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Renamed charity fund focuses on youth philanthropy

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The DeKalb County Community Foundation announced that the Karsten Larson Fund has been reclassified and renamed as the YEP Alumni Endowment Fund, meant to bring more focus to youth-centric charity.

Originally established in 2012 as a Donor Advised Fund, the change reflects the donor’s long-standing connection to the Community Foundation’s Youth Engaged in Philanthropy program and her desire to support future youth-led giving, according to a news release.

Karsten Larson, a 2011 graduate of Sycamore High School, served as chair of YEP during the 2010-11 program year and was a member in its first years.

“Before I became part of YEP, I didn’t know what words like ‘endowment’ and ‘philanthropy’ meant. By being part of YEP, I learned how endowments work and that kids can be philanthropists every bit as much as adults,” Larson said in a news release.

Larson’s experience opened her eyes to the needs of the community and gave her a voice in meaningful decisions.

“What impressed me about being part

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

DeKalb Township to host utility assistance, unclaimed property event Oct. 8

The DeKalb Township will hold an event for residents to receive unclaimed property and utility bill assistance. The free event will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 8 at the township

PUZZLE ANSWERS

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of YEP is that it really was up to us as students to make decisions about how the dollars we were responsible for were spent, and we took it seriously,” she said.

With support from her parents, Larson chose to give back to the community by creating a charitable Fund at the Community Foundation. It was an early example of youth philanthropy in action. In 2025, after discussions with Foundation staff and a review of options, Larson was enthusiastic about reclassifying and renaming the Fund.

Now called the YEP Alumni Endowment Fund, it is a Field of Interest Fund that awards grants to eligible organizations in DeKalb County, as recommended by current YEP members.

“I grew up in DeKalb County, and even though I no longer live there, I want to give back to the community that helped shape me,” Larson said in the release. “It’s amazing to see how much YEP has grown over the years, and I have full confidence that the members will continue to approach their funding decisions with thoughtfulness and insight into what DeKalb County may need the most.”

The Community Foundation is grateful to Larson for her generosity and lead-

ership, both as a young philanthropist and as a model for YEP alumni today. Her thoughtful gift ensures continued support for youth leadership and charitable impact across DeKalb County.

The YEP Alumni Endowment Fund is a way for YEP alum to give back to the program and support current YEP youth’s grant budget. The Fund is also open to contributions from anyone who wishes to support youth-led grantmaking in DeKalb County, including past grant recipients and those who believe in the power of youth leadership, Donations are accepted online at dekalbccf. org/donate.

“Karsten’s generosity is such an intriguing, long-term gift for YEP,” said YEP Manager Kyle White in a news release. “It’s a good story that will help students be thoughtful about the needs of our community and then support efforts to improve the quality of life for youth, now and in the future.”

To learn more about the Youth Engaged in Philanthropy program, visit dekalbccf.org/yep. For more information about creating a Fund through the Community Foundation, contact Dan Templin at dan@dekalbccf.org or 815748-5383.

building, 2323 S. Fourth St., DeKalb. I-CASH representatives can help identify if participants are entitled to the $2 billion in the state’s unclaimed property. The representatives also will assist with filing claims for owed finds.

The Citizens Utility Board will review utility

bills for billing errors, overcharges, and offer suggestions to lower costs. Attendees are encouraged to bring a valid photo ID and recent utility bill copies. No appointments are required. The event will only accept walk-ins. For information, call 815-758-8282. – Shaw Local News Network

Haunted house season is officially upon us. Plenty of creepy creatures wait for you at the Old Joliet Prison Haunted House, 401 Woodruff Road.

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Photo provided by Old Joliet Prison/Joliet Area Historical Museum

Mediacom Communications accepting World Class Scholarship applications

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Mediacom Communications is accepting applications to award a $1,000 scholarship to 60 students as part of its 25th annual World Class Scholarship program.

The company will award $60,000 in scholarships to high school seniors pursuing higher education.

The scholarships can go towards supporting college or vocational training from an accredited institution. Scholarships will be awarded based on leadership accomplishments and academic achievement.

Application materials such as high school transcripts and recommendation letters must be submitted online. The applicants must live in Mediacom’s 22-state service area. The appli-

cation deadline is Jan. 5. To apply, visit mediacomworldclass.com.

“Our mission is rooted in connection – not only through broadband, but by helping young minds reach their full potential. Supporting students in their academic journey is not just an investment in their future, but in the shared future of every community we serve,” Mediacom operations, product strategy, and consumer experience senior vice president Tapan Dandnaik said in a news release.

Mediacom Communications Corporation is the fifth largest cable operator in the U.S. that provides high-speed data, video, phone, and mobile services to more than 3 million households and businesses in 22 states.

For information, visit mediacomcable.com or email scholarship@mediacomcc.com.

Sycamore church to host ‘How Sweet the Sound’ hymn sing Oct. 11

Sycamore United Methodist Church Music Ministries will perform a “How Sweet the Sound” autumn hymn sing.

The free hymn sing will begin at 5 p.m. Oct. 11 at the church, 160 Johnson Ave. “How Sweet the Sound,” directed by Sycamore United Methodist Church music director Peter Hansen, features the Chancel Choir and an instrumental combo. Soloists, trios and quartets also will perform. No registration is required to attend.

For information, call 815-895-9113 or email office@sycamoreumc.org.

DeKalb library to host blindness experience program Oct. 11

The DeKalb Public Library will partner with Northern Illinois University’s Visual Disabilities Program to host a blindness experience program for school-age children.

The free program will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 11 in the library’s Story and Activity Room, 309 Oak St.

Participants can rotate through five interactive stations. The stations will include completing a braille coloring worksheet, trying human guide techniques blindfolded, and putting their name into braille. Guide dogs and their role information will be provided.

The program will be held by NIU Visual Disabilities Program faculty and students. No registration is required to attend.

For information, email theresaw@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.

DeKalb library to host microforest program Oct. 14

Adults can explore how microforests can make a difference during a DeKalb Public Library program.

The program will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Participants can learn how microforests create healthier, more resilient and cooler communities. No registration is required to attend.

For information, email brittak@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2100.

– Shaw Local News Network

ComEd rates predicted to be higher this winter

Energy price 47% above what it was last year

By BOB OKON bokon@shawmedia.com

ComEd customers can expect electricity rates almost 50% above what they were last summer, a consumer advocacy group said.

The Citizens Utility Board cautioned that, despite the rate spike, consumers should not look toward alternative energy suppliers for cost savings.

Electricity customers can expect to pay 10% to 15% more monthly, or about $10.60 more a month, this winter, CUB said.

The impact can be higher on individual customers depending on the impact of factors, including the weather, CUB said.

Even with the higher rates, CUB cautioned against “bad alternative supplier deals.”

Alternative suppliers typically make door-to-door and phone sales efforts during times of rising rates.

Even with the elevated rates, CUB

warned customers of “bad alternative supplier deals” and stressed that “it is

likely ComEd is the best bet,” CUB said in a news release.

According to CUB, Illinois consumers have lost more than $2 billion in the past decade by switching to alternative suppliers.

“ComEd’s price is painfully high, but customers should beware of bad deals peddled by alternative suppliers,” CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said in a news release. “Even in this market it is likely that ComEd is your best bet for supply.”

The ComEd price for electricity supply starting in October is 9.7 cents per kilowatt-hour, CUB said. That is down from the price of 10.03 cents per kilowatt hour during the summer, CUB said.

But the October price is still 47% above what it was last year, CUB said.

Increased energy demand from data centers has contributed to the price increase, CUB said.

Data centers, which process data for computer use, have increased the demand for electricity and have led to higher costs for average consumers.

Andrew Adams file photo – Capitol News Illinois

A set of electric meters in Chicago. Residential Commonwealth Edison customers can expect to pay 10% to 15% more monthly, or about $10.60 more a month, this winter, The Citizens Utility Board said this week.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Financial saving workshop set for Oct. 10 in DeKalb Adults who want to learn how to start saving and planning for the future at a DeKalb Public Library workshop.

The free workshop will begin at 4 p.m. Oct. 10 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Attendees can learn how to start saving money. The workshop will be led by Thrivent financial associate Ezekiel Scott. No registration is required to attend.

For information, email leahh@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2112.

DeKalb library to offer Prairie State Legal Services workshop Oct. 9

Adults will be able to learn about the services provided by Prairie State Legal Services during a DeKalb Public Library workshop.

The free workshop will begin at 2 p.m. Oct. 9 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Attendees can learn about Prairie State Legal Services’ information and what it

can do for clients. The workshop will not offer legal advice. The workshop will be led by community resource specialist Carlos Orr. No registration is required to attend.

For information, email leahh@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2112.

Beginner’s genealogy

workshop set for Oct. 8 in DeKalb

The DeKalb Public Library will host a beginner’s genealogy workshop for adults to learn how to locate missing vital records.

The free workshop will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 8 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.

Attendees will be able to learn how to find vital records information in unconventional places. The workshop also will demonstrate how to access digitized records and where to find microfilm and paper records. Participants can bring their own laptops. No registration is required to attend.

For information, email brittak@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2100. – Shaw Local News Network

A guide to the area’s best haunted houses

By AIMEE BARROWS abarrows@shawmedia.com

As the days grow shorter and the autumn air takes on a chilling bite, it can only mean one thing: Haunted house season is officially upon us.

Whether you’re looking for a terrifying trip through a dark cornfield or a scream-filled tour of a decaying asylum, the region is home to some of the most elaborate and terrifying attractions in the country.

Many of the area’s haunted houses are open on weekends and select weekdays through early November, but check websites for specific dates, hours and pricing.

Basement of the Dead – Aurora

Aurora’s Basement of the Dead is not for the faint of heart. According to its website, Basement of the Dead has been rated by many outlets as one of the Chicago area’s scariest haunted houses. The attraction is located in the basement of a 120-year-old building in downtown Aurora. Check out the Shattered 3D haunted attraction. Basement of the Dead, 42 W. New York St., Aurora, is not recommended for children younger than 13. For pricing details and dates/ times of operation, visit basementofthedead.com.

Old Joliet State Prison – Joliet

Plenty of creepy creatures wait for you at the Old Joliet Prison Haunted House, 401 Woodruff Road. This year’s horrors include Death Row Rampage, Cellblock 13 Warden’s Revenge, The Forsaken Facility and more. After you escape the horror, those 21 and older can relax with a drink at the Warden’s Office Secret Bar or Neon Cowboy Secret Bar. Or try the Asylum mini-escape game or the more difficult Prison Break mini-escape game. Check out Phobia: Sensory Overload for an intense immersive experience. Not recommended for children younger than 12. Ticket prices vary by date but begin at $19.99 and go up. For dates and times or to buy tickets, visit hauntedprison.com.

Insanity Haunted House – Peru

Insanity Haunted House, located in the Peru Mall at 3940 Route 251 in Peru, features 10,000 square feet of “pure terror” as guests make their way in and out of several rooms. Guests will encounter rooms filled with terrifying and frightful screams, and come face to face with

gruesome creatures. Ticket prices vary from $20 to $40. Not recommended for kids younger than 12. For more information on dates/times or to buy tickets, visit insanityhh.com.

Haunted Haven – Dixon

Haunted Haven, located on Who Else Land at 126 Anderson Road, Dixon, delivers intense scares in the woods. The Haunted Haven barn burned down in May 2024, forcing a relocation. Guests will be placed directly in the middle of the interactive scene, where they’ll come face to face with grisly creatures. Haunted Haven uses scents, fog and lights. Ticket prices begin at $15. Not recommended for children younger than 13. For dates and times, visit hauntedhaven.org.

Massacre Haunted House – Montgomery

Massacre Haunted House, 299 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, has been scaring guests for over 15 years. More than 30,000 square feet and 40 rooms of sheer terror await. Massacre features three haunted attractions: the haunted house; “Freak Show,” an intense clownthemed attraction; and “The Underground,” a chilling experience in the basement. Ticket prices vary by date. Visit fearthemassacre.com to check dates and times.

HellsGate Haunted House – Lockport

Visit this haunted mansion in the woods ... if you dare. Billed on its website as a haunted adventure, HellsGate is a multi-level mansion with secret rooms, a giant slide and ghastly ghouls in Lockport. New in 2025 is a monstrous mausoleum that features new rooms, characters and scares. The adventure will take guests through frightening trails and a multi-level mansion hidden in the woods, with more than 150 actors. Parking is located at 301 W. 2nd St., and guests will take a shuttle bus to the entrance. For dates and times or to buy tickets, visit hellsgate.com.

5 Points Haunted House – West Chicago

This haunted house opened in 2024 in the former site of Club 38 and Synergy nightclubs, at 241 W. Roosevelt Road. The two-floor haunted house will have at least 50 animatronic figures across the 10 spaces on its top floor and four to five in the basement, with a small portion outside. It also will incorporate elements from the club’s history from its early days as a farm through the Synergy bar. Open Fridays through Sundays and select Thursdays through Nov. 2. It will be open every night the week of Halloween. No-scare hours also are available on select afternoons. For more information or to buy tickets, visit

5pointshaunt.com.

Evil Intentions Haunted House – Maple Park

Evil surrounds guests at this haunted house, now located at Forsaken Hollow, a larger and more terrifying home at 45W050 Beith Road in Maple Park. Visitors will experience evil and terror in this new spooky location. For information about dates and times or to buy tickets, visit eihaunt.com.

Disturbia Haunted House – Downers Grove

Disturbia, located at 1213 Butterfield Road in Downers Grove, is owned by the same team as Aurora’s Basement of the Dead. Terror awaits guests around every corner, with a variety of rooms and scenarios with different ghastly scares. The haunted house uses special effects, unique set designs and trained actors for the ultimate experience. For information about dates and times or to buy tickets, visit hauntedhousedisturbia.com.

Realm of Terror – Round Lake Beach

This haunted house, located at 421 W. Rollins Road in Round Lake Beach, has been scaring folks for more than 20 years. The 2025 theme is Rotten Origins,

See HAUNTS, page 7

Photo provided by HellsGate Haunted House. HellsGate Haunted House in Lockport will open Friday, Sept. 26, with new scares in 2025.

Historian and author Ussama Makdisi to join NIU lecture series Oct. 9

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The Northern Illinois University History Department will hold a discussion about how Western diplomacy affected Middle East stability by author and historian Ussama Makdisi, Ph.D., as part of its annual Lincoln Lecture. The free lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 in the NIU Altgeld Auditorium.

Makdisi will discuss his upcoming novel, “Last Colonialism: From Paris to Palestine in 1919.” The novel explores how early 20th-century Western colonial diplomacy led to the Arab East partition and the unfolding Palestine crisis.

Makdisi is a Chancellor’s Chair and history professor at the University of California, Berkley.

• HAUNTS

Continued from page 6

which explores the story of the sinister beginnings of the house on the hill and the farmer who discovered its hidden secrets. Enjoy themed food and drinks before or after your scary adventures. Not recommended for anyone younger than 13. No-actor night is Oct. 30, and family-friendly hours also are available. For date and time information or to buy tickets, visit realmofterror.com.

Nightmare Haunted Attraction –Princeton

The Bureau County Fairgrounds at 811 W. Peru St. in Princeton will be haunted from 7 to 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday from Oct. 3 through Nov. 1. The dirt-floored barns transform from functional farm buildings into an atmosphere full of ghouls and specters. For an extra bit of seasonal celebration, catch the annual Halloween parade at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, on Main Street in Princeton. For information, visit nightmarehauntedattraction.com.

He has written four books about the religious, cultural, and colonial foundations of the modern Arab world. Makdisi worked at Rice University and the Institute for Advanced Study in Berlin.

He was recognized as a Carnegie Scholar by the Carnegie Corporation. Makdisi has been published on Ottoman and Arab history, U.S.–Arab relations, and U.S. missionary work in the Middle East.

American Nightmare Scream Park –Spring Grove

This brand-new outdoor haunted adventure is located adjacent to Richardson Adventure Farm. The park is open Thursdays through Sundays until closing night Saturday, Nov. 1. Experience intense frights as you step into the haunted corn maze. Different stops along the haunted trail will include Camp Blood, Circus of Insanity 3D, Nightmare 31, Bloody Acres Estates and Death Rows. Visit scareamerica. net for more information.

He also had an article published in the Journal of American History and the American Historical Review.

The W. Bruce Lincoln Endowed Lecture Series addresses topics of interest to the academic community and public and engages in key issues in the spirit of Professor Lincoln’s research, writing and teaching.

For information, email ahanley@ niu.edu.

Fear Forest – Galena

Shenandoah Riding Center in Galena is home to “Fear Forest,” a haunted trail experience on Fridays and Saturdays in October. Experience this spooky walk through the woods, where the only light to guide you is from the moon and stars. The hike usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Music, food and drinks will be available for purchase from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door. For more information on dates and times, click here.

Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra announces concert programs for upcoming season

By JUDY HARVEY jharvey@shawmedia.com

The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra will open its 49th concert season in October.

All concerts are held in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, in the Northern Illinois University Music Building.

The season opens with the fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. A pre-concert talk with Linc Smelser, KSO music director, begins at 6:30 p.m.

This concert is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council and is sponsored in part by Ann and James Tucker.

The opening concert features:

• Symphony No. 25 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

• Viola concerto by Béla Bartók, with special guest soloist Teng Li, newly appointed principal violist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

• Petrushka by Igor Stravinsky, the colorful ballet suite, a four-part musical rollercoaster

Halloween concerts

Also in October, the KSO presents its popular Halloween concerts at at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30.

Guest conductor Kirk Lundbeck, KSO principal trombonist and the conductor of the DeKalb Municipal Band, “leads a costumed orchestra in festive, family-friendly favorites,” according to a news release from KSO. Audiences are also encouraged to come in costume. No tickets are required, according to the release.

Holiday music

The holiday season shines with holiday pops Winter Wonderland concerts at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Local music ensembles will be featured in the lobby before, during intermission, and after the concerts, according to the release.

Young artists

In January, the Arthur D. Montzka Young Artists Concerto Competition takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 3, 2026, at the NIU Boutell Memorial Concert Hall.

The public is welcome to attend free of charge “to hear Illinois’ most talented young musicians” compete for the opportunity to perform with the KSO, according to the release. The winner will be announced from the stage at the end of the competition day.

The Arthur D. Montzka Young Artists Concert is at 7 p.m. Feb. 21, 2026, led by guest conductor Stephen Squires. A pre-concert talk begins at 6 p.m. All students are admitted to this concert at no charge, according to the release. The concert is sponsored in part by Annette and Jerry Johns.

The concert features:

• The winner of the 2026 concerto competition, performing as the soloist with

the KSO

• “Epitaph for a Man Who Dreamed” by Adolphus Hailstork, a KSO premiere performance

• Symphony No. 3, “Scottish” by Felix Mendelssohn

Spring concert

The spring pops concert will be a celebration of American film composers at 7:30 p.m. March 20, 2026, featuring beloved music by Michael Giacchino, John Williams and other masters of movie soundtracks.

The season finale concert will be Springtime in Vienna at 7:30 p.m. May 2, 2026. The concert is sponsored in part by JoAnn Smelser.

The concert features:

• “The Blue Danube Waltz” by Johann Strauss Jr.

• Symphony No. 5 in C# Minor by Gustav Mahler, a KSO premiere performance

For more information, visit kishorchestra.org.

LOOKING BACK

1925 – 100 YEARS AGO

John Street in DeKalb, from College Avenue to Locust Street, is open to auto traffic and most of the work from Locust Street to Lincoln Highway has been completed. This afternoon the paving gang was engaged in filling the holes on West Lincoln Highway before the street is paved. The paving of John Street and West Lincoln Highway, from the bridge to First Street, should not take very many days if the weather remains clear. John Street would have been finished Tuesday night had it not rained on Tuesday.

DeKalb County’s jail, under the supervision of Sheriff E. E. Crawford, has been the subject of much newspaper publicity and news photos since the arrival here of Terry Druggan, the beer king of Chicago, who is a mere kid, but has been given more publicity than some of the biggest men in the country.

After several hours of continuous work upon the plot of Manager J. Trebby of the gas company and workmen, the leak in the main coming from DeKalb was found, and repaired. Gas was again available for Sycamore people at six o’clock last evening. The company officials believed its main from here to DeKalb was in first class shape and the sudden leak day before yesterday caused considerable inconvenience. The manager states that he is glad that the break was found before cold weather had arrived, as it would have meant many more hours work before the necessary repairs could be made.

Carnine & Sweeney, having the contract for the laying of the cement strip east of DeKalb, today started to lay slab. For the past several days the workmen for the company have been grading the short distances of pavement and getting it ready for the laying of cement. The work should not take a great length of time, unless rainy weather will interfere, as the distance to be laid is not very long. The stretch is from the eastern city limits of the city for about half a mile. The piece being paved is the section that was used by the Aurora and DeKalb interurban line as a road bed at the time the service was in operation.

Even though a heavy front settled over

DeKalb High School looking northeast from First Street at Sycamore Road just before the home at 604 North First was removed, October 1965.

his community Tuesday night, reports are still current about the spring plants that have bloomed for the second time. Mrs. Lotter of North Second street reports that her strawberry plants have bloomed for the second time while radishes and lettuce have again appeared in her garden. Several residents of this community have reported that their cherry trees are blooming for the second time this year.

1950– 75 YEARS AGO

Several of the rooms at the DeKalb city hall have taken on a much more attractive appearance with redecorating activities on the interior having been completed this week. The city court chambers, the office of the city engineer and the city council chambers, located on the second floor, have been redecorated as have the two rear rooms of the police station. All of the rooms were badly in need of paint and now that the redecorating has been completed much favorable comment is being heard. The window frames and trim on the outside are also to be painted.

When the little village of Orange, later known as DeKalb, was founded, and the settlers had time to think of other things than the bare necessities of life, the need of a schoolhouse became imperative. The first building was built of logs and roofed with “shakes.” It has no floor and no windows, simply openings made in the sides; consequently, when it became cold enough

the equipment to KCH with the stipulation the equipment be returned if needed by DPH.

The new Clinton Rosette Middle School, currently is adjacent to the old school, which opened in 1906. The new building is scheduled for completion in December. Students will move into the new building about Jan. 1, and the old building will be demolished.

to need a fire, school was discontinued until it became warm again.

A tractor-drawn wagon broke loose Friday afternoon and collided with an automobile driven by a Berwyn man a block west of the seed corn drier in Waterman. Harry W. Cleary of rural Waterman, was traveling east with the tractor wagon rig when the wagon broke loose and rammed into a car driven by John Harrington of Berwyn traveling west. Damage to the left front of the car was reported on the county sheriff’s accident report. No damage to the tractor or wagon was reported.

On of the statues on the monument at the DeKalb County Court House in Sycamore had an extra hat for several days. The figure on the right is wearing an inverted pail. Unnoticed for some time, the pail failed to attract much attention and was finally dislodged by a heavy wind.

Falling leaves from the many elms and maples on the Courthouse lawn have started the annual headache for Yardman Frank Tedford. Almost every day he has to get out the leaf sweeper and go over the giant yard.

1975 – 50 YEARS AGO

DeKalb Public Hospital will loan, rather than sell, its equipment to Kishwaukee Community Hospital. In a surprise move, Milan Krpan proposed that the board loan

A blind Sycamore resident tells time with a braille watch. Hundreds of area preschoolers have their vision tested. Dozens of DeKalb residents have their eyes checked in a Mobile Glaucoma Screening Unit. All have benefited from the efforts of Lions Clubs. On Friday, Illinois Lions Clubs will continue their fight against blindness with their 23rd annual Candy Day for the blind.

2000 – 25 YEARS AGO

The county’s soaring economy could be heading for a “soft landing,” according to recent data collected by Northern Illinois University’s Center for Governmental Studies. The DeKalb County Economic Index shows sharp declines in the number of businesses expecting increases in manufacturing production, retail sales and services industry revenues in the Third quarter.

Those paying attention to the recent flap over whether to add “gender-ambiguous” people as a protected class under the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance could not help but notice the impact of CMAD on the City Council’s deliberations. CMAD, or Community Members Against Discrimination, argued that trans-sexual and people with “non-traditional gender appearances” face discrimination in housing, employment and other areas of daily life, and deserve to have legal recourse when such discrimination occurs.

Tuesday night’s presidential debate came at a conflicting time for some Americans. It was on at the same time as the Major League Baseball playoffs. With a Chicago team in the playoffs, it may have been harder to find people out in the local bars watching the debate.

–CompiledbySueBreese

Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives

DeKalb County Community foundation awards $436K in scholarships

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

This year, 169 students received 214 individual awards totaling more than $436,000 in scholarships from Funds at the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

The average amount awarded per recipient exceeded $2,500, a marked increase over previous years.

Class of 2025 Total Awards by School District

• DeKalb High School $70,400

• Genoa-Kingston High School $41,250

• Indian Creek High School $25,600

• Sandwich High School $5,700

• Somonauk High School $12,600

• Sycamore High School $91,825

• Non-local High School $15,200

Thanks to donor generosity, the Foundation awarded $51,925 in financial assistance to students attending 2-year colleges and trade schools this fall. Another $285,100 supports students enrolled in 4-year colleges, while $99,050 benefits scholars pursuing

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Discover 4-H Carnival set for Oct. 12 in Sycamore

The University of Illinois will hold its annual Discover 4-H Carnival for families to learn about 4-H.

The carnival will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W. Prairie Drive, Sycamore. The carnival features games and activities including the big parachute, balloon animals, creating cards for Opportunity House, magnet fishing, face painting, cotton ball toss and ladder golf. Prizes also will be available.

Popcorn and hot dogs will be served. Attendees also can learn about how to join a 4-H club. 4-H members and leaders will be available to answer questions.

4-H is a youth organization for boys and girls between the ages eight to 18. The program offers more than 170 projects ranging from rocketry, wildlife, photography, computers, animals, visual arts, and food.

4-H emphasizes “learning by doing” by allowing members to select project areas of interest to them.The organization also offers a Cloverbuds program for

postgraduate degrees.

Locally, Kishwaukee College students received $39,625 (26 awards), and Northern Illinois University students received $59,050 (31 awards).

Scholarships are made possible by individuals and organizations who recognize the importance of education. Donors establish Scholarship Funds for various reasons, such as memorializing a loved one, supporting students pursuing specific career fields, or celebrating personal success.

New scholarships established this year include the DeKalb High School Outstanding ESL Student Scholarship, the Dombek Family Community Service Scholarship, the Samardzija-Gutesha FFA Scholarship, and the Sharon Sue Betts Wiggins Mier Scholarship.

Students can contact their high school counseling department to learn how to apply and visit dekalbccf.org/ scholarships for details. For questions or additional scholarship information, please contact Sara Nickels at 815-7485383 or s.nickels@dekalbccf.org.

youths ages five to seven. Cloverbuds participate in hands-on learning activities to explore animals, art, science, plants and the environment.

For information, call 815-758-8194.

World Ballet Company to perform ‘The Great Gatsby Ballet’ in DeKalb this fall

The Egyptian Theatre will host a performance of the World Ballet Company’s “The Great Gatsby Ballet” as part of the company’s fall 2025 tour.

The performance starts at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the theater, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb.

“The Great Gatsby Ballet” adapts the 1925 novel of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Performances feature Charleston dance sequences, a live singer, hand-sewn costumes, acrobatics and choreography, and sets including multimedia and projection effects.Tickets are available at worldballetcompany. com.

The World Ballet Company is a Los Angeles-based dance company that

reimagines what ballet can be and tours nationwide to places live ballet is rarely performed.

Northern Rehab coat drive begins Oct. 6

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists will host a coat drive to collect items for the Sycamore United Methodist Church Coat Ministry.

The coat drive will run from Oct. 6 to 17.

Items being accepted include gently used and new coats, scarves, winter accessories, mittens and boots.

Donated items may be dropped off at any of Northern Rehab’s locations:

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists: 3266 Sycamore Road, DeKalb.

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists: 540 E. Main St., Suite 5, Genoa.

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists: 1211 Currency Court, Suite 1, Rochelle.

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists is a physical therapist-owned and -operated physical therapy practice providing clients with customized care

for more than 46 years.

For information, call 815-756-8524 or visit northernrehabpt.com.

‘Dessert and Dialogue’ series set for Oct. 9 at Ellwood House

The DeKalb County History Center will partner with the Ellwood House Museum to host the second part of its “Dessert and Dialogue” discussion series.

The free discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at the museum’s visitor center, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb.

The discussion’s theme is “Building Bridges.” Participants will be able to develop a deeper understanding of shared history. Registration is encouraged to attend. To register, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org.

The “Dessert and Dialogue” discussion series is part of the Arts in Action project, a collaboration between the DeKalb County History museum and Ellwood House Museum to share an accurate and inclusive local history account.

For information, call 815-895-5762. –Shaw Local News Network

Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation

Ben C. Eade Scholarship recipient Jackson Heilemeier (left), scholarship donor Harry Hartman, and scholarship recipient LilyAnn Richardson

Ellwood House Museum gets $15K preservation grant

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Ellwood House Museum recently was awarded a $15,000 grant to document, preserve and promote the museum collection’s Asian artwork.

The grant was awarded by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, according to a news release.

The museum appointed specialist Nancy Leone as a Carpenter Fellow in Asian Collections, a one-year position. Leone’s duties include taking inventory, leading storage improvement and display practice efforts, researching family documents in archives and founding a new museum exhibit expected to open

in 2027.

“It’s exciting to begin this project, which focuses on an important category in the museum’s collection. We can’t wait to share the results with the DeKalb community, and we are thankful to the Carpenter Foundation for their generous support,” Ellwood House Museum Assistant Director Audrey King said in a news release.

The Ellwood House Museum was founded by May Ellwood in 1964. Ellwood acquired several Asian and Asian-inspired objects. The collection includes more than 150 art pieces, textiles, furniture and ceramics.

For information, visit Ellwoodhouse. org.

Photo provided by Audrey King

Nancy Leone will serve as the grant-funded Carpenter Fellow in Asian Collections through 2026 at the Ellwood House Museum in DeKalb.

Sycamore home build to benefit St. Jude cancer research

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

Local elected officials, developers and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital representatives met in Sycamore Wednesday to herald the beginning of a charitable housing project.

To support its mission to find cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, St. Jude partnered with northern Illinois developer Silverthorne Homebuilders to build a home called the Chicagoland St. Jude Dream Home Showplace. That home, a 2,860-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom, threecar garage residence located at 609 Zagreb Ave., will be sold for the benefit of the hospital.

Jim Work, the founder of Silverthorne Homebuilders, said that when the home is sold to a private buyer, his company will donate the proceeds to St. Jude.

He said he jumped on the opportunity to partner with St. Jude as soon as they reached out.

“When you guys first called, I was like ‘Yeah, for sure.’ I didn’t even run it by the leadership team,” Works said.

Even though the new construction is being done as a part of a charitable effort, Works said he thinks the home could be worth as much as $800,000.

Silverthorne Homes officially broke ground on the project on Wednesday. They were joined by numerous contractors and several elected officials,

3rd Ward Alderman Marvin Barnes and others watch.

including Sycamore Mayor Steve Braser, 1st and 3rd Ward Aldermen Alan Bauer and Marvin Barnes, and state Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore.

Braser said he was very happy to see the business-to-business charitable effort take place in Sycamore, and hopes more good things are generated by initiative.

“It’s absolutely wonderful that they chose us, and Mr. Work has chosen to do this in Sycamore,” Braser said. “He had other communities to go to.”

Jennifer Herrera, a St. Jude representative, said she looks forward to what comes from the project.

“It’s amazing what will happen on this ground,” Herrera said. “Because

the majority of St. Jude funding comes from individual contributions and supports like all of you, St. Jude has the freedom to focus on what matters the most, which is saving kids regardless of their financial situation regarldess of their financial status and situation.”

Families of St. Jude patients never receive a bill for their treatments, travel, housing or food, according to a news release from the children’s research hospital.

Since it opened in 1962, treatments that St. Jude researchers have discovered have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, according to the news release.

Herrera said national sponsors such as Brizo, Shaw Industries, Trane, Bosch and Kichler have supported the hospital’s cause. Herrera and Work noted that other local companies working on the project have pledged to donate to the construction of the house.

Work said at least 21 businesses are donating part or all of their services and materials used during the home’s construction.

It’s also the first St. Jude Dream Home Showplace to be built in Illinois in nearly 10 years.

“It’s the first one in a long, long time,” Work said. “I know they have way back, but it’s just kind of cool that we’ve got the company to the point that we can do stuff like this. We couldn’t have imagined doing stuff like this when we first started in Sycamore.”

Spooky Show and Shop fundraiser to aid DeKalb transgender community

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKalb Mutual Aid, a nonprofit charity organization whose mission is to uplift those in need, is looking to shine a spotlight on the transgender community and the challenges it faces.

On Oct. 25, DeKalb Mutual Aid will host a special benefit to support the DeKalb area transgender community from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

DeKalb Mutual Aid executive director Ash Rootes, who identifies as queer, said advocating for this cause is important to her.

“I feel very protective [of] the trans community,” Rootes said. “It’s our job to step up and to protect these humans.”

Rootes said the event is meant to support those in the community who identify as transgender. Proceeds raised will create a fund through DeKalb Mutual Aid meant to support transgender people in the DeKalb community.

In June, the DeKalb area saw several demonstrations take place in the same span of a week. They included a “No Kings Protest” at Hopkins Park, another rally outside the DeKalb County Courthouse, and a “Trans Resilience Rally” at Peace Corner.

Rootes recalled feeling displeased with the turnout for the rally in support of the transgender community.

“Because I noticed that the DeKalb area does a lot of protests and rallies,” Rootes said. “There was a really great turnout for the ‘No Kings Protest’. ...

Nobody really showed up to the rally for the trans community. And there was a lot of hate on the internet about it.”

The idea behind the fundraiser grew quickly from there.

During the show, people can expect to catch 15 performances for five to 10 minutes each, with everything from drag and comedy to live music.

Also during the event, several vendors are expected to set up shop for the evening, showcasing and selling spooky decor and other items. Raffles will also be conducted for different pieces of art.

The cost for entry to the fundraising event is $15 for general admission and $25 for VIP access.

Proceeds will be used to cover a variety of needs that people in the transgender community may face.

As an example, Rootes said, funds raised may apply toward covering copays for hormone replacement therapy or a down payment on an apartment.

“Every dollar that’s raised for the fundraiser goes toward the community,” Rootes said.

Rootes said the planning of the event is going smoothly.

She gave a special shout-out to DeKalb resident Sata Prescott for taking charge as director of the Spooky Show and Shop fundraiser.

“Everything has been incredibly detailed,” Rootes said. “He’s reached out to tons of local businesses. He’s gotten so many people from the community engaged. Planning it has been very exciting.”

Camden Lazenby

Jennifer Herrera with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Sycamore Mayor Steve Braser throw dirt during the groundbreaking of a new Chicagoland St. Jude Dream Home Showplace in Sycamore on Oct. 1 while