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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 • S h awLo c a l .co m

25 YEARS LATER DeKalb reflects on 9/11 tragedy on the 25th anniversary / 6

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026 MIDWEEK

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

City of DeKalb considering $595,000 IDOT grant for new paratransit vehicles DeKalb City Council reallocates leftover 2022 funds to future bus By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com The city of DeKalb is considering funding through the Illinois Department of Transportation Consolidated Vehicle Procurement program to support plans to replace its fleet of paratransit vehicles, which provide rides to those who can’t take fixed-route buses due to disabilities. As part of this, the City Council intends to reallocate leftover grant funds toward the future purchase of a paratransit vehicle. The city has determined it would not require local matching funds to make these investments. At a recent council meeting, city officials voted 8-0 on a pair of measures to make it a reality. City Manager Bill Nicklas touted what the council’s actions mean for the city. “This is good news,” Nicklas said. In 2022, the city received $4.2 million for fixed-bus route acquisitions from IDOT’s Rebuild Illinois Capital Grant. City documents show that last year the council allocated that funding to buy one E-Gen Flex hybrid bus and five diesel buses for $4.06 million. Nicklas noted how the math all adds up in the city’s favor to reallocate the leftover

PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzles on page 17

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An NIU Huskie bus, part of the city of DeKalb’s public transit system, heads east on Lincoln Highway in downtown DeKalb on April 15, 2024. grant funds. “After the procurement, we had $135,845 remaining unused,” Nicklas said. “IDOT has approved reallocating this balance toward the future of a medium-duty paratransit bus, which has multiple uses.” The city also plans to submit an application to IDOT’s Consolidated Vehicle Procurement program to make its case for acquiring five new paratransit vehicles totaling $595,000, documents show. Nicklas said the need for replacement vehicles is growing. “Our paratransit fleet is aging,” he said. “We have four vehicles right now out of ser-

vice, and 13 have exceeded their useful life, but from time to time are called upon to perform service in response to public demand. We keep them going, but we’re doing so with greater expense.” Nicklas said the city doesn’t want to burden taxpayers at the same time. “Also, it’s time to look for some value where we can find it, and here is a good value for us,” Nicklas said. “State grant money will result in less maintenance costs, increased reliability. It will also help us along the way toward building the fleet that we own as part of our larger layered contract with our provider.”

ON THE COVER The Franklin family listens in on the Patriot Day Ceremony as the remarks are given Sept. 11 outside DeKalb Fire Station No. 4. See story, page 6. Photo by Megann Horstead

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3 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Resource Bank Welcomes University of Illinois Men’s Head Basketball Coach

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026 MIDWEEK

Sycamore Education Foundation names 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients Sisters honored for community work

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By KATE SANTILLAN The Sycamore Education Foundation recently named sisters Kris Rhynders Wrenn and Michelle Schulz as the recipients of its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award. The awards are presented annually to Sycamore High School alumni. The recipients are alumni who have maintained a high standard of excellence and have made contributions to their fields. The award also serves as a tribute to graduates’ personal, community or professional achievements. “The Distinguished Alumni program celebrates people who make Sycamore a better place,” Sycamore Education Foundation Board of Directors chair Todd Madden said in a news release. “Kris and Michelle have spent decades giving back to their schools and community. Their lives are a reminder that the greatest measure of success is the difference you make for others.”

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ers. She served as the Southeast School PTO president, was part of the Sycamore school board for 12 years and launched the Sycamore Education Foundation’s Take Root fundraiser. Wrenn helped raise more than $60,000 at the fundraiser. She was awarded the Clifford Danielson Outstanding Citizen Award in 2025. Wrenn currently serves on the DeKalb County Community Foundation board of directors.

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Schulz graduated from Sycamore High School in 1980. She worked for Kar-Fre Flowers. Schulz volunteered for the Southeast School PTO. She also served on the board of directors for the Sycamore Park District, Sycamore Chamber of Commerce and city of Sycamore committees. Schulz currently is retired. The Sycamore Education Foundation will honor Schulz and Wrenn at a community celebration Sept. 11 and 12 at Sycamore High School, 427 Spartan Trail.

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DeKalb Township is accepting applications for its 2026 Human Services Funding Program, meant to support area nonprofits that provide services to residents in need. Applications addressing the needs of economically disadvantaged residents, older adults, disabled individuals and youth will be prioritized.

The township awards funds to community-based nonprofits that provide services and programs benefiting township residents annually. The application packet will include submission instructions. Applications are due Oct. 1. To apply, visit dekalbtownship.org and select the “For the Community” tab. For information, email supervisor@ dekalbtownship.org or call 815-758-8282. – Earleen Hinton

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026 MIDWEEK

Ceremony remembers tragedy that shook the nation DeKalb’s annual Patriot Day ceremony remembers the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11 By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com Twenty-five years later, the events of Sept. 11, 2001, are etched in the memories of many in this nation. Just ask DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes. “That day when we saw what happened to thousands of American lives was heart-wrenching,” Barnes said. “Then, we saw so many, so many run forward into the buildings, into the smoke, into the fire. And they did so selflessly. They did so to help their neighbor, to help their fellow American.” Barnes was among several community leaders who joined together to help the DeKalb Fire Department host its annual Patriot Day Ceremony outside Fire Station No. 4. The event is held annually to pay respects to all the first responders and lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. That morning, there were four coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by the militant group al-Qaeda, killing 2,977 people. Fire Chief Luke Howieson spoke of the lasting impact that many of the survivors still suffer from, including illness from time spent at ground zero. “Today many lives are still being claimed from the complications of World Trade Center illness,” Howieson said. “To this day, over 900 FDNY firefighters have succumbed to those illnesses. Many first responders and tradesmen who supported the rescue and recovery effort at ground zero are now falling ill to those effects.” Also that morning, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners, crashing two planes into the upper floors of the north and south towers of the World Trade Center and a third plane into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The twin towers collapsed because of damage sustained from the hijacked plane and ensuing fires. After learning about the other attacks, passengers on the fourth hijacked plane, Flight 93, fought back and the plane crashed into an empty field in western Pennsylvania. The attacks reportedly killed people

Photos by Megann Horstead

Members of the DeKalb Fire Department stand side by side Sept. 11 during the department’s annual Patriot Day Ceremony to remember the lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. from 93 nations. DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd said it confounds him that what took place Sept. 11, 2001, remains etched in his memory. “It was just another day on the calendar,” Byrd said. “And I gather that most of us probably just took that day for granted, but 9-11-2001 is now a day that we will never take for granted again. Unfortunately, we learned on that day that we should never take any day for granted again because on 9-11-2001 is [when] 2,977 people ... lost their lives.” Byrd said when he thinks about all the lives lost, he thinks about all the celebrations that the families would never attend – no weddings, no graduations. “There were 2,977 people who never had the opportunity to experience those things,” Byrd said. “That number, 2,977. What’s the population of some towns? When you take that into consideration, that’s the size of a whole city being lost on one day.” Byrd challenged the crowd in attendance to remember the acts of bravery

“Because unfortunately, although that was one of the worst days in United States history, it was also one of the most united days in United States history. And we cannot let those lives be gone in vain.” Barnes said he believes the country has forgotten how it responded in the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001. “I wish we celebrated and remembered this day every day in our country because that was America at its greatest moment when we all came together despite our differences, despite everything in the world,” Barnes said. “We all were Americans on that day.” Reflecting on the tragedy 25 years later, Barnes said he believes the counDeKalb Fire Chief Luke Howieson offers remarks Sept. 11 to the crowd on hand for the try has a lot to be proud of. “We should be proud of everything annual Patriot Day Ceremony held outside we are,” he said. “We should be proud of DeKalb Fire Station No. 4. this country, even [with] all the imperthat were performed on Sept. 11, 2001. fections that we have. Because at its “And, on this day, where sometimes core, we are neighbors, [we] are friends, when you look around, you see that we [we] are first responders, [we] are appear divided, I think, we should Americans that serve under this wonremember back to that day,“ Byrd said. derful flag.”

By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com The third annual Be the One walk to spread awareness about veteran suicide deaths and share crisis help resources will return to DeKalb on Sept. 20, and the public is invited. The free event will feature speakers, vendors to share mental wellness and crisis care resources, and other activities before the walk. Participants can walk 2.2 miles, meant to bring light to the fact that 22 veterans or service members die by suicide daily, according to the American Legion. People can register in advance at runsignup.com or the day of. Registration opens at 9 a.m., and the event runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Health and Wellness Center, 626 Bethany Road, DeKalb. Walkers will receive a free oneday pass to the wellness center. To mark the event, 22 rocks will be carried in memory of a veteran or soldier who has died by suicide. For those who would like to dedicate a rock to a lost loved one, visit www.runsignup.com. New this year and directly after the walk, the DeKalb American Legion Post 66 will host a free VA SAVE Training session for those interested in learning about ways to respond and help a veteran or person experiencing crisis. For more information or to sign up, use the QR code below or visit www.ticketsignup.com. The SAVE training was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The training will be led by a certified VA suicide prevention professional, according to the Legion. The course title is an acronym for: • S: Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized • A: Ask the most important question of all – “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” • V: Validate the veteran’s experience • E: Encourage treatment and expedite getting help

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The DeKalb American Legion Post 66 will host a free VA SAVE Training session on Sept. 20 for those interested in learning about ways to respond and help a veteran or person experiencing crisis. For more information or to sign up, visit www.ticketsignup.com.

tions, including AmVets and VFW posts countywide, have agreed to partner. Funds raised during the Be the One event will go to education and training, organizers said. The walk is on asphalt pathways and sidewalks. There’s also a 1-mile circuit as an option for those who can’t or don’t wish to walk the full length. Other activities offered include Thai Chi, chair yoga, labyrinth meditation. Event-goers can peruse 20 different tables detailing area resources offering effective approaches to mitigating a mental health crisis for veterans and active-duty soldiers Food will be provided by local businesses. The event also will include a silent auction with 38 items donated from businesses across the region, organizers said. All donations raised through the silent auction will go to a DeKalb Legion account that will be used solely for veteran and active-duty military suicide prevention and support. Donations are welcome for the cause, even if you can’t attend the walk, organizers said. Those interested also can use a Be the One Day in DeKalb County QR code or visit the website www.runsigSept. 20 has been proclaimed “Be the nup.com. One Day” in many communities across Event sponsors include Northwestern DeKalb County so far, including Cortland. Medicine Kishwaukee Health and WellAt Monday’s DeKalb City Council meet- ness Center, the DeKalb Corn Classic (the ing, Mayor Cohen Barnes is expected to race donates $2.50 from each runner to the issue another proclamation for the day. local Be the One cause), Rochelle VFW The event is hosted by the DeKalb Post 3878, Insomnia Cookies, and the SycAmerican Legion Post No. 66, although a amore American Legion Riders Post No. number of veteran and service organiza- 99.

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Be the One veterans suicide awareness walk returns to DeKalb

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026 MIDWEEK

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Opportunity House’s Wheel of Meat Fundraiser is Sept. 19 in Waterman SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Opportunity House will partner with Maple Park Supports Special Olympics Athletes to hold its third annual Wheel of Meat fundraiser to support Opportunity House Athletics and Recreation services. The fundraiser will begin at 2 p.m. Sept. 19 at Pub West, 100 E. Adams St., Waterman. The event will feature auctions, raffles and cash prizes. Gift cards, event tickets, liquor and wine donations for prize baskets and auction items will be accepted. Opportunity House Special Olympics coordinator Marc Johnson sees the impact of that community support firsthand. “The Wheel of Meat is an important fundraiser for Opportunity House Athletics and Recreation, and the Maple

Park Supports Special Olympics Athletes group plays an essential role in making it happen,” Johnson said in a news release. “The Waterman-area community really shows up for this event, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support.” Opportunity House Athletics provides year-round individual and team basketball, soccer, cornhole, softball, golf, volleyball, bocce and bowling opportunities. The athletes also participate in Special Olympics Illinois tournaments. The recreation program offers participants opportunities to engage in community activities, connect with others and build and maintain friendships. Opportunity House Inc. is a nonprofit that provides residential, employment, recreation and community-based programs to help DeKalb County adults with developmental disabilities build independence, participate in communities and pursue goals.

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Announcement was made today by stating that Robert Ferguson, for the past 35 years or more in the agricultural implement coal business in DeKalb, has disposed of his business to two businessmen from Chillicothe, Ill., R. F. and H. F. Hunter. As far as could be learned today, the business was disposed of yesterday, but the transaction will not become effective until the middle of November. Mr. Ferguson could not be located this afternoon, word from the coal office being that he had gone fishing, his favorite pastime. During the last two or three days several loads of cinders have been placed along the parking on West State Street from California Street to the railroad tracks, which is now used for additional parking space, when the occasion Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives demands. With cinders on the soft earth, it Looking toward the southeast corner of Fourth Street and Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, 1934. will not be necessary for anyone to cut up been continued to September 27th, to give of the boiler at the Commercial Body Corthe parking to any extent in an effort to time to develop facts to show reasons poration this morning set fire to roof get parked or get out again. that Trains 32 and 33 should not be disboards of the boiler room. The major share continued. The switching to dial phones of the equipment of the DeKalb fire departMrs. S. S. Wheeler, living south of did not take place as originally scheduled, ment was rushed to the factory site on DeKalb has brought in a sprig of black receiving the alarm and the small blaze raspberries, which are rather late bearing. but will be on October 2. The delay is caused by a two-week delay in delivery of was quickly controlled. It was necessary The berries are luscious and it is unusual vital equipment. to pull a few boards loose from the roof in to find them at this time of the year. order to reach some of the smoldering Beginners’ swimming certificates have dust. Last night’s electrical and rain storm been awarded to 28 DeKalb County youngdid damage estimated at about $5,000, It was a big surprise when the west partially covered by insurance, to the C. B. sters who successfully completed the annual American Red Cross instruction end of a cement block building let loose at Broughton farm at McGirr, tenanted by course at the Sycamore pool this summer. the DeKalb Agricultural Association estabformer Alderman Jacob Jacobson, when Nine communities are represented in the lishment east of DeKalb and along the Chithe large barn on the farm was struck by list of certificate winners this year. The cago and North Western right-of-way. The lightning. The barn and a shed standing nearby were completely destroyed by the program is sponsored by the county chap- building, recently constructed, is used for ter of the Red Cross, with some assistance the storage and handling of commercial flames, although the cattle in the two fertilizer. Too heavy a load of material on structures were saved through the efforts from the Sycamore Elks Lodge. the west wall caused it to crumble. of Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson and their chilA contract for construction of a new dren. stretch of passing track in Sycamore 1976 – 50 YEARS AGO scheduled to accommodate 150 cars was Relations between Northern Illinois Uni1951 – 75 YEARS AGO let this week by the Chicago Great West- versity administrators and faculty memThe Monroe Stark home was attracern Railroad. The new track, slated to go bers, particularly in collective bargaining tively decorated with bouquets of fall matters, could be improved if NIU had its flowers Thursday afternoon for a large lun- east from the present passing track, will raise the passing capacity in Sycamore to own governing board. NIU President Richcheon-bridge party given by Mrs. Stark 250 cars, according to CGW officials. The ard J. Nelson voiced that opinion Wednesand Mrs. Edward Boies. additional passing track was necessitated day while addressing a university faculty by the removal of the old signal tower and meeting. Nelson said a separate governing Two projects at Somonauk have been delayed three to six weeks it was reported consequent removal of several sections of board for NIU was needed because it is the track. second largest state school in Illinois. at the Somonauk Chamber of Commerce meeting on Tuesday. The hearing on the Sparks escaping from an opened door Annexing the proposed K-mart propChicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad has

9 erty to the city of Sycamore will be the subject of a public hearing Oct. 5. The Sycamore Plan Commission today announced the hearing, one of several legal requirements necessary before the property can be attached to the city. Sycamore City officials have toughened up on the foot-dragging Chicago and North-Western Transportation Co. The railroad company last week completed resurfacing three additional crossings along the city’s dilapidated north-south tracks.

2001 – 25 YEARS AGE

DeKalb police report that there has been one incident since Tuesday in which a person believed to be of Middle Eastern descent may have been attacked. But amid scattered reports of Muslims, or those thought to be Muslim, being harassed or threatened in the wake of terrorist attack of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the DeKalb area essentially has remained calm. Sopping-wet search crews slogging through the rubble of the World Trade Center on Friday under gray skies that mirrored their dwindling hopes for miracle rescues. Though President Bush made a morale-boosting visit to the site in the afternoon, the grim reality was that for a second straight day, no survivors were found in the debris. The majority of high school juniors attending DeKalb County public schools last year either met or exceeded state standards in a variety of subjects, according to the results of a statewide exam. The DeKalb Plan Commission on Wednesday voted against a permit request that would allow a horse slaughtering and meat-packing facility to build and relocate to a new building near its existing location. Like many across the country and over the world, local residents were shocked and saddened by yesterday’s terrorist attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon building in Washington, D. C. – Compiled by Sue Breese

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026

LOOKING BACK

Sycamore schools need $5.5M in deferred maintenance Firm’s longtime district portfolio includes North Grove Elementary build, high school auditorium By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com The architecture firm behind the Sycamore Fire Department’s new station believes Sycamore Community Unit School District 427 facilities are in need of $5.5 million worth of deferred maintenance, and other work totaling more than $50 million. Brian Ogle, with FGM Architects, told the Sycamore school board on Aug. 25 that the district should address the maintenance needs over the next five to 10 years. “It is good to note that construction costs have increased by about 40% since 2019, unfortunately; due to COVID, supply chain issues and just the labor market in commercial construction has really impacted the

Screenshot of Sycamore school board YouTube recording

Brian Ogle, with FGM Architects, told the Sycamore school board on Aug. 25 that the district has $5.5 million worth of deferred maintenance that should be addressed over the next five to 10 years. price of any given construction projOgle said $75,000 worth of work is ect,” Ogle said. needed for what the assessment cate-

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gorized as priority A. That classification, considered urgent, is reserved for maintenance and repair items that present an immediate hazard to the safety of students, according to the facility assessment. “It’s a very small number comparative to the overall priority ones that you saw in our box,” Ogle said. More than $52 million worth of work is needed on all of Sycamore school facilities, according to the 2026 Facility Assessment Update Ogle prepared for the board. “This is just a rough starting point for any facility assessment, and a way to capture funds and that initial cost recognition of anything that needs to be addressed work-wise,” Ogle said. FGM Architects – which has worked with the school district since 2005, when it was contracted to do a master planning study – is working on a health and life safety survey of the district’s facilities that’s due by the end of the year. The company has been responsible

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for multiple projects over the past two decades, including additions to South Prairie, Southeast and West elementary schools and Sycamore Middle School; the creation of North Grove Elementary School; and the 2006 Sycamore High School auditorium renovations. The architecture firm created a facilities assessment in 2019 and updated that assessment this year. In 2021 and 2022, the company helped the district with capital improvement projects that included roofing, HVAC, exterior and site work, according to district documents. During the Aug. 25 discussion on the 2026 facilities assessment update, school board member Alex Grados said he would like to have specific options presented to the board to address facility needs. “I think having that more structured conversation will just be more efficient for us going forward,” Grados said. “I get we’re still in the compiling phase; we’re gathering information,

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As Opportunity House celebrates Direct Support Professional Recognition Week Sept. 13–19, we’re recognizing the dedicated DSPs who make a difference every day for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout DeKalb County. DSPs are at the heart of Opportunity House. They provide encouragement, support, and connection that help people live, work, build independence, and enjoy community life. The work can look different every day. It might mean helping someone prepare for work, supporting a person in making their own choices, heading into the community, encouraging someone to try something new, or simply sharing a laugh. These everyday moments build trust, strengthen relationships, and create opportunities. “DSPs are compassionate, caring people who encourage, advocate, teach, and support the people they serve,” said Carol Parsons, Vice President of Support Services at Opportunity House. “They build relationships, get to know each person as an individual, and help them

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Continued from page 10

but we’re also reviewing a lot of information that we’ve had for a while, and I think at some point we just need to pull the trigger and act.” Christian Copple, board vice president, said he wants to get community input to help guide his future decisions on facilities. “It’s important that we communicate this to the public in a digestible format, but there’s people in the community that can digest some of the stuff that you’re giving – there’s architects too, there’s contractors, people in our community who understand more about this than I’m ever going to understand,” Copple said. Sycamore Superintendent Kristen Campbell said school administrators could help communicate the facility assessment with the public. “I think this is an opportunity to have our principals kind of help facilitate those conversations by building, and invite families in,” Campbell said. Grados said he believes “clear recommendations” on “actionable steps the board could take to get to safer schools or to realize future savings from deferred maintenance, neglect, would really help us move along.”

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026 MIDWEEK

How volunteering benefits seniors mental health Seniors are vulnerable to mental health issues. Volunteering offers seniors many benefits, including a renewed sense of purpose. Volunteering also helps combat social isolation, which can lower rates of depression and anxiety. According to Voices for National Service, older adults who volunteer have reduced risk of mortality, more optimism and feel less depressed and lonely. People who were once working full time and are now in retirement may find they have hours to spare. Those hours can be directed toward volunteer efforts, which can boost seniors mental health in myriad ways. • Lowers depression and anxiety: The National Institutes of Health says research indicates consistent volunteering can help to reduce risk of depressive symptoms. • Decreased social isolation: Points of Light says regular time spent with peers and the people being helped can mitigate loneliness. • Restores sense of purpose: When work ends, many seniors lose the structure that governed their working life. Volunteering gives the opportunity to wake up, follow a schedule and achieve goals. • Mental stimulation: Volunteering may lead to learning new skills and interacting with others, and that can keep the mind sharp. • Physical activity: Older adults may lead sedentary lifestyles if they have nothing to keep them busy. Volunteering helps a person engage in some sort of physical activity. Staying active can lower blood pressure, risk of heart disease and eight types of cancer. Volunteering is a tool older adults can use to stay healthy both physically and mentally.

Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb 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 whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability.

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HousingAuthority Authorityofofthe theCounty CountyofofDeKalb DeKalb Housing DeKalb,Illinois Illinois60115 60115 310North NorthSixth SixthStreet Street• •DeKalb, 310 Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190 Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190 Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb 310 North Sixth Street • DeKalb, Illinois 60115

310 North Sixth Street DeKalb, Illinois 60115 TheHousing HousingAuthority Authority Countyofof DeKalbis is•accepting accepting pre-applications LowIncome Income The ofofthetheCounty DeKalb pre-applications forforthetheLow Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190 PublicHousing HousingProgram Programfrom from applicantswho whoareareincome eligible andhave havetwo two(2)(2)orormore morelocal local Public applicants and Phone 815.758.2692 •income Faxeligible 815.758.4190 The Housing Authority of the County ofShabbona DeKalb isisaccepting pre-applications for the the Low Income preferences. Sequoya Apartments isaccepting accepting applications from theElderly Elderlyand/ and/ preferences. Sequoya Apartments ininShabbona applications from Public Housing fromofapplicants are income eligible and have orfrom more local Housing The Housing Authority ofProgram the County DeKalb iswho accepting pre-applications for thetwo Low(2)Income Public Disabled. TheHousing Housing Choice Voucher Program accepting applications households ororDisabled. The Choice Voucher Program is isaccepting applications from households preferences. Sequoya Apartments in Shabbona accepting applications from (62 the Elderly and/ Program from applicants whoand are income eligible and haveisor two (2) orMember more local Apartments whoareare income eligible and whose Head, Spouse orSole Sole Member Elderly (62Sequoya orolder) older) and/or who income eligible whose Head, Spouse is ispreferences. Elderly or and/or or Disabled. The applications Housing Choice Voucher Program isDisabled. acceptingThe applications from households inhouseholds Shabbona iswhose accepting from theMember Elderly and/or Housing Choice Voucher Program is households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability. Head, Spouse or Sole has a verifiable Disability. who are income eligible and whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026 MIDWEEK

NIU STEM Fest returns Sept. 19 to DeKalb SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Northern Illinois University will host its 17th annual STEM Fest featuring hands-on learning. STEM Fest will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 19 at the NIU Holmes Student Center, Swen Parson Hall, MLK Commons and Founders Memorial Library. Attendees can view hands-on chemistry experiments, drive robots, build electrical circuits and experiment with lasers and lights. A Tot Spot will be available for toddlers through early elementary children to play with blocks of various materials and sizes. The festival also includes a Prairie Research Institute Traveling Science Center. The mobile science center features state of Illinois research and environmental science. STEM

Fest’s annual weather balloon launch will begin at 11 a.m. Participants can watch the ballon watch, learn about weather balloon history and components and how teams gather real time data. A Make It Make Sense Science Showdown is set for 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. at the Holmes Student Center’s Oasis Stage. Attendees can participate in an interactive game show featuring science facts and answers from scientists. Participants also will be able to practice soldering, learn about electrical circuits and create a light-up pin during a Build-A-Blinkie event. The festival’s “Haunted Physics Lab” features hands-on light, phosphorescence and laser activities. West Side Children’s Therapy also will offer a Quiet Zone with sensory friendly activities. For information, visit go.niu.edu/ stemfest

Photo provided by Susan King

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Women members Donna deOliveira, Peg Newby and Jo Plenger-Shulz presenting a $745 check to Family Service Agency of DeKalb youth programming and services director Shatoya Jackson

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

DeKalb church group donates to youth homeless shelter

Episcopal Church Women members Donna deOliveira, Peg Newby and Jo Plenger-Shulz July The St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Women recently 23. The group also donated personal hygiene donated $745 to Family Service Agency of DeKalb, to support its Roots to Rise program that aids area products. The St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Women is a youth in crisis or experiencing homelessness. church group that focuses on outreach and The donation was presented to Family Service fellowship. Agency of DeKalb youth programming and – Shaw Local News Network services director Shatoya Jackson by St. Paul’s

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com Cannabis can now be sold through drive-thrus at dispensaries in Illinois, and Sycamore officials are poised to wrestle with its new legality on Sept. 7 during a city Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Steve Weber, who in February received approval from the Sycamore City Council to operate a cannabis dispensary in the city, has asked the city to change its municipal code, according to city documents. “We are petitioning the city to amend its regulations regarding drive-through (sic) windows,” Weber wrote in a document submitted to the city. Weber’s petition is for the property at 1598 DeKalb Ave., city documents show. There currently are no recreational cannabis-based businesses in Sycamore, but if there were, city code would prohibit them from operating drive-thrus, according to city documents. That policy was boilerplate for all Illinois municipalities until June 6, when a state law opened the window to drive-thru orders and increased the amount of cannabis residents and nonresidents can buy. Among the first in the state to offer the new purchasing option is a business in Woodstock. As of Sept. 10, someone opening a dispensary in Sycamore can’t tender any form of outdoor sales, including drivethru services, according to city code. Dispensaries, which can’t be run in a residential area, also are prohibited from allowing anyone to consume cannabis on the property. The policy change city officials will consider would allow for drive-thrus at a future Sycamore dispensary, including window and curbside pickup, so long as the service abides by state regulations. In his petition, Weber wrote that he hopes to be allowed to use a “mobile order fulfillment window” at a potential dispensary located at 1598 DeKalb Ave. The exis-

Kelsey Rettke

A large sign is undergoing construction on Sept. 9 at a not-yet-open Bud & Rita’s Dispensary, 1598 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore. A developer for the Chicago-based cannabis retail chain has asked the city of Sycamore for approval to install a drive-thru at the location. tence of a drive-thru window at that property, and the desire to use it if it became legal, was noted in Weber’s initial petition to be allowed to operate a dispensary at the location. In a Sept. 2 email, John Sauter, Sycamore’s director of community development, wrote that city staff has no concern with Weber’s request to change city policy from a construction and operational perspective. “At the local level, the proposed drivethrough window, drive-through lane, pavement markings and queueing spaces met all applicable building and zoning regulations and were approved as part of the building permit review process,” Sauter wrote. “From a construction and oper-

ational perspective, Staff has no concerns.” Work has recently been done on the property that city officials gave Weber, as a representative of Echelon Grow, permission to operate a dispensary out of. A redone parking lot and new sign for a Bud and Rita’s Dispensary – the company that opened the first dispensary inside Chicago’s Loop – can be seen by those who pass by on DeKalb Avenue. However, it’s not clear when a dispensary could open at that location. As of this week, no state licenses for cannabis dispensaries have been issued for a Sycamore address, according to state data. Weber did not immediately respond to

questions from Shaw Local Sept. 10. Representatives with Bud and Rita’s also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The only two businesses where it is legal to purchase recreational cannabis in DeKalb County are in DeKalb. Excelleaf, 305 E. Locust St., became DeKalb County’s first recreational cannabis dispensary in November 2023. NuEra, 818 W. Lincoln Highway, opened with Chicago Bears legend Jim McMahon on hand in May 2024. The Sycamore Planning and Zoning Commission will consider Weber’s request at 6 p.m. Sept. 14 and will advise the Sycamore City Council on a recommendation regarding the petition.

1 p.m. Sept. 19 at the history center, 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore. Participants will be able to learn how to begin researching DeKalb County properties. Attendees also can learn about online resources and the history center’s archival information. Handouts will be provided. The class will be led by

Joiner History Room archival and collection specialist Rob Glover and volunteer Russ Johnson. “Depending on the where and when a home was built, we check maps, city directories, abstracts, documents and copy books for clues to build a history of your home’s past,” Glover said in a

news release. The class costs $5 and limited to 20 participants. Registration is required. To register, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org. For information, call 815-895-5762 or email joinerhistoryroom@dekalbcountyhistory.org. – Shaw Local News Network

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF DeKalb County History Center to offer property research class Sept. 19

The DeKalb County History Center will offer a “Property Research 101” class for residents to learn about how to research their home or property. The class will be held from noon to

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Drive-thru cannabis sales could be coming to Sycamore 15

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026 MIDWEEK

67th Annual

Developer wants to build single-family homes across from DeKalb High School 26-unit Cottage Grove development sees early support from city panel By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com A developer is seeing early support from city hall for a proposal to build 26 single-family homes, at 780 square feet each, on DeKalb’s north side across from DeKalb High School. On Sept. 8, the DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed a concept plan, dubbed Cottage Grove, from Steve Irving of Irving Construction. Irving’s housing development, if approved, would go up on a 5.8-acre lot along the south side in the 500 block of West Dresser Road. No formal vote was taken by the advisory city panel during the meeting. But one DeKalb alderman took time to make his support for the project known. Irving said he believes there’s a market for such a development in town. “We think there’s a hell of a market for young people, maybe a single person that just got a job, could be a young married couple, just started out, could be an old couple that don’t want a big house and want to travel,” Irving said. At Cottage Grove, the plans call for 26 one-story residential homes featuring one bedroom and one bathroom with space for a study. Each home would have 780 square feet of living space and a two-car attached garage. The homes would be sold for around $250,000, according to Irving’s proposal. The residential development would include a homeowners association that would maintain lawns and private roadways. Irving pointed to inspiration he found in a single-family residential development in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. “I got a lot of ideas from an unbelievable development up at Lake Geneva, Symphony Bay,” Irving said. “If you go up there, go look at this

place. It’s on the east side of Lake Geneva. These local developers bought one huge farm. And you can’t see it from the road because it’s covered with heavy woods on one side. When you pull in, in a three-year period, they’ve sold over 500 homes. It’s gone over so well, they bought the adjacent farm.” Irving said he has a feeling that concept would work in DeKalb, as well. Irving has 52 years of experience as a developer. Included in Irving Construction’s portfolio is the 40-home development along Lucerne Lane built in the 1990s, the DeKalb-Pond-Fisk housing development south of Clinton Rosette Middle School, and the 75-townhome Fairway Oaks development, documents show. Irving Construction would need to approach the city again for final approval of the single-family residential development to proceed. The DeKalb City Council also will need to approve the plan. Third Ward Alderman Tracy Smith, who attended the meeting, expressed support for the development and what it would mean for the city. “I think it’s a good chance to develop that property,” Smith said. “It fits the area. I personally support this project for Steve and his company.” Under the city’s comprehensive plan, low-density uses are called for. That means dwellings are encouraged to fall between 0 and 4 units per acre. The development, as proposed, calls for 4.4 units per acre, however. The space also isn’t in city limits, so it would need to be annexed, documents show. City Planner Olson said a waiver could be granted because of the project’s benefits to the city and Irving’s longstanding work in the community. Irving said the property’s access to utilities is appealing to him as a developer. Irving said he prides himself on the quality of the builds that he’s brought into the community. “The bottom line is we wouldn’t build anything we wouldn’t live in ourselves,” he said.

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, September 16, 2026 MIDWEEK

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Advertising Notice: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise "any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation of discrimination." Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal 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 violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that 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

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Frito-Lay Tostitos or Ruffles chips 8 to 12 oz.

with purchase of 4 Pepsi soda 6 pk. bottles 16.9 fl. oz.

Ball Park hot dogs 15 oz. Hormel Black Label bacon with purchase of 12 oz. Fresh beef ground patties 85% lean, 15% fat 8 ct., 2 lb. pkg.

Johnsonville brats 19 oz.

Ritz snack crackers 8 to 13.7 oz.

Select varieties included. Plus deposit on applicable items.

Kickoff to Tailgating Sampling Event Friday, Sept. 18 | 5 - 7 p.m.

Brew Pub Lotzza Motzza pizza 20 to 26.82 oz.

Hy-Vee Midwest Pork boneless butterfly or America’s cut chops 8 oz.

Bakery-fresh hamburger or hot dog buns 8 ct.