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WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2026 • S h awLoc a l .co m

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2 ShawLocal.com 1985 DeKalb Ave. Sycamore, IL 60178 833-584-NEWS Office hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday SUBSCRIBER SERVICES 866-979-1053 customer-support@shawmedia.com 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, closed Sunday SUBSCRIPTIONS The MidWeek is delivered free of charge to households throughout DeKalb County every Wednesday. Those who do not wish to receive delivery may contact customer service at 866-979-1053, or subscriptions@shawsuburban.com, to request a delivery stop. SUBMIT NEWS readit@midweeknews.com CLASSIFIED SALES classified@shawlocal.com HELP WANTED employment@shawlocal.com LEGAL NOTICES midweeklegals@shawlocal.com RETAIL ADVERTISING lshaw@shawmedia.com OBITUARIES midweekobits@shawlocal.com Market manager Laura Shaw lshaw@shawmedia.com Executive editor M. Eileen Brown ebrown@shawmedia.com Editor Emily Ayers 815-526-4411 eayers@shawmedia.com The Midweek and ShawLocal.com are a division of Shaw Media. All rights reserved. Copyright 2026

DeKalb Fire Dep. says new station is improving emergency response By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com The DeKalb Fire Department’s new fourth fire station cut emergency response times to some neighborhoods by as much as six minutes, helping save a home from extensive fire damage only months after opening, Fire Chief Luke Howieson said. In 2025, the DeKalb Fire Department managed 4,923 incidents where one or more emergency response calls occurred simultaneously, data shows. The prior year, the agency responded to 2,267 simultaneous calls. Although simultaneous calls more than doubled in 2025, Howieson said the increase reflects growing demand rather than reduced performance. He said Station Four gives the department greater capacity to respond when multiple emergencies occur at the same time. DeKalb city leaders have long touted what a fourth fire station would mean to the community. In recent remarks to the City Council, Howieson reiterated the magnitude of the decision as part of the fire department’s annual report. The city’s fourth fire station first opened on April 11, 2025, at 1130 S. Malta Road. “It quickly proved its value on July 5,” Howieson said. At that time, the fire department responded to a house fire in the Knolls

PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzles on page 13

Megann Horstead file photo

DeKalb Fire Chief Luke Howieson delivers the department’s annual fire report on June 8 to the DeKalb City Council. subdivision that started on the outside and extended into the attic space. Authorities said engine four arrived on the scene of that fire within two and a half minutes. Authorities said previous response times to that neighborhood were in the range of eight to nine minutes. “Those residents were actually able to stay in their home that night,” Howieson said. “We stopped a fire in the attic space of the garage. And I think it’s proof that was a good decision. We were for-

ward-thinking in placing station four where it’s at.” Station four responded to more than 1,000 calls between its opening in April and the end of 2025, data show. While response times have improved for the DeKalb Fire Department over the past year, simultaneous calls for service remain a work in progress, even with the opening of Station Four. But Howieson

See FIRE REPORT, page 3

ON THE COVER Emma Close hammers a nail into a wall on June 27 during a Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County build. See story, page 6. Photo by Megann Horstead

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEF makerspace, 309 Oak St. Participants can create a scale mail pendant. Due to limited supplies, the Adults and teens will be able to learn about the chainmail art technique during a workshop is first-come, first-served. No registration is required. presenter-led metalworking workshop at For information, email laral@dkpl.org or the DeKalb Public Library. call 815-756-9568, ext. 2115. The workshop will be held at 5:30 p.m. – Shaw Local News Network July 9 in the library’s 309 Creative

• FIRE REPORT

Continued from page 2 said it is all being addressed. DeKalb Fire Department covers 55 square miles spanning the City of DeKalb, Northern Illinois University, and the DeKalb Fire Protection District. The department also covers 10 miles of Interstate 88 that surpass its boundaries. “There was an increase, but ... it’s been addressed,” Howieson said. “It’s still a phenomenon that we would be concerned with moving forward. But with station four now, we have more increased operational demand, and we can account for additional simultaneous calls.” In 2025, the department was awarded its second Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) grant in the fall to help hire additional personnel to staff the engine at Station Four. “Hopefully, within the next couple of months, we’ll have the staff appropriately staffing an engine and ambulance separately at Station Four so we could adequately address the calls in that district,” Howieson said. Also last year, the fire department received a grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation to help expand collaboration efforts with social services in the community through the agency’s community paramedicine program. A community paramedicine program is essentially an initiative aimed at reducing 911 call volume by intervening directly with resources, referrals to social services, and follow-ups when firefighter paramedics respond to a call and see that a patient may have other needs contributing to their medical issue or they need resources. During 2025, the department’s community paramedicine program initiated 55 referrals to Elder Care Services by fielding 911 emergency calls and connecting residents to resources, data show. Howieson also cited the help provided by station four in addressing simultaneous calls. “Right now, it’s something we’ll con-

tinue to monitor,” he said, referencing early 2026 data. “Station four definitely is helping us in that department with simultaneous calls.” On average, the fire department receives 21 emergency calls per day, data shows. Almost 80% of emergency calls are emergency medical services (EMS)-related by nature. Howieson said a significant part of the job at the DeKalb Fire Department is paramedic response. “I currently still hold a paramedic license and again, I think, it’s important because it’s a large service that we are able to provide the community,” Howieson said. Under Howieson’s leadership, the agency also navigated several internal staffing changes over the past year. In 2025, the fire department hired nine new personnel, some of whom were meant to help staff Station Four. The DeKalb Fire Department also saw 83 years of combined service leave over the past year through the retirements of Don Faulhaber, Tim Morey and Mike Thomas. In July 2025, then-Fire Chief Thomas retired from the department after 30 years on the job. Around that time, the fire department got a new ladder truck in service, its first since 1990. “Truck One has really proven its worth,” Howieson said. “It’s already worked a lot of fires, and we’re really proud of that apparatus. Our personnel spent almost three months training and prepping equipment on that to put it in frontline service.” Training is paramount at the DeKalb Fire Department. All union firefighters and paramedics receive training to better equip and prepare them for situations that may arise, so they can make DeKalb a safer community. The fire department completed more than 31,000 hours of training last year, data show. Howieson lamented about the past year at the DeKalb Fire Department. “2025 was definitely a historic year for the fire department,” Howieson said.

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, July 8, 2026 MIDWEEK

NIU’s WNIJ Radio’s third annual Familia Fest to return July 11 SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Northern Illinois University’s WNIJ Hola will host its third annual Familia Fest for residents to celebrate family, community and soccer. The free festival begins at 9 a.m. July 11 at DeKalb Kiwanis Park, 391 Fairview Drive. Familia Fest features a youth soccer clinic, adult soccer tournament, family-friendly activities, food trucks and entertainment. Children’s music, hands-on activities and dancing will be provided in English and Spanish. The festival also includes a Tails Humane Society adoption event, bilingual story times with the DeKalb Public Library and 4-C, robots racing with NIU STEAM and performances by Dimensions Dance Academy and Mark Walters. WNIJ news director Jenna Dooley said Familia Fest grew out of WNIJ Hola – the online Spanish-language news source created by WNIJ 89.5, northern Illinois’ community-supported public radio station. “Food, live performances and love of sport are universal connectors, and this event has grown to reflect the joy of meeting together once a year in celebration,” Dooley said in a news release. “Familia Fest started with a desire to meaningfully engage within our community, and it has become so much more thanks to generous volunteers and amazing community partners. While it is a dedicated day to gather each year, Familia Fest also helps us get the word out about the year-round mission of WNIJ Hola to connect residents through ‘noticias, eventos e ideas’ or ‘news, events and ideas.’ ” Create Health Mobility Clinic owner Laura Anderson is one of the Familia Fest community organizers. She said that this annual event helps to bring news and resources to DeKalb families in Spanish, in addition to fun and celebration. “Familia Fest means a lot to me and to our community,” Anderson also said in the news release. “I wanted to help raise awareness so families in DeKalb can get important news in Spanish without language barriers. We also wanted to create an affordable, fun event centered around soccer – a sport our community loves – while giving Hispanic businesses a chance to shine.” “My favorite part has been seeing families come out to support their teams and also walk away with

Photos provided Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University’s WNIJ Hola will hold its third annual Familia Fest July 11 at DeKalb Kiwanis Park resources they might not otherwise have access to. It’s amazing to see parents getting information in their own language and not having to rely on their kids to translate something important.” Anderson said in the news release. Sandy Morales, volunteer coordinator for DeKalb nonprofit Safe Passage, is another Familia Fest volunteer. She said of last year’s event, “The Familia Fest event was an unforgettable experience filled with joy, laughter and community spirit. The soccer tournaments were incredibly fun and brought families together through friendly competition and excitement. Beyond the field, there were so many activities for kids to enjoy – from games and face painting to arts and crafts – there was truly something for everyone. Smiles were everywhere, and the energy throughout the day was amazing. It was a beautiful celebration of family, fun and togetherness, and

Participants gather for storytime at Northern Illinois University’s WNIJ Hola Familia Fest at DeKalb Kiwanis Park

everyone left with wonderful memories. A truly successful day of family fun.” Registration is required for the soccer tournament and soccer clinic. To register, visit wnij.org/familiafest. WNIJ Hola is a digital community

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A luminary display is lit up at night in the walkway between Artifex Studio and There’s Fun In Store in DeKalb.

Artistic walkway lighting installation illuminates in downtown DeKalb By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com In tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary, a new artistic walkway lighting installation is lighting up downtown DeKalb at night. It’s tucked in an alley right between Artifex Studio, 235 E. Lincoln Highway, and There’s Fun In Store, 229 E. Lincoln Highway. Artifex Studio owner Elisa Boughner, who designed the luminary installation, said the project went according to plan. “It makes it really bright in there,” Boughner said, referring to the alley at nighttime. DeKalb city leaders originally greenlit support for Bougner’s plans in January. Around that time, the City Council backed special initiatives commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary using sales tax dollars set aside in its America250 Fund. Boughner said she believes the city supported her idea, as they see it as an investment in the downtown area. “I think that they’ve always wanted to do something in that walkway to make it more interesting,” Boughner said. “I think they want to invest in making the city someplace where people want to come down to. This is something that might get people talking about it, coming down here

and really discovering all the new things that are happening.” Boughner said there was mutual interest between her and the city to work together on the initiative. She did not shop the idea around to any other municipalities. “It’s definitely one of a kind,” Boughner said. Boughner said she believes the project made sense on many levels for her. “I want to support DeKalb,” she said. “I think public art really lends a very cool atmosphere to people coming into the city, coming into the downtown. It’s really nice when you have a town that is interesting to walk around in and when you have multiple things going on in terms of public art. It’s just another interesting thing to get people to come here, to look at it and to experience it.” Boughner expressed appreciation to the city for working with her. A ribbon cutting followed by an open house commemorating the completion of the walkway lighting installation will take place from 5:30 to 10 p.m. July 16 at Artifex Studio. Boughner said working with the city was a pleasure. “Everyone that I’ve had to deal with, they’re great,” Boughner said. “They’re kind. They’re open to talking about stuff and helping in any way that they can.”

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NIU women’s basketball team assists Habitat for Humanity ‘We wouldn’t be able to do these builds without the support of our community and volunteers’ By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com Anna Stromberg has been involved in the community before, lending her hand as a volunteer. Still, nothing could have prepared Stromberg for what she faced on June 27, helping to construct a duplex in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County on the site of its latest build along Pleasant Street in DeKalb. “I’ve done similar community service things, but nothing like building a house here,” Stromberg said. “This is kind of a first with the figures and screws.” Stromberg is among the members of the Northern Illinois University women’s basketball team who joined Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County on June 27 for what the nonprofit is calling its largest project in local chapter history. The lot, which the duplex will occupy in the 1200 block of Pleasant Street, used to be vacant and was donated to Habitat for Humanity for use. Once built, the duplex will make for Habitat for Humanity’s 19th and 20th builds in the nonprofit’s 30-year history in the community. Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Kim McIver said the project carries great meaning to Habitat for Humanity. “It’s a huge accomplishment,” McIver said. “It’s testimony to what the community values in terms of affordable housing because we wouldn’t be able to do these builds without the support of our community and volunteers like the women’s basketball team.” Work on the duplex, which comprises 1,425 square feet for each of the two units, remains in the early stages. Once it’s complete, the duplex will serve as home to two DeKalb County area families, who have yet to be selected. “We usually only serve one family a year through a new build,” McIver said. “This time, we’ll be able to serve two families immediately. So, that was a goal when I started at the affiliate, as I wanted to serve more families through

Photos by Megann Horstead

NIU freshman Fiona Madigan hammers a nail into plywood June 27 during the latest build put on by Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County in partnership with the NIU women’s basketball team. our new build.” NIU women’s basketball head coach Jacey Brooks said she was excited to see her team commit to the build. “We are fortunate where we get eight weeks with the girls in the summertime, so they’ve been working hard on the court, in the weight room and conditioning,” Brooks said. “To be able to just come out on a Saturday morning and do something not basketball-related, I think, is just a good experience. You get to see them continue their teamwork obviously, and building this [duplex] and just spending time with each other.” Stromberg said she’s enjoyed getting the chance to connect with her teammates off the court. She said she’s learned a lot from Bob Hoffman, one of Habitat for Humanity’s board members and a volunteer safety manager. “Lots of hard work, but I love the crew here,” Stromberg said. “Love Bob [Hoffman]. Work with Bob. And the energy’s so fun.” Stromberg’s teammate, Alecia Doyle, said she believes the team had more to

Lexi Kerstein hammers a nail into the wall as NIU Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach Ty Battle watches on June 27 during a Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County Build.

take away from the build this time around. She also was involved in a spring build that the team took part in with Habitat for Humanity. “This is actually really neat this year because we’re getting to see the foundation,” Doyle said. “We’re helping to build the foundation of the house, more

than just already it being built, and then you shaping it up somewhat. So, that’s really nice that we’re being able to actually build it.” Project leaders said they hope to have the duplex completed by early 2027.

See VOLUNTEERS, page 8

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Vocalist Maureen Christine to perform July 14 with DeKalb Municipal Band SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Vocalist Maureen Christine will perform ith the DeKalb Municipal Band at the next concert in its 172nd concert season. The free concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. July 14 at the Dee Palmer Band Shell in Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb. Christine will sing “The Days of Wine and Roses,” “Skylark” and “Orange Colored Sky.” Other music from the concert includes “The Melody Shop March,” “Jersey Boys,” “Big Band

Signatures” and “The Circus Bee.” The concert also will feature a solo by trumpetist Brian Balika. Christine is a Broadway-style entertainer and concert vocalist. She has recorded four CDs and worked with Pete Christlieb of the Johnny Carson Tonight Show Orchestra. Christine opened for Willie Nelson and Helen Reddy and performed with Barry Manilow and Count Basie Orchestra musicians. Her album “My Romance” receive a Grammy consideration for Traditional Pop Vocal. Christine also has sung the national anthem for the Chicago Cubs and Buzz Aldrin.

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The DeKalb Public Library will offer a program for adults to learn about the stories of rarely mentioned historical figures. The free program will be held at 1 p.m. July 11 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Attendees can learn about Claudette

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Ashlynn Brooke is seen using a power drill June 27 at the site of a duplex under construction in the 1200 block of Pleasant Street in DeKalb. The build was staged by Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County in partnership with NIU Women’s Basketball.

• VOLUNTEERS

Continued from page 6 McIver encourages people to get involved in future builds if they’re interested. “If we have volunteer groups that come out, then that helps speed the process along,” McIver said. “We build Thursdays and Saturdays.” When asked how Habitat for Humanity ensures the structural integrity of the housing projects they build to ensure that they’re sustainable, given the use of volunteers, McIver said there are layers to it. “Individuals that are out here working with our volunteers are in the trade industry, so [they] already know how to build homes,” she said. “We also make sure that we incorporate the city of DeKalb for our permitting inspections.” Doyle said she’s glad she took part in the recent build. “I think it’s important to help the community, and it also helps us as a team, as well, to work together,” she said. “It just builds our chemistry even more to work together, learn

how to talk to one another, and build something that we’ve never built before.” Stromberg said she believes teambuilding will be paramount to the team’s success during the regular season. This season will mark Stromberg’s first with the NIU women’s basketball team. “I think this is huge for the team,” she said. “If you guys have a connection off the court, that only makes your connection on the court so much stronger. So, for us to be able to all get here, to all want to work together, to be able to communicate and learn from each other, I think that is going to lead to success on the court and our connection as a team.” When asked how much weight she gives offseason team-building activities for regular-season success, Brooks said there’s merit. “We all know the closer a team is off the court, the closer they are on the court,” Brooks said. “Anytime we can get them working together to obtain one common result, it’s going to help us on the court as well.”

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LOOKING BACK

9 night gave its stamp of approval for the development, located south of Fairview Drive between First and Fourth Streets.

Dental office thieves entered the offices of two DeKalb dentists and attempted to enter the offices of three other dentists, according to a checkup made by The Chronicle today. At the offices of Dr. H. V. Franklin, the thieves obtained about $80 worth of gold that was kept in the cabinet. The loss of the gold was not learned until late yesterday afternoon when Dr. Franklin heard about the attempt to enter the Spickerman office. He made arrangements to leave his gold in the safe of Dr. E. B. Neff, who occupies the same suite of offices, but on going to his cabinet to obtain the metal found that it had been taken. The only other property missing from the two offices was a fountain pen left in the top drawer of Dr. Neff’s desk. Cement construction work started today on South Third street on the east side of the street, the property owned by the Illinois Power company. Some time ago the power company and Peter Christianson agreed to widen the street there to allow less congestion when machines were parked along the street. A space of about six feet is being removed from each side of the street, which will make considerably more room there. Fire, of undetermined origin, but believed to be the work of one who has a hobby of setting farmers’ property ablaze, destroyed a barn on the farm occupied by Charles Chapalonia, East Lincoln Highway, near the Cortland corners, early today, entailing damage estimated at more than $1,000 with but $00 insurance. The flames were discovered by people en route from Aurora about two o’clock or before. The fellows first got two cows and a couple of horses out of the barns, and then notified the occupants of the place of the fire.

Electrical and mechanical problems, complicated by a lack of available service over the Bicentennial weekend, resulted in foul odors escaping from the DeKalb Del Monte Corporation wastewater treatment lagoon over the weekend. Pavement is being laid on Rich Road between Sycamore Road and N. First Street Road. The project included burb and gutter installation. A bridge across the Kishwaukee River was delayed for several weeks due to a court suit. The county highway department predicts the entire section will be open for traffic in two months. Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives

Sycamore Public Library, looking northeast from State and Main streets in Sycamore, circa 1912.

forage crops, weed and insect control being explained by a corps of instructors and professors from the faculty. Northern Illinois Experimental Farm lies in Milan Township five miles west of Highway 23, six miles south of Malta and two miles east of the Malta-Shabbona blacktop, five miles north of Shabbona. Fishermen may be missing a bet by going several hundred miles to the north woods. One of the workmen on the new Gurler bridge south of DeKalb threw in a bait a couple or three times the other day and pulled out a nice 20-inch pike. Illinois needs 22 new airports and improvements of 50 existing ones, according to the Civil Aeronautics Administration’s new three-year plan announced at Washington Thursday. The DeKalb Municipal Airport was among those being listed for improvements.

Last evening state police officers assisting in the handling of traffic at HopThe second annual field day conducted kins Park as thousands gathered at the by the Department of Agriculture, Univer- park for the holiday band program and fire works had a busy night. At least 40 cars sity of Illinois, at the Northern Illinois Experimental Farm in Milan Township will were flagged down for traveling at excesbe held next Friday afternoon. The univer- sive speeds and in some instances the sity men have announced that it will be an state officers gave chase and issued tickagronomy field meeting with the results of ets. Arrest tickets were issued six of the autoists while the others were allowed to experiments on small grains, soybeans,

1951 – 75 YEARS AGO

continue after being given warnings. Only one highway collision, and that a minor one, was reported to DeKalb County Sheriff’s officials over the July 4 holiday, Sheriff Francis Sullivan said this morning. The accident occurred Wednesday morning two miles west of DeKalb on Alternate Route 30 at Kingsley’s Curve. Much of the DeKalb County corn crop will be knee high tomorrow. Tradition has it that corn must be “knee high on the Fourth of July” if the crop is going to be successful.

1976 – 50 YEARS AGO

The Freedom Township Bicentennial Commission in Earlville has announced plans for special ceremonies later this month in honor of those who lost their lives in the 1832 Indian Creek Massacre. The two-day event will open in July 17 when descendants of the victims and their families will be invited to a 6 p.m. dinner at the Community Building in Harding, sponsored by the people of Freedom Township. As many as 100 new single-family dwellings could be built on the south side of DeKalb if the city council approves the DeKalb Plan Commission’s recommendation concerning the development of the SECO Farm. The plan commission Tuesday

2001 – 25 YEARS AGO

Work to repair both east and west bound lanes of Interstate 88 between Sugar Grove and Rochelle is set to begin Monday, according to the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. Two contractors will begin replacing the road’s asphalt overlay with a thicker, 3-inch layer of asphalt designed to stand up against the kind of freeze and thaw conditions that caused the highway to deteriorate last winter. A Friday morning barn fire caused about $60,000 in damage but no injuries, according to the Sycamore Fire Department. The cause of the fire at 22092 Airport Road appears to have been embers that blew onto the barn’s roof from a nearby burn pile. Many Illinois pay phone users soon will pay 15 cents more for a local call, but they’ll be able to talk as long as they want. SBC Communications Inc. announced Friday that it would begin phasing in a new 50 cent per call charge next week in the company’s 13-state service region. It could be said, forgive the pun, that feathers are being ruffled over what should be done with a colorful addition to the city of Sycamore. Over the last year, a peacock named Percy has delighted some people and upset others while meandering the Grant Street area near the city’s Municipal Building. – Compiled by Sue Breese

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, July 8, 2026

1926 – 100 YEARS AGO

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, July 8, 2026 MIDWEEK

Sycamore OKs $1.4M for road projects in June Stark Avenue Reconstruction Project among plans By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com The Sycamore City Council this month approved more than $1.4 million worth of contracts for road projects throughout the city. Documents show that the majority of that funding – $1.08 million – will be used for the 2026 motor fuel tax project, and $385,320 will go toward the 2026 Stark Avenue Reconstruction project. Sycamore Engineer Mark Bushnell, in a letter to City Manager Michael Hall, explained why the Stark Avenue project was approved and bid on separately from the annual motor fuel tax project. “By doing so the City can work directly with the homeowner to blend driveways beyond the sidewalk in lieu of following the regimented IDOT process,” Bushnell wrote. Everlast Blacktop, the St. Charlesbased company that was awarded the Stark Avenue contract, submitted the lowest of five bids to the city. The bid was $127,803 less than the highest bid the city received, and $7,290 less than Bushnell’s estimate for the work. “Asphalt prices were slightly higher than expected but this was offset by lower than anticipated prices for aggregate base course,” Bushnell wrote. In total, 29 companies, including 12 contractors, downloaded plans for the reconstruction project slated for Stark Avenue, according to city documents.

Shaw Local News Network file photo

Traffic cones line Peace Road May 15, 2025, as construction continues on the section between Route 64 and Freed Road in Sycamore.The Sycamore City Council this month approved more than $1.4 million worth of contracts for road projects throughout the city. “This project was also different in scope as it more geared towards a reconstruction project in lieu of the Motor Fuel Tax project which is more of a mill and overlay project,” Bushnell wrote. Curran Contracting, which has completed multiple projects for the city, was awarded the contract for the

2026 motor fuel tax project. The Crys- Street to South Avenue tal Lake-based company proposed • Borden Avenue: From Fox Pointe doing the work for $1.08 million – to Dark Avenue $178,004 less than Bushnell’s estimate • Kingsway Drive: From Route 23 to for the project. Vista Terrace • Vista Terrace: From Kingsway Streets included in the 2026 motor Drive to Swanson Street fuel tax project in Sycamore • Becker Place: From Somonauk • Wyamn Street: From South Cross Street to Parkside Drive

Northern Rehab’s ‘Move 250 Challenge’ runs through July 31 SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists will offer a “Move 250 Challenge” initiative for community members to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary through health, wellness and physical activity. The free initiative runs from July 1 through July 31. Participants will be encouraged to

log movement including staying active, playing sports, swimming, walking, dancing, biking, kayaking and gardening. The initiative’s goal is for the community to reach 250 activity hours. Residents can track movements by submitting activities online or scanning a QR code. Paper activity forms also will be available to fill out and submit at the rehab’s clinics. The logged activities earn entry into a raffle for a chance to win prizes.

“Northern Rehab’s Move 250 Challenge is a fun way to celebrate our nation’s history while encouraging healthy habits, active lifestyles, and community engagement,” Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists physical therapist Melissa Beck said in a news release. “We encourage everyone to participate, regardless of age or fitness level. The goal is simply to get moving and have fun while doing so this summer.”

Northern Rehab will provide social media updates on the community’s progress and celebrate participants. Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists is a physical therapist-owned and -operated physical therapy practice, providing clients with customized care for more than 46 years. For information, call 815-756-8524 or visit northernrehabpt.com/move-250challenge.

• DeKalb Salvation Army, 830 Grove St.: Open 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. DeKALB – Multiple places in • Hope Haven, 1145 Rushmoore DeKalb, Sycamore and through- Drive, DeKalb: Open 24/7. out the county are designated • DeKalb Oasis Tollway, Intercooling centers for anyone need- state 88 near mile marker 93: ing an escape from the heat. Open 24/7. Heat indexes that exceed 100 can be a health risk, and residents Sycamore are encouraged to take precaution • Sycamore Center, 308 W. to stay safe and healthy in the State St., Sycamore: Open 8 a.m. days ahead. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Cooling centers are free to use. • Sycamore Public Library, 103 Here’s where you can get out of E. State St., Sycamore: Open the heat and cool off in DeKalb 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through County. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday; 9 a.m to 5 p.m. on Saturday; DeKalb and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. • DeKalb Public Library, 309 • Sycamore Police Department, Oak St.: Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 535 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore: Open Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. all day, seven days per week. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Genoa • DeKalb Park District Rec. • Genoa City Hall, 333 E. First Mark Busch file photo Center, 1765 S. Fourth St.: Open St., Genoa: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday (closed between noon and 1 p.m. Boyd Swanson, 3, from Sycamore, races through the sprinklers Aug. 23, 2023, at the Sycamore Park District Splash Fountain splash pad. through Friday. Closed weekends. daily) Monday through Friday.

By KELSEY RETTKE

krettke@shawmedia.com

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Singer, songwriter Barry Cloyd to perform July 10 in DeKalb

Singer and songwriter Barry Cloyd will perform a Rascals, Roustabouts and River Parties concert at the DeKalb Public Library. The free concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. July 10 in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St. Participants can learn about people who earned a living from the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The people include Keelboatmen, flatboaters, steamboaters, river pirates and riverboat gamblers. Cousin’s Maine Lobster food truck will be available from noon to 8 p.m. Attendees also can bring purchased food and beverages. The doors to the library open at 6 p.m. The concert is part of the library’s America250 initiative. For information, email samanthah@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.

DeKalb library to offer patriotic stickers creation event July 9

The DeKalb Public Library will offer an event for adults and teens to create patriotic peel away stickers.

The free event will begin at 3 p.m. July 9 in the library’s 309 Creative makerspace, 309 Oak St. Attendees will be able to print and cut stickers with Cricut Design Space. The event is part of the library’s America250 initiative. Because of limited space, the event is first-come, first-served. For information, email annas@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851.

Miniature painting program set for July 13 in DeKalb

Teens and adults can paint miniature models at an upcoming program at the DeKalb Public Library. The free program will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. July 13 in the library’s 309 Creative room, 309 Oak St. Paint, miniature models and brushes will be provided. Attendees also can bring their own supplies. Children may attend but must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. For information, email techdesk@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851.

Produce swap set for July 10 in DeKalb

The DeKalb Public Library will hold a produce swap for community members trade various produce. The free swap will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. July 10 in the library’s adult services department, 309 Oak St. Attendees can shop for fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers or bring in produce to swap. Participants may log donated or taken produce in the swap notebook. The produce must be clean, fresh and fit for consumption. Leftover produce will be shared with library staff or donated to local organizations. No registration is required. For information, email amyf@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 6108.

DeKalb library to host loom weaving class July 8

Teens and adults can learn how to loom weave at a class at the DeKalb Public Library. The free class will begin at 6:30 p.m. July 8 in the library’s 309 Creative makerspace, 309 Oak St.

Attendees will be able to learn how to create a simple weave on small looms. Participants also can bring weave patterns or use the class’s weave tutorials. Due to limited space, the class is first-come, first-served. No registration is required. For information, email penn@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851.

Spine Crackers Graphic Novel Book Club to meet July 13 in

The DeKalb Public Library will hold a meeting of its Spine Crackers Graphic Novel Book Club for students in third through sixth grades to discuss and explore graphic novels. The free club will meet at 7 p.m. July 13 in the library’s Story and Activity Room, 309 Oak St. Attendees will be able to discuss “Hazardous Tales: One Dead Spy” by Nathan Hale. Book copies are available in the library’s youth services department. No registration is required. For information, email jenniferm@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350. – Shaw Local News Network

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Cooling centers open for free in DeKalb County

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, July 8, 2026 MIDWEEK

Mark Busch file photos

Part of the We the People of DeKalb County exhibit commemorating America’s 250th anniversary June 2 at the DeKalb County History Center in Sycamore.

History Center director hopes you see yourself in new museum exhibit By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com Ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the DeKalb County History Center has unveiled a new museum exhibit dedicated to some of the lesser-known movers and shakers of DeKalb County’s history. The exhibit, “We the People of DeKalb County,” opened to the public inside the DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main Street, Sycamore, about a month ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday – celebrated based on the date of the Declaration of Independence, not the signing of the U.S. Constitution. DeKalb County History Center Executive Director Michelle Donahoe said the exhibit leans into the themes selected by the Illinois America250 Commission for the 250th commemoration. Among those is the foundational statement of popular sovereignty: We the people. “We know that is not the Declaration of Independence, that it is part of the Constitution, but they are very closely tied,” Donahoe said. “We wanted people to be able to see themselves in our exhibits, so we really focused into that

A visitor looks at the timeline that is part of the We the People of DeKalb County exhibit commemorating America’s 250th anniversary June 2 at the DeKalb County History Center in Sycamore. The exhibit is currently on display at the history center. people part.” Donahoe said the history center team that created the exhibit sought to uplift the voices of change makers in DeKalb County’s history who’ve not been heard from as often as the area’s staple pioneers. “One of the pieces in doing exhibit work is that you have to have an object

to tell a story; we’re not doing a book in a wall,” Donahoe said. “If we’re looking for missing voices, sometimes that’s because we don’t have a lot of information on them.” As a result, some notable figures in DeKalb County history may not have been included, but 27 important people were.

“That’s not a magical number, but that is just about as many as we could fit in our space,” Donahoe said. The exhibit costs $5 and is free for history center members and children ages 14 and younger. The space housing the exhibit, which Donahoe said is expected to remain on display until 2028, was previously used for a collaboration with the Smithsonian. Those who explore the “We the People of DeKalb County” exhibit will find a cornucopia of information, artifacts and pictures that weave DeKalb County into America’s history. That includes making clear that Native Americans lived in DeKalb County long before white settlers arrived in 1835. It also includes the heroic story of a DeKalb County man who used his home to help people fleeing slavery and seeking the unalienable rights defined in the Declaration of Independence. “We have these stories of people, but then we also put them into their historical context of, why are they important,” Donahoe said. “For example, we have this story of Jesse Kellogg. He is a great example of the Underground Railroad in DeKalb County.”

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, July 8, 2026

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