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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 • S h awLo c a l .co m

PUMPKIN PRIDE Sycamore Lions Club celebrates 50 years of giving out trick-or-treat boxes / 6

65th ANNUAL

SYCAMORE

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PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Oct. 21-25, 2026

“A Patriotic Pumpkin Festival”

INSIDE Get ready for Sycamore’s favorite fall tradition with our special section.

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 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

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NIU, IDOT announce $40M partnership to lessen environmental impact on state roads By ALEXA LIS alis@shawmedia.com Northern Illinois University recently announced a $40 million partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation to limit negative environmental impacts of state road projects. The university will complete assessments on how IDOT road projects in northern Illinois affect plant life, wetlands, wildlife habitats and threatened and endangered species, according to a news release from NIU. NIU will receive up to $40 million for the work over the life of the agreement, which runs through June 2035, according to the university. Most of the money is for work related to protecting natural resources. “This is a tremendous opportunity for NIU to bring its critical expertise to bear on important projects impacting communities in our region,” Richard Mocarski, NIU vice president of Research and Innovation Partnerships, said in a news release. “This partnership with the state will also provide new opportunities for faculty research and student employment at NIU.” The work will run through a new Northern Illinois Roadside Ecology Program, overseen by the Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability. University officials on Thursday hosted a groundbreaking in DeKalb for the $21.5 million center, first announced in 2018. The Center is a hub of the Illinois Inno-

PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzles on page 19

Shaw Local News Network file photo

Northern Illinois University recently announced a $40 million partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation to limit negative environmental impacts of state road projects. vation Network and will advance research in areas such as water resources, energy, environmental adaptation and food systems. As part of the partnership with IDOT, the Center is expected to hire a 14-person team of biologists, wetland scientists and social scientists, according to NIU. A program manager is expected to start by the end of 2026. The team will help IDOT assess projects, recommend ways to reduce harm to natural resources, help the agency comply with environmental regulations and gather input from stakeholders, the university said. Two of the new hires will work with IDOT’s Cultural Resources Unit. One will be a Tribal Partnerships Project Special-

ist, who will strengthen communication with tribal nations and communities and coordinate with tribal nations on projects that may affect sites of cultural, historical, ceremonial or religious significance, according to the release. IDOT is expanding its university partnerships to support its environmental compliance program. This new partnership, along with the agency’s new partnership with Southern Illinois University Carbondale, will assist IDOT in its efforts to provide Illinoisans with transportation that will enhance quality of life and show respect for the environment, according to the release. The partnership will play to the

See PARTNERSHIP, page 13

ON THE COVER Erin Russell, the site manager for Orora Packaging Solutions, and Sycamore Lions Club members Ed Kuhns and Jerry Malmassari, on Oct. 13 look at the more than 2,200 trick-ortreating boxes they plan to give to Sycamore students for the 2026 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. 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.

City of DeKalb awarded $15K NEA arts grant SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK

The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to The city of DeKalb was recently awarded a $15,000 grant from the support opportunities across the National Endowment for the Arts to country for Americans to support its new Lincoln Highway experience and participate in the Mural. The grant was awarded as part of the arts.” contact@shawmedia.com

National Endowment for the Arts partnership with the national Freedom 250 initiative. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support opportunities across the country for Americans to experience and participate in the arts,” NEA 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 also presented a donation to the mural. The engineering company has partnered with the city of DeKalb on various infrastructure projects. “The new Lincoln Highway mural is a very exciting addition to the public art displayed throughout the DeKalb community,” DeKalb’s Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission chair Brad Hoey also said in the news release. “The mural has been praised by com-

Mary Anne Carter, National Endowment for the Arts chairman munity members and visitors alike, 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.” The mural was commissioned as part of the America250 DeKalb commemoration and was created by artist Kirsten Sandlin. The Lincoln Highway mural features a design celebrating the DeKalb community and American achievement. The mural is one of several art pieces commemorating the anniversary, including a downtown luminaria installation by DeKalb artist Elisa Boughner and America 250-themed utility box murals by local artists. DeKalb’s public art programs are partially supported by an Illinois Arts Council grant.

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Photo provided by the city of DeKalb

Artist Kirsten Sandlin is seen painting the Lincoln Highway Mural.

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026 MIDWEEK

Northern Illinois’ ag innovation heritage part of new NIU center By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com When Northern Illinois University faculty and staff first walk into the Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability, a $21.5 million addition set to open in 2028, there will be space for a mosaic once nearly lost to history. On Oct. 15, state legislators, university officials – and Tom Plote, the man who stored that mosaic for years after it was saved from a garbage bin – gathered inside NIU’s Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center to celebrate the beginning of construction on the new 16,000-square-foot facility. The State of Illinois is contributing $19.1 million to the facility’s construction, which will be used as a regional hub for sustainable research, innovation and public engagement. Lisa Freeman, NIU president, said the state’s financial support for the center “reflects a belief in the power of higher education, research and innovation to solve real-world challenges and strengthen communities across Illinois.” “At Northern Illinois University, sustainability is not a trend or a talking point; it is a defining part of who we are and how we serve,” Freeman said.

See NIU CENTER, page 8

Camden Lazenby

Northern Illinois University officials and students pose Oct. 15 with Illinois legislators and contractors for an indoor groundbreaking photo for the Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability, from inside the NIU Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center.

Singer, songwriter Peter Mayer to perform Oct. 24

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb will host a concert for community members featuring singer and songwriter Peter Mayer to benefit the church and its ministries. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the church, 158 N. Fourth St. Mayer will perform folk songs. Donations also will be accepted. The doors to the church open at 6:30 p.m. Mayer music has been performed by artists such as Kathy Mattea, David Wilcox, Claudia Schmidt, Anne Hills, Priscilla Herdman, Darryl Purpose, Billy Jonas and Ronny Cox. His work is

included in church hymnals, song books and folk radio playlists nationally. Mayer also recorded 11 albums and received fellowships from the McKnight and the Bush foundations. “We are so excited to have Peter back to UUCD after a number of years away,” Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb board of trustees president Ed Miquel said in a news release. “His songs are about life, death, relationships, spirituality and fun. There is a deep universality about them which appeals to everyone, and attendees walk away with a renewed reverence for humanity and the mysteries of nature.” Tickets cost $34.99 for adults, $25 for students with a valid ID and is free for children ages 12 and younger. To buy tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-ofmusic-with-peter-mayer-tickets or call 815-756-7089. The tickets also can be bought at the concert for an additional fee. For information, visit uudekalb.org or petermayer.net.

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Concert set for 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026 MIDWEEK

50 years of Sycamore Pumpkin Festival boxes Sycamore Lions celebrate five decades of giving out trick-or-treat boxes By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com There are many layers to the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, and decades of elementary school students in Sycamore know that cardboard boxes play a unique role. Since 1976, the Sycamore Lions Club, which organized the original pumpkin festival committee, has distributed boxes from a local manufacturer to area children to use as large trick-or-treating vessels. In 2026, the boxes are made by Orora Packaging Solutions, 215 N. Fair St., Sycamore – where they’ve been made for the past half-century. Erin Russell, the site general manager, said this year is her first go-around with the annual tradition, but said she has learned the charity effort is “a sense of pride for the employees” at Orora Packaging Solutions in Sycamore. “A lot of the employees are local,” Russell said. “This is a decades-old tradition, and so being able to be out in the community and seeing boxes that they manufacture, there’s definitely a sense of pride for our employees to see that.” The people behind that worksite are the reason Sycamore students have been gifted Sycamore Pumpkin Festival themed candy-collecting boxes for the past 50 years. Third Ward Alderman Marvin Barnes, 73, has long been a part of the effort. On Oct. 13, he was among a group of Sycamore Lions Club members who gathered at Orora Packaging to pick up the 2026 boxes for distribution. When Barnes started her decadeslong career at that same job site in 1976, she was involved with the first pumpkin fest boxes given to Sycamore children. Barnes, who was born and raised in Sycamore, said the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival has “always been a part of” him and viewed working there as a way to “contribute and kind of pay back to the community with the trick-or-treat boxes.” In 2009, then speaking to the Shaw Local News Network as the division manager at Sycamore Containers, Barnes said: “It’s something we can do to give back.”

Photos by Camden Lazenby

ABOVE: Orora Packaging Solutions workers and Sycamore Lions Club members gathered together Oct. 13 to pick up thousands of trick-or-treating boxes that were made for Sycamore students. BELOW: Sycamore Lions Club member Jerry Malmassari and Erin Russell, the site manager for Orora Packaging Solutions in Sycamore, talk while Malmassari and other club members picked up boxes. On Oct. 13, Jerry Malmassari, a 45-year member of the Sycamore Lions Club, helped pick up the 2250 boxes and take them to Sycamore schools. The Sycamore Lions Club requested 2,400 boxes in 2009 and was given 4,400, according to Daily Chronicle records. Malmassari, 77, was a member of the Sycamore Lions Club when the organization formed the original Sycamore Pumpkin Festival committee, years after Wally “Mr. Pumpkin” Thurow began the festival in 1956. “Halloween sometimes has gotten a kind of a rap as being a troublesome holiday type thing, and we just tried to make sure that it was nothing but a positive all the way around,” Malmassari said. Every year, the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival serves as a chance for dozens of nonprofit organizations to raise funds while tens of thousands of people attend the multi-day festival. “It’s really fantastic and it benefits the community,” Malmassari said, describing the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival as a community fundraiser.

Russell has yet to see how downtown Sycamore transforms into autumnal iconography for a few days each year, but she, the Sycamore Lions Club and everyone who works at Orora Packaging Solutions in Sycamore have already

contributed to the festival’s lore. “Seeing generations – people 50 years ago – now their kids or grandkids are using the boxes, it’s just so exciting to be part of that and to be close to the community,” Russell said.

Future of berm is one sticking point with development By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com A proposal by a Chicago-based company to develop and lease commercial space in Sycamore drew cautious support and some concerns from the public Oct. 12 at a planning and zoning commission meeting. Kristin Cardinali, a Heron Creek homeowners association board member, told Sycamore officials she’s not against the plans to develop 24 acres at the corner of Route 23 and Plank Road. However, the proposed development would remove a decades-old berm that currently serves as a buffer for the neighborhood. Cardinali said when Heron Creek was developed – in about 2002 – homeowners were told that this berm would serve as a permanent buffer between the residential neighborhood and the future commercial development in the north. “Over the past 25 years, that berm

Camden Lazenby

Sycamore planning and zoning commissioners Matt Woodstrup, Jill Franke and Daryl Graves look at concept plans for a development in north Sycamore proposed by a Chicago-based developer during an Oct. 12 commission meeting while commissioner Doug Breunlin looks at the audience. has matured into a substantial natural barrier, with large established trees that provide an important visual and sound buffer for homes along Heron Creek and surrounding streets,” Cardinali said. Officials with Aetna Development

Corporation, which owns more than On Oct. 12, they got that feedback and 250 shopping centers in the Chicago shared why they are seeking to replace metro area, asked for city feedback on a the berm with a swale – a long, low-lying preliminary engineering plan for the depression that’s often marshy. proposed Lowell Plank Subdivision on Sept. 16, according to city records. See SYCAMORE, page 12

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Developers hear concerns of Sycamore residents

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026 MIDWEEK

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Northern Illinois University President Lisa Freeman talks with state Sen. Cristina Castro, in front of NIU undergraduate student Alexis Aguirre, on Oct. 15, before a group picture for the groundbreaking of the university’s new center for community sustainability.

• NIU CENTER

Continued from page 4 The new center will have almost 2,000 square feet of research space, with 20 feet of clearance, for the design, construction and testing of large-scale engineering and sustainability projects,according to information shared by NIU. The building will allow faculty scientists to use new research tools while giving students space to conduct their own hands-on research. Rain prevented shovels from entering the ground on the west side of campus on Oct. 15, but dirt is expected to be moved before the end of the month. Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat running for reelection in 2026, did not attend the indoor groundbreaking, but did speak via a video message played on a TV screen. He said the “innovation hub will build partnerships across the region and chart the path of future discoveries.” “Illinois and the United States are facing unprecedented challenges: a changing climate, increasing demands on water and energy, growing pressures on our food systems; these will profoundly affect local economies, public health and quality of life,” Pritzker said. “This project will elevate NICCS into a world-class center focused on meeting those challenges with creative solutions.” Northern Illinois, especially DeKalb County, is known for agricultural innovations that have transformed the world. The region’s connection to agriculture has long been documented. Plote, with the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association, said DeKalb Ag commissioned a local artist in the 1980s to create a mosaic

mural depicting agricultural research taking place at the time. “It’s big, and it’s ceramic tiles,” Plote said. “Well, when Mosanto left, they just had someone take it down and put it in boxes ... and it gets worse than that. It actually made it to the dumpster; people rescued it from the dumpster and it ended up with DAAHA.” The mosaic was saved about 20 years ago, but for two decades the unassembled mosaic has sat in boxes, away from the public’s gaze. Now, thanks to the efforts of Plote, the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association and NIU officials, the mosaic will be featured in the university’s new center for community sustainability. Nanette Andersson, an architect and project manager with NIU’s facilities department, said more than 100 of the mosaic’s tiles were kept in Ziploc bags. However, the tiles were mixed up, and they didn’t have a key to the puzzle. They’ve since digitized the mosaic, tile by tile and found that some pieces are missing or broken. Andersson, who earned an undergraduate degree in art history from NIU, said it was “a very fulfilling thing” to help restore and display a piece of DeKalb County agricultural art history in a building she’s helping to create on campus. Plote said being a member of the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association means preserving agricultural history in DeKalb is what he signed up for. “That’s part of our job. That’s what DAAHA is all about: preserving the heritage so that we can use it to leverage people to understand how people innovate things,” Plote said. “It all ties together wonderfully.”

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LOOKING BACK

9 officials Wednesday to ascertain the school district’s responsibilities for completing a pre-annexation petition for the 34-acre new junior high school property.

Gravel for the new hotel arrived late yesterday afternoon, and early this morning a force of men were put to work completing the laying of the foundation walls. It is expected that the work on the walls will be completed today. It is understood that the material was purchased in DeKalb from a local dealer, as the two carloads of gravel ordered by the contractor has not as yet arrived. As soon as the gravel arrives, the work of laying the basement floor will be started. Rehearsals for the musical comedy “Let’s Go Peggy” to be staged under the auspices of the Kiwanis club with a view to supplying the high school band with new and attractive uniforms, is now in full swing.

The Genoa City Council voted Tuesday night to spend $11,555 on new radio equipment for the police department and the Genoa-Kingston Fire Department. The police department, will receive a new base station, two squad car radios and four portable hand radios. The cost is $10,000.

Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives

Dekalb High School looking northwest from Sycamore Road, circa 1949.

city of DeKalb has purchased the fence that was formerly around the Embree property, and which was removed for the new garage to be erected there. The city It is learned today that Lon Nicholas liv- has hauled the sections of fencing to the ing on the DeKalb Road is not planning on city well works on Pearl Street where it building a lunch shack, but preferably a fill- will again be erected. The erection of the fence about the city’s property on the ing station for motorists. It is located nearly half way between the two cities of southwest side of the city will add greatly to its appearance. Sycamore and DeKalb and will prove a business better in the opinion of many. Another oil station is to be erected within 1951 – 75 YEARS AGO Some time ago the DeKalb fire departSycamore it is reported today, at the interment cooked potatoes for some organizasection of Exchange and North Main tion in their own aluminum kettles and to streets. date these kettles have not been returned. According to the records at the police The two large aluminum kettles are the station, there have been 30 knights of the property of the firemen and it is hoped ties who have applied at the station for a that the organization which has them will return them to the fire station. The fireplace to sleep this month. Two were added to the list last night as the weather men do not recall who borrowed the kettles but it is hoped that some organization was rather frosty to sleep out of doors. will locate them. If not, the firemen will Announcement is made today that the have to dig into their own pockets to Peterson Motor Sales company will have a replace the missing kettles. formal opening of the new salesrooms in Offering greater convenience to the DeKalb Locust Street between First and Second streets on Saturday. The company public in selecting books the Genoa Public sealed the speedometer on a machine yes- Library has been rearranged and reorganized. Additional books that are continuterday and the driver started out with it, and people are asked to guess the number ally being acquired will be placed on new of miles that will be driven from that time shelves which were built in the summer. Non-fiction books are arranged according until 8 o’clock Saturday evening. Credits to the Dewey Decimal System. Adult will be given on Pontiac or Oakland cars books are separated into fiction, biograon the nearest guess, while the second phy, mysteries and westerns. nearest estimate of the number of miles the car has been driven will also be honWilliam Leonard who has not been in ored. the best of health has sold his barber shop Announcement is made today that the to Max Thurlby of Genoa. Mr. Leonard

started barbering in Genoa 49 years ago and the Lenoards have resided on Jackson Street for 31 years. Four apartment buildings, part of the real estate holdings of the late Jacob Haish, were sold at auction in DeKalb Wednesday afternoon. The four buildings, all part of the Haish estate, stood on the corner of North Fourth and Short Streets, DeKalb, somewhat in the form of a letter “L” and went to three different bidders. Dave Katz purchased the largest of the buildings, the 12-apartment structure at 630-640 North Fourth Street, for $15,000. Harry Thompson purchased two four-apartment buildings around the corner on Short Street. A small house in the center of the “L” went to Ed Johnson on his bid of $4,500.

1976 – 50 YEARS AGO

Strong opposition surfaced Wednesday night from rural DeKalb County Board members concerning the formulation of plans for the sale of the county farm. County Board Chairman John Castle had introduced a resolution calling for plans for the sale of the 134 acres, located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Sycamore and Barber Greene roads. Congratulations to Jean Burns for personally listing and selling $1,000,000 worth of real estate in 1976. K-mart developers are not the only group seeking annexation to the city of Sycamore. Representatives of the Sycamore Board of Education met with city

The former Cyclone Fence factory resounds to different noises these days. Part of the structure and grounds is home for The Children’s Learning center, one of the local child-care centers geared to mainly low-income families.

2001 – 25 YEARS AGE

Students were sent home and nine people were treated for possible contamination Friday, after an office worker at Kaneland High School opened an envelope containing a white powdery substance. Officials with the Kaneland school district were releasing little information about the incident, other than to say the school’s office has been condoned off as a crime scene and the substance was being tested. Shotguns and rifles may be used at the Hoka turkey shoot on Sunday planned by the Sycamore Sportsmen’s Club, with practice beginning at 9 a.m. Drive one mile west of Sycamore on Route 64 and take Motel Road two miles going north. If you’re in the market for a club, be it for dancing the night away or improving your tee shot, downtown appears to be the place to look. Tonight, will see the opening of Vertigo Nite Club and Bistro 145, a combination dance club/restaurant located in the building formerly occupied by Remo’s and the Box Office Brewery. Finally, Route 23 is open again. State and local officials gathered at the corner of Center Cross and DeKalb Avene Monday afternoon to mark the reopening of the stretch of road that has been under construction for much of the last two summers. – Compiled by Sue Breese

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026

1926 – 100 YEARS AGO

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026 MIDWEEK

Former County Board member pleads guilty to fraud Savannah Ilenikhena ordered to pay more than $17K in restitution By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com Former DeKalb County Board member Savannah Ilenikhena pleaded guilty on Oct. 15 in a scheme to defraud the government of more than $17,000 from its pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office announced. Savannah’s plea came months after her husband, Bar- Savannah Ilenikhena tholomew Ilenikhena, a former DeKalb County corrections deputy, also pleaded guilty in a PPP fraudulent loan scheme, according to court records.

Savannah Ilenikhena, 34, of Cortland, pleaded guilty to a Class 2 felony charge of theft, records show. She was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Joseph Pedersen to two years of probation. She faced up to seven years in prison. She also was ordered to pay $17,455 in restitution. The sum is the full amount prosecutors alleged she was loaned from the government after illegally inflating business income to obtain the loan in May 2021 through the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. The office prosecuted the case with Illinois Assistant Attorney General Haley Bookhout for the office’s Public Integrity Bureau. “Federal assistance programs were vital for the survival of countless small businesses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is unacceptable anyone would take advantage of them,” Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in a news release. “I will continue to seek restitution when individuals abuse critical aid programs for their own personal enrichment.” Savannah Ilenikhena was employed

Federal assistance programs were vital for the survival of countless small businesses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is unacceptable anyone would take advantage of them.” Kwame Raoul, Illinois attorney general by Kishwaukee College at the time of the reported fraud, and also previously worked for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office said. At her plea hearing on Oct. 15, Savannah paid $8,723, according to Raoul’s office. She must pay the remainder of her restitution by the end of her probation, according to the plea agreement. The Ilenikhenas were charged on July 11, 2025, in separate PPP theft cases. Prosecutors alleged that in May 2021, they intentionally submitted fake busi-

ness applications so they could receive PPP money. The married couple formerly pleaded not guilty on Oct. 23, 2025, records show. Bartholomew Ilenikhena pleaded guilty on Feb. 9 to one count of Class 2 felony theft, and was ordered by a judge to pay $20,000 in restitution, records show. He resigned from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office in May 2025, the office previously told Shaw Local. Savannah Ilenikhena, a Republican representing District 5 on the County Board, left her role as an elected official at the end of June 2025. When she announced her intention to resign, she told Shaw Local she was stepping down for personal reasons and looked forward to spending more time with family. The Ilenikhena aren’t the only ones affiliated with local government who’ve pleaded guilty to PPP fraud. Deputy Clerk Erica L. Walker of DeKalb, a longtime employee at the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk’s Office in the county courthouse, pleaded guilty in July to her own PPP scheme, court records show. She was ordered to pay $41,000 in restitution.

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11 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026

DeKalb Chamber names Rising Leader Award recipients SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently named Jessi Haish LaRue and Malia Jones as the recipients of its inaugural Rising Leader Award. The Rising Leader Award recognizes women who make a significant early career impact through community engagement, professional achievement and creative leadership. LaRue currently serves as the J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center executive director and DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation marketing and events specialist. She also demonstrated a commitment to promoting local history, supporting economic development and creating opportunities to connect people with the DeKalb community.

• SYCAMORE

Continued from page 7 When commission chair Nate Kitterman asked Kevin Bunge, of C.E.S. Inc., which is working with Aetna on the project, about keeping the berm, Bunge said, “We need a stormwater swale back there. A 30-foot-wide swale to collect the water.” He said the bottom of the berm is 60 feet wide. “It chews up too much of the property, but we need a swale down there to carry the water to the west to get it down to where it’s got to be in the pond,” Bunge said. Commissioners did not take action on the proposal on Oct. 12, but Sycamore Community Development Director John Sauter said the public should expect the proposal to be up for a preliminary vote in November. Still, he said the Sycamore City Council isn’t likely to vote on the matter until sometime in 2027. “The berm sits entirely on Aenta’s property; it does not sit on the Heron Creek side of the property,” Sauter said, before asking Bunge if a combination of a swale and berm could work for the developers. “Honestly, that’s just it, buildable area becomes so narrow that a number of lots aren’t viable for their purpose,” Bunge said. Andrea Ragona, with Aetna Devel-

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Jones works as the Birth to Five Illinois, Region 16 family and community engagement specialist. She helps families, community partners and organizations advocate for early childhood education and care needs and strengthens connections to DeKalb County resources. The Rising Leader Award stems from the DeKalb Chamber or Commerce’s annual Athena Award. The Athena Award recognizes established mentors and leaders who made a significant workplace and community impact. The Rising Leader Award provides women in their early careers an opportunity to be recognized for the same leadership and community involvement qualities. Jones and LaRue were recognized during the Chamber’s ATHENA Award Reception Oct. 16 at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb. opment Corporation, said the company “will retain ownership” of the majority of the lots it hopes to develop. “We may sell one or two, if that’s what the market demands, but we typically do not sell lots off,” Ragona said. “The road that will run through there will be private; it will be maintained by us or one of our subsidiaries. But no, we typically do not sell, and we will definitely remain in control of the private roadways and the majority of the lots.” She said that Aetna “builds for tenants that want to come and we have leases in place before we build.” During the workshop for the preliminary concept plan, Commissioner Daryl Graves said he’s concerned about the impact on traffic seeking to turn left onto Plank Road from the commercial development. Cardinali said she fears people will go through the nearby residential area to avoid congested traffic. She said 455 homeowners reside within one mile of the proposed development, and despite the ardent concern about the berm, said the neighborhood is overall “very pleased to see this commercial property moving forward.” “We recognize the benefits that a successful project can bring can bring to the north side of Sycamore, including new businesses, services and additional revenue for the city,” Cardinali said. “Our neighborhood is supportive of thoughtful development of this property.”

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Children can participate in three Halloween parades at the DeKalb Public Library. The free parades will be held at 9:45 and 10:45 a.m. Oct. 27 and at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 28 in the library’s children’s department, 309 Oak St. Costumes are encouraged. Children can stop to trick-or-treat. A craft also will be offered. No registration is required. For information, email theresaw@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.

City of DeKalb’s annual leaf collection begins Oct. 26

The city of DeKalb will begin its annual loose-leaf collection Oct. 26. The collection will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through Dec. 4, weather permitting. Residents should rake leaves into a narrow row along the back of the curb. Leaf piles must be free of debris including large tree branches and rocks. The leaves should not be placed into the street to prevent flooding. Crews will begin collecting southside residents first and move north to Lincoln Highway. Residents must have all leaves at the curb by 7 a.m. Nov. 30. The city will hold three to four collection cycles. The leaf collection schedule and locations also will change to accommodate weather conditions. Leaf collections will be cancelled in the event of snow. Leaf collection will not be held on the following days: Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving Day Nov. 27 – Day after Thanksgiving Lakeshore Recycling also will pick up leaves curbside during regularly scheduled garbage days. The leaves must be placed in open garbage cans or biodegradable yard-waste bags. Leaves in plastic bags

will not be collected. For information, call 815-748-2040.

DeKalb library to offer American Safety Net program Oct. 24

The DeKalb Public Library will offer a “The American Safety Net: How We Survived the Depression and Built the Future” for residents to learn about how the Great Depression forged modern financial literacy skills. The free program begins at 2 p.m. Oct. 24 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Participants can learn how the Great Depression created financial literacy skills including smart saving, macroeconomic understanding and resilience. The program is part of the library’s America250 initiative. No registration is required. For information, email annas@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851.

DeKalb library’s college planning series begin Oct. 22

The DeKalb Public Library will partner with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to offer high school students and their parents and guardians a workshop series about the college process and provided services. The free workshops will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 and 29 and Nov. 10 in the library’s lower-level Bilder Family Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. The first workshop will explore the financial aid process. Attendees can learn about completing financial aid at the second workshop. The third workshop’s topic will be scholarships. Light snacks and water also will be served. Because of limited space the workshops are firstcome, first-served. No registration is required. For information, email stevenm@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3400. – Shaw Local News Network

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026

DeKalb library’s Halloween parades begin Oct. 27

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026 MIDWEEK

14 DeKalb Chamber celebrates Kishwaukee College simulator opening

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Former hotel provides firefighters with unique training experience By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com The mission was simple: members of the DeKalb Fire Department took to the former Monat Building in DeKalb to respond to a report of smoke coming from the basement. It was all part of a training exercise staged Oct. 15 as crews worked to mitigate what a potential threat to the community would look like. Fire Chief Luke Howieson said he’s always excited to get his crew some valuable training experience. The building in question, formerly known as the Rice Hotel, is located at 148 N. Third St. “It definitely gives us a unique opportunity that we don’t normally have,” Howieson said. “We don’t have a training facility in DeKalb. We’d love to have one someday. But this at least gives us the opportunity to practice these simulated fires. ... But to have a larger building like this doesn’t happen very often.” Officials said the fire department may travel to get live fire training opportunities at times, turning to facilities like those in Elgin, North Aurora and Burlington. Howieson said the former Monat building offers valuable lessons for firefighters that they might not always have access to. “We have a lot of similar buildings like this,” Howieson said. “We have a lot of apartment buildings. We have a lot of similar setups. Because this was a hotel originally, it gives that kind of same setup or feel of a real building.” Officials said the Fire Department had been conducting various trainings in the former Monat Building all summer. The latest training involved simulating a fire in the building, advancing hose lines in the structure, doing search and rescues, and more. “We have mannequins in there that they have to find and then a simulated forcible entry,” Howieson said. Firefighter Sarah Faivre, in her second year with the DeKalb Fire Department, said it’s as real as they can make it without actual fire.

Mark Busch photos

DeKalb Battalion Chief Todd Stoffa (left) debriefs firefighters Thursday after a training session at the former Monat Building on the southeast corner of North Third and Locust streets in DeKalb. The fire department has been using the vacant location for training as it is soon to be demolished.

We have a lot of similar buildings like this. We have a lot of apartment buildings. We have a lot of similar setups. Because this was a hotel originally, it gives that kind of same setup or feel of a real building.” Luke Howieson, DeKalb Fire Department chief “It’s hard to see,” Faivre said. “It’s dark, and everything’s in a small space. So, it’s a little chaotic. It’s nice to remember we got to calm your nerves a little bit and remember what we’re doing and what we’re here for.” Howieson said he wishes the city could keep the former Monat Building so first responders can continue training on site. The DeKalb Police Department also uses the facility to train its K-9. A demolition bid notice has been posted by the city of DeKalb. Howieson said demolition of the former Monat Building could start within A DeKalb firefighter deploys a hose down stairs into a basement filled with theatrical smoke Oct. 15 during a training session at the former Monat Building. the next month.

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Firefighters conduct drills at old Monat building

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026 MIDWEEK

Kishwaukee College Foundation names fall scholarship recipients Endowment: Nia Burrows of DeKalb,

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The Kishwaukee College Foundation recently awarded $209,633 in scholarships to hundreds of local students for the fall semester. The foundation awarded the funds to Kishwaukee students through 239 scholarships. The funds are made possible through gifts from area agencies and associations, local businesses and industries and community members. The students are selected on a competitive basis according to each scholarship’s specific requirements. The foundation’s spring semester scholarship application period was Sept. 14 through Oct. 15. Kishwaukee College students received the following awards: • AG Communications Endowment: Damian Nava-Barrientos of Rochelle, Damon Olson of Sycamore • Albert and Frances Besserman Endowment: Ava Jontz of DeKalb • Arden Perry and Kathryn Cornell Scholarship: Regan Creadon of Genoa, Nora Foss of Genoa • Barry Haber Kiwanis Club of DeKalb Scholarship: Lily Moeller of DeKalb, Stephen Montgomery of DeKalb • Beulah and Roberta Hackett Endowment: Ariel Darrell of Rochelle, Logan Lidren of Rochelle, Anna Lochbaum of Sycamore, Sarah Madoxen of DeKalb, Cortney Parker of Oregon • Bruce Cobb Horticulture Scholarship: Makenzie Mann of Sycamore • Bud and Kay Stocking Rochelle Rotary Service Above Self Endowment: Ryelee Bogle of Rochelle, Hailey Bunger of Rochelle • Charles and Mary Roberts Memorial Endowment: Eythan Armstrong of Byron, Alex Cuevas of DeKalb, Benjamin Harvey of Rochelle, Natalie Higueros of Rochelle, Elijah Mayen of Rochelle, Kassandra Santos of DeKalb • Charles and Mary Roberts Memorial Endowment for Nursing: Rylie Cedillo of Sycamore, Paul Kamulegeya of Chicago, Sophia Mahan of Genoa, Anita Mensah of DeKalb, Joseph O’Donnell of Creston • Cheryl Safford-Sawallisch Memorial Nursing Scholarship: Sarah Madoxen of DeKalb, Jashira Robinson of DeKalb, Madison Ross of DeKalb, Joanna Ruiz of Aurora • Chris and Katherine Boulos Foundation: Aiden Anderson of DeKalb, Cynthia Arauz of DeKalb, Mason Bathje of Cortland, Tyler Brackemyer of Cortland, Jaylyn Brown of DeKalb, Nash Brown of Sycamore, Francheska Co of DeKalb,

Photo provided by Kishwaukee College

These Kishwaukee College Foundation’s fall 2026 scholarship recipients are among the 239 recipients who earned a combined total of $209,633 for their educational careers this fall. Kameko Cook of Sycamore, Noah Daykin of Sycamore, Vianney De La Cruz of Sycamore, Callie Dieckman of DeKalb, Claire Eifel of Sycamore, Dante Fernald-Huntley of DeKalb, Jonah Fuller of Sycamore, Anthony Glugla of Cortland, Rodrigo Andres Gonzalez Zabala of Sycamore, Jose Gutierrez of Sycamore, Valerie Hernandez of DeKalb, Giana Huffstutler of Sycamore, Daniella Jaen of DeKalb, Logan Jones of Sycamore, Francesca Lanningham of Cortland, Genevieve Law of Cortland, Sophia Martinez of Sycamore, Bella Massey of Sycamore, Sara McRickard of Sycamore, Ash Miller of Sycamore, Lily Moeller of DeKalb, Marcus Montgomery of DeKalb, Stephen Montgomery of DeKalb, Juan Muńoz of Sycamore, Clarissa Ponce of DeKalb, Jose Ponce of Sycamore, Emily Robbins. of Sycamore,

NiaMae Robers of Sycamore, Samantha Simms of Sycamore, Jack Smith of Sycamore, Gabriel Sutherland of DeKalb, Anthony Titus of Sycamore, Jayden Vazquez of Sycamore • ComEd Endowment: David Ansah Horsoo of DeKalb, Daisy Dominguez of DeKalb • Compeer Financial Scholarship: Gabe Nagle of Sycamore • DeKalb Area Garden Club Endowment: Felicia Kubica of Genoa • DeKalb Fire Fighters Local 1236 Memorial Scholarship: Jazmine Mercado of Genoa • Desa Henn Memorial Scholarship: Kassandra Santos of DeKalb, JaKiya Thompson of Sycamore • Diane McNeilly Education Endowment: Aolani Perez of Rochelle, Ashley Villanueva of Rochelle • Doris V. and Suzanne K. Lewis Memorial

Megan Kowalski of DeKalb, Jazmine Mercado of Genoa • Earl and Jeanne Pritchard Horticulture Scholarship: Jordan Spears of Rochelle • Edmund and Nancy Pool Family Scholarship: Ava Baldwin of Shabbona • Edward J. Rosenow Memorial Endowment: Michael Jaros of DeKalb, Clayton Lindgren of Cortland • Emma Anderson Scholarship: Addison Bingham of Rochelle, Anahi Cervantes of Rochelle, Noah Daykin of Sycamore, Adisyn Galijatovic of DeKalb, Chandler Gatbunton of Cortland, Tristan Gholson of DeKalb, Rodrigo Andres Gonzalez Zabala of Sycamore, Jose Gutierrez of Sycamore, Giana Huffstutler of Sycamore, Logan Jones of Sycamore, Sage Kleckner of Cortland, Brooklyn LaCerba of Sycamore, Azai Lane-Jones of DeKalb, Genevieve Law of Cortland, Johnny Lochbaum of Sycamore, Ashley Lozano of Rochelle, Makenzie Mann of Sycamore, Iran Manriquez of DeKalb, Bella Massey of Sycamore, Stryder McIntosh of DeKalb, Christopher McNeil Jr. of Sycamore, Kezaria Mitchell of DeKalb, Alexandra Neece of Rochelle, Preston Picolotti of Sycamore, Jose Ponce of Sycamore, Jacob Reiss of Genoa, Hannah Safford of Cortland, Mia Siddall of Kirkland, Samantha Simms of Sycamore, Alayna Smardo of Steward, Jack Smith of Sycamore, Landon Taylor of Sycamore, Anthony Titus of Sycamore, Charlie Vander Bleek of DeKalb, Caleb Vosika of Sycamore, Mason Weber of DeKalb, Taylor Weems of Mount Morris, Madigan Williams of Rochelle • Enbridge Energy Company Pipeline Industry Awareness Scholarship: Michael Jaros of DeKalb, Emmanuel Marquez of Malta, Denis Walsh of Maple Park • Frances Loubere Ally Activist Scholarship: Juan Munoz • Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois Scholarship: Izzy McConkey of Sycamore, Colleen Rittmeyer of DeKalb • Heartland Bank Education Matters Scholarship: Joanna Ruiz of Aurora • Howard and Martha Mullins Memorial Endowment for Nursing: Melissa Ibarra of Waterman, Addilyn Wegener of DeKalb • Illinois Community College System Foun-

dation Allen A.H. and Ellen M. Blessman Foundation Scholarship: Marinia Vazquez of

Rochelle • Ine Achilles Scholarship for Horticulture: Jennifer Gamez of DeKalb • Irving Family Scholarship: Kelsey Bays of Rochelle, Justin Bell of DeKalb,

See SCHOLARSHIPS, page 17

• SCHOLARSHIPS

Woodfin Millay Billingsly of Cortland, Jayme Egland of Rochelle, Curtis Ferguson of DeKalb, Robert Floersch of Sycamore, Dawn George of DeKalb, Danielle Lowie of DeKalb, Maira Marquez of Genoa, Joseph O’Donnell of Creston • James Salomone Fuerst Endowment: Eythan Armstrong of Byron, Kassandra Santos of DeKalb • Janice Vida Owens Endowment: Jessica Lopez of Belvidere • Jeanne M. Henderson Memorial Endowment: Kaelynn Larson of Ashton, Kezaria Mitchell of DeKalb, Miguel Villegas of Amboy • Kenneth and Susan Doubler Scholarship Fund: Will Mosley of Earlville • Kishwaukee College Alumni Association Scholarship: Trey King of Rochelle • Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees Scholarship: Gema Hernandez of DeKalb • Kishwaukee College Employee Give Scholarship: B e n j a m i n H a r v e y o f Rochelle, Justine Pringle of Cortland, Jacob Reiss of Genoa, Marianna Saldańa of Rochelle, Emma Sklena of Genoa, Matthew Stalcup of Waterman • LaVerne “Dutch” Johnson Endowment: Brett Ferguson of Rochelle, Taylor Fry of Genoa, Noemi Fuentes of Leland, Jameson Pannkuk of Shannon, Mia Siddall of Kirkland, Matthew Stalcup of Waterman • Law Enforcement Lifelong Learning Scholarship: Heaven Flores of DeKalb, Evan Munch of Sycamore • Leah Wach Memorial Endowment: Chassidy Duncans of DeKalb • Les and Deanie Springmire Endowment: Walter Popp of Somonauk • Marie Ann Pierce Memorial Endowment: Paul Kamulegeya of Chicago • Mark Brisbin Memorial Scholarship: Will Mosley of Earlville • Mark Joseph Bussone Memorial Endowment: Nayelly Alanis of Rockford, Maylen Celena Vazquez of Kingston, Amy Fraire of Sandwich • Mathew J. Rood DPT Scholarship: Abigail Gerhke of Marengo, Jameson Pannkuk of Shannon • O.J. and Phyllis Cunningham Malta Lions Club Memorial Scholarship: Justine Pringle of Cortland • Paul J. Smith Memorial Endowment: Martin Rodriguez of Sycamore • Pay It Forward Scholarship: Theresa Hutchison of DeKalb • Philip H. Nye Scholarship: T a r a Buchanan of Sycamore, Anahi Cervantes of Rochelle, Jane Zacny of Alsip • Rebecca Williams Memorial Scholarship: Ryan Malcom of Sycamore • Richard Akers Memorial Endowment:

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Continued from page 16

Nellie Speed of DeKalb • Robert and Doris Boey Endowment: Chandler Gatbunton of Cortland, Stryder McIntosh of DeKalb • Robert and Norma Wildenradt Endowment: Landon Taylor of Sycamore • Robert and Norma Wildenradt Endowment for Nursing: Anna Lochbaum of Sycamore, Jashira Robinson of DeKalb, Madigan Williams of Rochelle • Rollan R. Bonneau Memorial Endowment: Brett Ferguson of Rochelle, Will Mosley of Earlville • Ronald S. Sweet Jr. Endowment: Teagan Ferguson of Pecatonica, Katie Foster of Rockford, Sarah Madoxen of DeKalb • Rowland and Lucile Matteson Endowment: Mitchel Cunningham of Winnebago, Felicia Kubica of Genoa, Crystal Larrabee of DeKalb, Gracie Luxton of Kings, Maria Rios of Aurora, Lauren Sowa of Malta, Jordan Spears of Rochelle, Miguel Villegas of Amboy • Ruth Ashelford Pollock Horticulture Fund: Mitchel Cunningham of Winnebago, Jennifer Gamez of DeKalb, Felicia Kubica of Genoa, Crystal Larrabee of DeKalb, Gracie Luxton of Kings, Gabe Nagle of Sycamore, Maria Rios of Aurora, Lauren Sowa of Malta, Miguel Villegas of Amboy • Shane Meyers Memorial Scholarship: Hunter Kirby of Plainfield • Stoltz-Caruthers Family Scholarship: Anita Mensah of DeKalb, Nashrah Mujahid of DeKalb • Sycamore Hospital Physicians Nursing Endowment: Rylie Cedillo of Sycamore, Robert Floersch of Sycamore • Terry S. Jones and Nancy J. Eyer Nursing Student Scholarship: Madison Ross of DeKalb • The Founder’s Endowment: Nashrah Mujahid of DeKalb, Macey Stoddard of Byron • The Suter Company Endowment: Joanna Ruiz of Aurora • Tom and Nancy Roberts Endowment: Jasmine Dwyer of Sycamore, Natalie Higueros of Rochelle, Mikaela Kluxen of DeKalb, Brooklyn LaCerba of Sycamore • Vernon and Dorothy Smith Memorial Scholarship: Hailey Bunger of Rochelle, Natalie Higueros of Rochelle, Abigail Jarvis of Rochelle, Aaliyah Losoya of Rochelle, Marisa Whaley of Rochelle • Veronica M. Ream Endowment: Will Mosley of Earlville, Keisha Simms of Sycamore • Wayne McIlrath Family Scholarship: Benjamin Harvey of Rochelle, Rosie Rivera of Rockford • William and Emiline Rood Family Scholarship: Malillani Ibarra of Waterman, Melissa Ibarra of Waterman, Will Mosley of Earlville Students who wished to remain anonymous are omitted from the list.

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026 MIDWEEK

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Friday, NOVEMBER 6, 9 am to 4 pm Saturday, NOVEMBER 7, 9 am to Noon 322 Waterman St. Sycamore Located in the Parish Hall GENTLY used clothing, shoes, coats, boots, hats, gloves, scarves, purses, bags, jewelry and linens. Questions: smsrummagesale@yahoo.com All proceeds will benefit St. Mary's Thanksgiving Food Drive

Call to Advertise 815-632-2560

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

Al's Electric Retired, but not tired.

Licensed. Only 45 years experience. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

CLASSICS WANTED

Restored or Unrestored

Just Call Al

630.514.6569

Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

You Want It?

We've Got It!

Classified has GREAT VARIETY!

Domestic / Import Cars:

833-584-NEWS MidWeekNews.com

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

Collector James 630-427-7270

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Looking for an item? This could be your weekend to find it. Look through the classifieds and map out your route.

est. 1851

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026

SUDOKU AND SUPER CROSSWORD ANSWERS ON PAGE 2

AMUSEMENTS

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 21, 2026 MIDWEEK

99 SALE ¢

3 DAYS ONLY | OCTOBER 23-25, 2026

Hy-Vee Midwest Hy-Vee soup Pork boneless top 10.5 to 11.25 oz. loin chop 4 oz.

Hy-Vee English muffins plain or sourdough, 6 ct.

Our Special Recipe Armour bratwurst links Lunchmakers 2.44 to 3.3 oz. or patties

Birds Eye vegetables

Grimmway Farms baby carrots

Hy-Vee fresh whole chicken 100% natural, sold per lb.

Hy-Vee refrigerated tortillas

Swanson broth

Cucumbers each

Hy-Vee ketchup 14 oz.

Hy-Vee pasta 15 oz.

Mars candy bar 1.08 to 2.17 oz.

Green Giant vegetables 14.5 to 15.25 oz.

Bumble Bee tuna 2.5 to 5 oz.

Campbell’s gravy

Hy-Vee fire roasted tomatoes 14.5 oz.

Market Grille breaded chicken tender each

MIA Italian pepperoni pinwheel

Hy-Vee Midwest Pork loin ribeye or tenderized chops

Hy-Vee sloppy joe or pizza sauce 15 oz.

Crabjoy surimi snack bites 3 oz.

11.3 or 16 oz.

Maruchan yakisoba stir fry style noodles

14 or 14.5 oz.

10 or 10.8 oz.

16 oz. pkg.

regular or skinless, 3 or 3.75 oz.

3.96 to 4.23 oz.

per lb

Bar-S jumbo franks

Hy-Vee True fresh chicken drumsticks or thighs sold in a 5 lb. pkg. for 4.95

Hy-Vee refried beans 16 oz.

Old El Paso seasoning mix

Ready to grill seasoned chicken leg quarters sold per lb.

B-sized red or gold potatoes sold per lb.

HyChi crab Rangoon each

Hy-Vee specialty Blue Bonnet macaroni & cheese spread 16 oz. 7.25 or 7.3 oz.

Hy-Vee rice or pasta side

Bakery-fresh Italian bread 16 oz.

Hy-Vee whipped topping 8 oz.

Häagen-Dazs ice cream 3.6 fl. oz.

Hy-Vee cake mix 13.25 to 16.5 oz.

Hy-Vee skillet dinner 5 to 7.8 oz.

16 oz.

.85 or 1 oz.

Hy-Vee juice or lemonade 16 fl. oz.

10.5 oz.

4 to 5.7 oz.

each

Select varieties included. Plus deposit on applicable items.

TRICK OR TREAT! SATURDAY, OCT. 24 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

5 oz.