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DeKalb County Community Foundation launches Upward Mobility Grant Program
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The DeKalb County Community Foundation is inviting residents, community groups and nonprofit organizations to share ideas that can help expand opportunity and improve quality of life in DeKalb County.
The Community Foundation recently launched the Upward Mobility Grant Program, a new initiative that builds on the success of the Promise Grants Program.
Replacing Promise Grants, the pilot program will support creative ideas that help people build better lives in DeKalb County. The grants are open to nonprofits, community groups and individuals working to create opportunities, connect people with resources and help families thrive.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available for projects focused on one or more of the following areas:
• Education & Youth: Programs and resources that help children and teens learn
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Waterman Lions Club’s 26th annual Summerfest to return July 18
The Waterman Lions Club will hold its 26th annual Summerfest and Antique Tractor and Truck Show. The free event will begin at 7:30 a.m. July 18 at Waterman Lions Park, 435 S. Birch St.
Festivities features a tractor pull by the Weak End Antique Pullers and a truck show
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• Health & Well-Being: Making it easier for people to get physical and mental health care
• Housing & Transportation: Supporting safe places to live and reliable ways to get around
• Income & Employment: Helping people find good jobs, build skills and increase their income
The Foundation hopes to uncover ideas that address these challenges in new and meaningful ways.
“Who knows better the needs of our community than individuals and organizations who interact regularly with our underserved neighbors?” DeKalb County Community Foundation community engagement manager Kyle White said. “They have the good ideas, and this grant program is designed to give those ideas a chance.”
Getting started is simple. Between July 1 and Aug. 1, share your idea using the short
online Good Idea Form. Nonprofits, community groups, local governments and residents are all encouraged to participate.
A committee will review submissions and invite selected applicants to complete a full application by Aug. 15. Applicants can request up to $5,000 to bring their idea to life, and projects selected for funding will be announced in early November.
You do not need to be a nonprofit organization to apply. Projects must serve local residents and take place in DeKalb County. If your idea is selected, the Foundation will help connect you with a nonprofit or government partner to receive and manage the grant funding. Funding is awarded to nonprofit organizations and units of government, not individuals. Bilingual workshops and application support will be available throughout the process.
For more information or to submit your Good Idea, visit dekalbccf.org/upward-mobility or contact Kyle White at k.white@ dekalbccf.org or 815-748-5383.
by the American Historical Truck Society. Activities also include a mechanical bull ride, antique tractor pull, drive-a-tractor experience, beer garden, bounce house, petting zoo, flea market, craft show, Civil War camp, axe throwing, kids magic show, kids pedal pull, live music, kiddie trains, “poo bingo,” fireworks show and Lions draw-down raffle. Farmer Jeffro will perform.
Breakfast will be served by Shabbona Community Church. A Parade of Power is being led by farm broadcaster Max Armstrong. Food will be offered by BBQ by Fay’s Finest Foods, Little O’s frozen custard and Lions food concession.
For information, visit watermanlionstractorshowandsummerfest.com.
– Shaw Local News Network
ON THE COVER
Attendees check out the M119A3 Howitzer gun on display July 8 during the One County, One Nation: America250 celebration at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore.
See story, page 6.
CORRECTIONS
Accuracy is important to The MidWeek. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411 or email at readit@midweeknews.com.
Photo by Mark Busch
Cocktails at the Crib fundraiser
set for July 18 in Sycamore
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The DeKalb County History Center will host its fifth annual Cocktails at the Crib fundraiser for residents ages 21 and older to support the history center’s programs, events, exhibits, collection and preservation.
The fundraiser will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. July 18 at the history center, 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore.
Attendees will be able to visit the history center’s “We the People of DeKalb County” America250 exhibit. The event also features lawn games, silent auctions, raffles and live entertainment.
“This fundraiser truly highlights our beautiful campus,” DeKalb County History Center executive director Michelle Donahoe said in a news release. “We are
very excited to offer so many unique experiences during this event, and we are looking forward to celebrating local history with the community who so generously supports our work. We are especially excited to be able to celebrate this year with the expanded campus providing many opportunities for guests to experience the charm of this former farmstand alongside the modern facility that houses our archives and newest exhibit.”
Mathey and Friends will perform. Commemorative “We the People of DeKalb County” cups are available. Appetizers, beer, mocktails, wine and handcrafted cocktails will be served.
Tickets cost $50 or $60 at the door. To buy tickets, visit DekalbCountyHistory. org or the history center.
For information, visit DekalbCountyHistory.org or call 815-895-5762.
Kishwaukee College Foundation accepting Distinguished Alumni Award nominations
The Kishwaukee College Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2027 Distinguished Alumni Award. The award honors alumni who contributed to their professions and communities to reflect the college’s values.
The foundation will accept nominations from the college’s staff, faculty, students, alumni and community members.
Nominees must be a Kishwaukee College
alumnus with 45 or more completed credit hours or a degree or certificate of completion.
Nominations also must include evidence of the nominee’s profession, college or community contributions and involvement in Kishwaukee College.
The nomination deadline is Nov. 2. The award recipient will be honored at the foundation’s annual gala.
For information, visit kish.edu/alumniaward.
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center
The DeKalb County History Center will host its fifth annual Cocktails at the Crib fundraiser on July 18
Kishwaukee College students participate in STEM assistantship
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Kishwaukee College students Irving Escalante and Jayson Quintero recently participated in science-based learning opportunities through the Robert L. “Smitty” Smith Assistantship during the 2025-26 school year.
The assistantship offers students pursuing science, technology, engineering or mathematics programs hands-on learning and research opportunities under college faculty supervision.
Escalante and Quintero were supervised by Kishwaukee College assistant professor of physics James Mai and assistant professor of physic Kimberly Mais. The students built prototypes and created computer-aided design models for future engineering students with the college’s Fusion3 3D printer. Escalante and Quin-
DeKalb Knights of Columbus to host annual pig roast July 16
The DeKalb Knights of Columbus Council 717 will host its 43rd annual DeKalb County First Responder Appreciation Pig Roast to benefit fire and police personnel. The pig roast will begin at 5 p.m. July 16 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1336 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
Dinner will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The menu features pulled pork, smoked mac and cheese, and baked beans. Meals are available for pickup or dine-in. First responders will receive a complimentary meal. Wildwood Country Band will perform. A cash bar also is available. Tickets cost $20. Donations will be accepted. To buy tickets or donate, visit DeKalbPigRoast.eventbrite.com or call 815-751-5682.
Vocalist Bethany Brewer to perform with DeKalb Municipal Band
The DeKalb Municipal Band will perform a “A Night at the Movies” concert as part of its 172nd concert season featuring vocalist Bethany Brewer.
The free concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. July 21 in the Dee Palmer Band Shell at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb.
Brewer will perform “Being Alive” from “Company,” “Reflections” from “Mulan”
tero also developed a robotic arm as part of an outside project.
The students helped test and improve physics and circuit analysis labs exercises, migrated and set up the physics lab’s electronic equipment and created a connection between what the college students learn in leactures and hands-on lab assignments.
“It was a great experience to work ‘outside of the classroom setting’ on projects with faculty. It was inspiring to work through various projects with the flexibility to explore our interests,” Escalante and Quintero said in a news release.
The assistantship was established through the Kishwaukee College Foundation by Dale and Sharon Evans in 2021. The program honors former Kishwaukee College science instructor Robert L. “Smitty” Smith.
For information, visit kish.edu/foundation.
and “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables.” Other music from the concert includes “Captain America March,” “Selections from Wicked,” “Fantastic Beasts” and “Raiders March.”
Brewer earned a vocal performance degree from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music and a master’s degree from the University of Colorado Boulder. Brewer has performed with the Chicago City Opera, Fox Valley Opera, Great Lakes Operetta, Consonance and the St. Charles Singers.
Guided drawing sessions set for July 16 and 23 in DeKalb
The DeKalb Public Library will hold two guided sessions for teens and adults to learn about gesture drawing.
The free sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 16 and at 7:30 p.m. July 23 in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, 309 Oak St. Attendees will be able to draw posed pictures from photos and prerecorded videos. Materials will be provided. An instructor also will be available. Due to limited space, the sessions are first-come, first-served.
For information, email isaacl@dkpl.org or hadleyo@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851.
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Ages 21+ | Includes 10 drink samples, commemorative glass, and water. Proceeds support the Sycamore Parks Foundation. sycparks.org
The Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District to discontinue connection fee
Fee waiver to end after 10 years
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District will discontinue its sanitary sewer connection fee waiver and reinstate the fee starting Jan. 1, according to an announcement.
The decision was made by the district’s Board of Trustees, according to a news release.
“The District’s Board of Trustees has determined that the waiver helped encourage residential development and has served its intended purpose,” according to the release.
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The board will reinstate the connection fee policy effective Jan. 1.
The current single-family home fee is $2,100.
The district said it will work with residents, developers, local government partners and builders to support responsible growth and ensure new connections appropriately contribute to sanitary sewer infrastructure maintenance and expansion costs.
The reclamation district has waived the sewer connection fees since 2016.
The fee waivers were in response to slow single-family residential growth in the service area, according to the release.
The district also had 266 vacant and undeveloped buildable single-family home lots. The number of lots has reduced by 70% over the past 10 years.
Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm Saturday 8am-2pm
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Aerial drone image of Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District, DeKalb Sanitary District water treatment facility plant at 303 Hollister Ave, DeKalb, IL on May 13, 2021.
Veterans recreate historic DeKalb County photo
Festival celebrates 250th anniversary of America’s founding document
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
For the sake of the country, DeKalb County officials hosted an hourslong festival to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the U.S.’s founding document: The Declaration of Independence.
As part of the recent festivities, dozens of DeKalb County veterans gathered on the steps of the DeKalb County Courthouse in downtown Sycamore. Together, as a group of veterans whose service spans the nation’s last 82 years, they posed for a photograph that mirrors what was taken in June 1919 – after American soldiers who served in World War II had returned home.
Peter Vasquez, who turns 100 on Fri-
Vasquez served as an Army paratrooper in the Pacific during the war. He said he was happy to see young people continuing to choose to serve in the military. When asked what the nation’s 250th birthday and the group photo meant to him, Vasquez thought of those he served with eight decades ago.
“Some came back in good condition, some never made it,” Vasquez said. “That’s the worst part about it. ... During World War II, I had friends my age, 18, 19 years old – never made it.”
The sacrifices of Vasquez, his friends and all U.S. veterans were commemorated by DeKalb County.
Before the county joined a nationwide effort to read the Declaration of Independence aloud at 5 p.m., officials hosted a ceremony to honor veterans who received Purple Hearts. The medal is reserved for U.S. veterans who were hurt or killed by enemy action, terrorism or friendly fire while serving.
DeKalb County Board member
day, was born seven years after that photo was taken. As a World War II vet-
eran, he was front and center for the photograph recreation.
Photos by Mark Busch
DeKalb County veterans gather for a photo on July 8, recreating a similar photo taken in the same place in the year 1919 (being held in the center) during the One County, One Nation: America250 celebration at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore.
Civil War re-enactor Tom Meyer talks to visitors July 8 during the One County, One Nation: America250 celebration at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Public invited to downtown DeKalb luminarias ribbon-cutting
The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting hosted by the city, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and Artifex Studio July 16 to celebrate the installation of luminarias strung along a downtown walkway, part of local America250 initiatives.
The ceremony will begin at 5:15 p.m. July 16 at the pedestrian pass-through at Van Buer Plaza and Lincoln Highway in downtown DeKalb.
Featured speakers will include DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes, Badar Art Metal luminaria fabricator Austin Bader, artist Elisa Boughner and Brad Hoey, city clerk and chair of the citizens’ community enhancement commission.
The luminarias were installed as part of the America250 DeKalb initiative by Boughner.
Korean Performing Arts Institute to perform July 17 in DeKalb
The DeKalb Public Library will host an after-hours concert featuring the Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago.
The free concert will begin 6:30 p.m. July 17 in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St.
The Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago will perform traditional Korean dances and drumming.
The doors to the library open at 6 p.m. The concert is part of the library’s after-hours concert series. No registration is required.
For information, email samanthah@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
DeKalb library to hold paint and sip program July 18
The DeKalb Public Library will hold a paint and sip program for residents to create their own art.
The free program will run from 2 to 4 p.m. July 18 in the library’s 309 Creative makerspace, 309 Oak St.
Participants can paint whatever they want. Materials, painting kits and a beverage will be provided. No registration is required.
For information, email annas@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851.
• AMERICA250
Continued from page 6
Laurie Emmer, who served as an Army medic and later became the first woman to lead the Illinois VFW, was among those who spoke at the Purple Heart ceremony. She told Shaw Local that it was “humbling” to be a part of the recreated DeKalb County veterans photo.
“It’s an honor to recreate such a historic photo for our county,” Emmer said. “Especially on such a great occasion as our 250th birthday. It’s just, it’s humbling.”
Emmer, who served in the Army for 24 years, was deployed to Afghanistan and left service as a Sgt. First Class, said she found the county’s efforts to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday impressive.
“I know they put a lot of hard work into it and it shows,” Emmer said.
As the Purple Heart Ceremony’s keynote speaker Bill Kirkham gave his address, a group of planes buzzed above downtown Sycamore in a manner one might expect at a major sporting event
Kirkham is a U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient who served during the Vietnam War.
DeKalb County Board Chairman John Frieders said he was very impressed with how the event turned out.
“I just think it’s very, very important that we recognize all the things that
have gone into getting our nation this far,” Frieders said. “We’ll continue to grow as a country, and this just shows how important it is to everyone in DeKalb County.”
Numerous tents from local businesses and organizations, including the DeKalb County History Center, Raising Canes and more were set up on the courthouse lawn. Families could enjoy a magic show, face painting and live music.
Children with Youth Engaged Philanthropy of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation were charged with reading the Declaration of Independence for the event. They joined hundreds of speakers across the country who read the document at 5 p.m.
Navy veteran George Schippits, 78, of Genoa said he hadn’t “seen any like this before.”
“It just reinforces what you did and why you did it,” Schippits said.
Retired McHenry County Associate Judge Tom Meyer attended the celebration dressed in garb fit for a Union soldier in the early stages of the Civil War. He was among about a dozen Civil War reenactors who rendered gun salutes.
“I don’t think people – I think they take it for granted, between that [the Declaration of Independence] and the Constitution, they don’t fully appreciate exactly what it means, and how important it is and was,” Meyer said. “So this is fantastic to remind people just what happened.”
Mark Busch
Addie Grashorn, 10, from Sycamore, reacts after seeing her face painted July during the One County, One Nation: America250 celebration at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore.
LOOKING BACK
1926 – 100 YEARS AGO
Dr. J. B. Hagey, director of the department of health of DeKalb today asks that all people who have not been successfully vaccinated within the last year, see to it that it is given attention at once. The presence of one case of smallpox in the city, which is believed to have been brought in from other nearby cities where the disease is prevalent, leads the board officer to make the request for a general vaccination.
Persistent rumors were heard from many sources today of the inauguration of a new taxicab service here by the Northern Illinois Service company, operating busses in and out of DeKalb. Inability to ready any of the officials of the bus company late this afternoon does not allow for an official report on the matter, but unofficial information is that the company has been planning such a move for several months.
R. S. Tazewell of Kingston had his auto stolen while in DeKalb Monday evening.
Hundreds of people from DeKalb and vicinity attended the band concert given at Huntley Park last evening and reported it one of the best concerts that has ever been given by the DeKalb organization.
Following some changes made on North Fourth street near the fire station last week, much of the walk-in front of the building was damaged. Yesterday one of the smaller mixing machines belonging to Gund Graham company was hauled to the scene and the necessary repairs made. As soon as the cement is cured, there will be no further difficulty encountered there by the apparatus when answering an alarm. So far, the repairs have been in progress, the ambulance is the only rig that has been called out of the station.
Sycamore will have more pavement to be laid before the contractors who have just completed their work here leave the town. The new portions that are to be paved are the alley south of State Street in the rear of the stores between Main and Maple streets and portions of the east side streets as follows; Walnut Street between Elm and High; High Street to its east end,
400 feet from Walnut street; Home street between Walnut and Locust.
1951 – 75 YEARS AGO
The routine operation of sharpening a lawnmower started a fire which yesterday afternoon destroyed the combination workshop, tool house and garage at the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Sandwich. As a result of the blaze, the building was completely destroyed, the car owned by William Dillon, caretaker at the cemetery, is a total loss, a large amount of machinery and tools were burned and Mr. Dillion is under the care of a physician following a heart attack.
Residents of DeKalb are given a definite idea of what the new Junior High School building will look like when completed. The building now is under construction on South Seventh Street and will face east. The north wing includes physical education and music facilities, with a playing floor 90 by 70 feet and a stage at one end.
Of all the people ready to welcome the return of fair weather after last week end’s cloudbursts, Park Superintendent Emil Cassier was probably one of the readiest this week. Reason? More than 100 acres of park grounds and recreational facilities which were rendered temporarily useless
early settler and owner of the nearby gristmill. But their ties to the past were stronger. Many originally from New Hampshire, the townspeople decided on the name “Hampshire.”
In an attempt to recover about $8,700 in unpaid ambulance service bills, the city of DeKalb is turning to a collection agency. Of 926 persons billed for the city’s fire department ambulance service from March 1975 to March 1976, City Manager John Cartwight yesterday said 267 accounts have gone unpaid.
The tennis courts being built by the village at Waterman Lions Park are coming along nicely. The surface and curbing, which will retain water for ice skating in the winter, are installed.
2001 – 25 YEARS AGO
by the more than five inches of rain that fell in the Sycamore area over the weekend!
Hiland’s Paint and Wallpaper Store, 124 East Lincoln Highway, is closing up in a couple of weeks and is going out of business. That’s the bald announcement made by Arthur Hiland this week, but there’s a lot of city history and business tradition tied up with the little one-story brick building. The firm was started 71 years ago by Charles Hiland, grandfather of the present owner, on the same location. The address then was East Main Street, and it is doubtful if there were any numbers.
1976 – 50 YEARS AGO
Presidential nominee Jimmy Carter today chose liberal Sen. Walter F. Mondale to share the Democratic presidential ticket with him.
Kids crowded the Hopkins Park pool yesterday to beat the heat. Temperatures neared the 100-mark through the DeKalb area yesterday afternoon and should cool tonight.
One hundred years ago, citizens gathered to choose a name for their soon-to-be incorporated town. Several villagers suggested “Rinnville” in honor of Jacob Rinn,
Developers of a south-side industrial park say they are continuing efforts to attract a million-square-foot Kellogg Co. warehousing and distribution center, and the about 250 jobs that would go with it.
Runway construction at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport is back on track now that city officials have OK’d a new contractor. The original low bidder was barred by state regulators from doing publicity-funded work.
First, it was the end of May. Then, some began to say June was the big month. But most recently, all indications pointed to July 20 as the date by which the Chicago Bears would decide whether Northern Illinois University would beat out three other finalists in the hunt to host the team’s preseason training camp in 2002 and beyond.
The DeKalb Fire Department was called to 701 Regent Drive in DeKalb on Friday afternoon for what turned out to be a fire in the landscaping material around the side of an apartment building. Recent dry weather may be contributing to the fire hazard condition.
After its tentative plans to build a rail port in the DeKalb area met strong public opposition, Union Pacific is close to picking a site for the facility in Rochelle.
– Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives Lincoln Highway looking northeast toward 7th Street in DeKalb in 1934.
DeKalb police to increase security at farmers market
In aftermath of reported sexual assaults, chief says they’re prepared
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
DeKalb police will increase security at and around the Farmers Market through the remainder of the season following reports of a man accused of sexually assaulting three women downtown, including at the market.
“We will have an expanded uniform police presence at the Farmers Market/Downtown area,” Byrd said Monday. “Until the market ends.”
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Matt Duffy said officers regularly are present in the area, but moving forward will be present the whole time.
The Chamber hosts the weekly public market, which often features live music, vendors, and families, including children.
“We monitor the market and have the information booth for questions, concerns, lost and found, etc.,” Duffy said. “Going forward, we will have a DPD presence at each market to provide additional security.”
Maurice Kemp II, 33, was charged after police alleged he went on a minutes-long sexual assault spree, attacking and exposing himself to multiple women at the library, in the
100 block of North Third Street and at the Farmers Market about 1:15 p.m. July 2.
Byrd previously said officers quickly caught up to Kemp. He was arrested without clothing on and without further incident. He remains detained at the DeKalb County Jail in Sycamore pending trial, a judge ruled Monday.
Library Executive Director Emily Faulkner said her staff responded quickly and thoroughly to the alleged assault that happened in a computer lab.
The library doesn’t have standard police presence, but it does have video surveillance, she said.
Faulkner said the man exposed himself to one woman, and then sexually assaulted another in the library before her staff told him to leave and called the police.
“It happened so quickly,” Faulkner said. “From the second he touched the first woman and she said ‘Don’t touch me,’ to the minute he was out the door was less than a minute. So our staff was right there and responded right away how we want them to.”
Authorities list Kemp as transient in court records. Faulkner said it’s not uncommon for the library to act as a haven to people without homes. She said most patrons remain respectful and are left alone.
“We really do want to stay a place that’s open and welcoming to everyone.”
Sip n’ sew program set for July 19 in DeKalb
Teens and adults can work on unfinished sewing projects at a program at the DeKalb Public Library.
The free program will be held at 2 p.m. July 19 in the library’s 309 Creative makerspace, 309 Oak St.
Sewing machines will be provided. Attendees also can bring their sewing machines.
Due to limited space, the program is first-come, first-served.
For information, email ambers@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851. – Shaw Local News Network
Building Stronger Workforces Through Inclusive Employment
Finding meaningful employment is an important step toward independence, confidence, and community involvement. For individuals with disabilities, having the right support can make all the difference. Opportunity House helps individuals develop valuable workplace skills while creating opportunities for employers to build stronger, more inclusive teams through its Small Group Employment Program.
This innovative approach connects individuals with disabilities to meaningful work opportunities while meeting the specific needs of local businesses. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, Opportunity House works closely with employers to customize job responsibilities and build teams that match the tasks required. This creates positive outcomes for both employees and employers.
Each Opportunity House Group Employment team consists of three team members and one dedicated job coach. The job coach remains onsite, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure team members are successful in their roles. This structure helps participants gain confidence, strengthen workplace skills, and become productive contributors in a supportive environment.
Currently, Opportunity House serves 19 participants across four group employment sites. Team members perform important tasks, including janitorial services, light assembly work, and packing projects. These positions allow participants to gain job experience while contributing to businesses throughout the community.
Opportunity House provides benefits that extend beyond employment. These opportunities help individuals with disabilities discover their strengths, develop independence, build social connections, and gain a greater sense of purpose. At the same time, employers benefit from increased productivity, dependable workers, and diverse perspectives that create stronger workplace cultures.
Interested in creating meaningful employment opportunities while strengthening your workforce? Opportunity House partners with local businesses to create customized Small Group Employment opportunities that meet employer needs while helping individuals with disabilities develop valuable workplace skills.
To learn how your business can become a Small Group Employment partner, contact Crystal Holdcroft, Day Services Director at crystal@ ohinc.org or (815) 895-5108 x113, or visit ohinc. org/supported-employment.
Opportunity House 357 N. California St. Sycamore, IL 60178
Ph: (815) 895-5108
Email: info@ohinc.org ohinc.org
JF Glidden joins Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
JF Glidden, a DeKalb farmer, businessman, and inventor known for revolutionizing agriculture through the American West, has been inducted into the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association for his patented invention of barbed wire.
Glidden joins a 2026 Hall of Fame class comprised of people, products, and companies that have demonstrated a track record of manufacturing excellence in Illinois for more than two centuries, according to a news release.
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association cited Glidden as part of a distinguished group of innovators whose contributions have been lauded for leaving a lasting impact on the state’s economy, industries, and history.
The Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame, which was first established in 2024, is meant to celebrate more than 200 years of manufacturing in Illinois.
At over $580 billion annually, manufacturing is the state’s largest contributor to gross domestic product, supporting nearly one-third of all jobs, according to a release.
During the Hall of Fame ceremony on June 25 at The Westin Chicago Lombard, JF Glidden Homestead & Historical Center Executive Director Jessi Haish LaRue accepted the award.
“It is incredibly exciting to see Joseph Glidden recognized alongside some of Illinois’ greatest manufacturers, innovators, and history-makers,” LaRue said in a release. “His invention changed the course of agriculture, helped shape the American frontier, and put DeKalb on the map as a center of innovation. This honor celebrates not only his remarkable legacy, but also the enduring importance of preserving and sharing the story of where that innovation began.”
Supporting the homestead at the event were representatives from Northern Illinois University and the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, as well as Richard and Sarah Glidden DeMink.
“The Hall of Fame Class of 2026 represents a cross section of more than 200 years of Illinois manufacturing,” Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illi-
nois Manufacturers’ Association, said in the release. “From iconic products that have revolutionized daily life, companies that have transformed our society, and visionary leaders who dedicated themselves to building a brighter tomorrow, we are proud to honor these history-makers.”
Glidden is widely known not only for inventing and manufacturing “The Winner” barbed wire at his DeKalb homestead in 1873 but also for his service to the community.
In the words of his Hall of Fame plaque, which read:
“A DeKalb businessman and farmer, Glidden is widely known as the ‘Father of Barbed Wire.’ His invention helped transform agriculture and settlement by enabling the fencing of open land across the West, putting DeKalb on the map as a center of innovation. Glidden later donated 63 acres of his homestead for the creation of Northern Illinois State Normal School, now Northern Illinois University.”
The plaque is available for viewing at the J. F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center, 921 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. The museum is open to the public on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
WATERMAN LIONS CLUB
26th Annual SummerFest
Antique Tractor & Truck Show
Saturday – July 18th, 2026
Waterman Lions Park 420 S. Birch Street Waterman, IL 60556 Schedule of Events* (subject to change)
7:30-9:00 Country FARM BREAKFAST by Shabbona Community Church
8:00–8:45 Tractor Pull Registration- Weak End Antique Pullers Tractor Pull
9:00→ Weak End Antique Pullers Tractor Pull
10:00–4:00 Civil War Camp with history of the area
10:00-4:00 Craft Show / Flea Market Axe Throwing Mechanical Bull
10:30-3:00 Lion’s Food Concessions Open
11:00-11:45 Kids’ Entertainment - Zach Percell of TNZ Magic - Pavilion (Sponsor- Clinton Township Library)
10:00-2:00 Cow Pie & Chicken Poo Bingo at the Petting Zoo 12:00 Tractor & Truck Parade of Power Guest Announcers Josh Hickey & Joel Prestegaard Tractor/Truck Show Trophy Awards 1:00 Live Music- Jazz In Progress 1:30 PEDAL PULL (sign up at 1:00) for Kids
3:00-11:30 Beer Garden by Pub West
3:00-5:00 Live Music - The Beaux Band
4:00-7:00 BBQ by Fays Finest Foods
5:00-10:00 Little O’s Frozen Custard 5:00 Lion's Draw Down Raffle Purchase raffle tickets from any Waterman Lion or at Pub West Waterman
7:00-11:30 Live Music: Wildwood Country 9:15 FIREWORKS
Tractor & Truck Exhibitors Contact: Leonard 815-757-5065 or Shawn 815-275-4874 or Matthew Stalcup 779-255-0938
Northwestern Illinois Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society-Participant: Brian Dhamer 815-375-5129
Tractor Pull Contact: Randy Wilkening 815-739-5814
Crafts and Vendor Contact: Rich 815-264-3664 or Kate 224-374-6664
www.WatermanTractorShow.com Serving the Indian Creek Community
Photo Provided By Jessi Haish LaRue JF Glidden Homestead and Historical Center
Executive Director Jessi Haish LaRue is all smiles at the Glidden Barn, posing for a picture, holding the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame plaque.
New endowment fund supports DeKalb Festival Chorus
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
A new charitable fund created by DeKalb County residents aims to support the DeKalb Festival Chorus while honoring Mary Rowley and George Durik.
The DeKalb Festival Chorus Endowment Fund, established through the DeKalb County Community Foundation, was created by Amanda Durik and David Castro in honor of Durik’s parents, Mary Rowley and George Durik.
“Mary was a hummer, and George was a whistler,” Durik said in a news release. “Neither had formal training nor even much experience outside of singing in church, but they regularly made music around the house. The melodies they carried through ordinary moments brought joy, comfort and connection.”
Community choruses provide opportunities for people who love music to gather, develop their talents, and share in the experience of creating something meaningful together.
While there was no community chorus in the area of Kentucky where Mary and George raised their family, Durik and Castro found that opportunity in
DeKalb through the DeKalb Festival Chorus.
Founded in the mid-1970s, DeKalb Festival Chorus brings community members together to experience and share the power of choral music. The fund honors that legacy while helping support the organization’s future.
“The DeKalb Festival Chorus has created a welcoming space for people to
share their love of music and community,” Durik said in the release. “We hope this fund helps sustain that opportunity well into the future.”
The DeKalb Festival Chorus Endowment Fund will provide long-term financial support for the chorus and its mission.
“We are honored to partner with Amanda and David in connecting their generosity with an organization they care deeply about,” DCCF executive director Dan Templin said in the release. “Funds like the DeKalb Festival Chorus Endowment Fund help provide longterm support for organizations whose funding can often be unpredictable.”
Donations to any fund at the Community Foundation, including the DeKalb Festival Chorus Endowment Fund, can be made online at dekalbccf.org/donate or mailed to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.
For more information or to learn how to establish a charitable fund in memory of a loved one, visit dekalbccf. org or contact Dan Templin at 815-7485383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.
Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation
DeKalb Festival Chorus members celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary.
