cancer survivor, patient, and research advocate, I know firsthand proclamations like this are more than words on paper. They are a call to action,” Johnson said to Joliet City Council members. “And sometimes they are the push someone needs to make a lifesaving appointment.”

Borror volunteers in the buddy program of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (Blue Hope Bash Chicago is May 1) and was paired with a 41-year-old woman

during one of

hospital visits. Borror, now 41, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at 41 after two years of symptoms.

who also had stage 3 colon cancer, who recently died, she said.

French had one message: “Get your colonoscopy.”

Borror said people should insist doctors take symptoms seriously and push for answers.

Catlin agreed.

“I would rather be alive than polite,” Catlin said.

Photo provided by Dana Borror Colorectal cancer survivor Dana Borror of Crystal Lake is seen

her

Skin cancer prevention for seniors

Wisdom and age frequently go hand in hand. But when it comes to knowledge of the latest medical advancements, some older adults may not be up-to-date. Medical recommendations evolve over time. After all, it wasn’t too long ago people were told to avoid foods containing high amounts of dietary cholesterol because it would raise their own blood cholesterol levels. Now MedlinePlus says the general consensus is that eating dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol for most people. And people in their 70s may have raised children thinking it was fine to lay the child in the crib on the baby’s stomach. Now the advice is “back is best.”

Medical professionals now know that exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun and tanning beds can contribute to the development of skin cancer. But just a few generations ago people were slathering on baby oil and using suntan reflectors to accelerate tanning. The risk of skin cancer is raised for those who have had cumulative exposure to the sun. So it is essential that seniors practice sun safety every day so they are not adding to the damage that already may have occurred. It’s also foolish to think, “I’ve made it this long without skin cancer, and it takes decades to develop, so I’m never going to get it.”

No one knows how long they will live and it’s important to take care of oneself to live as strong, healthy and long as possible. To that end, seniors can employ these sun safety tips, courtesy of the Skin Cancer Foundation.

¥ Learn the facts. Suffering just five sunburns over your lifetime more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma, and each successive tan or sunburn raises the risk even further. Suntans damage the skin’s DNA and age it before its time. Also, skin undergoes changes that reduce defenses against disease and healing. One bad burn as a senior may be the final straw.

¥ Use sunscreen. Sunscreen may not have been widely used when today’s seniors were young. Just because that was the norm then doesn’t mean things can’t change now. It’s never too late to reduce your skin cancer risk by lathering on sunscreen daily Ñ even when the sun doesn’t seem particularly strong. Seniors should look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 for daily use.

¥ Wear protective clothing. Choose tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats to protect you. You can purchase clothing that has sun protection built right in.

¥ Avoid being outside during certain times of day. Stay out of the sun when it is at its peak. Radiation is typically the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That’s when the risk for skin damage is highest, says the American Cancer Society.

¥ Seek shade. When spending time outdoors, seek shady spots, whether you’re under an umbrella or in tree-lined areas.

Sun safety for seniors is generally the same for people of all ages. But it becomes a more urgent necessity due to cumulative sun exposure that comes with age.

Seniors can employ these sun safety tips, courtesy of the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb 310 North Sixth Street DeKalb, Illinois 60115

Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb

310 North Sixth Street DeKalb, Illinois 60115

Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190

Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb

Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb 310 North Sixth Street • DeKalb, Illinois 60115 Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190

Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190

310 North Sixth Street • DeKalb, Illinois 60115

Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190

The Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb is accepting pre-applications for the Low Income Public Housing Program from applicants who are income eligible and have two (2) or more local preferences. Sequoya Apartments in Shabbona is accepting applications from the Elderly and/ or Disabled. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is accepting applications from households who are income eligible and whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability.

The Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb is accepting pre-applications for the Low Income Public Housing Program from applicants who are income eligible and have two (2) or more local preferences. Sequoya Apartments in Shabbona is accepting applications from the Elderly and/or Disabled. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is accepting applications from households who are income eligible and whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability.

• Accommodations for independent living seniors, couples or person with disabilities

•Security Features

•Laundry Facilities

• Security Features

•Laundry Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

•Friendly On-site Management

•Clean & Safe Atmosphere

• Friendly On-site Management

•Clean & Safe Atmosphere

• Clean & Safe Atmosphere

•24 Hour Maintenance Service

• 24 Hour Maintenance Service

For more information, please call 815-758-2692, or applications are available online at www.dekcohousing.com

For more information, please call 815-758-2692, or applications are available online at www.dekcohousing.com THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER

THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER

Photo provided by Joseph Bennett

New Taco Alley on 38 to bring authentic Mexican food to DeKalb

Tamales

Los Girasoles is expanding to DeKalb, bringing beloved dishes closer to customers

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

Fans of Tamales Los Girasoles soon won’t have to head to Malta to get their fix of authentic Mexican food.

Owners Teresa and Efraen Garcia, are expanding their claim to fame with a second location, this time in DeKalb and under a new name, Taco Alley on 38.

An opening date has not yet been

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Goat yoga sessions to return April 16 to DeKalb

The DeKalb Public Library will partner with Blue Sky Farm Goat Yoga to offer two goat yoga sessions for community members ages 12 and older. The free sessions will be held at 1 and 2:15 p.m. April 18 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.

ROBERT MARSH ‘BERT’ FREDRICK

Born: August 25, 1938 in Sycamore, Ill.

Died: April 5, 2026 in DeKalb, Ill.

Robert Marsh “Bert” Fredrick, 87, a deeply admired educator, coach, and beloved figure in the Sycamore, Ill., community, passed away April 5, 2026, at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb.

Born August 25, 1938, in Sycamore, to Helen and Harold Fredrick, Bert’s life was deeply rooted in the community he would go on to shape for generations.

At Sycamore High School (Class of 1956), Bert’s energy and determination quickly set him apart. A standout four-sport athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track, he received all-state honors in both football and basketball. He was a key player on the 1955 Illinois state championship football team under

announced, but the new spot is anticipated to open in mid-April or May.

Teresa Garcia said she and her husband have been longing for the opportunity to do business in DeKalb.

“Because we live in DeKalb and since I started with the food business, a lot of people like my food,” she said. “... It’s all about the people.”

The Garcias have been looking for a DeKalb spot since they took up the idea of running their own restaurant in 2020.

Around that time, they began renting out space in the kitchen at Jazzy’s Spot along West Lincoln Highway in DeKalb.

“We decided to open another place because a lot of people from DeKalb they say it’s a little far from them,” Teresa Garcia said. “... They like the food and

everything, but they don’t want to drive to Malta because it’s a little far for them.”

Since then, the Garcias have operated their own restaurant in nearby Malta at 4199 Route 38.

Teresa Garcia said business has been going so well for her and her husband that they’re looking to expand.

“Everybody likes it,” Teresa Garcia said. “That’s why I decided to have my own thing.”

The Garcias are in the process of making preparations to open a second restaurant at 817 W. Lincoln Highway, Unit H, in DeKalb.

Some of the main staples from the menu at Tamales Los Girasoles are the quesadillas, tacos and tamales.

At Taco Alley on 38, customers can

expect all of the same go-to dishes on the menu.

Teresa Garcia said she and her husband take great pride in running their own restaurant.

“Everything is ready for them to serve,” Teresa Garcia said.

When asked if there’s a secret to making authentic Mexican food, Teresa Garcia said it’s simple.

“I think the food tastes better when you love what you do,” she said.

The new location, which is near the Northern Illinois University campus, will include space for both indoor and outdoor dining.

“It’s close to school, so [there are] a lot of students walking around all the time,” Teresa Garcia said.

The sessions will be led by a certified yoga instructor. Participants must bring a yoga mat or towel that can get dirty. Attendees will be able to pet, snuggle and take pictures with the goats after the sessions. The goats are not potty trained. Attendees ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Due to the sessions being limited to 25 people, the sessions are first-come,

first-served.

For information, email chelsear@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1700.

Seated fitness sessions set for April 16 and 20 in DeKalb

Adults of all fitness abilities can attend two seated fitness sessions at the DeKalb Public Library.

The free sessions will be held at

10:30 a.m. April 16 and 11 a.m. April 20 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.

The sessions include seated fitness routines. Attendees are encouraged to wear breathable clothes. No registration is required.

For information, email amyf@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 6108.

– Shaw Local News Network

coach Pete Johnson, and his success on the field earned him induction into the Sycamore High School Hall of Fame as well as a football scholarship to Northwestern University. Bert played quarterback at Northwestern, but when an injury forced an end to his playing career, he adapted with characteristic resilience, turning to coaching as a student assistant under future legends Ara Parseghian (University of Notre Dame) and Bo Schembechler (University of Michigan). He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and later earned his master’s degree, setting the stage for a burgeoning lifetime career in teaching and mentorship.

After college, Bert returned home to Sycamore, where he began what would become more than three decades of service in the school district as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and leader. In 1968, he succeeded his former coach and mentor, Pete Johnson, as head varsity football coach, a position he held until 1983. Under his leadership, Sycamore’s teams reached the Illinois state semifinals in 1976 and 1978.

Bert was a disciplined, deeply committed coach who believed in hard work, accountability, and doing things the right way. More than wins and losses, he instilled values that stayed with his players long after their final game. He earned the respect of his players, colleagues, and opponents alike, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. His contributions were recognized with multiple inductions into the Sycamore Sports Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the most accomplished figures in the community’s athletic history.

Even after retiring, Bert remained a fixture in local sports, continuing to influence the game and its athletes through his steady commitment to fairness, accountability, and integrity as a referee. Across generations, he shaped the lives of students, athletes, and colleagues, leaving a legacy that extended far beyond the field.

Apart from athletics, Bert cherished time outdoors. A lifelong bird hunter and fisherman, he especially enjoyed hunting pheasants and ducks alongside his dogs. He was a prolific

gardener who took immense pride in his yard, spending countless hours tending to it and ensuring that the iconic Northwestern football helmet mailbox stood as a familiar landmark for all who entered or left Sycamore.

He is survived by his wife, Kay; his children, Bryan (Margaret “Pete”) Fredrick and Suzann (Bill) Wilder; his stepchildren, Christopher (Danielle) Field and Kevin (Beth) Field; his sister, Joyce (Bill) Roberts; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the North Grove School Association, 26745 Brickville Road, Sycamore, IL 60178, where his mother, Helen, once taught, as well as to Pheasants Forever and Second Chance Bird Dogs.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Friday, April 24, at Olson’s Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178. For information, 815-895-6589.Visit www. olsonfh.com to leave a condolence.

City of Dekalb mourns death of firefighter, paramedic

By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com

A DeKalb firefighter/paramedic who died April 6 while off duty has been identified.

The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois identified the deceased as DeKalb firefighter Juan Gasca. A DeKalb city news release didn’t say how Gasca died.

DeKalb Fire Chief Luke Howieson said Gasca’s death happened while he wasn’t working. He said the city isn’t planning to release any further information about the cause of death to respect the family’s wishes.

“Our focus remains on supporting the firefighter’s family, friends and our department members during this difficult time,” according to the city release.

Howieson echoed that sentiment again in a phone call late April 7.

“I know the community cares,” Howieson said. “There are a lot of people and organizations that have reached out about it, and our heartfelt thanks for that. It’s definitely appreciated. It’s obviously something we never expected to go through, so it’s going to be tough over the next week and in the coming weeks.”

Gasca, 25, of Genoa, was a graduate of Genoa-Kingston High School, where he played football and baseball. He was remembered by loved ones for being a supportive big brother and a doting son, according to his obituary. He was engaged to Leyah Langley, whom he loved “with his whole heart,” on Aug. 19, 2025, according to the obituary.

“Juan had so many friends that he cared for,” according to the obituary. “He loved doing activities with them, like fishing, hunting, golfing, and playing pool at Hill’s Tap. He was a great friend to all.”

He was remembered for his love of cooking and being an EMT and later a firefighter and paramedic working at various departments across DeKalb County. He was with the DeKalb Fire Department for four years.

“Through every laugh, every quick-witted joke, every piece of honest advice, and every moment of unwavering strength, you’ve been more than just reliable – you’ve been the kind of best friend with a heart that makes life brighter just by being in it,” loved ones wrote in Gasca’s obituary.

When reached Tuesday night, Mayor Cohen Barnes called Gasca’s death a “sad state of affairs.”

“To lose one of our firefighters in the city of DeKalb is just crushing,” Barnes said. “Because we have an amazing

department, we have an amazing leadership in place, and we have an amazing group of firefighters that spend their days trying to make sure that the city of DeKalb and the region are as safe as possible.”

The mayor urged the public to continue supporting the department’s personnel in the difficult days ahead. He said they’re close-knit like a family.

“It just breaks your heart when you lose one of those amazing individuals,” Barnes said. “Every opportunity we have to show a little bit of grace to our first responders, I would just encourage everyone to take that moment and show that grace because these are people that literally put themselves on the line for the safety of all of us. And in a moment like this, it’s the perfect opportunity for the community to come together and thank them and support them as we come together during this tragedy.”

The funeral will be private, not open to the public, Howieson said.

“The DeKalb Fire Department sincerely appreciates the support and understanding of the community,” according to the city’s statement. Funeral arrangements are pending. Please respect the privacy of the family as they navigate this difficult time.”

Tributes began pouring in on social media Tuesday night from surrounding first responder departments, including in DeKalb County.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in DeKalb as they grieve the loss of one of their own,” the Sycamore Fire Department posted. “There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a firefighter. This job forges a bond that goes far beyond a uniform. And when one of us falls, we all feel it.”

“No matter the patch on our shoulder, we are one family,” the Maple Park Fire Department posted.

“We stand with our brothers and sisters in DeKalb,” the Cortland Fire Department posted.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the DeKalb Fire Department and the friends and family of our lost brother,” the Genoa-Kingston Fire Protection District posted.

“Our hearts are heavy with the loss of a brave firefighter who dedicated his life to protecting others,” the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office posted. “The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters. His courage, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

1,875,498.30

Kelsey Rettke

A mourning banner hangs on the sign of DeKalb Fire Station No. 1 at 700 Pine St., on April 8. The sign was hung and the American flag flown at half-staff to mourn the death of DeKalb firefighter Juan Gasca, who died while off duty on April 6.

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