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DeKalb woman named Mrs. Illinois 2026

Meet Alaysia Gonzalez Giraldo, certified end-of-life doula and grief counselor

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

One of DeKalb’s own, Alaysia Gonzalez Giraldo, 26, has been crowned Mrs. Illinois 2026.

During her reign, Gonzalez Giraldo plans to engage in volunteer work and community outreach.

“Honestly, it means everything to me,” Gonzalez Giraldo said of the title.

Growing up, Alaysia Gonzalez Giraldo never imagined she had what it takes to compete for the title of prom queen, let alone Mrs. Illinois.

She said she was very shy throughout her time in school and mainly kept to herself.

This is no longer the case, however.

“I definitely learned to come out of my shell,” Gonzalez Giraldo said.

But this is not her first go-around at competing, either.

At age 12, Gonzalez Giraldo competed and was the state runner-up in the national pageant for the National American Miss pageant.

Gonzalez Giraldo, who works as a certified end-of-life doula and bereavement coordinator, said she plans to use her platform for good.

“I have already started initiatives on trying to uplift others, empower

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United national crown in the fall.

“That’s a big thing,” she said.

In leading up to the competition, Gonzalez Giraldo said there’s a lot to take into account.

“It’s not your traditional pageant,” she said. “It’s based off of the work that you get out and do for the community. And what I have been doing to prepare for that is getting out in our community volunteering, trying to make a community impact.”

During her reign, Gonzalez Giraldo has been building on her service experience by serving as one of the local organizers behind the new Juneteenth Community Festival. She’s also hosted free financial literacy workshops on the basics of budgeting and workshops for mothers who are struggling with their identity after becoming a mother and the grief that comes with it.

“I feel like that title, it’s more of a deeper meaning for me because I did run for National American Miss when I was younger, but again, due to finances, we weren’t able to go through with it. And to me, it means empowerment,” she said. “It means unity. It means community.”

Gonzalez Giraldo said to claim the title of Miss United America would hit home on a personal level for her more than people may realize.

others who are going through tough transitions, but now that I have a platform, I’m going to use it to its best ability.”

Gonzalez Giraldo said she also looks forward to competing for the Mrs.

“It is also helping me break out of my comfort zone to get out there and get involved in the community, where before I was very introverted, and now it’s forcing me to work on myself and build my confidence and self-esteem,” she said.

ON THE COVER

Rayna Hochstatter and her sister, Annabelle Hochstatter, react May 19 to being selected as the winner and one of the runner-ups in the 2026 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival theme contest.

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 by Camden Lazenby

Photo provided by Alaysia Gonzalez Giraldo Alaysia Gonzalez Giraldo was named Mrs. Illinois 2026.

DeKalb police chief marks 5 years on the job

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

As DeKalb’s top cop, David Byrd, 59, has a lot on his shoulders to ensure the city is safe, day in and day out.

The DeKalb Police Department fielded 1,748 domestic-related calls in 2025, up from 1,712 in 2024, data shows.

But Byrd gave credit to city staff, the mayor and City Council for backing him with the appropriate police department staffing levels to be proactive versus reactive.

Initially, when he started with the agency, it had 55 sworn officers, he said. Today, the police department is budgeted for 75 sworn officers, but is one short at this time.

“It’s just one tool in a toolbox, but it’s a very big, important, and impactful tool,” Byrd said. “And we need that first.”

Byrd previously said domestic violence is one of the larger crimes beleaguring the police department.

So much so that Byrd said he’d like to establish a standalone domestic violence unit for the agency.

Byrd said the police department prides itself on maintaining relationships with local social service agencies.

“I will say our communication, our line of communication is very strong,” Byrd said.

Byrd recentlycommemorated his five-year anniversary with the city of DeKalb.

He said it means a great deal to him.

“I definitely felt extremely proud of me,” Byrd said. “I know my family was extremely proud of me.”

Born and raised in Chicago, Byrd said he’s done the best of his ability to serve. He came to DeKalb after retiring from a lengthy career with the Illinois State Police.

“I adapted to the community, and I gave them everything I had,” Byrd said. “I really learned community policing on the fly.”

He climbs the ranks from captain and colonel to taking over the patrol division at the ISP for almost 32 years. After assuming the position of police chief in May 2021 the DeKalb Police Department, Byrd has made his mark in community policing and hopes to keep it that way.

“DeKalb was where I wanted to be, and it’s because of those officers who are already working here,” Byrd said. “I’m just happy I’m here.”

City Manager Bill Nicklas said he’s enjoyed working with Byrd.

“I’m pleased with the work he’s done,” Nicklas said. “I’m especially pleased about the community service that he is so keen on his approachability

Mark Busch file photo

DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd smiles April 16 at the police department, as he reflects on his first five years on the job in DeKalb.

55th annual Northern Illinois Art Show set for June 6-7

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The Kishwaukee Valley Art League will host several programs and events in June at the Gallery on State, 322 W. State St., Sycamore.

The league’s next general meeting is set for 7 p.m. June 4 at the gallery. The meeting includes a duct tape art demo by artist Mallory Maybe.

KVAL’s 55th annual Northern Illinois Art Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 6 and 7 on the front lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St., Sycamore. The show features up to 70 artisans exhibiting various fine arts and crafts. The art show also will include an “Art of Giving” Raffle. Participants can win art donated by league members and art show vendors. Raffle tickets cost $2.

The Second Saturday Workshop is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 at the Gallery on State.

The league’s June featured artist of the month is photographer Gail Moreland. Moreland’s photographs

emphasize texture, color, tones, composition and values over reality

depictions. Her artwork also is inspired by 17th-century art.

KVAL’s Young Picasso’s kids summer art program will begin in June. Attendees can create original art pieces to win monetary prizes. A winner from three age groups will be selected. An art supplies table also will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at the gallery. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

The league’s latest art rotation is set to unveil June 22.

The rotation features various artwork including paintings, sculptures, photography and mixed-media installations. The art pieces will be available to buy.

KVAL will be accepting submissions for its “In Living Color” juried art show. Artists can submit artwork embracing color including photography, jewelry, sculpture, painting and 2D and 3D art pieces. For more information, visit the Gallery on State.

Photo provided by the Kishwaukee Valley Art League Photograph created by photographer Gail Moreland

Sycamore Pumpkin Fest theme gets in on America250

‘Patriotic’

Pumpkin Fest winning theme by North Grove 9-year-old

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

Expect patriotic pumpkins to line the walkways of the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn this October, thanks to a timely idea from a North Grove Elementary School student.

Rayna Hochstatter, 9, was announced as the winner of the 2026 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival theme contest on May 20. Her winning entry, which sets the tone for the 65th annual festival, was “A patriotic Pumpkinfest.”

She said being named the winner “means a lot” because it’s her first time placing in the contest. She said the country’s 250th anniversary and some help from her mom sparked her idea.

For the Hochstatter family, the 2026 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival theme contest ended up being a family affair. Rayna Hochstatter’s sister, Annabelle Hochstatter, 11, was selected as a runner-up for the contest with her entry “Peace, Love and Pumpkins.”

This wasn’t Annabelle Hochstatter’s first time coming up just shy of the contest winner. In 2025, she also was selected as a runner-up.

Despite coming close to the contest win two years in a row, Annabelle Hochstatter said, “I’m perfectly fine with that because I’m very happy for my sister.”

Their mother, Emily Hochstatter, watched Rayna and Annabelle celebrate as their names were called in front of the couple dozen who gathered for the contest winners’ announcement on the evening of May 20.

“This is incredibly special, they are such creative kids,” Emily Hochstatter said. “I’m so glad they’re seeing a reward from this, too. It’s fun, and now they get to see kind of how it comes to life in October.”

Tessa Scott, who did not attend the theme winner announcement, was selected as the second runner-up in the contest for her entry “Pumpkins in outer space.”

Trenton DeVito, who heads up the Pumpkin Festival committee’s theme contest operation, said the sisters’ entries were chosen through a voting system that keeps their names anonymous until they have a winner and

two runner-ups.

“This year, it happened to be sisters,” DeVito said. “That’s a creative bunch, I’ll tell you that. They’re all very, very creative, but it’s fascinating to see two really good ideas come from sisters.”

Greg D’Addario, a festival committee member, as well as an English teacher and media advisor at Sycamore High School, said he was surprised “a patriotic Pumpkinfest” hadn’t been used as a theme in the past.

“It seems like it’s right there, out in the open. I mean, the community aspect of this event to begin with is just very – it feels like small-town USA, very patriotic in general,” D’Addario said. “It’s about time we had that as a theme.”

Rob Dancey, who became the Pumpkin Fest Committee’s president in January, said when the committee selects a theme contest winner, they have to check to make sure it hasn’t been used before.

D’Addario said, “Weirdly, no,” they don’t often run into duplicate ideas.

“The imagination of children, right?” D’Addario said. “As much as we’ve had – you know, 65 of them now – there’s still so many different ones out there, and there’s still so many awesome ideas that students come up with.”

With the theme contest now in the rearview, Dancey said their preparations for this year’s festival are “running along smoothly.” The festival returns Oct. 22 through Oct. 26.

“We couldn’t make it happen without the great committee that we have,” Dancey said. “Everybody is stepping up to the plate, making sure things get done, and we are very excited to launch the festival tonight with the theme unveiling, and we’re ready to go.”

D’Addario said the festival is a community effort, but noted Dancey’s efforts this go-around.

“The committee as a whole does a lot of work, but Rob stepping up has also been awesome,” D’Addario said. “He’s been a great leader so far.”

Photos by Camden Lazenby

Rayna and Annabelle Hochstatter stand with the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival committee on May 20 after being announced as winners of the festival’s annual theme contest.

Camden Lazenby Rayna Hochstatter and her sister, Annabelle Hochstatter, react May 20 to being selected as the winner and one of the runner-ups in the 2026 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival theme contest.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Birth to Five Illinois to hold wellness panel May 28 in DeKalb Birth to Five Illinois, Region 16 will host a Strong Minds, Healthy Families Community Panel Discussion for families, community leaders, mental health professionals, early childhood providers and elected officials to discuss early childhood slot gaps and family mental wellness.

The free panel runs from 1 to 3 p.m. May 28 in the DeKalb Public Library’s lower-level, 309 Oak St. Attendees can share lived experiences and childcare access gaps data; identify actionable solutions and collaborative opportunities; explore the childcare availability and family mental wellness connection; and learn about local resources and how to support them. The panel also includes a screening of “Inside Out 2.” For information, visit birthtofiveil. com/region16.

Northern Rehab to offer pickleball presentations June 2 and 4

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists will offer two “Stretch, Play, Recover: Pickleball Tips” next month in Genoa and Sycamore for community members to learn more about the sport.

• POLICE CHIEF

Continued from page 4

and accessibility to the general public, which is a real important part, I think, of being a police chief in today’s world.”

Byrd said he’s enjoyed his experience in DeKalb.

“It’s a great place to work,” Byrd said. “It’s a great place to live.”

Byrd said he places great value on building that bridge between the police department and the community.

“We’re constantly building blocks and adding blocks,” Byrd said. “It’s gotten stronger and even up to this point, moving into this summer coming up, when the kids get out, we’ll start Fun Jam [In the Park] again. That’s really been one of the most impactful but also extremely exciting and fun endeavors that I’ve ever participated in in law enforcement.”

The summer initiative bridges community policing with family-friendly fun. Each week, DeKalb police set up games and other activities at area

The free presentations will be held at 9 a.m. June 2 at the Genoa Park District’s outdoor courts, 400 E. Second St., Genoa, and at 9 a.m. June 4 at the Sycamore Park District Community Center, 480 Airport Road, Sycamore.

Participants can learn warm-up and cool-down stretches to prevent injuries, improve mobility and feel their best. Attendees are encouraged to wear court shoes and workout clothes.

Due to limited space, registration is required.

To register, visit genoaparkdistrict.com/ online-registration/Pickle-Ball or the Sycamore Park District Community Center’s service desk, email ChrisH@ sycparks.org or call 815-784-5612 or 815-895-3365.

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists is a physical therapist-owned and -operated physical therapy practice, providing clients with customized care for more than 46 years.

For information, visit northernrehabpt. com/events, genoaparkdistrict.com, sycparks.org or call 815-784-5612, 815-895-3365 or 815-784-6417.

– Shaw Local News Network

parks and invite children and families to join in.

Byrd said he has a better sense of ownership in ensuring the community’s safety in DeKalb.

“Being Chief of DeKalb, I have an actual community that I have to take care of and a community that I have to bond with,” he said. “With Illinois State Police, you don’t have to bond with any one community because you stretch across the whole state, but there’s ownership with the DeKalb Police Department.”

Byrd gave credit to his staff at the police department for all they do.

Byrd has been bestowed with several accolades during his time as DeKalb police chief, including a state Medal of Honor, for his role in a 2024 stabbing inside the Brian Bemis Toyota dealership.

“In my humble opinion, if I can’t truly impact this community as a police officer first, then I don’t think I should be wearing a uniform,” he said. “And if I ever get to a point where I can’t do those things, then I won’t wear it.”

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Peace Park could open in DeKalb this fall

‘This is her legacy gift’

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

Ever since her husband died, Gretchen Moore has felt she’s had a greater calling to serve.

So when she learned that DeKalb Township and First United Congregational Church of Christ in DeKalb were in talks to redevelop an underutilized parcel of land and transform it into a park, she became motivated to help bring their plans closer to reality.

“I’d been wanting to do something important, meaningful and beautiful,” Moore said.

The park, dubbed Peace Park, serves a simple purpose: to convey a sense of calm and serenity.

The park, once it’s complete, will feature three levels of affordability for grieving families outside of traditional burials, with the scattering garden, niche burial and ossuary.

Crews are seen May 21 at work on Peace Park in DeKalb.

On-site, there is a pollinator garden for visitors to enjoy.

DeKalb Township supervisor Mary Hess said the garden’s going to be dedicated to children whose lives were cut short.

A columbarium is on the way. It’s part of the second phase of the Peace Park project, which has not yet started.

There will soon be benches for people to sit on and donor bricks for people to memorialize their loved ones, as well.

Peace Park abuts First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb and the 161-year-old Oakwood Cemetery property, which is main -

tained by DeKalb Township.

Previously, the property was used for gardening by the church.

Officials said the first phase of the project amounted to $179,000, including an in-kind donation from Moore.

Moore said she believes her husband, Charles, would have supported the idea of Peace Park.

“I love him because he loved outdoors,” she said.

Hess said she’s excited for the community to experience Peace Park once it opens.

“It’s just a quiet, lovely place,” she said.

It’s rather unique that a township would take on such a project, Hess said.

“Rather than hiring a commercial mowing company, we’re able to do it at a lesser cost than most in cooperation with [the township road district.] Right now, we just have the path. But it’s a good start.”

Hess gave thanks to Moore for her contribution to the project.

“This is her legacy gift,” Hess said. “This is it.”

Megann Horstead

LOOKING BACK

1926 – 100 YEARS AGO

Someone parked a road drag in front of the city hall several days ago, and efforts of DeKalb officials to find out who is responsible have proved futile. The drag is leaning against one of the poles in front of the city hall, and should it fall, someone might be injured.

Installation of new and modern scales has been going on at the Sycamore Preserve Work for the last several days. The company expects an unusually amount of weighing this summer and fall, and the officials did not wish to be delayed during the busy season by a breakage in the weighing department.

Proprietors of the Oleson & Walrod store in Sycamore are now beginning to wear the smile that won’t come off at this time, following the installation of the new all copper front for the new store, which has been held up for a few days.

The annual plaining work of the fire department, relative to the redecoration of the fire hydrants in all part of town, is being done at this time. All of the plugs are being pained a bright red, with the top part fixed up with aluminum paint. This makes the hydrants easy to see in the day time or at night, and expedites matters in case it is necessary to hook up the pump for a serious fire.

Members of the American Legion fife, drum and bugle corps held a rehearsal at Pershing Park in DeKalb last night, that the members might get some practice at playing and marching. As a result of this work last night all three branches of the corps will be on parade Memorial Day.

It seems, according to reports at the police station, that vacant flats and houses are the targets of night prowlers at this time, which the police department believe are boys for the most part.

1951 – 75 YEARS AGO

For the past several days the police have been receiving numerous complaints concerning dogs running around school yards. The pets follow their masters to school and then the troubles start. Par-

combination of a $7,000 cut in the corporate budget, and an approximate $5,500 increase in the recreation budget. The corporate budget takes care of expenses such as labor, general administration, repairs, new property acquisition, insurance, the Ellwood House Museum and employee benefits. The recreation budget is used for all district playgrounds, athletic teams, Hopkins Park Pool, Haish Gym and recreation director’s salaries.

Representatives of state agencies will be asked to clarify the condition of the DeKalb County Jail. The Safety and Law Enforcement Committee of the County Board Monday night voted to set up a meeting in light of a Department of Correction report which said the jail has no violations of the Illinois County Jail Standards.

ents are asked to instruct their children to see that the family pets do not follow them to school. Unless the dogs are kept at home, they are likely to be picked up as the dog catcher is to be instructed to pick up all dogs running loose in the school yard or vicinity.

On Thursday there were 375 persons X-rayed by the state mobile chest X-ray unit in DeKalb, this being the first of a fiveday visit in this city. This was considered an exceptionally good day and it is hoped that this fine start will be continued and that all residents of the area will take advantage of this free service.

This morning city street crews started the task of painting the traffic lines in the DeKalb business district and the work will be continued until all of the downtown area has been covered. The block between First and Second Streets on the Lincoln Highway was barricaded for a couple of hours this morning while the pedestrian crosswalks and the parking spaces and no parking areas were painted.

Poppies made by disabled veterans will be distributed by the America Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars auxiliary members on Saturday, May 26. Contributions for the aid of disabled veterans and needy

children of veterans will be received in exchange for the red crepe-paper flowers. All citizens are urged to wear a poppy as an individual tribute to the memory of America’s war dead.

An unidentified motorist struck and damaged the school safety zone sign which is set out each school day on West Lincoln Highway near Normal Road. One of the two signs near this intersection was literally demolished when struck by some vehicle yesterday, and had to be brought in to the police station.

Planned planting along Route 23 is creating a living memorial honoring all service men and women of the DeKalb-Sycamore area. The project is one that is rapidly nearing a completion after two years of active work which was embraced the unstinted efforts of the garden clubs and Rotary Clubs of both Sycamore and DeKalb and the state Highway Department.

1976 – 50 YEARS AGO

Members of the DeKalb Park District Board of Commissioners adopted a reduced budget Wednesday. The $351,000 budget represents an overall reduction of approximately $1,074 from last year. The drop in appropriations was a

Road crews will smooth out bumps and divots on Lucas and Maple Street this summer. Sycamore City Council last night voted to repave to two streets. The new surface will widen the road, eliminating the grass between street and sidewalk.

2001 – 25 YEARS AGO

Graduation day was nearly one of the darkest days in the life of Hinckley-Big Rock students. Literally. A midafternoon hail storm dumped up to three inches of hail on Hinckley streets and knocked out power to the high school. Candles were lit in the halls and classrooms while the Hinckley and Big Rock fire departments provided generators for the public-address system and for minimal lighting in the gymnasium.

Sycamore merchants know something about making lemonade out of lemons. While merchants and shoppers sometimes have a hard time getting around the construction, businesspeople are putting out their own decorated sawhorses that add some color to downtown.

Students who are now enrolled at Lincoln Elementary School will be able to attend next year. Principal Tom Burski said the library will be converted into a classroom so that no students will have to be transferred.

– Compiled by Sue Breese

Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives South Second Street from Grove Street looking north toward Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, circa 1960.

New DeKalb-based group hopes to foster collaboration

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

A new group in DeKalb dedicated to advocating for environmental and sustainability issues locally hosted a kickoff meeting recently to lay the groundwork for positive change in the community.

DeKalb Sustainability Alliance and the idea behind it first got its start in December 2025.

Around that time, DeKalb resident Amy Doll and others took inspiration from the City Council meetings around the now-approved Edged data center development and the community’s concerns.

DeKalb resident Amy Doll speaks out April 13 at a DeKalb City Council meeting about a proposed ordinance amendment to regulate DeKalb boards, commissions and committees. DeKalb Sustainability Alliance’s next meeting is May 28 at library

and also advocating for them locally.”

Doll said it will take three types of groups to effect change on environmental and sustainability issues.

She said she hopes to work with another local group, the city’s DeKalb Citizens’ Environmental Commission, which is a non-policy-making body that can recommend action for the City Council.

Another local environmental advocacy group, DeCarbon DeKalb, provides education to area residents.

Doll said she believes collaboration is key.

“What we saw was missing was this specific piece about advocacy about showing up and advocating for change to governing bodies,” Doll said. “I think it takes all three to make change.”

Doll said she believes she’s up for the task of leading DeKalb Sustainability Alliance.

In the days following, Doll said she grew frustrated by the lack of local groups to turn to.

“There are people doing boots-on-

“I went to the meeting and I spoke and said I’m concerned about the process of democracy,” Doll said. “In my opinion, it happened too fast, and there wasn’t a lot of transparency and opportunity for the public to know what was happening.”

the-ground work,” Doll said. “There are people doing planning. There are people doing education. All of those are super important and really, really necessary. ... There’s not a group that is thinking about environmental issues

She is a former executive director for the DeKalb Park District.

“I have enough local government experience and knowledge that I think I

Megann Horstead file photo

New Sycamore firefighters, police sworn in

3 new firefighters, 2 new police officers join city ranks of first responders

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

Four new Sycamore first responders were sworn into duty during the Sycamore City Council meeting on May 18.

Kevin Finnelly and Sam Carlson took their oath as Sycamore’s newest firefighters in front of the Sycamore City Council, as more than a dozen Sycamore firefighters and police officers watched. City Clerk and Recorder Mary Kalk said Jake Noble, the department’s third hire, was unable to attend the meeting because of a school commitment.

The fire department wasn’t the only facet of the city that formally brought on new hires this week, however.

Sycamore police officers Nicholas Inden and Scott Allspaugh also took their oaths in front of dozens during the

City Council meeting.

Sycamore Mayor Steve Braser spoke to the audience, which was larger than most council meetings, after the formalities.

“Thank you all for showing up to show support for your new comrades and for the city of Sycamore,” Braser said. “We really appreciate that from all of you guys, so thank you.”

City Manager Michael Hall wrote on May 4 that Carlson, Finnelly and Nobel were hired to fill positions that had gone vacant after resignations and retirements within the fire department over the past year. At the time, he also said the city had approved three new positions in the police department.

On May 18, before badges were pinned onto officers Allspaugh and Inden, Sycamore Police Chief Erik Mahan took a moment to address the City Council, as well as those who took their time to watch the swearing-in ceremonies.

“Very, very excited to have these two talented, certified officers as part of our team,” Mahan said.

Camden Lazenby

Nicholas Inden and Scott Allspaugh were sworn in as Sycamore Police Officers during a Sycamore City Council meeting May 18 by City Clerk Mary Kalk.

History center to host expansion project grand opening

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The DeKalb County History Center will host an event for community members to celebrate its campus expansion project’s grand opening and new “We the People of DeKalb County” exhibit debut.

The free event will be from noon to 3 p.m. May 30 at the history center, 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore.

The event features face painting with Creations by Kate, family-friendly activities, refreshments and opportunities to hold, pet and feed baby goats with Legacy Farms.

A ribbon-cutting and announcement thanking campus project contributors is set for 12:15 p.m. A mini barn quilt painting workshop will be led by Courtney Sliga of The Verdant Path at 1:30 p.m.

Attendees can tour the history center’s stabilized Corn Crib. The Corn Crib was redesigned with an outdoor music venue and classroom, pavilion, walking paths and campus improvements designed to create community learning and engagement spaces.

The “We the People of DeKalb County” exhibit was created as part of the statewide and national America 250 commemoration. The exhibit reflects on the ideals of equality, freedom, the pursuit of happiness and the Declaration of Independence. The “We the People of DeKalb County”

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Lightbeam Players to perform ‘Sleepaway’ May 31 in DeKalb

The DeKalb Public Library will host a performance of the Lightbeam Players production of the play “Sleepaway” for community members.

The free performance will be held at 2 p.m. May 31 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. “Sleepaway” tells the story of Aspen, a

exhibit also explores the stories, people and places that shaped DeKalb County.

“Inspired by the statewide themes of Illinois America 250: Power of Place, We the People, and Doing History, the History Center has created local experiences designed to connect visitors with DeKalb County’s unique role in the American story,” History Center executive director Michelle Donahoe said in a news release.

“There are hands-on activities for families; familiar names as well as new stories highlighted throughout the exhibit; and a wide variety of programming scheduled throughout the year,” she said. “There is truly something for everyone.”

The DeKalb County History Center’s campus expansion celebrates and preserves DeKalb County’s agricultural heritage through enhanced outdoor spaces and restored historic structures.

The “We the People of DeKalb County” exhibit also will highlight changemakers from various backgrounds whose vision, service and leadership shaped the county’s future and history.

DeKalb County companion exhibits will feature community stories and local leaders.

The exhibit costs $5 and is free for history center members and children ages 14 and under.

For information, call 815-895-5762 or visit dekalbcountyhistory.org.

Opportunity House Advances Transformational Expansion Following Strong Community Support

Great Clips opens new location in Sycamore

Sycamore Chamber of Commerce celebrates with ribbon-cutting

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the grand opening of a new Great Clips location in town.

Chamber ambassadors, community members and supporters celebrated

the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting May 15.

“We’re excited to welcome Great Clips to Sycamore,” Sycamore Chamber of Commerce CEO Rose Treml said in a news release. “Their focus on convenience, quality service, and accessibility makes them a great addition to our local business community.”

Great Clips, 230 W. Peace Road, Sycamore, offers affordable and high-quality haircuts for men, women and children.

For information, visit salons.greatclips.com/us/il/sycamore.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

DeKalb library to host making musical instruments program

The DeKalb Public Library will host a program for children to create musical instruments.

The free program will begin at 10 a.m. May 30 in the library’s Story and Activity Room, 309 Oak St.

Participants will be able to make musical

Tick Prevention

No time for Lyme

Ticks can carry diseases, so it’s important to take steps to prevent bites.

instruments with basic recycled materials. Attendees also can play the instruments in a jam session.

Due to the program being limited to 30 children, the program is first-come, first-served.

For information, email lauraw@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.

– Shaw Local News Network

Avoid areas where ticks live. Ticks thrive in wood piles, long grass, and leaf piles.

Wear light-colored clothing; long pants, sleeves, socks, and close-toed shoes.

Apply EPA-approved tick repellant (such as picaridin or DEET).

Check for ticks on yourself, children, pets, and gear.

Toss clothes into dryer at HIGH temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Shower as soon as possible after returning indoors.

For more information, visit health.dekalbcounty.org

Photo provided by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce

The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce celebrating Great Clips grand opening

Join us for a day at the History Center as we celebrate the Grand Opening of our Campus Expansion Project and the debut of our new special exhibit! The Celebration is FREE, except for Exhibit Admission which is $5 per person. Admission for Members and Children 14 & Under are FREE!

Celebration Schedule of Activities

12:15 PM Announcements & Ribbon-cutting Debut of the “We the People of DeKalb County” Special Exhibit Family-friendly Activities Refreshments

Face Painting with Creations by Kate Hold, Pet, & Feed Baby Goats with Legacy Farms

DeKalb County History Center 1730 North Main Street, Sycamore, IL dekalbcountyhistory.org

1:30 PM Mini Barn Quilt Painting with Courtney Sliga of The Verdant Path Tour the Newly Stabilized Corn Crib Outdoor Music Venue & Classroom, Walking Paths, Pavilion, and More!

MAY 30 12 - 3 PM

Warehouse on Park in Genoa to welcome rock tribute bands in 2026

Outdoor music series takes place Saturdays through Sept. 12

By AIMEE BARROWS abarrows@shawmedia.com

Summer is right around the corner and the Warehouse on Park in Genoa is gearing up for another season of live music and fun performances.

The 2026 outdoor music experiences begin Saturday, May 23, and run through Saturday, Sept. 12.

Saturday, May 23: Memorial Day weekend kick-off party featuring Heart tribute band Heartless

Saturday, May 30: The British invasion featuring The Class of ‘68

Saturday, June 6: Rolling Stones tribute band Beggars Banquet

Saturday, June 13: Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Freebyrd

Saturday, June 20: Doors tribute band American Prayer

Saturday, June 27: Rockabilly party with Rick Lindy & The Wild Ones

Saturday, July 11: Crash the Wedding party with Electro Retro

Saturday, July 18: Blondie tribute band Atomic

Saturday, July 25: REO Speedwagon tribute band Richrath project

Saturday, Aug. 1: The Grateful Dead tribute band Trouble Ahead

Saturday, Aug. 8: Led Zeppelin tribute band Dazed & Confused

Saturday, Aug. 15: Billy Joel/Elton John tribute band Pianoman Band

Saturday, Aug. 22: Fleetwood Mac tribute band Stevie McVie

Saturday, Sept. 5: Carlos Santana tribute band Supernatural Soul

Saturday Sept. 12: End of the Season Bash with Mr. Myers

Season passes are available. For information or to buy tickets, visit thewarehouseonpark.com.

REFERRALS TO OTHER RESOURCES

¿MADRE PRIMERIZA?

¡Este programa del Departamento de Salud del Condado de DeKalb puede ayudarle a tener un embarazo y parto saludables!

Photo provided by Warehouse on Park

The Warehouse on Park in Genoa will welcome several tribute bands in its 2026 outdoor music series.

Sycamore OKs apartments for former Central School building

Developer plans to build more than a dozen units for rent

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

A proposed renovation that would transform the interior of the former Central School building in downtown Sycamore into more than a dozen apartment units has the approval of the Sycamore City Council.

The City Council on May 18 voted unanimously to approve a request to rezone the building located at 245 W. Exchange St. to multi-family housing. When the Sycamore School Board voted to sell the property for $151,000 on Oct. 28, 2025, the property was zoned for institutional and public uses, but now it can be used for multi-resident housing.

During the meeting, City Manager Michael Hall said the zoning change “fits.”

“The applicant is asking for a request of zoning change to R-2, which fits, kind of the area,” Hall said, mentioning that similar zoning is near the property in question.

The building that will be converted into new apartment units is now managed by BCM Industrial Park 2, but it began as Sycamore’s first High School, and later was used as a Sycamore Community School District 427 administration building.

The Sycamore Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted to recommend that the Sycamore City Council approve the request on May 11.

Third Ward Alderman Marvin Barnes said he’s glad the building won’t be demolished.

“In an era where everything is being torn down nowadays, and rebuilt with something else, I think it’s just abso -

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Cortland library to host summer reading program party May 27

The Cortland Community Library will host a Summer Reading Kick-Off Party for community members to register for its annual “Plant a Seed, Read” Summer Reading Program.

The free party will be held from 10 a.m.

lutely wonderful that the developer wants to preserve Central School – I still call it Central School – and convert it,” Barnes said.

Chris Mayer, who gained city approval for a restaurant and banquet facility at Windows Distillery, 21. N. California St. in 2023, attended Monday’s City Council meeting but did not speak publicly. When asked by Shaw Local, Mayer declined to share more details about the project, like how much rent could be for the new apartment units.

Mayer and Windows Distillery won the Community Diamond Award at the 2026 Sycamore Chamber of Commerce annual banquet on March 5.

If Mayer’s plans come to fruition, 14 one-bedroom apartments, five two-bedroom apartments, a common area and a gym space will be renovated inside the century-old building.

The property’s existing parking lot would be patched, resealed and restriped, documents show. An accessibility ramp, for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, also would be constructed at the front of the building.

In a letter to Hall dated May 12, John Sauter, the director of community development, wrote that the development meets all city requirements, despite not needing to.

“The subject lot was platted in the early 1900s; however Staff felt it worth noting that it complies with current development standards,” Sauter wrote.

He wrote that developments with 6 to 9 units per acre are considered high density by the city, per a 2021 comprehensive plan. Those developments are required to have open space on 30% of the property, he wrote.

The apartment complex that would be developed inside the former school

would have a density of 11.66 units per acre with 53% open space, according to city documents.

“It should be noted that, while the proposed density exceeds the guidelines noted above, the guidelines are intended for newly constructed Planned Unit Developments within platted subdivisions,” Sauter wrote. “Additionally, the proposed density is less than two existing apartment-style buildings located within the Downtown District.”

Barnes said the development plans, which can be found in the agenda for Monday’s meeting, harken back to previous endeavors by local entrepreneurs.

“It kind of reminds me of just down the street, when Mr. Pappas did the old Fargo Hotel building into apartments,” Barnes said. “I just appreciate preserving what we have, as long as it’s in good shape so it is, so thank you.”

to 1 p.m. May 27 at the library, 63 S. Somonauk Road.

The party features crafts, activities and photo opportunities with Rapunzel. The Cortland Lions Club will offer free vision and hearing screenings. Participants also can register for the library’s reading program online at cortlandlibrary.com.

For information, email hblack@cortlandlibrary.com or call 815-756-7274.

Diamond painting program set for May 28 in DeKalb

The DeKalb Public Library will offer a program for teens and adults to create a diamond painting.

The free program will begin at 6:30 p.m.

May 28 in the library’s 309 Creative makerspace, 309 Oak St.

Materials will be provided. Due to limited space, the program is first-come, firstserved.

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

– Shaw Local News Network

Camden Lazenby

Third Ward Aldermen Marvin Barnes and Nancy Copple look through their packets ahead of a May 18 Sycamore City Council meeting.

DeKalb schools could face $2.5 million deficit

Board expected to vote in August on tentative fiscal 2027 budget

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

A $165.4 million drafted budget for fiscal 2027 is expected to be considered by the DeKalb School District 428 school board this summer.

The district’s spending plan, if approved as presented, could include a $2.5 million deficit, but it is not structural; instead accounting for reserve fund balance to help pay for the $50.5 million total budgeted construction cost of a new early learning development center for preschool-age students.

Of those project costs, an anticipated $7.5 million is payable in fiscal 2027 to allow the building to welcome

students by fall 2029, district documents show.

Other major expenditures in the district’s tentative budget proposal include salaries, benefits and cost increases to various collective bargaining agreements.

Armir Doka, the district’s director of business and finance, described the district’s tentative fiscal year budget as a planning tool.

“It is a roadmap for us,” Doka said. “It will allow us to stay within the limits.”

The district is working under the assumption that local property taxes saw a 6.7% jump year over year, school board documents show. They foresee an expected 2% increase in the corporate personal property replacement tax compared to last year.

But there are some unknowns with the district’s spending plan, as well.

State budgets won’t be set until the end of May. As such, the district won’t have decisions on evidence-based

funding, property tax relief grants, or state-mandated categories like bus transportation, free lunch and special education until then.

“It becomes an exponential issue because as we lose reimbursements, our cost is growing with our contracts,” Doka said. “Every year that deficit keeps growing, and then we have to keep our local access, so that becomes an issue.”

The district’s share of evidence-based funding may be available for fiscal 2027, but could be lower than the previous year, according to school board documents. An estimated allocation may be determined in August.

This school year, the district was designated as a Tier 3 school system, school board documents show. If unchanged, the district is projected to receive a $57.6 million allocation from the state.

Board member Kristin Bailey questioned what metrics the state is using to determine the tier into which the

district falls.

“There are many points that they use in their formula,” Doka said in reply. “Their formula is actually very detailed, and that’s what worked great with this new funding formula because it was taking into account enrollment, cumulative ratios, local capacity targets.”

Board Vice President Nick Atwood asked if there is a goal to restore the district’s reserves.

“Are we putting any money back in to try to regrow that, or is this budget not including anything like that?” Atwood said.

“We have been conscious about our budgets,” Doka said in reply. “Every department leader has gone through it. We’ve been really looking, even with inflationary pressure. They have looked at anything that they can defer.”

The school board will put the district’s tentative budget proposal to a vote during its Aug. 4 regular meeting.

Megann Horstead

Officials take part in their bimonthly meeting of the DeKalb School District 428 Board of Education on May 19.