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GOP District 14 candidate Jim Marter talks healthcare, federal spending at Hinckley town hall
Oswego man vying to replace U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
Discussion of healthcare, federal spending priorities and education were among some of the hot topics highlighted at a town hall on May 6, as Jim Marter, R-Oswego, seeks to connect to voters in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District ahead of the November election.
Marter is vying for a seat in Congress this fall, hoping to replace incumbent candidate Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville. District 14 includes portions of Bureau, DeKalb, Kane, Kendall, Putnam and Will counties.
The town hall, held at the Hinckley Community Center, opened up with some remarks from Marter and was followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
In his public remarks, Marter said he believes healthcare is at issue.
“A lot of folks, including my opponent, will lie to people about what I would do or not do with respect to healthcare,” Marter said.
When asked for comment about the town hall, the campaign team for Underwood declined.
Marter said the Affordable Care Act is not achieving its intended aim, as healthcare did in 2002 when he turned to the marketplace for private health insurance.
PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzlesonpage13
Underwood, a licensed nurse, has attempted to take steps to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare for Illinoisans.
Also discussed during the town hall were federal spending priorities.
Marter questioned whether special interests are influencing how taxpayer money is allocated.
The Hinckley Public Library was named a beneficiary of over $1 million in federal funding, secured with help from Underwood in 2024. The money was netted to help complete the second phase of rehabilitation and renovations to the 6,000-square-foot building, which needed improvements to address asbestos and patron accessibility issues. Underwood has said the funding helps support local communities and resources residents care about.
“Why are we doing that?” Marter said. “Why are we using the federal government to fund out, loan some money here and loan some money there?”
Last fall, she and other Democrats pushed for the Premium Tax Credits enacted under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to be extended.
“The problem was it’s become anything but affordable unless you’re the one at the bottom of the scale, which most people are not, by the way,” Marter said.
“Most working people don’t get the free plans. They don’t get all those benefits that the politicians in Washington like to talk about. So, it ran the cost of everything up.”
Marter previously served on the Oswego Public Library District’s Board of Trustees from 2021 to 2025.
“It’s an interesting thing, but if you look around the country all of our history, libraries usually they’re funded locally, not with federal dollars,” Marter said. “I would only ask the question, was that the best use of your money? Because that money was your money, was my money, was everyone in the 14th district who’s been taxed, who works, and has been taxed.”
See TOWN HALL, page 4
ON THE COVER
Volunteers Julie and John Ahlbach load up their van on April 17 to deliver food to local residents as part of the Voluntary Action Center’s Meals on Wheels program.
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.
Mark Busch file photo
Megann Horstead file photo
Jim Marter, R-Oswego, addresses a crowd at a May 6 town hall meeting in Hinckley. Marter is campaigning for Illinois’ 14th Congressional District to replace incumbent candidate Lauren Underwood.
DeKalb County youth help support charity efforts for nonprofits
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK ksantillan@shawmedia.com
Youth Engaged in Philanthropy awarded $19,200 in grants to support projects and programs serving youth across DeKalb County.
A total of 13 community and nonprofit organizations received funding through this youth-led grantmaking initiative.
“It was an honor to help lead YEP’s grant decisions this year,” YEP Grants Chair Ryken Scott of Genoa-Kingston High School said in a news release. “These grants support nonprofits serving youth in our area.”
This year, YEP received more than $35,000 in grant requests. After thoughtful review, discussion and a final approval from the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors, the YEP committee awarded funding to the following organizations:
2026 YEP Grant recipients:
• Rooted for Good: $2,539 to buy hygiene products for school district-wide food pantries
• Tails Humane Society: $2,025 to buy “pet adoption kit” supplies for a youth volunteer program to assemble and distribute
• Genoa Public Library District: $1,786 to buy VR and drone technology to enhance and increase student involvement in the K-8 STEM program
• Suicide Prevention Services: $1,639 to buy play therapy games, toys, and craft items for youth who struggle with suicidal thoughts and/or are affected by suicide
• Two Rivers Head Start Agency: $1,639 to buy culturally representative books and toys for a diverse children’s (ages 3 to 5) development program
• DeKalb Community Unit School District 428: $1,610 to buy additional bilingual books (English/Spanish) to enhance elementary classrooms
• Family Service Agency of DeKalb County Inc.: $1,289 to buy educational materials and supplies for a mentoring program focused on the mental health of underserved youth
• Family Service Agency of DeKalb County Inc.: $2,500 proactive grant from the YEP 2.Pro committee to support FSA’s “Roots to Rise” initiative supporting its youth shelter program
• Neighbors’ House: $1,189 to buy books and activity supplies for summer reading programs in income-eligible housing
• Kishwaukee Family YMCA: $859 to acquire laser tag equipment, kettlebells and medicine balls to increase middle school and high school youth involvement in healthy activities
• Northern Public Radio (WNIU/ WNIJ): $789 to buy soccer tournament supplies for an annual cross-cultural family festival
Every year, manufacturers make available over $33 billion for merchants to use in cobranded advertising initiatives. Most of this money goes unused. But we know how to produce it for you! Call 630-845-5233, we offer the area’s most advanced and successful co-op advertising service. We will research your co-op opportunities and help cut your advertising costs in half!
Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation YEP members conduct a site visit at the Genoa Public Library.
Continued from page 2
During the Q&A session, Big Rock resident Rand York expressed his support for Marter.
“I find that I’ve never found the platform I’ve agreed with all the way up and down the line,” York said. “I never found a political candidate with whom I agreed on everything. I disagree with you on a number of things, but what’s important is that I trust you. That is one of the rarest things in politics – the people that you can actually trust.”
York said he believes the nation has become divisive these days, and he wants a representative in Congress who understands that and is open to bridging the divide.
“You don’t have blinders on where you’re not going to hear what anyone has to say,” York said. “That is what we need in a representative, not an idealist. But a realist who understands the people that you purport to represent, which I do not believe that our current representative does. ... But you are one of those, I think, rare people who do listen and who don’t write anybody off.”
York’s sentiments were shared by some attendees of the town hall, including Hinckley residents Tim and Debbie
Hannan.
“It has become segmented,” Debbie Hannan said. “There’s no feeling of community.”
Debbie Hannan said Marter provides a different voice for voters at a time when conservative views may not always be heard.
Marter has been taking to the campaign trail ahead of the Nov. 3 election by hosting meet-and-greets, attending events and hosting the first of what he said is hoped to be several planned town halls.
Marter said he wants the voters to get to know him better.
“One of our main goals this cycle is to do whatever we can [to] get the message out,” Marter said.
After the meeting, when asked if he would stand up to Republican President Donald Trump should he ever not agree with him, Marter said he believes he’s the right candidate for the job.
“I can tell you that with me and President Trump, there’s probably a number of issues we don’t agree at all on,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean that I can’t have a relationship with him, that I can’t support the things that I do support him doing, and that I can’t, let’s say, vote the other way on things that I don’t agree with. To me, that would be a non-issue for me.”
• NONPROFITS
Continued from page 3
• CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates: $539 to buy supplies for a 5K event supporting youth in the court system who have experienced abuse or neglect
• Genoa-Kingston Community Unit School District 424: $408 to buy equipment for livestream, student-led high school sports broadcasts
• Children’s Community Theatre: $389 to buy a keyboard and music stands for a youth theater program serving
actors with special needs
YEP is a youth-led program of the DeKalb County Community Foundation that introduces high school students to philanthropy, nonprofits and grantmaking. Throughout the year, students participate in nonprofit site visits, engage in community conversations and review grant applications to award funding that supports youth across DeKalb County.
This year, the YEP committee included 79 high school students representing eight schools.
To learn about Youth Engaged in Philanthropy, visit dekalbccf.org/yep or contact YEP staff manager Kyle White at 815-748-5383 or k.white@dekalbccf.org.
Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation
Y YEP members vote on funding recommendations during the April meeting.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
DeKalb library to close for Memorial Day May 25
The DeKalb Public Library will be closed to community members in honor of Memorial Day.
The library will be closed May 25. For information, email samanthah@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
Cover sing Katie Kostner to perform May 23 in DeKalb
The DeKalb Public Library will hold a concert featuring cover singer and songwriter Katie Kostner.
The free concert will begin at 3 p.m. May 23 in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St.
Kostner will perform cover music by artists including Taylor Swift, The Beatles, One Republic, Billy Joel, Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac, Motley Crüe, P!NK, Adele, Reba McEntire, Elvis, Alanis Morisette, Kelly Clarkson and The Rolling Stones.
No registration is required. For information, email chelsear@dkpl.
org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1700.
Patriotic parade set for May 23 in DeKalb
The DeKalb Public Library will partner with the DeKalb Park District and DeKalb Rotary to hold a patriotic parade for children ages three to 10 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
The free parade will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. May 23 at Rotary Park, 1504 State St., DeKalb.
Attendees can create bikes, scooters and skateboards decorations and ride them around the park.
The parade also includes stories and a prize drawing for books, prizes and $50, $100 and $150 gift certificates. Decorations will provided. Refreshments also will be served.
The parade is part of the library’s America 250 initiative. No registration is required.
For information, email emilyf@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1000. – Shaw Local News Network
STARS & STRIPES: Bikes, Boards & Blades
Bring your bike, skateboard, or rollerblades! (no electric scooters please)
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with a fun kids parade!
Saturday, May 23 | 10 AM–Noon Rotary Park, 1504 E. State Street
For Kids 10-years old and under
Participants will:
• Hear a patriotic Story read by Mayor Cohen Barnes
• Patriotically decorate their bikes,, skateboards, rollerblades and themselves
• Enter our Prize drawing: $150, $100, $50 gift certificates & more
• Participate in the grand finale Parade around the park Sponsored
Dekalb
Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver more than just food
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
For some DeKalb Couonty residents who don’t have family to spend holidays with, John and Julie Ahlbach are there for them with love, compassion and a meal.
The Ahlbachs, both 73 and married for 51 years, volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program run out of the Volunteer Action Committee. Organizers said they have become dependable volunteers who can be counted on to deliver food on holidays.
They take time to volunteer on holidays before celebrating those occasions with their own family.
“Those are very meaningful to us because if you’re getting a meal on
Mother’s Day, that probably means that you don’t have family to get together with on Mother’s Day,” Julie Ahlbach said.
She said that after a while, the people they deliver meals to “kind of become like family.”
The couple started their volunteering in earnest once they retired, but for John, the Meals on Wheels program has been something he’s lent a hand to for more than a decade.
“It was something I was familiar with,” John Ahlbach said. “I don’t mind driving, even in the bad weather. ... It has worked out really well over time. We’ve got to meet some really neat people throughout the course of it.”
Julie Craig, the Meals on Wheels manager for the VAC, said the DeKalb
County program relies on volunteers like the Ahlbachs to serve about 300 meals a day.
“To get them out to everyone, you have to have very dedicated people coming and helping,” Craig said. “They’re awesome. They show up and get them out. And they care a lot about the people as well. ... Our volunteers are the program. Without them, we couldn’t do it.”
Julie Ahlbach said the recipients of meals through the charity program sometimes don’t have anyone else checking in on them.
Because volunteers have to make direct contact with the person, the meal deliveries double as a check on their well-being.
That also opens up the opportunity for relationship-building. Julie Ahlbach
said her husband has a knack for creating a personal moment with those who are distrustful or apprehensive of receiving support.
“There’s one gentleman who’s very wary of anybody, but he especially likes John. So John has gone out of his way –we shop for this gentleman, John brings him to the bank,” Julie Ahlbach said.
She’s proud of her husband for the way he’s made a positive, potentially life-altering impact on another person in their community.
“He’s made a big difference in this man’s life,” Julie Ahlbach said. “It’s amazing because he [the man they help] is very distrustful of anybody, and won’t take advantage of any of the supports that the government would do for him, yet he trusts John.”
Mark Busch file photo
Volunteers Julie and John Ahlbach load up their van April 17 to deliver food to local residents as part of the Voluntary Action Center’s Meals on Wheels program.
Watershed stewardship program begins May 26 in Genoa
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The University of Illinois Extension will offer a watershed stewardship program for community members in the summer.
The program will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays from May 26 through June 16 at the Russell Woods Forest Preserve’s Natural Resource Education Center, 11750 Illinois State Route 72, Genoa.
Participants can learn how natural water systems work. Attendees also will participate in a field trip June 13. The program topics include water quality science and climate change, invasive species and agriculture impacts on water bodies. The program will be led by watershed management professionals,
scientists and researchers.
“Sustaining and restoring natural resources is a priority for Illinois Extension, and the Watershed Steward Program joins and expands on our volunteer network of Master Naturalists and Climate Stewards who are doing valuable environmental work,” University of Illinois Extension’s natural resources, environment and energy assistant dean Shibu Kar said in a news release.
“Together, we’re helping Illinois communities become more resilient by conserving critical water resources.”
The program costs $84. Registration is required. To register, visit go.illinois. edu/WSProgram or call 815-758-8194.
Early accommodation requests for access needs are encouraged. To make a request, call 815-758-8194 or email cahandel@illinois.edu.
DeKalb Forty and Eight annual Memorial Day breakfast set for May 25
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The DeKalb County Forty and Eight, Voiture 207 will hold its annual Mayors’ Memorial Day Breakfast for community members to celebrate Memorial Day.
The breakfast will be served from 6:15 to 7 a.m. May 25 at the DeKalb Elks Lodge 765, 209 S. Annie Glidden Road.
A United Prayer will be held at
7:15 a.m. A program also is set for 7:30 a.m. The breakfast costs $10 to prepay or $15 at the door. To prepay, email ffb66@juno.com or call 815-758-5788.
A motorcycle ride and escort to the DeKalb, Sycamore and Genoa Memorial Day parades will begin at 8:30 a.m. The motorcycle ride and escort’s staging is set for 8:05 a.m. The Sons of the American Legion will serve a lunch at the Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Malta church to host Memorial Day event May 25
The Malta Memorial Day Committee will host a Memorial Day event for community members to honor deceased service men and women.
The free event will begin at 10 a.m. May 25 at Malta United Methodist Church, 201 E. Sprague St.
The event includes reflections, prayer and a time of remembrance service.
Attendees also are invited to participate in a processional march to a Memorial Wreath Ceremony at the Malta Township Public Library.
DeKalb veteran center to offer Memorial Day luncheon May 25
The RTW Veteran Center will offer residents a luncheon as part of the America 250 DeKalb Memorial Day Celebration.
The free luncheon will be served from noon to 4 p.m. May 25 at the veterans center, 854 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
The luncheon features food, speakers, prizes, family activities, music and a veterans dedication ceremony. The doors to the center open at noon. For information, call 815-517-1094.
Network
LOOKING BACK
1926 – 100 YEARS AGO
Haish avenue residents are all smiles today on account of the progress that is being made on the paving work in that section of DeKalb. Gund Graham & Company, which has the contract for all street work here this year, today started paving Haish avenue, beginning at the extreme south end, or at the intersection of the south Malta road.
Workmen of the signal department of the North Western have been in Sycamore for two or three days installing a wigwag signal at the State Street crossing of the North Western. The matter was presented to the council some time ago by engineers of the road and approved by the city administration. The signal which will carry a movable device that will move when trains approach the crossing and also operate light and large gong. The installation of such signals should eliminate any further accidents at the crossing.
We get our electric lights automatically and we get running water in the home at the turn of a faucet, and we have enjoyed these conveniences for years. It is only recently that we have enjoyed electric refrigeration, or refrigeration automatically. Electric refrigeration is here however, and thousands are putting in their own electric refrigerators and enjoying advantages in the way of food preservation, convenience and general health, which have been impossible of enjoyment heretofore.
P. C. Paulson, DeKalb agent for the Twin City Tractor, was today busily engaged in the unloading of sixteen of the Twin City 12-20 tractors, which have been purchased by the Midwest Canning company of Rochelle. The tractors will be placed on DeKalb County farms that have been leased by the canning company. The Midwest Canning company, now engaged in completing a large factory southeast of the city, has now in use a fleet of 94 Twin City tractors.
Progress at the new Fargo hotel is very satisfactory, and there is every indication that the building will be completed before the contract time, unless something unforeseen arises. It is reported that the concrete pillars will be constructed within
a few days after which the other building operations will go ahead more rapidly. The brick on two sides has been laid to a point almost at the beginning of the second story and the building is rapidly taking shape.
1951 – 75 YEARS AGO
Approximately 90 high school musicians and their directors attended the band clinic sponsored by the music department at the college today. In a demonstration of band rehearsal techniques this morning, William Revelli, director of bands at the University of Michigan, showed how to tune up a band and then get the most out of a rehearsal. His humorous instruction made a decided hit with the young musicians.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Fulsoe and two sons, Larry and Lesley, of Taylorville found difficulty in locating a home when they moved to DeKalb County. They lived for a while in Cortland in a small three-room apartment. When the public notice of sale for the Victor school of District 184 was posted they decided this large structure would fill their needs adequately. Mr. and Mrs. Fulsome purchased the school which was one of the first to be sold in DeKalb County in July 1947. They moved into the school, 30 by 30 feet, immediately.
DeKalb police will don their summer uni-
forms next Sunday morning. Chief John W. Remsey today posted the order which heralds the opening of the summer season today. It said that all officers with the lightweight gray uniform would start wearing it Sunday. New ones have been ordered for some of the younger men on the force and the uniform supply company has advised they will be shipped next Wednesday.
President Truman said today that Sen. Robert A. Taft’s “very foolish” suggestion to cut the armed forces’ manpower goal by 500,000 men was “an invitation to war” with Russia.
1976 – 50 YEARS AGO
General Electric’s first motor came off the assembly line 30 years ago. Today, the 100,000th will be built at the East Pleasant Street plant in DeKalb. The first motor produced in 1946 was a ¼ horsepower unit for washing machines. Today, the company makes more than 350 different motors for use in washers, dryers, compactors and disposers.
Bones and body parts of an ancient mammal have been uncovered by a DeKalb County farmer. Loren Johnson and his son, Davis a DeKalb fireman, were removing stones Monday from a recently cut drainage ditch when they discovered the threefoot jaw bone of an extinct species of ele-
phant. The elephant tooth, which weighs four pounds, also was found. They brought their find to the Northern Illinois University anthropology department in DeKalb.
Repair work on the 10th Street railroad crossing began this morning. The crossing will be closed for about three days. Crews with the Chicago and North Western Railroad had repairs here delayed while they assisted on the site of a derailment in Glen Ellyn.
Slides of historical buildings in DeKalb County will be shown at 6 p.m. Wednesday at a meeting of the Interprofessional Forum in DeKalb. The organization meets at the Uptown Restaurant.
2001 – 25 YEARS AGO
Students might attend the old Malta High School once again. The DeKalb School Board on Monday will consider leasing the school to Cornerstone Christian Academy of Sycamore. Cornerstone’s existing building is undergoing major renovations. DeKalb School Superintendent Brian Ali said the school approached him about leasing the Malta building, which closed in 1999 when the Malta district merged with DeKalb.
City residents fear they will have to put up with odors from Humane Manufacturing Co. for the rest of the summer.
Badger Wahwasuck stood silently below a painting of Chief Shabbona at the entrance to Shabbona Elementary School. Wahwasuck, who lives in Kansas, is tribal council chairman of the Prairie Band of the Potawatomi Nation. He was in Shabbona on Friday with some descendants of Chief Shabbona and was given a tour of the school by Principal Kathy Watson. It was a special moment, the chief said. He had heard stories of Chief Shabbona, and now he was visiting the land where his forefather spent most of his life.
Canyon Enterprises of Kingston workers put the finishing touches on the roof of the Jonamac Orchard barn just south of Malta on Friday afternoon. The apple is 26 feet high and 24 feet wide. It is based on the Jonamac Orchard apple logo.
–CompiledbySueBreese
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives Looking east down Lincoln Highway from Normal Road in DeKalb in 1955.
DeKalb County Engineer receives association award
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The National Association of County Engineers recently presented the 2026 Urban County Engineer of the Year Award to DeKalb County Engineer Nathan F. Schwartz. The award was presented at the association’s annual conference in Arlington, Texas.
“Nathan has exemplified the very best of our association for many years, I can think of no more deserving candidate to receive this honor,” association president and Lancaster County, Nebraska County Engineer Pam Dingman.
“Nathan’s 30-year career has earned him a well-deserved reputation of being a national authority on pavement maintenance. Additionally, his stewardship of
over $25 million in state and federal grants is a testament to his leadership and expertise he has exhibited throughout his career,” she said.
Schwartz graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1996. He was appointed the DeKalb County Highway Department’s county engineer in 2011. Schwartz also began to work as the DeKalb-Sycamore Metropolitan Planning Organization director in 2019. He is a member of several local, state and national organizations.
The National Association of County Engineers is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing more than 3,000 county engineers, public works directors, highway commissioners, road managers and related professionals in the U.S. and Canada.
Sycamore Veterans Club to hold Memorial Day program May 25
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Sycamore Veterans Club will host a Memorial Day program to help honor veterans who’ve died while serving their country.
The free program will begin at 10:30 a.m. May 25 at the Sycamore Veterans Home Association, 121 S. California St.
The program features a parade which will travel Somonauk Street to
Charles Street and end at Elmwood Cemetery.
The parade will be led by the American Legion Riders and includes veterans and scout units. The Sycamore Middle School band, directed by Scott Mertens, will perform patriotic songs.
The Elmwood Cemetery ceremony begins at 11 a.m. with a flag-folding ceremony by local Scouts. The Sycamore Veterans Club also will hold a ceremony for deceased veterans.
Miniature models painting program set for May 23 in DeKalb
Adults and teen can paint miniature models at a program at the DeKalb Public Library.
The free program will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. May 23 in the library’s 309 Creative room, 309 Oak St. Miniature models, paint and brushes will be provided. Attendees also can bring their own materials. Children may attend is accompanied by an adult. No registration is required.
For information, email techdesk@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851.
3D
printing workshops set for May 6 and 24 in DeKalb
Teens and adults can 3D print various items during a workshop at the DeKalb Public Library. The free workshop returns from 2 to 4 p.m. May 24 in the library’s 309 Creative room, 309 Oak St.
The first workshop will print jewelry. Attendees can print keychains at the second workshop. Due to limited space, the workshops are first-come, first-served. No registration is required.
For information, email techdesk@dkpl. org or 815-756-9578, ext. 2851.
Summer camp finder tool strives to help DeKalb families
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
It’s about that time of year when families make plans to enroll children in summer camp, if they have not already.
It can be a daunting task in more ways than one for parents to find fun, age-appropriate programs that will keep their children engaged when school is out.
Nia Springer-Norris, who teaches communication and journalism at Northern Illinois University and is a local mother of three children, is the founder of Springer Creative Associates LLC, the company behind DeKalb Parent, a new hyperlocal digital platform that strives to take the guesswork out of identifying and locating summer camp programs for children and their families.
Springer-Norris said the way the summer camp finder tool works is simple.
“I have been soliciting directly from organizations,” she said. “We built an admin dashboard, too, so organizations can log in and update their camps. And then I review and approve them.”
The platform allows users to filter information according to what they need from a summer camp database with searchable categories, age ranges, registration details and newsletter curations, according to a release.
Springer-Norris said she has long felt there was a need for such a platform in the community.
“I had been really wanting a central information-type source,” Springer-Norris said.
Springer-Norris said she remembers growing up in the city in the generation when there were more alternative weeklies compiling guides for camps and other events. With her expertise in communication, media and technology, Springer-Norris said she believes the camp finder tool could fill that void locally in DeKalb.
“I’ve never really seen anything like that,” Springer-Norris said.
When asked if she is confident that this digital platform could someday become a central place for parents to find summer camps, Springer-Norris said yes.
“I do think there is a space for more positive and helpful voices in the local information ecosystem right now,” she said.
Springer-Norris said she doesn’t view information sharing within community groups on social media necessarily as a challenge to her efforts.
“To use the search function in local groups, I think [it] can be challenging sometimes,” she said. “I don’t see it as competition.”
Springer-Norris is in search of grant opportunities from funders in the journalism and civic technology sectors and is in discussion with local organizations about obtaining sponsored listings and newsletter partnerships, according to a news release.
This is not just another market trend, Springer-Norris said.
She said she’s invested in the community and committed to ensuring that the platform can provide real solutions to problems children and their families often face.
“This isn’t a startup story,” Springer-Norris said in a release. “It’s a neighbor story. I live here. My kids go to school here. I’m building something I would use every week.”
Some summer options for kids
Here’s a look at some of the ways that prospective campgoers can get involved this summer, in which registration remains ongoing.
DeKalb Park District
Through the DeKalb Park District, prospective campgoers have two main
options to choose from.
Children ages 3 to 5 may participate in the Summer-Long Minis program, which runs May 26 through Aug. 7. The program is designed so that parents can choose whether they want their campers to participate in one or all three sections of day programming.
New this year is that the Summer-Long Minis will be doing more local field trips this year.
Camp Discover, which runs May 26 through Aug. 7, is the park district’s main camp program geared toward children ages 6 to 12.
As part of the program, the park district runs weekly field trips to various locations over the summer.
Emily Kvasnicka, recreation supervisor for DeKalb Park District, said it’s clear that park district camps are big with families.
“We try to create programming here that is consistent for our parents and the expectations of them and the campers,” Kvasnicka said. “The summer camp program here is more than just having fun. We provide a safe environment for those children. We also provide opportunities for them to learn and grow and experience things that they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to in other programs.”
Registration for park district camps closes at noon on the Tuesday before camp opens.
Camp pricing may vary, but scholarship assistance information is available on the park district’s website.
For information, contact Emily at ekvasnicka@dekalbparkdistrict.com
SIMSA/SIMBA
At Project HOPE, a nonprofit arm founded by some of the leaders from New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in DeKalb and from the larger surrounding community, prospective campgoers have one of two options to explore: one for SIMBA, and another for SIMSA.
SIMBA (Safe in My Brother’s Arms) is a local mentoring chapter committed to serving young boys, and SIMSA (Safe in My Sister’s Arms) is dedicated to the mentorship of young girls.
The principles of the two programs are built around the teachings of Kwanzaa.
Daveyon Bradley, the DeKalb chapter head for SIMBA, said the youth appear to be excited for summer camp this year.
“Last year, we had 19 kids,” Bradley said. “This year, we’re aiming for 26 to go to camp with us.”
Summer camp is expected to take place in July in Marengo, Ohio.
The camp will cost $490 per child, including transportation.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for anyone in need of financial assistance. Organizers said a carwash fundraiser will be held next month to help raise funds, as well.
Bradley touted the experience that campers will have this summer.
“It’s super, super fun,” Bradley said. “It’s a life-changing experience. They learn so much about their culture, so much about their history.”
See CAMP FINDER, page 12
Image provided by Nia Springer-Norris
The interface of the DeKalb Parent summer camp finder tool is seen.
Republicans win DeKalb County party lottery ahead of November election
GOP candidates will appear first on ballots
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
Republican candidates will appear first on the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election in DeKalb County after a pingpong ball coordinating with their party was drawn during a party lottery on May 7.
In front of Carmen Polvere, a DeKalb County Board Democratic party candidate, and Brian Siwicki, the chair of the DeKalb County Republican Central Committee, DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder Tasha Sims and Jessica Piecko – the county’s chief deputy of elections – held a randomized drawing to decide which party would appear first on the midterm ballot.
The way Sims described the party lottery drawing was akin to the way the NHL or NBA holds draft lotteries, albeit less high-tech.
“In DeKalb County, we place numbered ping pong balls into a container and mix them thoroughly before a num-
ber is drawn,” Sims wrote. “Each established political party is assigned a number alphabetically prior to the drawing. The party whose number is drawn first will appear first on the ballot, followed by the remaining party.”
On May 7, a number corresponding to the Republican Party was pulled, meaning they’ll appear first on the ballot in each race for elected office. Sims said that the drawing was held in accordance with the Illinois Election Code, and has run the same way for several years.
“The lottery simply determines ballot position order and is conducted publicly to ensure transparency in the election process,” Sims wrote. “In our office, we simply follow the process set out in law and conduct the drawing publicly.”
“Interestingly, when explaining this process recently, someone in our office mentioned they had never really thought about how ballot order was determined,” Sims wrote. “That is exactly why processes like this exist. Ballot placement is not determined by the Clerk’s Office, but rather by a public lottery process established under election law.
• CAMP FINDER
Continued from page 11
The Salvation Army
Through the DeKalb Salvation Army, prospective campgoers have six options to choose from, all of which will take place in Salem, Wisconsin.
Kids Camp immerses young adventurers ages 7 to 12 in a journey through God’s creation and His word, according to a flyer. Whether it be hikes in the woods or campfire games, there’s something for everyone. The camp runs from June 8 to 11.
Creative Art Camp is designed for children ages 9 to 17 who want to refine their craft and cultivate a deeper appreciation for artistic expression through collaborative worship and performances, according to a flyer.
Campers will be guided by accomplished instructors as they delve into a diverse array of disciplines, from mastering musical instruments to honing vocal talents. The camp runs from June 22 to 27.
Teen Camp is where teens ages 13 to 17 come together in the spirit of adventure, friendships and meaningful moments to grow in confidence, leadership, and faith while making lifelong memories, according to a flyer. The camp runs July 6 to 11.
Sports Camp is where young athletes ages 9 to 14 go to grow in skill, confidence, and character. Whether it be high-energy drills and team competitions, or games, campers will be chal-
lenged and pushed to their limits, according to a flyer. Each day will consist of skill development that’s built on encouragement and helping kids build both athletic ability and strong sportsmanship. The camp runs June 15 to 19.
Leadership Camp immerses campers ages 10 to 14, ready to grow, serve and lead with confidence into team challenges, leadership workshops and hands-on service opportunities, all of which are meant to strengthen communication, character and decision-making skills, according to a flyer. The camp, which runs June 29 to July 3, is designed for anyone looking to take the next step in leadership.
The Salvation Army Oudoors allows campers ages 9 to 12 to explore the wonders of God’s creation while building confidence, resilience and teamwork. Whether it be hiking trails or hands-on challenges, there is something for everyone, according to a flyer. The camp, which runs July 13 to 17, is filled with opportunities for growth and discovery.
Jennifer Spencer, corps administrator for The Salvation Army, said she encourages families to consider Salvation Army camps.
“It’s such a fantastic time for children that the camp they will experience will change their lives,” Spencer said. “It’ll stay with them forever. And they will make friendships that will last forever.”
The cost for new campers is only $15. Transportation to and from the camp is provided.
Photo provided by DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder’s Office
Carmen Polvere, a DeKalb County Board Democratic party candidate, and Brian Siwicki, the chair of the DeKalb County Republican central committee, hold ping pong balls next to DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder Tasha Sims on May 7, 2025, for a lottery to determine which party appears first on the ballot for the next general election.
Photo provided by Nia Springer-Norris
Nia Springer-Norris poses with her husband and their children in this undated photo.
