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DeKalb approves storm sewer, drainage improvements for new transit center
Spring groundbreaking on new transit center delayed
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
The city of DeKalb won’t yet be breaking ground on its long-awaited transit center off Dresser Road this spring as planned.
Instead, city staff directed City Council to consider authorizing the award of a construction services contract with Curran Contracting Company for storm sewer and drainage improvements in the West Dresser Road area.
City Manager Bill Nicklas said the transit center site is in need of some work, as it is very wet.
“We got to dry it out before we can begin any construction on the center, and it has delayed kickoff for that, unfortunately,” Nicklas said.
The project had gone out to bid, officials said.
Nicklas said it got a lot of interest and got a lot of bids.
In a pair of unanimous decisions, the City Council voted to back the amended request in the amount of $336,891, awarding the contract to Curran Contracting Company.
A groundbreaking on the city’s transit center had been set for the spring, but never materialized, according to the city’s fiscal 2026 budget.
PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzlesonpage13
THE COVER
Big O’s Barbecue is seen July 7, 2025 at 930 Pappas Drive in DeKalb. The owner of the restaurant died recently at age 55
See story, page 6.
Megann Horsteadfile photo
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.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Welcome to the city of DeKalb sign is seen along Route 38 in DeKalb on May 13, 2021.
Plans for drive-thru chicken restaurant OK’d
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
Plans for a chicken restaurant with a drive-thru and a smoothie cafe at the former site of an Advance Auto Parts store are one step closer to reality after unanimous action by DeKalb city leaders.
The DeKalb City Council on May 26 voted in support of a request for a special use permit submitted by petitioner John Pappas to make it happen.
Mayor Cohen Barnes welcomed Pappas’ developments in the city.
“As always, Mr. Pappas,” Barnes said. “Thanks for continuing investment in our community.”
The former Advance Auto Parts store at 2151 Sycamore Road, closed in early 2025 and has since seen improvements, subdividing the building into three separate tenant spaces of 2,017 square feet of space, according
to city documents.
At the south end of the building is an unidentified chicken restaurant with a drive-thru planned.
There also will be a small patio for patrons.
Under the approved plan, the drive-thru would accommodate five to six cars at a given time, with stacking.
There will be space for parking. The lot currently accommodates 16 vehicles, but with the addition of the drive-thru, it would serve 12, according to city documents.
The middle tenant space is vacant at this time.
At the north end of the building, project leaders have Tropical Smoothie Cafe lined up as a tenant.
According to the company’s website, it is not only known for smoothies, but also for its flatbreads, wraps, quesadillas, tropical bowls and more.
- WEEKLY DEALS
Kelsey Rettke file photo
A former Advance Auto Parts story, 2151 Sycamore Road in DeKalb, could turn into a drive-thru smoothie restaurant. The building proposal, seen, May 15, will be the focus of
Beth Fowler’s ‘VMA Legends’ opens June 5 in DeKalb
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Beth Fowler Dance Company will hold debut performances of its new production “VMA Legends.”
The performances will be held at 7 p.m. June 5 and 6 and at 2 p.m. June 6 and 7 at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb.
“VMA Legends” features various live dance performances along with pop culture history’s most iconic music videos. The music videos will be projected on the theater’s movie screen. The performance also highlights internationally known artists including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake and the Backstreet Boys. The artists will be celebrated with collaborative tribute mixes featuring their greatest hits.
“It brings the audience the perfect blend of music videos and a live concert feel,” Beth Fowler Dance Company artistic director Beth Fowler said in a news release.
“VMA Legends” opens with choreography honoring Beyonce. Angelena Vergara of St. Charles will dance the role of Beyonce.
The ballet will close to a performance of a collection of Lady Gaga songs collection. The role of Lady Gaga will be performed by Maddy Shannon of St. Charles.
Beth Fowler Dance Company and Beth Fowler School of Dance dancers
June 6 & 7,
2026
&
“Ice Cream Freeze” and “Ho Down, Throw Down.”
“The young dancers are so excited for this,” Fowler said in the news release.
“VMA Legends” also includes the Beth Fowler School of Dance’s 2026 season competitive group dances.
But it won’t be only the shows themselves that will be legendary. Fowler said the audience will be swept into the full VMA experience from the moment they step foot into the Egyptian Theatre.
The ballet will feature a velvet-roped walkway, 40-foot long red carpet, paparazzi and photo opportunities with life-sized cutouts of the performances featured artists.
Fowler noted that throughout its history, the Dance Company has earned a reputation for amazing productions, complete with elaborate stage sets and special effects on stage.
will perform various routines incorporates into the artists homages.
For instance, hip hop dancers of all levels will be featured in the Justin Timberlake tribute mix, Fowler also said in the news release.
The Beth Fowler School of Dance performers will dance during the Backstreet Boys ad Miley Cyrus mixes. The Miley Cyrus mix features songs from Cyrus’ fictional Hannah Montana alter ego such as “Butterfly Fly Away,” “The Climb,”
“But for this new show I felt inspired to set the stage from the moment our audience steps into the front lobby of the theater,” Fowler also said in the news release. “So our stage sets have extended to the theater lobby, as well as the stage.”
Tickets cost $24 for adults, $17 for children ages four to 12 and free for children ages three and under. To buy tickets, visit EgyptianTheatre.org, call 815-7581225 or visit the Egyptian Theatre box office.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
DeKalb library to host ‘Jeopardy’ trivia game June 6
Adults and teens can test their U.S. history knowledge during a “Jeopardy” trivia game at the DeKalb Public Library.
The free event will begin at 2 p.m. June 6 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman
Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Snacks and refreshments will be served. The event is part of the library’s 250 initiative. No registration is required. For information, email leahh@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2112. – Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by the Beth Fowler Dance Company
The Beth Fowler Dance Company will present “VMA Legends” June 5 through June 7 at the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb
Rooted For Good lists June Grow Mobile dates
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Rooted For Good released a list of June locations for Grow Mobile, a mobile food pantry that offers free food and household items to all who visit, with no requirements necessary.
Rooted For Good works to ensure the well-being of residents, staff and volunteers. Organizers ask that people practice good hand hygiene and stay home if they are ill.
To receive Grow Mobile alerts, text FreeGroceries to 844-727-2012.
Grow Mobile dates in June include:
• 4 to 5 p.m. June 3 at Hinckley First United Methodist Church, 801 N Sycamore St., Hinckley.
• 3 to 5 p.m. June 4 at University Vil-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Ellwood House’s Asian art collection subject of next lecture in Ellwood House Museum series
The June Brown Bag Lunch and Local Lore Series will feature a program about the Ellwood House Museum’s Asian art collection. The free program will begin at noon June 4 at the museum’s visitor center, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb. Ellwood House Museum Asian Collections Carpenter Fellow Nancy Leone will highlight ways collections work, research and preservation translate into public interpretation and display. She also will discuss her role developing an upcoming museum exhibit.
Leone earned an Asian studies degree from Lake Forest College. She also received a master’s in Chinese studies and a master’s in history of art and archaeology of East Asia with a ceramics concentration from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Leone expertise include exhibition development, Asian art and collection management.
“From Inventory to Exhibition: Asian Collections at Ellwood House Museum” is part of the “Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series” program is part of Brown Bag Lunch and Local Lore, a free lecture series offered as a collaboration between the
lage Apartments, 722 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.
• 3 to 5 p.m. June 9 at the Cortland Lions Club Shelter, 70 S. Llanos St., Cortland.
• 11 a.m. to noon June 11 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.
• 3 to 5 p.m. June 16 at University Village Apartments, 722 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.
• 3:30 to 5 p.m. June 18 at the Malta Historical and Genealogical Society, 127 N. Third St., Malta.
• 4 to 6 p.m. June 23 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, 340 W. Arnold Road, Sandwich.
• 11 a.m. to noon June 25 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.
DeKalb County History Museum and Ellwood House Museum.
For information, visit ellwoodhouse.org/ lectures.
DeKalb residents invited to Ward 7 meeting June 3
DeKalb Ward 7 residents are invited to attend a meeting led by 7th Ward Alderman John Walker to discuss issues, opportunities and concerns in the city of DeKalb.
The meeting runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 3 in the Hampton Inn conference room, 663 S. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.
Attendees should expect discussion topics such as Devoinaire Farms speeding concerns; the Van Buer Plaza Juneteenth event; Devonaire Farms Windmill Way new development; Midwest Professional Empire and Associates LLC special services; and stationary vehicles and vehicles blocking city sidewalks ticketing. Walker will provide opening remarks and facilitate the discussion.
Time also will be allotted for resident comments. Participants can record or livestream the meeting.
Attendees are asked to email discussion topics of interest to john.walker@ cityofdekalb.com.
– Shaw Local News Network
Namesake behind Big O’s BBQ dead at age 55
‘He was a force that God bless us with’
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
Alando “O” Farmer, the owner and namesake behind Big O’s Barbecue in DeKalb, is being remembered by loved ones for his commitment to the community and devotion to a higher power.
He died May 16 at 55.
Alando opened his first restaurant, Big O’s Barbecue, along Pappas Drive in DeKalb, in July 2025.
He worked alongside his wife, Valerie, for years. More recently, she handled the front-end customer service operations for the restaurant and pitched in with cooking and preparing sides and sauces when needed. Alando worked in the kitchen preparing orders.
Previously, the Farmers ran and operated a municipal cleaning service.
A May 22, Facebook post about Alando’s death credited him as a “great” man who ”poured into everyone, young and old.”
Valerie said things took a turn fast with Alando’s passing.
“We didn’t even know he was sick because he was still getting around, doing everything he was supposed to,” Valerie said.
Alando’s daughter, Shaka, shared that sentiment.
“I’ve never seen anything like it, to the very last breath,” Shaka said.
Alando and Valerie got married in August 1991. They would have six children together.
Valerie said she feels like she’s lost her person.
“Me and Alando was always together,” she said. “We were best friends.”
Shaka recalls how Alando always had a love for cars and tinkering with things.
“He was really good with his hands,” Shaka said. “I love art. So, a lot of things that’s around the house, it was him. He fixed everything. It’s hard for a man to match up to my dad. [He] was a jack of all trades.”
Early life
Valerie recalls the lengths to
which Alando went to rise above his circumstances.
At age 16, he suffered a leg injury, which she said prompted him to undergo his first major surgery.
“It left him disabled,” Valerie said. “You couldn’t tell it, though.”
But Valerie said Alando’s always been determined.
It’s something that Alando’s car -
ried with him everywhere.
In March 2023, when the Farmers first moved to DeKalb, Alando got the idea to start his own cooking business.
What started as a truck operation turned into a walk-up storefront along Pappas Drive with some help from the City of DeKalb.
Valerie said she knows how hard
Alando has worked to realize his dreams.
“He’s always had a passion [for] cooking,” Valerie said. “His grandma taught him to cook.”
In July 2025, the Farmers set up their grill to help feed those in need and the homeless, and gave away 250 book bags with school supplies to area students.
It’s clear that Alando had evolved, Valerie said.
“He was in the streets of the south side of Chicago, hanging out and doing his thing,” Alando said.
Valerie pointed to how Alando decided to profess his belief in Jesus Christ in 2000.
Valerie said she’s proud of the man Alando was.
“Alando has really been ministering to a lot of people in the three years he’s been here,” she said.
Shaka said she hopes Alando is remembered by the community as a “force” of nature he was.
“He was a force that God blessed us with,” she said. “He set that example.”
Moving forward
Alando’s son, Tyran, said he thinks his father would be proud to see how the family is holding up in his absence.
In a recent Facebook post, Big O’s Barbecue announced plans to continue running and operating the restaurant, but under the ownership of Valerie moving forward.
“I think he’d be proud to see where we go and to be proud to see us carry on a legacy and the one he’s started,” Tyran said. “He’d be proud to see us stick together, continue to be together, and remain men and women of integrity.”
When asked what, if anything, they may have learned from Alando about what it will take to run the restaurant, Tyran said it’s all about being willing and ready to do the best you can in service to customers.
“You [can] always be willing to serve because that was my father,” Tyran said.
Alando was preceded in death by his mother, Rubystein Farmer, and his grandparents, Jim and Augusta Farmer.
He is survived by his father, Martin Lias, and leaves behind a wife, six children, and 14 grandchildren.
Photo provided by Shaka Farmer
Alando “O” Farmer is seen grilling in this undated photo.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
DeKalb library to hold PS5 gaming tournaments June 3 and 17
Teens in sixth through 12th grades can participate in two PS5 gaming tournaments to test their gaming skills at the DeKalb Public Library.
The free tournament will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 3 and 17 in the library’s Teen Room, 309 Oak St.
The tournament games include “EAFC26,” “College Football 26,” “Madden26” and “NBA 2K26.” Nintendo Switch, PS4 and XBoxOne games also will be available. The winner may receive a candy prize. Pizza will be served by Vinny’s Pizza. Due to only 16 spots being available, registration is required. To register, visit the Teen Room. For information, email yooneks@dkpl.org, or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2450.
DeKalb library to hold NAMI information booth June 8
The DeKalb Public Library will hold a National Alliance on Mental Illness information booth for community members to learn about the organization’s resources. The free booth will be held from 9:30 to
11 a.m. June 8 in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St.
Attendees will be able to meet NAMI staff and learn about English and Spanish programs and events. No registration is required. For information, call 815-7569568, ext. 2112, or email leahh@dkpl.org.
Egyptian Theatre’s Live Lunch Music Series to return June 4
The Egyptian Theatre will hold its Live Lunch Music Series for community members, visitors, shoppers and downtown workers to listen to live entertainment at the DeKalb Farmer’s Market.
The free series will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursdays beginning June 4.
The series features a rotating local artists lineup. The artists represent various musical genres and styles. To view the music series lineup, visit egyptiantheatre.org/live-lunch-music-series.
The Egyptian Theatre is owned and operated by the Preservation of Egyptian Theatre Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
– Shaw Local News Network
Faranda’s
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Join us for a specialized session to learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, and the latest in research and treatments.
Date: June 10th
Time: 2:30–3:30PM Location:
DeKalb transition center property acquisition OK’d
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
Leaders from DeKalb School District 428 have agreed to buy the property used to house its transition program for special education students ages 18 to 22.
The property at 530 Charter St. used to house a daycare facility and has since undergone renovations to retrofit the space for programming by young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In March 2024, the district first entered into a lease agreement on the property with an option to buy after two years. It stipulated that the district would make regular lease payments in the amount of $3,850 per month.
The contract also included an option to close on the sale sooner, provided that the purchase price is calculated using a formula derived from $315,000 minus 25% of lease payments and 100% of the security deposit.
Mark Busch file photo
LOOKING BACK
1926 – 100 YEARS AGO
Reports reached the office today of several trees that were damaged by the high winds of yesterday and the day before, especially along the highways. The telephone and power companies report some trouble, but nothing of a serious nature. Along the state highways, some large branches were blown down, which necessitated their removal before traffic could be resumed. Along the Grant highway to the north of DeKalb, it was necessary to remove many trees from the state road before automobiles were able to get through.
Steam heat users of DeKalb have been informed by the Illinois Power company that the steam used for heating purposes is turned off, and probably will not be available again until some time in September. The power company officials are hoping that summer will come directly, that some repairs may be made about the city. Investigation in this city and Sycamore as well, disclosed that few people were using the steam and it was therefore announced that it would be discontinued.
Gates at First street are a thing of the past, as the tower which has been used there for many years was removed from the pillars yesterday and placed on the ground. It is understood that the building will be fitted up for the man who will be stationed there after the auto flag signals have been installed there.
Announcement is made today that W. M. Simons, of the Boston Store, of the east side of DeKalb is planning the erection of another two- or three-story building on the site adjoining his store on the west. Kaiser Brothers, tinners and furnace dealers, have purchased the frame building in which their business is located, and will proceed at once to remove it from the lot. At the time the purchase of this building was made by the Kaiser Brothers, Mr. Simons asked that the lot be vacated within a period of 30 days, that building operations might be started at once.
Members of the Sycamore park board appear to be well satisfied with the progress that is being made on the new house at the park, which will be used by the
Rates for local phone service could be going up soon. Continental Telephone Co., will file a request for increased local service rates this week with the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Kathy Vance, 21, has joined the news staff of the Daily Chronicle as a general assignment reported. Miss Vance was graduated from Northern Illinois University in May with a major in journalism.
Last Thursday could have gone up in flames for our Mr. Michael Malone. A candle for each year would mean 98, quite a torch to grace a birthday cake. The threetiered cake was made and decorated by one of Mr. Malone’s employes, Mrs. Edna Askelson, and it towered right in the center of the head table at the May 27 birthday party at Skonsen’s.
2001 – 25 YEARS AGO
caretaker of the place. The frame work of the building has been started and an idea is possible at this time of the convenience that the building will offer, not only to the caretakers but others, as well. The house is being erected for the park by W. M. McAllister.
1951 – 75 YEARS AGO
A rain, wind and electrical storm struck DeKalb about 5:30 o’clock Friday afternoon causing extensive damage to power and phone lines, uprooting trees and breaking large branches, leveling television towers and causing some property damage.
Mrs. Everett Plapp of rural Maple Park is the new correspondent for the Maple Park area of the DeKalb Daily Chronicle. She will appreciate any news given to her.
Your Liberty Garden can be beautiful, if you plan it carefully and lay it out with precision. The beauty of a vegetable planting lies in its order, with crops growing in straight, parallel rows, squared with plot boundaries and not a weed to be seen.
In the Esmond vicinity a tin machine shed on the Gus Davison farm, one mile north of Esmond, was blown down. The shed blew over on the threshing machine
stored there by Russell Barnes.
DeKalb Barbs, anxious to be in top condition for the openings of the North Central conference baseball season, went to work yesterday. Under the direction of Coach Dertinger the boys were out at the DeKalb Recreational Field and kept at a heavy session of drilling until the rain storm hit. There was sliding practice, some fielding work, a turn at the stick and the usual run of fundamental instructions.
The DeKalb County Chapter of the American Red Cross will again sponsor its annual water safety program with free swimming lesson in the Sycamore pool. This year the lessons will be for beginners only. The tentative date for the beginning is for July 11, but there is a possibility it may be sooner.
1976 – 50 YEARS AGO
The reconstruction, extension and resurfacing of several DeKalb streets is planned for this summer or early next fall. The major construction projects include the rebuilding of the curbs and roadway of Terrace Drive, the widening of Lewis Street, the widening of Second Street, the rebuilding of the curbs and roadway of Seaman Avenue, and the rebuilding of Fifth Street.
The sights, sounds, and smells of America’s Civil War are alive in Sycamore. More than 80 re-enactors, representing soldiers and civilians of the era, are camped at Sycamore Community Park for two days of Civil War living history.
And the wait continues. Northern Illinois University and city officials are hoping for word from the Chicago Bears that DeKalb will be the new home for their summer training camp. But comments from team president Ted Phillips on Saturday indicate the wait could be lengthy.
A challenge to all area businesses for donations to the Northern Illinois Veterans Memorial has been issued by the Kirkland Branch of the Belvidere Bank, which will match total donations up to $500.
A Northern Illinois University fraternity has failed to clock the sale of a building it had hoped to make its new headquarters, but will proceed with a lawsuit charging the building’s former owner with fraud. Early last month in DeKalb County, Phi Kappa Theta filed a lawsuit against Castle Bank claiming the fraternity had a verbal agreement with the bank to purchase a three-story brick building at 1114 Blackhawk Drive.
– Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives
Looking east at 116 Somonauk Street, the Sycamore True Republican newspaper building in Sycamore, circa 1950.
Adults and teens can print various items at two workshops June 7 and 24 at the DeKalb Public Library
3D printing workshops set for June 7 and 24 in DeKalb
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Adults and teens can print various items at two workshops at the DeKalb Public Library.
The free workshops will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. June 7 and at 6:30 p.m. June 24 in the library’s 309 Creative room, 309
Oak St.
The first workshop will print modeling flowers in Blender. Attendees can learn about 3D printing and fiber arts 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 call 815-756-9578, ext. 2851.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
DeKalb library to host American Revolution’s hidden figures
The DeKalb Public Library will host a program for adults to learn about the stories of the American Revolution’s hidden figures.
The free program will be held at 1 p.m. June 6 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
Participants will be able to learn about stories of immigrants, Native peoples, enslaved and free African Americans and women who contributed to the American Revolution. The program is part of the library’s America250 initiative. No registration is required.
For information, email emilyf@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1000.
Sycamore library’s Summer Reading Challenge begins May 29
The Sycamore Public Library will hold its
2026 “Plant a Seed, Read!” Summer Reading Challenge to encourage community members to read during the summer.
The challenge runs from May 29 through Aug. 7. Participants can track reading and activities through the library’s online reading platform. Paper reading logs also will be provided.
The challenge includes various local coupon prizes, activities and giveaways. The library also will offer summer events and programs such as performances, family experiences, workshops and STEM activities.
The Sycamore Public Library will celebrate the challenge’s end with an End of Summer Reading Extravaganza from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7.
For information or to register, visit sycamorelibrary.org/summer-reading-challenge/.
Photo provided
Alumni dedicate memorial bench outside DeKalb High School
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
A new alumni memorial bench for the classes of ’70s from DeKalb High School was dedicated on May 22 outside the high school.
It was a gift to the high school inspired by a campaign started in the fall of 2025 to raise money from all 10 classes spanning the ’70s for the project, according to project leaders. They saw more than $5,000 raised in total.
The bench has since been created, installed and put in place outside the high school for all to cherish.
The bench features a copy of the high school’s logo that was used in the ’70s on the plaque attached to it, according to project leaders.
An excess of $1,500 had been raised beyond what was needed for the costs of the memorial bench, according to project leaders. They said they voted to donate those funds to the DeKalb High School Alumni Scholarship Fund.
A new memorial bench has been created, installed, and now is permanently in place at the front of DeKalb High School, thanks to more than 100 donors providing more than $5,000 for the project spanning across all 10 classes in the ’70s. The bench was celebrated on May 22 outside the high school as part of a ceremony with alumni in attendance. ABOVE: A group of alumni from classes spanning the ’70s pose for a picture May 22 to celebrate the creation and installation of a new memorial bench outside DeKalb High School. The group was responsible for the bench’s installation becoming a reality.
Ellwood House’s ‘Life as a Teen in 2026’ exhibit runs through October
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Ellwood House Museum will hold a “Life as a Teen in 2026” exhibit to celebrate the 250th anniversary or the U.S.
The exhibit was curated by Phoenix Academy at Kishwaukee Education Consortium students.
The exhibit explores students’ places in the present in the shape of a school locker. The “Life as a Teen in 2026” exhibit examines themes including gun violence, peer pressure and discovering one’s identity in the social media age.
The exhibit began as a project for the academy students to engage in local and national history. The students met with Ellwood House Museum and DeKalb County History Center representatives to learn about research methods and museum practices during the 2025-26 school year. The academy students also discussed objects that best represent their lives.
“We are so proud to host this exhibit and highlight the students’ hard work,” Ellwood House Museum assistant
director and chief curator Audrey King said in a news release. “Their stories remind us that history isn’t just from
hundreds of years ago, it’s also about documenting life today.”
The exhibit runs through October.
Photo provided by the Ellwood House Museum
The Ellwood House Museum’s “Life as a Teen in 2026’ exhibit
Photos by Megann Horstead
LEFT:
DeKalb County Community Foundation awards $119K in grants
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Eighteen local organizations will receive a share of $119,900 in Community Needs Grants from the DeKalb County Community Foundation to help local programming.
From expanding access to food to enriching organizational programming with new curriculum and educational materials, the grants reflect the Foundation’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in DeKalb County.
“This grant is instrumental to the Meals on Wheels program serving southern DeKalb County in addressing malnutrition, food insecurity and social isolation for so many,” Voluntary Action Center grants management director Ellen Rogers said in a news release. “The generous support of the Foundation donors, Board of Directors and staff have long made a tremendous difference to VAC and the communities it serves throughout DeKalb County.”
Community Needs Grants are distributed to eligible organizations in DeKalb County each spring and fall.
Applications align with the Foundation’s five grantmaking interest areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Community Development, Environment and Animal Welfare and Health and Human Services.
Spring 2026 Community Needs Grant awardees:
• Adventure Works of DeKalb County, Inc.
- $10,000 to install outdoor lighting to improve safety and expand service hours
• Children’s Community Theatre - $4,200 to buy organization units and seating to furnish their newly acquired building
• DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board - $1,000 to bring the LGBTQ+ history “Legacy Wall” exhibit to DeKalb County
• Kishwaukee College Foundation
- $13,000 for technology upgrades in Kishwaukee Community College’s greenhouse
• League of Women Voters of DeKalb County - $2,000 to buy equipment for their Every Vote Matters campaign
• Lee Community Fire Protection District
- $13,000 to buy turnout gear
• NIU STEAM - $4,000 to buy technology needs for the NextGen Huskies: YouthLed Media & Storytelling Initiative
• Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center - $2,800 to buy furniture for the Living Room program
• Open Door Rehabilitation Center - $8,100
to buy equipment for a new west workshop classroom and a wood workshop
• Opportunity House, Inc. - $20,000 to buy technology and curriculum for vocational education and training
• Preservation of Egyptian Theatre, Inc.
- $5,000 to improve dressing room spaces and install a new hospitality area
• RAMP - $5,500 to buy equipment and supplies for the RAMP Mobile Career Simulation Lab
• Shabbona Community Fire Department
- $3,000 to replace old or missing address signs to ensure fast and accurate response time
• St. Mary School – DeKalb - $7,100 to install increased safety measures in high-traffic areas of school facilities
• Sweet Life Garden Group, Inc. - $1,900 to
create an on-site food pantry garden in collaboration with Elder Care Services
• Village of Shabbona - $5,000 to install a digital display for resident communication
• Village of Waterman - $6,300 to construct a gazebo in Garfield Park
• Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois - $8,000 to support the purchase of updated refrigeration units for the VAC kitchen located within Fox Valley Community Services in Sandwich.
“We are deeply grateful for the awarded funds, which will help support our voter education program, ‘Every Vote Matters,’ ” League of Women Voters of DeKalb County president Christi Slavenas also said in the news release. “Whether engaging children at elementary schools, families at community
celebrations or adults at voter registration events, we see energy, curiosity and critical thinking at work. Regardless of our political backgrounds, we are all in this together, and the more we can empower voters, the stronger our community will be.”
One of several grantmaking programs at the Community Foundation, Community Needs Grants receive funding through Community Impact Funds, Field of Interest Funds and Donor Advised Funds. Donations to Funds at the Community Foundation can be made online at dekalbccf.org/ donate or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore.
For more information, contact grants@dekalbccf.org.
Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation
DeKalb County Community Foundation board member Lizy Garcia Ramirez (left) presenting a $7,100 spring 2026 grant check to DeKalb St. Mary School principal Ashley Davis
AMUSEMENTS
Community
SYCAMORE - Garage Sale 1615 Pine Trail
May 28, 29, 30, June 4, 5, 6 , 8am-4pm Lots
Community
32 06 Corn Head, 6r-30” , poly; Unverferth HT 30 Head Trailer. Tractors & Equipment 2 013 JD 6 125R Tractor, MFWD, 1048 hrs., IVT trans., l oader ready w/brackets & joystick, One Owner; MF 2200 Loader Tractor, hrs. unknown, Perkins gas, WF, power st eeri ng, w/MF 20 0 Loader; JD 1760 Maxemerge XP Pl anter, 12R30 , wing fold; JD 1590 No -Til l Drill, 15', 7.5” spacing, One Owne r; Case-IH 3 950 Disk, 25', 7.5” spacing; Hardi 1000Navigator pull type sprayer, 1000 gal ., 60 ' boom, 13.6-38 tires;1000 ga l. poly water ta nk, 6.5 hp tran sfer pump w/tandem trai ler; 500 gal . diesel fuel tank w/Fillrite 20 GP M 12 volt pu mp, t ool bo x & trailer; IH 720 , 5 bott om pl ow, to ggl e trip, spring loaded coulters; Glenco 6r-30 cultivator, rolling shields; 4 section dr ag cart w/(2) 5'5” drag sect ions; 8' x 14' hayr ack & gear; 2 wheel sprayer 300 gal , 27 ' boom; 18.4-38 duals; 18.434 duals; 6' x8' Snow Mobile trailer w/ title; Bale elevator 30' w/transport; Fastrak 2 Zero turn Lawn Mower, gas, 44” deck; Yamaha gas Golf Cart w/utility box; 100 gal fuel tank w/hand pump; 1 987 Honda Heli x Scooter, 1 200 miles, tollway appr oved w/title; Solar 25 gal. lawn sprayer, w/42” boom; Shop Equipment & Hand Tools. Sam Beiriger – Owner 31 2-40 1-19 80 Aucti oneer: Mike Espe (630)- 669-2667 www.Espe Auctions.com
CASE NO. 25-FC-96 PROPERTY ADDRESS:
276 N CROSS ST
SYCAMORE, IL 60178
open for inspect ion. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information.
for that purpose.
FEDERAL HOME LOAN
Rest ored or Unrestored Cars & Vi ntage Motorcycles
Domestic / Import Cars:
Merced es, Po rsche, Cor vett e, Fe rraris, Jagu ars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & M opars
$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc. Coll ec tor James
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SYCAMORE, DEKALB COUNTY, IL LINOIS FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFI T OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2024-2, Plaintiff, vs KURT G CLIFTON AKA KURT CL FTON, DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC. AND LLINOIS COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION, Defendants.
CASE NO. 25-FC-96 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 276 N CROSS ST SYCAMORE, IL 60178
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of the above Court entered in the above entitled cause on March 19, 2026, the following desc ribed real estate to-wit:
Permanent Index Number: 06-32-127-001
Commonly known as: 276 N Cross St, Sycamore, IL 60178 will be offe red for sale and sold at public vendue on July 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at the Public Safety Building, 150 North Main, Sycamore Illinois. The Judgment amount is $79,994.86. The real estate is improved with a single family residence.
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of the above Court entered in the above entitled cause on March 19, 2026, the following desc ribed real estate, to-wit: Permanent Index Number: 06-32-127-001
Commonly known as: 276 N Cross St, Sycamore, IL 60178 will be offe red for sale and sold at public vendue on July 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at the Public Safety Building, 150 North Main Sycamore, Illinois. The Judgment amount is $79,994.86. The real estate is improved with a single family residence.
Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bi d by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Sheriff of DeKalb County. No third party che cks will be accepted The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Resident ial Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction ther eof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judg ment creditor, or other lienor ac quiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the mortgaged real estate arose prior to the sale The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate , and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quan tity of title and without recourse to the Pl ai nt iff and in "AS IS" condition. The Sale is further subject to confirmation by the Court.
Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale
For information contac Plaintiff's Attorney: Heavner, Beyers & Mihlar, LLC, 601 East William St reet, Decatur, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719
The purchaser of a condominium unit at a judicial foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, who takes possession of a condominium unit pursuant to a court order or a purchaser who acquires title from a mortgagee shall have the duty to pay the proportionate share, if any, of the common expenses for the unit which would have become due in the absence of any assessment acceleration during the 6 months immediately preceding institution of an action to enforce the collection of assessments, and which remain unpaid by the owner during whose possession the assessments accrued. If the outstanding assessments are paid at any time during any acti on to enforce the colle ction of assessments, the purchaser shall have no obligation to pay any assessments which accrued before he or she acquired title If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shal pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5 (g-1). If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitle d only to a return of the purchase price paid The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mort gagee or the Mortgagee's attorney IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SECTION 15- 1701 (c) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFI T OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK
TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES
2024-2,Plaintiff, Karen C. Mitch (#6291822), Its Attorney Of Heavner, Beyers & Mihlar, LLC
Karen C. Mitch (#6291822) HEAVNER, BEYERS & MI HLAR, LLC Attorneys at Law
601 East W illiam Street
Decatur, IL 62523
Email: Non-CookPleadings @hsbattys.com
Telephone:(217) 422-1719
Facsimile: (217) 422-1754
I3271350 (MidWeek Jun. 3, 10, 17, 2026)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SYCAMORE, DEKALB COUNTY, IL LINOIS FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFI T OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2024-2, Plaintiff, vs KURT G CLIFTON AKA KURT CLIFTON, DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC. AND ILLINOIS COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION, Defendants. CASE NO. 25-FC-96
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 276 N CROSS ST SYCAMORE, IL 60178
due on July 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at the Public Safety Building, 150 North Main, Sycamore Illinois. The Judgment amount is $79,994.86. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bi d by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Sheriff of DeKalb County. No third party che cks will be accepted The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Resident ial Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction ther eof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No ee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judg ment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the mortgaged real estate arose prior to the sale The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate , and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to the Pl ai nt iff and in "AS IS" condition. The Sale is further subject to confirmation by the Court.
shall have the duty to pay the proportionate share, if any, of the common expenses for the unit which would have become due in the absence of any assessment acceleration during the 6 months immediately preceding institution of an action to enforce the collection of assessments, and which remain unpaid by the owner during whose possession the assessments accrued. If the outstanding assessments are paid at any time during any acti on to enforce the collection of assessments, the purchaser shall hav e no obligation to pay any assessments which accrued before he or she acquired title If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Ac t, 765 ILCS 605/18.5 (g-1). If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor the Mort gagee or the Mortgagee's attorney IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SECTION 15- 1701 (c) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of the above Court entered in the above entitled cause on March 19, 2026, the following desc ribed real estate to-wit: All that ce rtain parcel of land situate in DeKalb and State of Ill in ois being known and designated as Lot 6 in Loomis second addition to the City of Sycamore according to the Plat thereof recorded in Book "B" of Plats, Page 56 on 4/04/1883, in DeKalb County, Illinois. Permanent Index Number: 06-32-127-001
Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale
The propert y will NOT be open for inspect ion. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information.
For information contact
Plaintiff's Attorney: Heavner, Beyers & Mihlar, LLC, 601 East William St reet, Decatur, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719
Note: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Co llection Practices Act you are advised that th e Law Fi rm of Heavner, Beyers & Mihlar, LLC, is deemed to be a debt collector attempti ng to collect a debt, and any inf ormation obtained will be used for that purpose.
Note: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Co llection Practices Ac you are advised that th e Law Fi rm of Heavner, Beyers & Mihlar, LLC, is deemed to be a debt collector attempti ng to collect a debt, and any inf ormation obtained will be used for that purpose.
FEDERAL HOME LOAN
Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bi d by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Sheriff of DeKalb County. No third party che cks will be accepted The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Resident ial Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residentia real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction ther eof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judg ment creditor, or other lienor ac quiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the mortgaged real estate arose prior to the sale The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate , and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quan tity of title and without recourse to th Pl ai iff and in "AS IS"
The propert y will NOT be open for inspect ion. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information. For information contact Plaintiff's Attorney: Heavner, Beyers & Mihlar, LLC, 601 East William St reet, Decatur, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719
The purchaser of a condominium unit at a judicial foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, who takes possession of a condominium unit pursuant to a court order or a purchaser who acquires title from a mortgagee shall have the duty to pay the proportionate share, if any, of the common expenses for the unit which would have become due in the absence of any assessment acceleration during the 6 months immediately preceding institution of an action to enforce the collection of assessments, and which remain unpaid by the owner during whose possession the assessments accrued. If the outstanding assessments are paid at any time during any acti on to enforce the colle ction of assessments, the purchaser shall have no obligation to pay any assessments which accrued before he or she acquired title If this
MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFI T OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2024-2,Plaintiff, Karen C. Mitch (#6291822) Its Attorney Of Heavner, Beyers & Mihlar, LLC
Karen C. Mitch (#6291822)
HEAVNER, BEYERS & MI HLAR, LLC Attorneys at Law
601 East W illiam Street
Decatur, IL 62523
Email: Non-CookPleadings @hsbattys.com
Telephone:(217) 422-1719
Facsimile: (217) 422-1754
I3271350 (MidWeek Jun. 3, 10, 17, 2026)
Commonly known as: 276 N Cross St, Sycamore, IL 60178 will be offe red for sale and sold at public vendue on July 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at the Public Safety Building, 150 North Main Sycamore, Illinois. The Judgment amount is $79,994.86. The real estate is improved with a single family residence.
Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bi d by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Sheriff of DeKalb County. No third party che cks will be accepted The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Resident ial Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction ther eof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300 in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judg ment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residentia real estate whose rights in and to the mortgaged real estate arose prior to the sale The subject property is subjec to general
The purchaser of a condominium unit at a judicial foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, who takes possession of a condominium unit pursuant to a court order or a purchaser who acquires title from a mortgagee shall have the duty to pay the proportionate share, if any, of the common expenses for the unit which would have become due in the absence of any assessment acceleration during the 6 months immediately preceding institution of an action to enforce the collection of assessments, and which remain unpaid by the owner during whose possession the assessments accrued. If the outstanding assessments are paid at any time during any acti on to enforce the collection of assessments, the purchaser shall hav e no obligation to pay any assessments which accrued before he or she acquired title If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Ac t, 765 ILCS 605/18.5 (g-1). If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor the Mort gagee or the
FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFI T OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2024-2,Plaintiff, Karen C. Mitch (#6291822) Its Attorney Of Heavner, Beyers & Mihlar, LLC Karen C. Mitch (#6291822) HEAVNER, BEYERS & MI HLAR, LLC Attorneys at Law 601 East W illiam Street Decatur, IL 62523
