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ON THE COVER
Wes Ray (left), a service technician at DeKalb Mechanical, talks June 11 to participants in the Heavy Metal Summer Experience about furnace repair at DeKalb Mechanical. See story, page 6.
Sheriff says nonemergency calls contributed to slower overall response times in 2024
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – With a significantly short-staffed patrol division in 2024, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office improved its average response time to crashes with injuries and domestic violence-related 911 calls, according to the office’s annual report.
Average response times decreased for calls related to crashes with and without injuries, reports of suspicious persons or vehicles, and domestic disturbances in 2024, according to data reported in the sheriff’s office’s annual recap. Those responses improved to average times not seen since 2021, according to the report. But overall response time for all dispatch calls in 2024 grew to more than 18 minutes, the longest average response time since at least 2016, according to seven different annual reports. DeKalb County Sheriff Andy Sullivan said that could be due to the time his deputies needed to respond to nonemergency calls.
The sheriff’s office has the largest 911 communications center in the county and operates 911 lines for most of the municipalities in the area, not including the city of DeKalb.
Sullivan said he thinks the average response times to nonemergency calls in 2024 is why the data shows a slowed overall time.
“I believe the myriad other types of calls that are listed in the nonemergency examples would contribute to that,” Sulli-
van said. “For example, a theft call or dog bite or things of that nature. Increased traffic congestion at times when deputies do not need to go with lights and sirens to a call would extend the response times.”
In 2024, it took sheriff’s deputies more than a minute and a half longer on average to respond to calls south of Perry Road compared with calls north of that road, according to county documents.
What the office calls the “south zone,” 264 square miles with a population density of 65 people per square mile, has the fewest people living inside it. But it’s also the largest of the three zones the sheriff’s office divides the county into.
The “central zone,” 172 square miles between Route 64 and Perry Road, has the highest population density, with 377 people per square mile. The “north zone,” the
194-square-mile expanse from Route 64 to the northern county line, has 119 people per square mile.
Sullivan said his office in 2024 typically had three to four deputies plus a supervisor on duty during any given shift. Of that personnel, usually one person was assigned to the south zone.
Minimum staffing, including a supervisor, is generally four patrol cars, while maximum is six, according to the report.
Sullivan said geography and population density factor into the data and his staffing decisions.
“The central zone and the north zone are typically our busier zones, and so there is one person assigned to the south,” Sullivan said. “There’s a lot more miles to cover in that [south] area, so sometimes it just takes longer to get to different calls.”
Photo by Mark Busch
Mark Busch file photo
Two vehicles involved in a crash Nov. 19, 2024, sit in the westbound lanes of Bethany Road near DeKalb Avenue in Sycamore.
DeKalb Municipal Band back for 171st season
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK
contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The DeKalb Municipal Band, conducted by Kirk Lundbeck, will continue its 171st season with a concert titled “Into the Depths,” featuring vocalist Deanna Tausch on June 24.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Dee Palmer Band Shell at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb.
Tausch will perform “Zee-A-DeeDo-Da,” “When You Wish Upon a Star,” and “Let it Go” from “Frozen.” Other music on the program includes “American River Songs,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Hands Across The Sea.”
Tausch is a native of Shabbona. She holds bachelor’s degrees in vocal performance and music education from Northern Illinois University, as well as a Master of Science in education from NIU.
During her college career, Tausch performed in several ensembles, including the NIU Chamber Choir, NIU Concert Choir and the NIU Opera Theatre Chorus. She is a member of the professional vocal ensemble Cor Cantiamo and
has been featured as a guest soloist for the Young Naperville Singers and several local churches.
Tausch also is the founder of the
Musical Moments Early Childhood Music Class, which is offered to young children and their caregivers in the DeKalb County area. She teaches early
childhood and elementary school music in the Kaneland school district.
For more information, visit dekalbmunicipalband.com.
CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE TODAY!
About George Brothers Paving Company
Since 1956, George Brothers Paving Company has proudly served DeKalb County and its neighboring areas, spanning four generations of family ownership.
Founded by Steve George, our commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction has been the cornerstone of our business for over six decades. We specialize in a comprehensive range of services including asphalt paving, seal coating, concrete flatwork, and chip seal on driveways and parking lots; we’ve evolved to meet the diverse needs of both residential and commercial clients.
With a focus on attention to detail, our team ensures that every project is completed to the highest standards. Phone 815-762-6781 | email georgebrospaving@gmail.com
Mark Busch file photo
The DeKalb Municipal Band will continue its 171st concert season with a performance in Hopkins Park on June 24.
Peek inside Glidden barn during Open Barn Day
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center’s Open Barn Day on June 22 will give visitors a unique chance to see the inside of the historic barn where “The Winner” barbed wire was invented and initially manufactured.
The event will be from noon to 4 p.m. at the homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb. Admission is $5 for adults; children younger than 14 and Homestead members are admitted free.
The barn is perhaps the most historically significant in the country, according to historic preservationist Roger Keys, because it is where Glidden invented and manufactured the first practical barbed wire. Keys, who has done much work on the Homestead’s house and barn, will give tours every half hour starting at noon.
The brick barn was built circa 1870. Glidden’s first barbed wire manufacturing office was located in the southeast corner of the barn. The architecture and
ongoing restoration plans will be discussed and shared.
Local collector John Rowe will display his barbed wire tool trailer, featuring tools that reflect the history of barbed wire collecting, as well as other hands-on demonstrations throughout the day.
The Phineas Vaughan Blacksmith Shop at the Glidden Homestead will be open and operating that day. Volunteer blacksmiths will provide a glimpse into living history as they provide demonstrations of the craft. The historic Glidden home also will be open for docentled tours starting at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 pm. There will be a craft available for children.
The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center is a nonprofit organization working to preserve the home and barn while providing educational opportunities to the public. The house and Welcome Center are open from noon to 4 p.m. every Sunday.
For more information, call 815-7567904, visit GliddenHomestead.org or visit J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center on Facebook.
Photo provided by the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center Historic preservationist Roger Keys will give tours of the barn at the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center in DeKalb on June 22 during Open Barn Day.
YOU ARE INVITED!
20th Anniversary Celebration
WINDOW WORLD OF ROCKFORD
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 10am-2pm 6010 Forest Hills Road, Rockford, IL
Bring the whole Family and join us in celebrating 20 years of serving families in the Rockford area. Please Come and enjoy food, refreshments, door prizes, and enter to win our Grand Prize!
We hope to see you there! Scott Williamson and Family
There will be fun things for the kids to do, and everyone will receive a thank you gift prizes,
Trades-centric summer camp gives DeKalb area youth peek at future jobs
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Anthony Meyers, 17, a rising senior at DeKalb High School, was still studying when his summer break began.
He wasn’t in a typical classroom, but that’s exactly where he wanted to be, he said.
Meyers was one of 31 DeKalb County teenagers who attended Heavy Metal Summer Experience, a new program that aims to introduce teens to skills necessary for trades work. In sessions from June 2 to June 12, students learned about mechanical, electrical and plumbing jobs.
“It’s not that you have to be here, but it’s a good experience to have,” Meyers said. “Every company that we have worked with, all the staff members have treated us like their own.”
For almost two weeks, Meyers did welding, plumbing, electrical work, metal bending and more.
“I feel like it’s a good hands-on camp, it teaches you a lot,” Meyers said. “There’s really a lot of experiences, and [it’s] a way to guide kids to show them different routes if they’re not trying to go to college.”
DeKalb wasn’t the only city with a Heavy Metal Summer Experience this year. Nearly 900 high school students in 49 other cities across the country were expected to participate this summer.
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce was one of the event’s organizational partners, a key to bringing the experience to DeKalb for the first time.
Matt Duffy, Chamber executive director, said DeKalb’s summer experience broke records. The Chamber helped solicit student applications.
“When we put it out there, we got a tremendous response,” Duffy said. “We actually had the most applicants in the country for this program, and we had the largest number of applicants participating in the first year of the program.”
While the camp was held through a chamber partnership, it took collaborations with local businesses and institutions to turn it into the type of learning environment organizers intended for students.
Campers learned to weld at Kishwau-
Jack Smith (left), 17, of Sycamore gets a hand from Chris Evans, a welder with DeKalb Mechanical, on June 11 as he puts the finishing touches on the toolbox he is making during the Heavy Metal Summer Experience at DeKalb Mechanical. The program, put on through a partnership between the DeKalb Chamber Foundation and DeKalb Mechanical, offers hands-on training to high school-aged students interested in a career in the trades.
kee Community College’s welding lab. They got their hands dirty at DeKalb Mechanical, 339 Wurlitzer Drive.
Kurt Mattson, president and owner of DeKalb Mechanical, said his company partnered with the chamber to help give the teens a thorough peek into what a trade career could look like.
“Seeing the future of the trades here is just really impressive because these kids are smart, they are well-behaved, they show up on time, if not an hour early,” Mattson said. “And it’s just really refreshing to me.”
Kaylie Bruckner, 17, of Sycamore said she thinks camp was extra special because it helped her bond with her dad.
“He’s an electrician,” Bruckner said.
“This is just more of an insight on seeing what other trades do and what I want to go into, and if there are any other options, I want to keep my mind open to other than electrical.”
Though Bruckner was excited to see what a typical work day looks like for her dad, other trades caught her eye, too.
“I love welding,” Bruckner said. “It’s kind of hard. I burnt through metal a few times, but it’s not like I’ve done it a lot.”
Meyers said that of all the work experiences he got to sample throughout the camp, his favorite was plumbing.
“I enjoy the plumbing a lot,” Meyers said. “I’m just a man who likes getting
my hands dirty.”
On the penultimate day of camp, Meyers encouraged others to give the unorthodox Heavy Metal Experience a try. The camp is for learning new things, after all, he said.
“They told us, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know until you find out what you know,’” Meyers said. “I feel like it’s a good experience to jump into. Don’t overthink it, just try it. There are no cons to the program.”
Breckner said there was nowhere else she would rather have been.
“I would love to be here all the time. I wish this went longer,” Bruckner said. “If you have the chance to sign up for it, sign up for it.”
Mark Busch
Central School, at Exchange and California streets in Sycamore, opened for viewing March 27, 1927. Completed for the school year that fall, the building later became the Sycamore Community Schools Administration Center, shown here in March 2006.
Open house to celebrate Sycamore’s Central School
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Sycamore Community School District 427 will hold a “Celebrating Central School” open house June 21.
The event will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the school district building, 245 W. Exchange St.
Formerly known as Central School, this beloved building has been part of the Sycamore community for nearly 100 years and has served generations of
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
American Revolution exhibit opening ceremony set for June 22
DeKALB – Created by the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Battlefield Trust, the Gen. John Stark Chapter will bring “The American Revolution Experience” traveling exhibit to the DeKalb Public Library on June 22.
This exhibit features interactive digital kiosks, display panels, compelling storytelling and unique artifacts connecting audiences with the people and places that shaped our nation’s founding. This exhibit provides a deeper insight into the sacrifices and triumphs of the Revolutionary War.
The opening ceremony for the exhibit will be at 3 p.m. June 22 in the library’s mail lobby, 309 Oak St. Refreshments will
students, educators and families.
The open house will feature guided tours, yearbooks on display and light refreshments.
A highlight of the event will be the premiere of the Central School documentary, created in partnership with the DeKalb County History Center. The film includes interviews with former students and staff members, as well as rare photographs and artifacts that tell the story of a building that has stood at the heart of Sycamore education for almost a century.
be available while supplies last.
The exhibit runs through July 1.
For information, email samanthah@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
Waterman church to host ice cream social
WATERMAN – Waterman United Methodist Church will host an ice cream social for residents.
The free event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 26 at Waterman Lions Park, 435 S. Birch St.
The event will feature the Vaughn Faye Farms Petting Zoo. Wagon rides will be provided by the Nielsen family.
For information, visit watermanumc. org or the church’s Facebook page.
– Shaw Local News Network
DeKalb Church of Christ
Celebrating 100 Years of Faith at 425 Fisk Ave.
June 21st 1-4pm
1pm- Doors Open 2pm- Opening Ceremony
Choir performances
Prayer Minister Phil Perez
Tree Planting
Closing Photo
All Are Invited!
Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center Archives
DeKalb County History Center to hold Juneteenth watch party
SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County History Center will partner with the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County, Ellwood House and League of Women Voters of Illinois to hold a Juneteenth commemoration watch party featuring civil rights activist, vocalist and music director Van Gilmer.
The free event will be at 7 p.m. June 19 at the history center, 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Gilmer will discuss and reflect on his participation in the 1960s lunch counter sit-ins in Greenville, South Carolina. He also will perform music. Attendees can participate in a facilitated discussion about Juneteenth’s legacy, civil rights and truthful, inclusive history’s importance.
The watch party is part of the center’s Arts in Action initiative. The goal is to explore local history through storytelling, civic dialogue and diverse perspectives.
For information, email christi. slavenas@gmail.com.
Kish College Foundation accepting award nominations
MALTA – The Kishwaukee College Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.
The award honors alumni who contributed to their communities and professions to reflect the college’s values.
The foundation will accept nominations from the college’s students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members. The nominees must be a Kishwaukee College alumnus with 45 or more completed credit hours or a degree or certificate of completion. The nominations also must include evidence of the nominee’s profession, college or community contributions and involvement in Kishwaukee College.
The nomination deadline is Aug. 1. The award recipient will be honored at the foundation’s annual gala.
For information, visit kish.edu/alumniaward.
Stage Coach sets auditions for end of 2025 season
DeKALB – Stage Coach Players will host auditions for the final three productions of its 2025 season.
The auditions will be from 6 to 9 p.m. June 27 and 1 to 5 p.m. June 28 and 29 at First Lutheran Church, 324 N. Third
St. in DeKalb.
The productions will run from September through December and include the rock musical “Next to Normal,” the gothic horror “The Haunting of Hill House” and the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol.”
The auditions consist of cold readings from the scripts and vocal auditions for “Next to Normal.” Callbacks will be by invitation at 5 p.m. June 29.
“Next to Normal” director Jan Booth and music director Nika Morton need a cast of two women and three men.
“The Haunting of Hill House” director Maria L. P. Boynton will need two women in their 20s or 30s, two women in their 50s or 60s, and three men ages 30 to 60. Boynton also needs a stage manager, producer and costumer.
“A Christmas Carol” director Gloria Dennison is seeking four spirits, an Ebenezer Scrooge, and a large ensemble cast of people ages 7 and older.
For information, visit stagecoachplayers.com or the Stage Coach Players social media pages.
Golf Fore the Kids outing to return June 20 to DeKalb
DeKALB – The DeKalb Park District will partner with the DeKalb Parks Foundation to hold its 19th annual Golf Fore the Kids Scholarship Golf Outing to benefit the Scholarship Assistance Program.
The outing will begin at 11 a.m. June 20 at River Heights Golf Course, 1020 Sharon Drive, DeKalb.
The outing includes 18 holes of golf, raffles, on-course games, an awards ceremony and a golden ticket blind bogey. Attendees will receive a cart, drink tickets, lunch and afternoon appetizers. A swag bag and hat also will be provided to the first 100 golfers. The awards ceremony and appetizers begin at 4 p.m. Check-in for the outing will begin at 10 a.m.
The outing costs $200 for groups of two and $400 for groups of four. Registration is required.
The outing is accepting sponsorships and program donations. To register, sponsor or donate, visit riverheightsgc.com or call 815-758-1550.
In the event of inclement weather, the outing will be June 27.
For information, visit riverheightsgc. com or call 815-758-1550.
LOOKING BACK
1925 – 100 YEARS AGO
Should a proposal that is being considered by the DeKalb City Council pass, the city will have stop signs on all streets crossing the Lincoln Highway from the state college gates to Evans Avenue, according to a resolution that has been introduced.
Running a splinter into three of his fingers in such a manner that all three fingers were pinned together was the experience that R.G., a young man working in the action works of the Apollo Piano factory, underwent yesterday afternoon. The accident was most painful and will cause the young man to be at leisure for some time to come.
Movers who have the task of moving the Wetzel house from its former site to a lot near the school seem to be meeting with no difficulty in getting the building well on its way. The hardest part of the task was experienced today when the building had to be turned off State Street onto California and headed north. There has been little damage to the pavement by the movers thus far, and it is believed they will be able to get the house at the new site by Saturday afternoon.
The annual Charter Grove community picnic, which always is largely attended by Sycamore folks, will be Saturday at the Jesse Buzzel woods. A program of sports has been arranged for the men, women and children, while the usual picnic dinner will be served at noon. In the afternoon it is understood there will be a prominent speaker in addition to a ball game and other attractions.
1950 – 75 YEARS AGO
Another of the weekly concerts by the DeKalb Municipal Band under the direction of Dee Palmer will be held Tuesday evening, June 20, at the Hopkins Park amphitheater starting at 8 o’clock.
A cement bridge south of the Charles Erickson place, four miles south of Malta, was washed out Wednesday night during the heavy downpour. This bridge is over a dredged ditch. The rain was so heavy and fell with such rapidity that the water cut
and Sycamore Veterans Home be turned over to the Sycamore Baseball Complex. It was asked that the money seized in a slot machine raid by the state’s attorney’s office on March 1 be released.
Development of the 240-acre forest preserve site in Afton Township could proceed faster than originally thought. DeKalb County may qualify for state funds that would reimburse the county for half the cost of a development project.
2000 – 25 YEARS AGO
another channel. Water poured across the road in several places.
Hot weather helped drive 566 swimmers into the Sycamore Community pool Wednesday and Thursday, according to Emil Cassier, park superintendent. The Sycamore pool was opened Wednesday despite threatening weather and the absence of chlorine for the water. Attendance reached the 566 total in the first two days of operation.
Nobody around DeKalb can be found who can recall when the Kishwaukee River was as high as it was Thursday. South of the city, the water reached within inches of the stringers on the plank bridge, while on the Kishwaukee Country Club, no one can recall the water being so high on the eighth green and some of the members have been there for 40 years or more.
DeKalb’s population has increased 2,413 in the past 10 years, according to the 1950 census. The 1950 population for DeKalb is 11,559, or a 26 percent increase over the 1940 population of 9,146.
June 17 is a day that looms large in the history of the DeKalb fire department. In 1913, about 9:30 in the morning, the new Webb fire truck, pride of the department, was struck by a Chicago and North Western passenger train at the First Street
crossing. The truck was new, having been purchased only the fall before, and two men, L.L. Smith and Capt. Will Wall, were learning to operate the vehicle. Fireman Smith was the driver on this day. As the truck was going south on First Street, the gate tender at the crossing rang his warning bell when the vehicle was about 15 feet away from the tracks. In attempting to stop, the driver killed the engine and the truck skidded to a stop directly on the track, squarely in front of the oncoming train.
1975 – 50 YEARS AGO
The DeKalb County Health Department will not conduct a school children immunization program. The decision came after the Board of Health last night deferred to the DeKalb County Medical Society, which opposed the proposal. The Medical Society doctors would continue immunizing children against diseases in physicians’ offices rather than at school, as had been proposed.
Two DeKalb aldermen would vote for construction of a new city airport rather than paying up to $461,000 to renovate the present airport.
The Safety and Law Enforcement Committee of the DeKalb County Board last night turned down a request that money confiscated from the Sycamore Moose
Cortland may become the first community in Illinois, and possibly the nation, to establish a railroad quiet zone. The town of Cortland announced that a quiet zone has been approved by the Federal Railroad Administration and Union Pacific Railroad. The approval of a quite zone would mean trains no longer would be required to blow their horns at railroad crossings. Since 1994, Union Pacific has required all trains to sound their horns at every crossing.
The city of DeKalb got a boost in its quest to capitalize on its history when Lincoln Highway was named a National Scenic Byway. City officials hope the designation will encourage tourism. The designation also means DeKalb will get preferential treatment when it comes to obtaining federal funds for improvements to the road and other related tourist attractions.
Like many other small towns in DeKalb County, Waterman faces hard decisions about repairs and upgrades to water and sewer systems, roads and sidewalks. The current cost increases in Illinois on gas and oil products, including asphalt for road and street repairs, had the town fathers and mothers scratching their heads to come up with the best plan and financing for summer projects.
Mayor Bessie Chronopoulos announced Thursday that the building once housing the Box Office Brewery and Restaurant soon will reopen as Remo’s Fine Italian Dining/Remo’s Retro Nightclub.
– Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center Archives
The new Skorburg’s Furniture Store at 2211 Sycamore Road in DeKalb is seen in November 1964.
Charitable events Let’s Talk Turkey, Freezin’
Kishwaukee-DeKalb
Kiwanis Club to host annual holiday food collection drives
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Two annual charitable staples that help DeKalb County area families during the holiday season have found a new home.
Let’s Talk Turkey and Freezin’ for Food, both formerly hosted by WLBK 98.9 FM/AM 1360 radio, moving forward will be hosted by Kishwaukee-DeKalb Kiwanis, a group member said.
Local radio personality TD Ryan, who’s championed the events since their inception, is no longer employed by the radio station. But the seasonal giving collections will continue, said Bill Finucane, a former DeKalb city alderman and Kiwanis member.
Finucane announced the changes
during an episode of Ryan’s new podcast “TD Ryan Unleashed” that recently aired.
“We didn’t want to get TD out of freezing in December,” Finucane said in jest.
Let’s Talk Turkey is a food collection drive hosted around Thanksgiving annually. Donations often include frozen turkeys from the DeKalb Fire Department, all the fixings and other items that go directly to The Salvation Army in DeKalb. The donations are distributed to area families to help provide a holiday meal.
Freezin’ For Food, also a collection drive, historically has taken place in December yearly at Hy-Vee in Sycamore. Ryan, who’s hosted the event for 24 years, brings awareness by camping out in the grocery parking lot for the duration of the dayslong collection, encouraging donations and interviewing supporters.
“We just couldn’t see that falling by the wayside,” Finucane said of the food drives. “We talked about it for about six weeks ... and the club voted to go ahead and back that up.”
Two annual charitable staples that help DeKalb
have found a new home. Let’s Talk Turkey and Freezin’ for Food,
98.9 FM/AM 1360 radio, moving forward will be
a group member said. Former WLBK radio host TD Ryan (left) and Kiwanis member Bill Finucane (right), shown in this Dec. 5, 2024, file photo, accept donations at Hy-Vee in Sycamore.
Mark Busch file photo
County area families during the holiday season
both formerly hosted by WLBK
hosted by Kishwaukee-DeKalb Kiwanis,
DeKalb accepting utility box painting submissions
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – DeKalb’s Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission is seeking community members’ painting scans and photos for public art use.
The photos will be used to create vinyl wraps to attach to utility boxes.
Professional and amateur artists can create original artwork or use an existing art piece. The images must be the artist’s own work.
“The utility box mural program continues to resonate with local artists and DeKalb residents,” CCEC Chair Brad Hoey said in a news release. “Like the city’s Paint-A-Plug fire hydrant art initiative, the utility box mural program is another opportunity for artists to display color, beauty and creativity within our community.”
“The city’s focus was the downtown core for the initial stages of the utility box art program, and my fellow commissioners and I are very excited that the work of our talented local artists will be showcased in other areas throughout our community,” Hoey said in the release.
The utility boxes will be located at intersections. Submissions should feature large imagery. The submissions will be evaluated for incorporation of a welcoming theme conveying a sense of belonging.
The deadline to submit a photo or scan is July 15. To submit a photo or
The submissions will be part of the commission’s fourth round of utility box artwork. The artwork is part of a city initiative to promote civic pride, celebrate community diversity and enhance aesthetics. The program is partially supported by an Illinois Arts Council grant.
For over 40 years, Oak Crest has been the premier Senior Living and Long-term Care Community in DeKalb County. Our 5-Star rated Mildred & Howard Eychaner Health Center has provided unparalleled care and hospitality to Oak Crest residents for decades.
Photo provided by the city of DeKalb The Egyptian Theatre’s Palmer Court utility box was painted by Amanda Groff.
7 things TO KNOW ABOUT APHASIA
The ability to communicate is easily taken for granted. However, effective communication skills do not necessarily last a lifetime, and many people may develop difficulties with understanding words, speaking, reading, or writing. Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to the area of the brain that controls language expression. Johns Hopkins Medicine says that aphasia can occur at any age, but more often affects those over the age of 65. Many people are unfamiliar with aphasia, but it can be helpful to learn more about this condition. Here are seven things to know about aphasia, courtesy of Johns Hopkins and The National Aphasia Association. 1. Aphasia is caused by damage to the languagedominant side of the brain, which is usually the left side. 2. Stroke is one of the biggest contributors to the onset of aphasia. Other brain injuries, such as head trauma, brain tumors or infections in the brain, also may cause aphasia. 3. Aphasia may be mild or so severe it makes communication with an affected person nearly impossible. 4. The condition can affect mainly a single aspect of language, such as the ability to name objects or complete sentences. More often, though, it affects multiple aspects of communication. 5. There are three main types of aphasia. Broca aphasia is sometimes called an expressive aphasia. People can communicate, but may eliminate words from their language, resulting in short, meaningful sentences. They usually can understand some speech of others. Wernicke aphasia is sometimes called receptive aphasia. People with this type speak in long, confusing sentences with extra words. They usually have difficulty understanding othersÕ speech. Those with global aphasia have trouble with understanding and speaking. 6. Aphasia is more common than ParkinsonÕs disease, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Despite this, many people have never heard of the condition. 7. Improvement of conditions for those experiencing aphasia may be slow-going. Some people may improve over a period of years and even decades. If symptoms last longer than two or three months after a stroke, a complete recovery is improbable. Speech-language therapy, use of computers or pictures to express oneself, and group therapy often are treatment options. Aphasia can be frustrating and scary for a patient and their loved ones. Depending on which areas of the brain are affected, a treatment and therapy plan can be adapted to the personÕs specific needs.
Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb
Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb
310 North Sixth Street DeKalb, Illinois 60115
310 North Sixth Street DeKalb, Illinois 60115
Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190
Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb
Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb 310 North Sixth Street • DeKalb, Illinois 60115 Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190
Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190
310 North Sixth Street • DeKalb, Illinois 60115 Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190
The Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb is accepting pre-applications for the Low Income Public Housing Program from applicants who are income eligible and have two (2) or more local preferences. Sequoya Apartments in Shabbona is accepting applications from the Elderly and/ or Disabled. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is accepting applications from households who are income eligible and whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability.
The Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb is accepting pre-applications for the Low Income Public Housing Program from applicants who are income eligible and have two (2) or more local preferences. Sequoya Apartments in Shabbona is accepting applications from the Elderly and/ or Disabled. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is accepting applications from households who are income eligible and whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability.
The Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb is accepting pre-applications for the Low Income Public Housing Program from applicants who are income eligible and have two (2) or more local preferences. Sequoya Apartments in Shabbona is accepting applications from the Elderly and/or Disabled. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is accepting applications from households who are income eligible and whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability.
• Accommodations for independent living seniors, couples or person with disabilities
• Accommodations for independent living seniors, couples or person with disabilities
• Accommodations
• Accommodations for independent living seniors, couples or person with disabilities
•Security Features
•Security Features
•Laundry Facilities
• Security Features
•Laundry Facilities
•Friendly On-site Management
• Laundry Facilities
•Friendly On-site Management
•Clean & Safe Atmosphere
• Friendly On-site Management
•Clean
•Clean & Safe Atmosphere
•24 Hour Maintenance Service
• Clean & Safe Atmosphere
•24 Hour Maintenance Service
• 24 Hour Maintenance Service
For more information, please call 815-758-2692, or applications are available online at www.dekcohousing.com
For more information, please call 815-758-2692, or applications are available online at www.dekcohousing.com
For more information, please call 815-758-2692, or applications are available online at www.dekcohousing.com
For more information, please call 815-758-2692, or applications are available online at www.dekcohousing.com
& EMPLOYER
SM-CL2252623F
County History Center breaks ground on expansion
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County History Center recently broke ground on an expansion planned as part of the center’s mission to preserve and promote DeKalb County’s agricultural heritage.
The center’s “Rooted in History, Cultivating the Future” $1.8 million expansion project will be located on the former Engh Farm property. The history center is accepting naming opportunities and donation inquiries.
“This project is about more than buildings, it is about deepening our connection to the land, to our community, and to our shared history,” DeKalb County History Center executive director Michelle Donahoe said in a news release.
The center’s expansion proposal received statewide recognition and a $500,000 matching grant from the state of Illinois. The expansion also will be supported by the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Community Needs grant program.
The expansion includes transforming
Staff, supporters and officials with the DeKalb County History Center recently broke ground on an expansion project.
a corn crib into an amphitheater space. The project also will create interpretive panels, community programming, and
educational partnerships. The initiatives goal is to establish the campus as a venue honoring DeKalb County’s agri-
cultural innovation legacy.
For information, email michelle@ dekalbcountyhistory.org.
Dr. Ito was born and raised in Naperville, Illinois. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Downers Grove, IL. Master of Science and certificate in orthodontics from Marquette University School of Dentistry
Dr. Ito has presented and received numerous awards for his research projects regarding orthodontics, which minimize the length required for active orthodontic treatment. He is also highly trained in Invisalign treatment.
Photo provided by Michelle Donahoe
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Faranda’s donates more than $4K to DeKalb area service agencies
DeKALB – A DeKalb restaurant raised more than $4,700 this year serving up fried fish and raising funds to support area social service agencies.
Faranda’s Banquet Center recently concluded its annual Fish Fry Series, which raised $4,775 in donations that serve DeKalb County residents.
Donation recipients include Elder Care Services, Kishwaukee United Way, Safe Passage, Christ the Teacher University Parish, We Care Pregnancy Clinic, Family Service Agency of DeKalb County, Tails Humane Society and Opportunity House Inc.
“The fish fries have been a highlight of our year,” Faranda’s owner Bill McMahon said in a news release. “Thank you to the partners for everything you do for our community.”
Waterman free vacation
Bible school begins June 24
WATERMAN – Waterman United Methodist Church and Waterman Presbyterian Church will host a free “Road Trip” vacation Bible school for children ages 4 through fifth grade.
The program will run from 9 to 11:45 a.m. June 24 through June 26 at Waterman United Methodist Church, 210 W. Garfield St.
Activities will include Bible lessons, STEM projects, games, crafts and songs. Attendees must be 4 by June 1. Registration is encouraged to attend. Participants
who register by June 18 will receive a Bible school music CD with a download code. Registration also is available at the Bible school. To register, visit watermanumc.org. For information, visit watermanumc.org.
Duo Dahlia to perform after-hours concert June 21
DeKALB – The harp and flute group Duo Dahlia will perform an after-hours concert at the DeKalb Public Library on June 21.
The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Duo Dahlia will perform baroque, classical, romantic and 20th-century era music. The group also will promote the work of living composers.
For information, email samanthah@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
DeKalb library to offer geocaching treasure hunt
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will offer a geocaching treasure hunt for kids on June 21.
The event will be held at 10 a.m. at the Prairie Park disc golf course, 401 Clifford Drive, DeKalb.
Participants can walk around the course to find hidden treasure. The treasure hunt combines geocaching with making a compass.
The event is limited to the first 30 children.
For information, email lauraw@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
– Shaw Local News Network
Saturday, June 21st, 2025 9:00am-12:00pm at DeKalb Municipal Airport, located at 2200 Pleasant St, DeKalb IL 60115
Photo provided by Faranda’s Banquet Center Faranda’s Banquet Center in DeKalb recently concluded its annual Fish Fry Series, which raised $4,775 in donations to help DeKalb County residents.
Toolkits help preschoolers gear up for kindergarten
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Although summer is here and a new school year seems a distant thought, DeKalb County parents got some recent help preparing their children for kindergarten.
The DeKalb County Community Foundation recently distributed 949 kindergarten readiness toolkits to families across all eight public school districts and three private schools in DeKalb County, according to a news release.
“The toolkits sparked real excitement in our preschoolers. They couldn’t wait to start kindergarten,” Sycamore St. Mary’s Catholic School kindergarten teacher Tammy Agnello said in a news release.
Designed to support early learning and development, the toolkits equip parents and caregivers with engaging resources to help young children build essential skills for a successful start to kindergarten.
Each toolkit offers a well-rounded educational experience, including a children’s book, a dry erase board and marker, flashcards with a social-emotional focus, an easy-grip pencil, counting dice, scissors, Play-Doh, crayons and a farm-themed matching memory game.
The items are meant to promote literacy, fine motor skills, emotional intelligence, creativity and cognitive development.
Since the program’s launch in 2018, more than 7,000 local children have received a toolkit, according to the foundation.
Foundation staff said the initiative supports the critical transition from pre-K to kindergarten and reflects the power of community partnerships, including donors Thrivent Financial, School Tool Box, DeKalb
County Farm Bureau Agricultural Literacy and BASICS DeKalb County.
For more information on the Community Foundation’s work to support early care and education in DeKalb County, visit dekalbccf.org/kindergarten-readiness.
Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation
DeKalb County students receive kindergarten readiness toolkits.
CLASSIFIED
PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE
The Villag e of Sh abb ona is acceptin g a ppl ications for a fu ll- time Publ ic Works Empl oyee
Qu alified candid ates shou ld have cert ifi ca ti on in water and wast ewater or be willing to comp lete certificat io n and knowledg e of general main tenance. This job requires a vali d Driver's License wi th Class B non- CDL endorse ment Pay range $40,000-$60,000 an d wi ll be based on experience Job description and terms of employment an d benefits are poste d on the vill age webs ite: www.shabb ona -i l.com.
In terested cand id ates wi ll need to fi ll ou t a job app lication on the villag e website and email al ong wi th resume to sha bbo na cl erk@gmail.co m or mail to Vi ll age Clerk, Box 263, Shab bo na IL 60550
The de adline for app lic ations is July 3, 2025. Please contact Villag e Clerk Jen Morrison at 815-824-3064 wi th any que sti ons
IF YOU HA D KNEE OR HIP REPLAC EMENT SURGER Y AND SUFFER ED AN INFECTION betwee n 2020 an d th e present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call At torney C harles H. Johnson 1-800 -535 -5727
VERY LARGE LIVE PUBLIC AUCTIO N
SATURDAY, JUNE 21st, 2025 RUNNING TWO RINGS! 9:00 AM
Lunch by: Moni Comfort Station Avai lable LOCATI ON: Boone Co. Fairgr ounds 8847 Rt. 76, Belvidere, IL 61 008
JD TRACTOR, VEHICLES, BOAT , ENCL OSED TRAILER, ANTIQUES, COLLEC TIBLES, HOUSEHOLD, YARD, TOOLS & MI SC LARGE OUTSIDE ITEMS TO BE SOLD AT 11:00 SHARP!
Belvider e, IL 61008
815-988-0249 cell
OW NERS: J & M Edwards, S. Er ickson , D. Broege, G. Von Oehsen , I. Reese, P. Szpi cki, C. Haas, A. Baku no wi cz, M. Peterson, R. Stoyak, B. Backe, G. Sc hroe der, C. Nichol s & S. Zahurones
AUCTI ONE ER: LYLE LEE IL State Li cen se #440.000200 WI # 2863-52 CLERKS & CASH IE RS: LEE AUCTION SER VICE TERM S: See Website
Visi t our web si te at www.le eau ctio ns er vice.c om for terms & ch eck out Aucti on Look or Auc ti on Zip & All Auction Sa les for pi ct ures & more info.
Publis her's Notice: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housin g Act which makes it il legal to advertise "any preference, li mitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handic ap, familial stat us or nati onal origin or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation of discrimination."
Familial stat us includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or lega custodians pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violat io n of the law. Ou r readers are hereby informed hat all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD 1- 800-669-9777 Hearing impaired number is 1-800-927-9275
No Business is too small to advertise
Household goods
Patsy Bellah
8720 Gurler Rd, Dekalb IL 60115
KMS Unit 115
Household goods
Corina Dominguez 315 W Railroad St Unit 4 Kingston IL 60145
KMS Unit 5
Household goods
Neal Burnham 1109 Alexandria Drive, Sycamore, IL 60178
KMS Parking Space A-31
Boat All property is being stored at the above self storage facility This sale may be withdrawn any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.
(Published in The Midweek June 18, 25, 2025) 2252715
Gerri Carman; Brandi Hanson; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Jerry Carman; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants; Scott Becker, as Special Representativ e for Jerry Carman (deceased) DEFENDANTS No 2025FC000033
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
Dominguez
315 W Railroad St Unit 4 Kingston IL 60145
KMS Unit 5
Household goods Neal Burnham 1109 Alexandria Drive, Sycamore, IL 60178
KMS Parking Space A-31 Boat All property is being stored at the above self storage facility This sale may be withdrawn any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.
(Published in The Midweek June 18, 25, 2025) 2252715
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DEKALB COUNTYSYCAMORE, ILLINOIS Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC PLAINTIFF Vs Gerri Carman; Brandi Hanson; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Jerry Carman; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants; Scott Becker, as Special Representativ e for Jerry Carman (deceased) DEFENDANTS No 2025FC000033 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Gerri Carman Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Jerry Carman Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants
That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the forecl osure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 231 River Dr Dekalb, IL 60115 and which said Mortgage was made by: Jerry Carman the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Guaranteed Rate, Inc., as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb Co unty, Il linois, as Document No 2021013337; and for ot her relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.
NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Gerri Carman Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Jerry Carman Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the forecl osure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows to-wit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 231 River Dr Dekalb IL 60115 and which said Mortgage was made by: Jerry Carman the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Guaranteed Rate, Inc., as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb Co unty, Il linois, as Document No 2021013337; and for ot her relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.
JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.
CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300
DuPage # 15170
Winnebago # 531 Our File No 14-25-01584
NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3268234
(Published in The MidWeek, Jun. 18, 25, Jul. 2, 2025)
NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Lori Grubbs Clerk of the Circuit Court 133 W. State Street Sycamore, IL 60178 on or before July 18 2025, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.
CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300
DuPage # 15170 Winnebago # 531
Our File No 14-25-01584
NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3268234 (Published in The MidWeek, Jun 18, 25, Jul 2, 2025)
NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Lori Grubbs Clerk of the Circuit Court 133 W. State Street Sycamore, IL 60178 on or before July 18, 2025, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.
CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300
DuPage # 15170 Winnebago # 531 Our File No 14-25-01584
NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3268234 (Published in The MidWeek, Jun 18, 25, Jul 2, 2025)
