Issuu

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026 • S h awLo c a l .co m

IN CONVERSATION Billy Hueramo took helm of District 428 in July / 6

Before Your A/C gives out, give us a call today. Older air conditioners can break down when you need them most, like in the middle of a heat wave. Before the worst happens in your home, call us for a free consultation.

www.assuredapplianceandhvac.com 121 N. Emmett St. | Genoa, IL 60135

A/C CLEAN AND CHECK

847-293-0047

SM-CL2354189

5900

Assured Appliance and Heating & Air

Offer expires 10/31/26 Cash or Check Only

Shaw Media purchases Free Press Newspapers

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 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

HOW ARE WE DOING? We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@ shawmedia.com.

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Shaw Media has purchased The Free Press Newspapers, which include the Braidwood Journal, Coal City Courant and Free Press Advocate, and has assumed ownership effective Oct. 1. The Free Press Newspapers, serving the communities of Braidwood, Coal City and Wilmington in southern Will County and southeastern Grundy County, were owned and operated by the Fisher family for more than 46 years. “It’s time for a new chapter for the Free Press Newspapers. In our hearts we feel this is the best decision in order for our three weekly publications to continue,” publisher Eric Fisher said. “The transition comes during a period of considerable change for community newspapers nationwide, as longtime independent owners increasingly seek larger regional publishers and other ownership models capable of sustaining local journalism.” “We’re very excited to welcome the Coal City Courant, Braidwood Journal

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Sycamore Rotaract Club’s annual Trick-or-Trivia event set for Oct. 15

The Rotaract Club of Sycamore will host its sixth annual Trick-or-Trivia event to support the club’s various projects. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the

PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzles on page 14

and Wilmington Free Press to Shaw Media,” said John Rung, CEO of Shaw Media. “The Fisher family has built a strong legacy of community journalism, and we have tremendous respect for what Eric and his family have accomplished. “We look forward to carrying on that legacy and continuing to provide these communities with trusted, locally focused news for many years to come.” The first issue of the Free Press was published in 1975. George and Janet Fisher purchased the business on Aug. 1, 1980, after learning it was for sale. George Fisher had spent 20 years as publisher of the Evening Democrat in Fort Madison and previously owned a small weekly newspaper in Minnesota. The Wilmington area’s small-town atmosphere and proximity to Chicago appealed to the Fishers, who were looking for a newspaper of their own and a community in which to raise their family. The Fishers expanded Free Press Newspapers in 1997 with the purchase of newspapers owned by Mitch and

Sheridan Bailey of Coal City. The acquisition included the Coal City Courant and Braidwood Journal, while a total-market-coverage publication eventually became the Prairie Shopper. The Wilmington Advocate was merged with the Free Press to become the Free Press Advocate. For 22 years, the company also published The Outdoor Times, a summertime recreation publication. Through the changes, Free Press Newspapers remained focused on intensely local news coverage. “We believe Shaw Media has a strong interest in keeping community newspapers alive,” Fisher said. Shaw Media is a family-owned newspaper company with roots stretching back to 1851. It operates newspapers and digital publications throughout northern Illinois along with Illinois radio stations. The company has expanded its footprint in recent years, including the acquisition of the Kankakee Daily Journal in 2024. “We’ve witnessed Shaw’s commitment to community journalism and its investment in local reporting. We’re confident that emphasis will continue with our publications,” Fisher said.

Regale Event Center, 124 1/2 S. California St., Sycamore. Teams of eight to 10 will be able to answer trivia questions. Attendees also can pre-order food from Sam’s Pizza. The winning team will receive a $400 cash prize. The doors to the

event center open at 6:30 p.m. Tables cost $200 and include eight drink tickets. Reservations are required and due Oct. 14. Individual seats will not be available. To RSVP, visit pci.jotform.com/form. – Shaw Local News Network

ON THE COVER DeKalb School District 428 held a forum for the community to talk with the district’s leadership group on Sept. 30 at DeKalb High School, but few attended. See story, page 6. Photo by Camden Lazenby

CORRECTIONS Accuracy is important to The MidWeek. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411 or email at readit@midweeknews.com.

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The Indian Valley Theatre recently announced the cast for its upcoming production of “The Neverland Project.” The performances will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 and 10 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 10 and 11 at the Sandwich Opera House, 140 E. Railroad St. “The Neverland Project,” based on the 2025 play of the same name written by Stephen Gregg, tells the story of Wend Moira Angela Darling, who knows the real story of “Peter Pan.” She plans on staging a play called “The Neverland Project” to show how Peter

really learned to fly, what really happened to Peter’s shadow, who Tinker Bell is and introduce an unknown key character. The Indian Valley Theatre production will be directed by Kailey Christine and produced by Darren Whaley with stage management and direction assistance by Jen Ketchum. The cast includes Jeanette Martin as Mrs. Darling, Dennis Owen as Mr. Darling, Taylor Bown as Wendy Darling, Nehemiah Duvick as John Darling, Noah Dvorak as Michael Darling, Veida Priesman as Jane Darling (Wendy’s Daughter), Maddy Bryan as Liza, Hope Barngrover as Nana, Grace White as Nana Translator, Cole Harrison as Peter Pan, Johana Choi as Tin-

ker Bell, Scottyn Minard as Slightly, Avery Buckels as Nibs, Gracie Bee as Miss, Harper Bennett as Neverbird, Owen Gifford as Captain Hook, Sam Pershing as Mr. Smee, Rain Anshakov as Surprised Plant, Stella Valdez as Scared Plant, Ember Meyn as Thrilled Plant, Scarlett Hopkins as The Saddest Woman in the World, Deborah Roberts as M.C. Crown, Brian Hensley as Constable Turner, Heather Vandoozer as Colin Whimshaw and Abby Stalcup as Willa Meeks. The rest of the cast features Penelope Gifford, Rocky Priesman, Naomi Duvick, Ember Meyn, Addison Valdez, Olivia Ramirez, Elsa Morgan, Cora Deloach, Morgan Schwickerath, Ophelia Quar-

tullo, Riley Buckels, Aurelia Swenson, Nate Barngrover, Gabriella Corral, Caitlyn Roberson, Maddy Bryan, Grace White, Hope Barngrover, Charlotte Grandgeorge, Owen Scarber, Cora Deloach, Evelyn Swenson and Adeline Galles. Tickets cost $18 or $20 at the theater. To buy tickets, visit indianvalleytheatre.com. Indian Valley Theatre is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the appreciation and development of the performing arts in the Fox Valley area. For information, visit indianvalleytheatre.com, email info@indianvalleytheatre.com or message the theater’s Facebook page.

auditions for adults ages 18 and older for its p.m. Oct. 12 and 13 at WNIJ studios, 801 N. upcoming broadcast performances of “A First St., DeKalb. Christmas Carol.” The Stage Coach Players is seeking 10 to 11 The auditions will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 actors. Performances of “A Christmas Carol”

are set for Dec. 1 and 2 at WNIJ’s Studio A. For information, text 815-593-0202 or 815-757-0500. – Shaw Local News Network

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF Stage Coach Players auditions for ‘A Christmas Carol’ open Oct. 12 The Stage Coach Players will partner with Northern Public Radio/WNIJ to hold

Celebrate Local Women Leaders ATHENA Award Reception

Celebrate the ATHENA finalists and Rising Leader Award recipients and their impact on the community! Early bird tickets are $20 through October 10 at dekalb.org. Open to the public!

Thursday, October 15th 6:30pm Egyptian Theatre

A HENA Finalist AT

Donna Larson

A HENA Finalist AT

Amy Oster

Jenna Spychal

Presented By

Rising Leader

Jessi Haish LaRue

Rising Leader

Malia Jones

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026

IVT announces cast of ‘The Neverland Project’

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026 MIDWEEK

INBODEN’S MEAT MARKET Gourmet Meats and Specialty Food Store

110 6 N . 1s t , D e K a lb

815 -756 - 5 8 52 Hours: Mon–Sat 8am–7pm; Closed Sundays & Major Holidays

Visit us at meatplace.com for our weekend specials.

October 8th - October 10th, 2026

Locally Produced, Locally Processed Veteran-Owned Business

- MEAT -

Mark Busch file photo

The DeKalb County Health Department will offer flu vaccinations to adults and children ages 6 months and older on a walk-in basis. The vaccinations will be available from 8 to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the DeKalb County Health Department, 2550 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.

DeKalb County Health Department offering flu vaccinations SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The DeKalb County Health Department will offer flu vaccinations to adults and children ages 6 months and older on a walk-in basis. The vaccinations will be available from 8 to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the DeKalb County Health Department, 2550 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb. “An annual flu vaccine is one of the easiest steps we can take to protect ourselves and those around us. By getting vaccinated, we can help reduce the spread of flu and protect those in our community who are most vulnerable to serious illness,” DeKalb County Health Department Public Health Administrator Lisa Gonzalez said in a news release. The Illinois Department of Public Health released the fall respiratory virus immunization guidance for

adults, children and pregnant individuals. The guidelines also emphasize the seasonal flu vaccination’s importance. Flu prevention tips include: • Get a flu vaccine annually. • Frequently wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces. • Cough or sneeze into elbows, avoid close contact with sick individuals and stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever subsides. Children ages 18 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Medicaid, Medicare Part B and most PPO insurance plans will be accepted. Attendees must bring a photo ID and all insurance cards. The DeKalb County Health Department is a Vaccine for Children Provider. For information, visit health.dekalbcounty.org or the health department’s social media pages.

5 lb Bag Ground Sirloin................................................................ $5.39/lb 5 lb Bag Ground Round ............................................................... $5.39/lb Teriyaki Marinated Steak Kebabs ............................................ $10.99/lb Bone-In Beef Short Ribs.............................................................. $9.99/lb Butter Garlic Marinated Chicken Breast ................................. $2.99/lb Balsamic Pork Chop ..................................................................... $3.89/lb 1 lb Marinated Steak Taco (Fresh-Frozen) .................................... $9.89/ea

- SEAFOOD Fresh Jumbo Gulf Shrimp��$11�99/lb Lake Superior Whitefish ��$11�99/lb

- WEEKLY DEALS Try our Handmade Ravioli - all varieties ...................... $2.00 off per package Butternut Squash, Lobster Shrimp & Asparagus, Wild Mushroom, Shrimp & Garlic , 3 Cheese, Braised Beef, Shrimp & Roasted Garlic, Sausage Broccoli , Chicken Florentine, Pumpkin & Marscapone, Braised Beef Ravioli, including 5-Cheese Tortellini All Puffs Including Breakfast Puffs ......................................................... $7.59/pk Nannina Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 Liter Bottle ................ Everyday low price $6.99/ea

Thursday Take Out Dinner Smothered Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes w/Onion Gravy, Mixed Vegetables

$11.99

Walk-ins Welcome, Phone Orders Appreciated 815-756-5852 From 11am to 7pm

- DELI Soup of the Day or Chili ��Pints $6�99/ea��Quarts $10�99/ea Deli Ham �� $3�99/lb Egg Salad�� $5�99/lb Artichoke Asiago Dip �� $6�99/lb Brick Cheese (Chunks Only) �� $3�39/lb

- PRODUCE Jumbo Yellow Onions �� 99¢/lb Vine Tomatoes �� $2�49/lb Celery �� $1�99/ea

- BAKERY Butter Croissants �� $2�99/4pk Pumpkin Squares �� $1�89/ea

Enjoy 10% savings on wine purchases every Wednesday Wine Tastings 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month! 12-3pm

Oct. 5-11

Join the celebration when our community gathers to welcome all Huskies back home to NIU. Now in its 119th year, NIU’s Homecoming festivities feature something fun for everyone from Oct. 5 to 11, 2026. Thursday, Oct. 8 5 to 8 p.m.

6 p.m.

NIU Homecoming Block Party sponsored by Rocky Valley Credit Union. Downtown DeKalb on Lincoln Highway. March of the Huskies sponsored by Midwest Tents and Events.

Friday, Oct. 9 4 to 6 p.m.

7 to 9 p.m.

Huskie Hour at Jonamac Orchard sponsored by The Law Office of Doyle and James LLC. Jonamac Orchard. Huskies S’mores N’more sponsored by State Farm Agent Scott Zeimet. NIU’s MLK Commons, between the Holmes Student Center and Founders Memorial Library.

Saturday, Oct. 10

12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Lunch with Mission and Victor E. Altgeld Hall Auditorium. 6:30 p.m. NIU Football: Huskies vs. Air Force Falcons. NIU’s Huskie Stadium.

See our complete list of events: go.niu.edu/homecoming

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Homecoming is for Everyone

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026 MIDWEEK

Camden Lazenby

DeKalb Superintendent Billy Hueramo answers a question during a public forum held Sept. 30 inside DeKalb High School’s auditorium.

DeKalb superintendent holds intro conversation with district Billy Hueramo took helm of District 428 in July By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com Fewer than 20 people who don’t work with DeKalb School District 428 attended a forum with new Superintendent Billy Hueramo Sept. 30 at DeKalb High School. Hueramo and other school officials expressed frustration at the low attendance for an event billed as a way for the district’s community to engage in constructive dialogue while learning about Hueramo’s vision and goals for the district. ”You have social media that overtakes everything,” Hueramo said. “Social media right now, everybody jumps on it, everybody wants to post things, and comment on things, but then when we provide the opportunity to be

here in person so we can have some dialogue, some great conversation, people are not here.” The DeKalb school board selected Hueramo, a U.S. Marine veteran, as the district’s next superintendent in January. Former superintendent Minerva Garcia-Sanchez decided not to renew her contract in 2025 and left the role at the end of June. Hueramo’s term runs through June 2029. “The next time we have this, bring out another 10 people with you,” Hueramo said. “I don’t know what to say, but I am disappointed that we didn’t have more people come out.” In August, Hueramo told Shaw Local News Network what he plans to prioritize: sustaining board partnership, unifying leadership culture and driving academic growth. He repeated those priorities Sept. 30 when asked about his approach to problem-solving and collaboration. Hueramo said he has three goals for the district: increase academic achievement,

foster and maintain relationships with the people elected to the school board, and make sure everyone in his cabinet is in the district’s buildings to support staff. “It’s very difficult for me to go into the office and know that I have to get paperwork things done,” Hueramo said. “That’s very difficult for me; going into buildings is very easy for me. You’ll see, I have no shame in picking and helping sweep, but I think people aren’t used to that.” Aat least eight members of Hueramo’s cabinet joined him on stage, while multiple members of the school board watched in the sparsely filled high school auditorium. Lorena Reyes, a former student of Hueramo’s, helped introduce Hueramo to the audience. She said she’s known him for “many years” and has had “the honor of watching him develop into the professional and the leader that he is today.” “I know that he will do a wonderful

job at leading District 428 as someone who understands what it truly means to serve our students and our community,” Reyes said. Kleady Hartwig said she first met Hueramo when he was student teaching. “Listening to him share his background, his experience as a Marine and the choices he made that led him to become an educator was truly inspiring to me,” Hartwig said. Hueramo worked for DeKalb schools as a student teacher at Clinton Rosette Middle School before being hired as an eighth-grade English as a Second Language teacher there. He would later become assistant principal at Huntley Middle School, principal at Littlejohn Elementary School, and elementary curriculum coordinator for the district. “We’re going to try this again,” Hueramo said. “I feel a little defeated tonight, but it doesn’t mean that I’m not willing to put in the work to continue to get more community members here.”

NIU STEAM Cafe to explore special effects science contact@shawmedia.com Northern Illinois University will hold a STEAM Cafe for residents to learn about the science and art of live special effects. The free cafe will begin at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Fatty’s Pub & Grille, 1312 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb. Food and beverages will be available to buy from Fatty’s. During the cafe, attendees can learn how math and engineering keep people safe while feeling part of death-defying stunts. Participants also will learn about special effects planning and safety analysis details. The cafe’s featured speaker includes Northern Illinois University professor of theatre Tracy Nunnally. Registration is required “Professor Nunnally has spoken to our STEAM Café audience several times in past years, and he’s one of our most popular STEAM Café presenters,”

STEAM Café organizer Charles Lundsberg said in a news release. “We are excited to bring him back for an updated talk that gets into more of the nuts and bolts of executing safe and thrilling live special effects.” “I am frequently surprising people by revealing how much engineering and math go into the analysis of special effects,” Nunnally also said in the release. “Folks are often surprised to learn details such as: We use over 15 different styles of nuts for any given size as they apply to different situations. We analyze rotating parts [sheaves, sprockets, drums, gears, etc.] from their material composition to the type of bearing used to calculate radial pressure and friction coefficients. We also consider many other details from the age of the equipment to shock loads, acceleration, deceleration, load shift, human mistakes and human fatigue, to name just a few.” For information or to register, visit go.niu.edu/steamcafe.

Our business is about more than selling cars; It’s about building relationships with the outstanding service, value and quality that you deserve….no matter what!

Finance Rates as low as 4.99% on Select Models for Qualified Buyers 2025 HYUNDAI SONATA SEL #13857 30K, Remainder of 5yr/60,000 mile Factory Warranty Applies $23,995*

2024 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT #13860 30K Heated Seats, Factory Warranty $21,495*

2025 HONDA CR-V LX #13824 31K AWD, Backup Camera, Very Clean $28,995*

2026 HYUNDAI TUCSON SEL AWD #13877 37K Bumper to Bumper Factory Warranty Remains $24,995*

2025 NISSAN SENTRA SV #13853 21K Factory Warranty Remains, Great MPG 40 Highway $21,995*

2025 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SE #13852 47K, Heated Leather Seats, Moonroof, Still Under Factory Warranty $20,995*

2022 JEEP RENEGADE LATITUDE 4WD #13849 41K Remainder Factory Warranty $19,995

2023 GMC ACADIA SLE #13835 28K AWD, Heated Seats, 2nd Row Bucket Seats $29,995*

2023 FORD F150 XLT SUPER CAB 4WD #13809 31K Very Clean $39,495*

2023 CHRYSLER PACIFICA TOURING L #13847, 46K, Heated Leather Seats, Front & Rear Stow ‘N Go Seating, Remote Start $26,995*

2023 RAM 1500 QUAD CAB #13818 24K Big Horn, 4WD, 5.7 Hemi, V-8 $36,195*

2026 CHEVY TRAVERSE LT #13870 24K Heated Seats, Power Lift Gate, Blind Spot Monitor $35,995*

Doc Fee $377.63 and ETR Fee $35 added to the price of every vehicle

SERVICE DEALS YOUR WALLET WILL LOVE! LUBE, OIL & FILTER*

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE CHECK*

35.95

Check Wiper Operation, Check Axle Boots, Inspect Brakes, Check Steering, Check Exhaust, Check Suspension Inspect Belt & Hoses, Inspect Tires, Check Battery, Check Fluid Levels.

*Most Vehicles. Expiration Date: 10/31/26 Air Tires, Top off Fluids, Includes up to 5 quarts of 5w30 or 5w20 oil, Synthetics and Specialty Filters Extra.

With Coupon *

TRANSMISSION SERVICE SPECIAL*

Leading the Pack in Home Comfort Since 1991

$350 OFF

a Carrier Infinity System

Offer Valid until 12/31/26

815-691-1991

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE*

TIRE ROTATION, BALANCE WHEELS & BRAKE INSPECTION* *Most Vehicles. Expiration Date: 10/31/26

59.95

*Most Vehicles. Expiration Date: 10/31/26

We’ll flush cooling system, Install new antifreeze, Check thermostat operation, Inspect hoses & clamps, Inspect water pump.

169.95

SAVE TIME: RENEW YOUR LICENSE PLATES HERE! 216 S. First Street, Dekalb, IL 60115 M-F 8-8 • Sat. 8-5

KMHeatingandCooling.com

815-756-9500

Our Residential Services Include: • New Installs And Replacements • ComEd and Nicor Rebates • Indoor Air Quality • Duct Cleaning • Humidification • Ductwork • Ductless Mini Splits • Heat Pumps • Preventative Maintenance Plans

54.95

*Most Vehicles. Expiration Date: 10/31/26 Includes New Filter, Gasket, and Transmission Fluid

199.95

Expiration Date: 10/31/26

The Little Store with Low Overhead and Low Prices!

WE BUY USED CARS CALL DAN 815-739-1983 Ventas en español con Ruben 312-730-3607

*Add tax, title, lic. and $367.70 doc. fee. Offer good 4 business days from date of publication. Dealer not responsible for printed errors.

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026 MIDWEEK

50% OFF

Custom Picture Frames

81st Anniversary

Storewide Sale!

Hunter Douglas

Huge Savings on All Carpets! Hundreds of Style and Colors to choose from…

Window Treatments on Sale!

Starting as low as

99¢ sq.ft.!

NEW

WALLPAPER

New Styles of Luxury Vinyl Planks on Sale!

All Carpets Remnants

sq.ft.

BOOKS

All Schlute r Products on Sale!

HAVE ARRIVED!

Dozens of Patterns to choose from.

Custom

Shop around and you will see...

Countertops

Delano’s offers the best pricing and quality in the area!

• Quartz

Sale Ends November 14th, 2026

• Laminate

• Granite

Store Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 5:30 pm & Saturday 7:30 am – 2 pm 223 North Fourth Street DeKalb – 815-756-2951 – www.DelanosHomeDecorating.com

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Sound healing session set for Oct. 10 in DeKalb

The DeKalb Public Library will hold a sound healing session for community members ages 12 and older to ease their nervous systems and quiet their minds. The free session will begin at 11 a.m. Oct. 10 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. The session includes vibrations from drums, crystal singing bowls and Koshi chimes. Attendees can bring a yoga mat or towel. A limited number of chairs also will be provided. The session will be led by Bare Soul Healing healing practitioner Noelle. Because of the session being limited to 50 people, the session is first-come, first-served. No registration is required. For information, email chelsear@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1700.

DeKalb library to hold IRIS Network booth Oct. 13

Adults can learn about the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education’s IRIS Network at a booth held at the DeKalb Public Library. The free booth will run from 9:30 to

11:30 a.m. Oct. 13 in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St. Participants can learn about the network’s offerings and receive giveaways. The IRIS Network connects families with resources including early learning support, legal aid, food support, tutoring and mental health services. No registration is required. For information, email susang@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2114.

Cookie decorating competition set for Oct. 13 in DeKalb

Teens in sixth through 12th grades can compete in a creative cookie decorating competition at the DeKalb Public Library. The free program begins at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, 309 Oak St. Attendees will receive a theme and design cookies with candy, frosting, sprinkles and decorations. Because of limited supplies, the program is first-come, first-served. No registration is required. For information, email cheyennet@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 6109. – Shaw Local News Network

ART MUSEUM MUSIC

NIU.EDU/MUSIC Oct. 8 Oct. 9 Oct. 10 Oct. 11 Oct. 15 Oct. 17 Oct. 21

Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble, 7 p.m. NIU Philharmonic, 7 p.m. Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Kishwaukee Concert Band, 3 p.m. Concert Choir, Chamber Choir and University Chorus, 7 p.m. International Guitar Series - An Tran, 5 p.m. NIU Wind Symphony, 7 p.m.

THEATRE/DANCE

NIU.EDU/ART MUSEUM The Olmec Heads Experience and Celebrating 40 | Burma Art Collection Open now

Emma

OLSON GALLERY

NIU.EDU/THEATRE

by Kate Hamill Directed by Melanie Keller O’Connell Theatre Stevens Building Oct. 16, 17, 22, 23 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 18, 24 at 2 p.m.

NIU.EDU/ART The Risk Worth Taking exhibition by Kevin Cole, MFA ‘84 Open through Oct. 15

LOOKING BACK

9 The Somonauk Board of Education and the citizens Advisory Council met last week to study two basic site plans for phasing out the current junior high school. They discussed the process being made by school architect Art Kefer in relocating the fifth through eighth grade pupils to the site of the elementary-high school complex.

The five-day, 40-hour working week is all very well as a goal for union men, but a six-day, 48-hour week would satisfy the weaker sex, according to the Women’s Bureau of the labor department. With the majority of working women now kept at their tasks for more than 48 hours a week, some for as long as 60 hours, the women’s bureau, though it would like to see the 40-hour week for women, considers it Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center Archives too far in advance of present conditions Haish Elementary School at South Ninth and Franklin streets in DeKalb, looking northwest from even to strive for.

City employees have begun construction of a temporary road which will handle local traffic on East Lincoln Hwy, while the railroad crossing is being repaired.

Miss Belle Kearney, the first woman senator of the south, will speak under the auspice of the Woman’s club tomorrow night at the Methodist church at 8 o’clock on “Famous Men and Women That I Have Seen.” The admission is free and no collection will be taken. The public is cordially invited to attend.

South Ninth Street, circa 1920.

Opposition voices were non-existent last night as the Sycamore Plan Commission unanimously accepted an agreement to annex the 169-acre K-Mart property to the city.

2001 – 25 YEARS AGO

Stanley Larson may be coming home. Nearly 60 years after the 19-year-old three inches in diameter, had been drilled including Tuck the Prop Washer, Cadet Rochelle High School graduate was killed so that the door could be opened by Bowman, and some others. It seems, as in the opening moments of the Battle of reaching in and unlocking it. The police the Washer ironically remarked, that at the the Bulge, his relatives are hoping to lay kept close tabs on the building for the DeKalb Municipal Airport, the height above him to rest. The military is working to remainder of the night but nothing amiss sea level is exactly 900 feet, at the old identify what are believed to be Larson’s was noted. Kishwaukee Airport, 830 feet, and the Sycremains, recently uncovered in Belgium. amore Airport, east of the city, 840 feet. At this point, a pair of GI boots and a pen Shades of the wild west were here Friborrowed from a buddy are signs that the day afternoon as a steer ran wild through Attention is again called that payments search for Larson may soon be over. DeKalb after having broken loose from a on pledges for the new fire truck for the truck early in the afternoon. At 3:58 p.m. DeKalb Rural Fire District should be made Local fire departments have been parFriday, the police received a call that a immediately. At the time contracts were ticipating in Fire Prevention Week for a steer was running lose in the vicinity of made at the farms many of the farmers long time. But this year, according to Tenth and Lincoln Highway. The steer ran made pledges. It will not be possible to DeKalb and Sycamore firefighters, the According to the “Sycamore-DeKalb around in this area and then down the rail- make call back to make the collections event feels just a little bit more important. Lutheran,” a small paper published by Rev. road tracks to Fourth Street and then and it is hoped that those making the Today marks the beginning of the 2001 Erdman Frank, pastor of the St. John’s south on Fourth. All efforts to capture the pledges will bring or mail their payments English church and the Immanuel Lutheran animal proved fruitless and when last seen to the DeKalb fire station as soon as possi- National Fire Prevention Week and almost church at DeKalb, the structure on North running into a corn field on Lacas Street ble. The new fire apparatus will be ordered a month since terrorists hijacked and crashed four commercial airliners into Main street in Sycamore is one of the old- was foaming at the mouth. No word was within the near future or as soon as all of New York’s World Trade Center, the Pentaest buildings in the state, having been received as to whether or not the steer the money has been obtained. gon in Washington, D.C., and a Pennsylvaerected in 1844 by the Congregational had been captured. nia field. society and sold to the Lutheran church 1976 – 50 YEARS AGO folks in 1886. Sunday morning, Oct. 7, DeKalb Lodge DeKalb County will share with townToday, St. Mary parish celebrated the 586 Loyal Order of Moose will hold a cor- ships the subsidy of patient care of public 100-year history of its beautiful church. 1951 – 75 YEARS AGO ner stone sealing ceremony to which the aid recipients at the DeKalb County NursThe current building is the second to be Shortly before 1 o’clock this morning public has been invited. The ceremony will ing Home next year if committee budget built in its location. The original church discovery was made that a large hole had open at 9 o’clock at the site of the new action last night is approved. The decision was constructed in 1861 under the leaderbeen drilled in the rear door of the DeKalb home at Fifth and Girard streets and a was one of several questions addressed ship of its first pastor, Father John Murray. Clinic located at Franklin and Second large turnout is expected. Governor by the Finance and County Home commitFor more than 10 years prior to the first Streets. Dr. Paul Carney was summoned Charles Johnson will be in charge. tees in response to the Illinois Department church being built, believers attended and a check of the building was made and of Public Aid’s failure to pay on a cost-reMass in each other’s homes. disclosed that no entry had been made. It The height of DeKalb is above sea level, lated basis for pubic aid recipients’ care at – Compiled by Sue Breese is thought that the hole, which was about thanks to a couple of food aviator friends, the nursing home. Section crews of the North Western Railway company are today again employed in making repairs on the right of way between Fourth and Sixth streets as a result of the wreck the early part of the week. Sever ties, which the heavily loaded coal car bounced over, were so splintered that it was considered necessary to replace them. When new ties are put in, there is considerable work attached and it probably will be another week before the repairs necessary will have been completed.

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026

1926 – 100 YEARS AGO

NORTHERN ILLINOIS CARRY

Sycamore Country Store

Since 1991 23 years business

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

10/17 & 18 ......................Concealed Carry/Home Defense...............................8am - 4pm both days

& Catering

11/14..................................Concealed Carry Permit Renewal ..................................................9am - 12pm 11/15 .................................Introduction to Handguns ......................................................................9am - 1pm

Sycamore’s Butcher Shop That Cooks!!!

SO GOOD, YOU HAVE TO TASTE IT!

11/21 & 22 ......................Concealed Carry/Home Defense...............................8am - 4pm both days

Complete Lunch & Dinner Menu

Private Concealed Carry/Home Defense classes can be arranged but a minimum of 5 students are required.

Award Winning BBQ Baby Back Ribs

We are offering “Countering The Mass Shooter Threat” classes which are designed for every House of Worship, School, Business

(noBBQ Rib Tips

and Family. Please contact us for further information and/or scheduling dates. These classes can be taught at any location.

Famous Seasoned Butterfly Pork Chops

Please call or e-mail for further information.

We will be smoking Beef Briskets!

See website for detailed description of all classes

Voted Best Barbecue in DeKalb County!

CALL TO REGISTER & FOR COURSE INFORMATION

(815) 501-9421 | NORTHERNILLINOISCARRY.COM NORTHERNILLINOISCARRY@GMAIL.COM

1st Place Sycamore Rib Fest

OUR CHARCOAL GRILLS ARE GOING EVERYDAY USING ONLY THE BEST 100% NATURAL CHARCOAL All our fine meats are grilled over charcoal fire and you can taste the difference! 670 AM The Score Victory Chicken Winners

Voted Best BBQ Catering in DeKalb County

Booking Now for 2026 & 2027 Events Weddings, Company Picnics, Reunions, Any Gathering

815-899-BEEF (2333)

SM-CL2354219

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026 MIDWEEK

Dennis Leifheit

456 North Main Street • Sycamore, IL HOURS: Tue.Fri. 10AM - 6PM(2333) · Sat. 10AM - 4PM 815-899-BEEF www.countrystorecatering.com 456 North Main Street • Sycamore, IL

SM-CL2354239

Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra to open 50th season Guest pianist Adam Neiman joins ensemble for October concert

symphony with a celebrated piano concerto and a Scottish landscape overture. The program, “Fall Concert: Romantic Splendor,” begins at 7:30 p.m. at Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the NIU Music Building. SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK The centerpiece is Camille Saintcontact@shawmedia.com Saëns’ Symphony No. 3, nicknamed “The Organ Symphony.” Completed in The Kishwaukee Symphony Orches- 1886, it was Saint-Saëns’ final symtra opens its 50th season Oct. 10, with a phony and one of the few major symconcert pairing a Romantic-era organ phonies of its era to use a two-move-

ment structure. The piece features organ and orchestra and was intended to demonstrate that the symphony remained a vital form, according to program notes. Pianist Adam Neiman, a tenured professor at Roosevelt University, will perform Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Composed between 1900 and 1901, the concerto emerged after a period of depression in Rachmaninoff’s life and brought him international recognition. The second movement’s mel-

ody was later adapted for the pop song “All By Myself” by Eric Carmen. The concert closes with Felix Mendelssohn’s “Fingal’s Cave (Hebrides Overture),” inspired by Mendelssohn’s 1829 visit to the basalt caves off Scotland’s western coast. He completed the overture a year later. The concert is sponsored in part by Ann and James Tucker and receives support from the Illinois Arts Council. Tickets are available at kishorchestra.org.

Kishwaukee Concert Band to open 25th concert season Oct. 11 in DeKalb SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The Kishwaukee Concert Band will perform a concert for community members to open its 25th concert season. The free concert begins at 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Boutell Concert Hall in the Northern Illinois University Music Building, 550 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb. “The Star Spangled Banner,” arranged by Sean O’Loughlin, features a bold fanfare and new setting of

the national anthem. “Irish Tune from County Derry,” by Percy Grainger, is an instrumental art with sweeping melancholic phrasing evoking deep longings. “Duty, Honor, Country” will be a patriotic musical composition featuring French hornist Jerry Buckley. Buckley also will recite excerpts from General Douglas MacArthur’s West Point speech. Pierre Leemans’ “Marche Des Parachutistes Belges” includes an unaggressive, quiet essay set in the form of a “patrol.” “A Trumpeter’s Lullaby,”

arranged by Leroy Anderson, is a light concert band piece highlighting a solo trumpet featuring NIU visiting assistant professor of trumpet Megan Bailey. “(Shepherd’s Hey – English Morris Dance) for Military Band” features an energetic concert band setting of a traditional English folk dance. “America, the Beautiful,” by Katharine Lee Bates, includes instrumental nuance and harmonic color. Wayne Oldham’s “650 East-Concert March” is a concert march with with soaring melodic brass lines with a woodwinds

counterpoint. “October” will be a contemporary music piece featuring pastoral melodies and harmonies inspired by English Romantics. “A Chorus Line” selections capture a Broadway ensemble audition’s spirit and tension. The Kishwaukee Concert Band is a nonprofit comprising volunteer players who have played an instrument in the past. For information, visit kishconcertband.com or the band’s Facebook page.

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Photo provided by Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra

The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra will open its 50th season Oct. 10 with a concert pairing a Romantic-era organ symphony with a celebrated piano concerto and a Scottish landscape overture.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026 MIDWEEK

Ellwood House Museum to offer human rights talk Oct. 11

Photo provided by the city of DeKalb

Artist Kirsten Sandlin paints under an image of the historic DeKalb arch, one of the local pieces of the Lincoln Highway Mural, which Sandlin completed in July at the eastern entrance to downtown DeKalb.

City of DeKalb awarded $15K national grant for Lincoln Highway mural Mural, completed in July, celebrates America’s 250th anniversary By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com The city of DeKalb was awarded $15,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts to support a recently completed mural on Lincoln Highway. The federal grant for the mural at the northwest corner of East Lincoln Highway and Seventh Street was awarded as the federal agency partners with the national Freedom250 initiative, according to a recent announcement from the city. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support opportunities

across the country for Americans to experience and participate in the arts,” National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Mary Anne Carter said in a news release. “As we celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary this year, it is a moment to recognize the important role the arts continue to play in our lives, communities and heritage.” Fehr Graham Engineering and Environmental, which has offices in Rochelle, Aurora, Rockford and Schaumburg, has made a financial contribution to the mural, the city said. The firm has partnered with the city of DeKalb before on several significant infrastructure projects. City Clerk Brad Hoey, who also chairs the city’s Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission, praised the mural as an “exciting addition to the public art” displayed across town. “The mural has been praised by

community members and visitors alike,” Hoey said in the release, “and we are grateful for the grant funding and donation that, along with support of the city of DeKalb, helped make this beautiful work of public art a reality.” Completed ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, the mural by artist Kirsten Sandlin was commissioned as part of the America250 DeKalb commemoration. The art features a design celebrating American achievement and the DeKalb community. It is one of several pieces of public art that have been the centerpiece of the local commemoration, which also has featured a downtown luminaria installation by DeKalb artist Elisa Boughner and America250-themed utility box murals by local artists. The city’s public art programs also are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

The Ellwood House Museum will partner with the DeKalb County History Center and DeKalb County Mental Health Department to offer residents a Human Rights Ordinance Talk. The free talk begins at 2 p.m. Oct. 11 at the museum, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb. Attendees can learn about the history and process of legal advocacy for sexual orientation and gender identity rights in connection with the Human Relations Ordinance. The talk will be led by former Community Members Against Discrimination members Mary Shelden and Margie Cook and former Human Relations Commission commission chair Norden Gilbert. No registration is required. “Given that legislation is being passed across the country denying rights to LGBTQ+ citizens, this is an important piece of history to learn how community members stood and urged the city to protect its citizens from discrimination,” Human Rights Ordinance Talk organizer Ann Shult said in a news release.

‘Colonial Tea and Talk’ program set for Oct. 10 in Sycamore

The DeKalb County History Center will partner with the General John Stark Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to offer community members ages 10 and older a “Colonial Tea and Talk” program as part of its America250 Celebration. The program will run from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at the history center, 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore. Attendees can learn about a group of women who organized a pledge to boycott tea and goods subjected to British taxation in Edenton, North Carolina. Tea and refreshments also will be served. The program will be led by author Sally Walker. Participants may be entered into three drawings to win one of Walker’s books. Attendees must be present to win. The program costs $5. Registration is encouraged. For information or to register, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org or call 815-895-5762. – Shaw Local News Network

Real estate business Haylo Homes Group rebrands

$50 OFF

for Call E E R F ates im t s E

Service Call

9am - 5pm

25% OFF Some restrictions apply. See the store for details. Not valid with fleet discounts. Limit one coupon per vehicle. Coupon must be presented at the time of service and may not be combined with other banners, coupons, or discounted offers.Offer not valid on the customer’s own oil or filter.

• New Construction or Replacement • Repair Work • Doors and Openers • Residential and commercial

Servicing Most Doors and Openers: • Steel Conventional Raised Panel • Semi-Custom Wood Doors • Steel Carriage Doors in many Colors • And New Wood Tones

Add alot of curb appeal with a new Garage Door from J&D Door Sales! Let the fresh air in with a Garage Door Screen that folds out of site

815-756-4746

Visit our website for more info - jdgaragedoors.com SM-CL2284834

SM-CL2185274

See Our Trucks Everywhere!

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Photo provided by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce celebrated the rebranding of Haylo Homes Group. Chamber ambassadors, staff and board and community members celebrated with a ribbon-cutting May 28. Haylo Homes Group is a real estate team focused on delivering clients personalized, high-quality experiences. For information, visit facebook.com/HayloHomesGroup or call 815-762-4682.

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026 MIDWEEK

AMUSEMENTS

SUDOKU AND SUPER CROSSWORD ANSWERS ON PAGE 2

CLASSIFIED 833-584-NEWS (6397)

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026

To place an ad

classiﬁed@shawlocal.com

AT YOUR SERVICE

Call to Advertise 815-632-2560

KINGSTON - 120 Main St Kingston Friendship Center clean clothes, household items, no large items, tvs or monitors Sale Dates: 10/8 thru 10/10 from 9am-5 pm thursday & friday and Saturday 9-12 call 815-757-5062 for questions drop off donations 10/4 thru 10/7

Al's Electric ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Retired, but not tired.

CLASSICS WANTED

Licensed. Only 45 years experience.

Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

630.514.6569

Restored or Unrestored

Domestic / Import Cars:

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferraris, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Collector James

Just Call Al You Want It?

We've Got It!

Classified has GREAT VARIETY! 833-584-NEWS MidWeekNews.com

630-427-7270

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Call or email to place your ad

1-DAY SALE

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 7, 2026 MIDWEEK

FRIDAY ONLY | OCTOBER 9

1.68lb.

.88

Whole boneless pork loin

3/ 5 $

Hy-Vee large eggs dozen

Hormel Always Tender

with purchase of 3 Campbell’s chunky soup

2.99

Jimmy Dean bacon 9 or 12 oz.

1.48

Ragú pasta sauce 16 to 24 oz. (limit 2)

15.25 to 19 oz.

.88

1.99

Banquet fruit or meat pie 7 oz.

Hy-Vee We All Scream! ice cream 1.5 quart

2.48

5.00

3.5 to 8.5 oz.

2 eggs, 2 bacon or sausage & toast or pancakes

Nabisco snack crackers

Market Grille Bright Start breakfast

FREE buy one, get one

Frito-Lay Cheetos, Fritos snacks or can dip 7 to 10 oz.

3.98lb.

Smithfield deli shaved ham

.88

Hy-Vee Midwest Pork boneless pork top loin chop 4 oz.

.68 Avocados each

2.99ea. .99

with purchase of 4 7UP soda 6 pk. bottles 16.9 fl. oz.

Hy-Vee vegetables 10 or 10.8 oz.

2 DAYS ONLY! | Saturday - Sunday, October 10-11

EARN 30

¢ OFF

per gallon

for every 60 you spend $

Valid in store and online orders placed on October 10-11. Minimum $60.00 purchase required. Some exclusions apply, see store for details. The more you purchase, the more cents off per gallon you earn. Select varieties included. Plus deposit on applicable items. We reserve the right to limit quantities