DC_MidWeek_102826 by Shaw Media

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026 • S h awLo c a l .co m

FALL FESTIVITIES Sycamore celebrates autumn with the annual Pumpkin Festival / 6

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Stage Coach Players’ ‘Dracula’ opens Oct. 29

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 28, 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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By KATE SANTILLAN ksantillan@shawmedia.com The Stage Coach Players will open its next production, the horror-thriller play “Dracula,” on Oct. 29. It is scheduled to run for two weeks. “Dracula” tells the story of Count Dracula, who travels to England with the aid of his servant, Renfield, and stalks best friends Mina and Lucy, who begins sleepwalking and acting extremely ill. Mina sends for the man Lucy has fallen in love with, Dr. Seward. He is unable to determine Lucy’s ailment, notices a blood mark on her neck and sends for his old professor, Abraham Van Helsing. The cast features Tim Gannon as Dracula, Maiya Hart-Melvin as Lucy, Grant Milam as Harker, Dexter Molitor as Seward, Jason Reed as Renfield, Tasha Renae as Mina and Steve Sturm as Van Helsing. The rest of the cast includes Evan Ewing, Molly Grossman and Rae Johnson. “Dracula” is based on the 1897 novel by Bram Stoker and the 1995 play adaptation of the same name by Steven Dietz. The Stage Coach production will be directed by Jackson Nielsen, who previously directed the Stage Coach production of “Almost Maine” in 2025. Dietz originally was unsure about taking on the vampire story. “I thought the book had been captured quite well in a number of other adaptations, but after re-reading the novel, I became very surprised at the extent to which so many theater adaptations Photo provided by the Stage Coach Players

See DRACULA, page 3

PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzles on page 18

Stage Coach Players cast members rehearse a scene for the upcoming production of “Dracula.”

ON THE COVER Sycamore Pumpkin Fest theme winner Rayna Hochstatter (center) serves up the first piece of cake Wednesday, Oct. 21, during opening day of the festival. Hochstatter is flanked by theme contest honorable mention award winners Tessa Scott (left) and Annabelle Hochstatter. See more photos, page 6. Photo by Mark Busch

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Photo provided by the Kishwaukee Valley Art League

Art League to highlight student work at November meeting SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The Kishwaukee Valley Art League will host several events and programs in November at the Gallery on State, 322 W. State St., Sycamore. The league’s next general meeting is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 5 at the gallery. KVAL will present Outstanding Student Artist Awards to six high school artists as part of its “Art of Giving” program. The students also will display artwork examples and give a presentation. The high school students were nominated by their teachers. The Second Saturday Art Workshop

• DRACULA

Continued from page 2 veered a great distance from the book,” Dietz said in a news release. “My friends kept asking what my ‘take’ on the story was. What did Dracula ‘represent’? I was tempted to join in their esoteric aerobics, but I realized that to make Dracula a metaphor was cheating. It was akin to putting a muzzle on the most terrifying aspect of the story.” He said that what Dracula is – “a bril-

will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 14 at the gallery. An “Open Art Night” is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at Gallery on State. Attendees will be able to socialize, perform, draw or paint. KVAL’s Holiday Arts and Crafts Market will run from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 20 at the gallery. The market coincides with the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce’s “Moonlight Magic” event. The league is collecting art supplies to donate to local charities as part of its Art of Giving program. KVAL will only accept new art supplies. The art supplies can be dropped off at Gallery on State. liant, seductive, fanged beast waiting to suck the blood from your throat” - is the most haunting. “Hide from that,” Dietz said. Performances of “Dracula” will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 and Nov. 7 and 8 at Stage Coach Theatre, 126 S. Fifth St., DeKalb. Matinee performances will be at 2 p.m. Nov. 2 and 9. Tickets cost $17 and $15 for seniors and children ages 13 and younger. To buy tickets, call 815-758-1940 or visit stagecoachplayers.com.

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 28, 2026 MIDWEEK

Amy Oster named 2026 Athena Award recipient By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com Reflecting on the magnitude of the moment, Amy Oster didn’t want anyone to feel left out. Oster, who was named the 2026 Athena Award recipient Thursday during a DeKalb Chamber of Commerce event, said for her, it’s all about inclusivity. “Tonight this moment right now might be for me, but tonight is not about me,” Oster said. “This night is about every woman in this room. We made a pact before anybody’s name was read. We’re all partying together after this.” Oster serves as president of OC Creative, a local creative agency in DeKalb. She is lauded as an advocate for women, as evidenced by her role as the Gather Women’s Group Chair. Oster also assumes the role of president on the Kishwaukee College Foundation Board. An award-winning creative professional, Oster thanked some of the people who matter to her. Like a good sport, Oster decided to share her moment on the Egyptian The-

atre stage with fellow finalists for the Athena Award. Oster is also a self-described avid fan of the NIU women’s basketball team. This year’s Athena Award finalists were Donna Larson of DeKalb High School and Jenna Spychal of Jonamac Orchard. The Athena Award is an international award program that honors women who strive to serve as a mentor or role model for helping women reach their full leadership potential. The DeKalb Chamber on Thursday also highlighted its new Rising Leader Award honorees. The distinction honors a woman early in her career who shows professional success, creative leadership, and community involvement. This year’s Rising Leader Award honorees were Jessi Haish LaRue, executive director for JF Glidden Homestead and Historical Center and marketing and events specialist for DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation; Mark Busch and Malia Jones, family and community Amy Oster, president of OC Creative, speaks after she was announced as this year’s Athena

See ATHENA AWARD, page 11

Award recipient Thursday, Oct. 15, during the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Athena Award Reception at the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb.

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS DeKalb. • 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Cortland Lions Northwestern Medicine Valley West Club Shelter, 70 S. Llanos St., Cortland. Hospital will host an open house to • 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 12 at Westminster celebrate Rural Health Day. Presbyterian Church, 830 N. Annie Glidden The free event will run from 2 to 6 p.m. Road, DeKalb. Nov. 19 at the hospital, 1302 N. Main St., • 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 17 at University Village Sandwich. Apartments, 722 N. Annie Glidden Road, Attendees can connect with local DeKalb. Northwestern Medicine healthcare • 3:30 to 5 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Malta providers. The open house also features a Historical and Genealogical Society, 127 N. bike helmet giveaway, children’s activities, Third St., Malta. car seat safety education, community • 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 24 at St. Paul the partner information stations, pet therapy, Apostle Parish, 340 W. Arnold Road, flu shots, blood pressure screenings and Sandwich. heart, lung, stroke, breast and colon health information. Live music will be performed DeKalb library to offer nature and fire and EMS vehicles and demonstra- exploration Oct. 29 in Kirkland tions will be available, weather permitting. The DeKalb Public Library will partner with Northwestern Medicine Valley West the DeKalb Forest Preserve District to offer Hospital is a short-term, critical access community members a nature exploration community hospital serving the DeKalb as part of its Pop-Up Nature Series. County community for over 70 years. The free program will be held from 10 a.m. For information, visit news.nm.org. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at MacQueen Forest Preserve, 3640 Scout Road, Kirkland. Black Light Mini Golf set for Attendees can enjoy a campfire, hike to Oct. 29 and 30 in DeKalb the Kingsbury Creek and Kishwaukee River The DeKalb Public Library will offer a south branch’s meeting point and learn Black Light Mini-Golf event for children how woodland and river habitats support and their families to celebrate Halloween. plants and wildlife. The free event will run from 10:30 a.m. to No registration is required. 12:30 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30 For information, email barbp@dkpl.org or in the library’s lower-level Yusunas call 815-756-9568, ext. 6106. Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Participants can play glow-in-the-dark KSO to perform Halloween miniature golf. No registration is required. concerts Oct. 30 in DeKalb For information, email stormye@dkpl.org The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3310. will perform two annual Halloween concerts as part of its 50th concert Rooted For Good lists November season. Grow Mobile dates The free performances will be at 5:30 Rooted For Good released a list of and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 in the Boutell MemoNovember locations for Grow Mobile, a rial Concert Hall in the Northern Illinois mobile food pantry that offers free food University Music Building, 550 Lucinda and household items to all who visit, with Ave., DeKalb. no requirements. The orchestra will play Halloween music Rooted For Good works to ensure the including the “Jaws” theme and melodies well-being of residents, staff and volunfrom “Psycho” and “Mars” from “The teers. Organizers ask that people practice Planets, Op. 32,” by Gustav Holst. good hand hygiene and stay home if they Attendees are encouraged to wear are ill. costumes. The orchestra also will perform To receive Grow Mobile alerts, text in costume. FreeGroceries to 844-727-2012. The NIU music library also will hold its Grow Mobile dates in November include: annual “Haunted Library” event. Partici• 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Lions pants can go trick-or-treating and engage Park Shelter, 435 S. Birch St., Waterman. in themed activities. • 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 at University Village For information, visit kishorchestra.org. Apartments, 722 N. Annie Glidden Road, – Shaw Local News Network

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 28, 2026 MIDWEEK

Pumpkin Fest kicks off The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival began its annual run Oct. 21 with the pumpkin check-in and ceremonial cake-cutting. The fest ran through Oct. 25. – Mark Busch

Photos by Mark Busch

TOP LEFT: Erica Kralka, (left) 4, and Lyla Byrne, 5, from Sycamore, check out some of the pumpkins Oct. 21 during the opening day of Pumpkin Fest in Sycamore. TOP RIGHT: Members of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Committee cut the cake donated by HyVee Oct. 21. ABOVE: Saylor Schmoll, 1, and her mom Mollie, of Sycamore, place their pumpkin in the patch during opening day of Pumpkin Fest. LEFT: One of the pumpkin displays is seen during opening day of Pumpkin Fest in Sycamore.

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LOOKING BACK 1926 – 100 YEARS AGO

lages have many local people unnecessarily up-in-arms. Citizens’ concern about the Villages surfaced recently by residents in DeKalb’s third ward who, through a letter to the Daily Chronicle, opposed the possibility of the Villages moving its home for juveniles to the Fourteenth and Lewis streets area. The Villages currently is located at 161 John Street. On Oct. 15, 1975, the DeKalb County Board approved a Comprehensive Community Mental Health Construction Project for DeKalb.

Within a very short time, according to word from the State Teachers College, a memorial to Theodore Roosevelt, one of the outstanding Americans of all time, will be erected on the spot where Roosevelt spoke to an audience of DeKalb citizens. Roosevelt spoke in this city in 1900, many residents of this community being present to hear his address. At the present time, the spot on which the former president stood is covered by a large pile of stones. The stones were piled on the spot where Roosevelt stood in the hope that some day a memorial would be placed there to mark the location. Observation shows that good progress is being made on several buildings in Sycamore, and there is no reason why the majority of them should not be well near completion by the time snow flies. Of course, it is hardly expected that the school will be completed by that time, because there have been some delays in material. The Fargo garage has been finished, and was used last night for dancing purposes upon the occasion of the annual Halloween party. The cement drives for the new filling station at Main Street and Exchange are also laid, and good progress is being made upon the foundation work for the building. All work at the Fargo hotel is now being done inside, as the greatest part of the exterior work has been completed for several days.

Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center Archives

Sycamore High School looking north on East State Street in Sycamore, in 1925.

ple who travel through here every week.

1951 – 75 YEARS AGO

“Even We Babies Know Sandwich Will Win” was the slogan on the float which won second place in the Homecoming parade Friday for the Sandwich Township High School. Freshmen were riding in high chairs and the float was decorated in pink and blue colors with many artistic drawings on the side.

Give a hand to the three of the gals around the courthouse for the nice job of washing and cleaning that marble statue given to the county by the late Mrs. Frank Stevens, widow of the late Sycamore publisher. The statue is marble and represents Columbus beseeching Queen Isabella of Spain for the funds to finance his voyage of G. K. of DeKalb was committed to the discovery. A page boy is also in the scene. county jail yesterday on a charge of vagrancy. The man, it is said, has not worked Anyway, the three statues have stood on the for some time, and persists in keeping shy of landing between the second and third floors for ten years without cleaning. It took two anything that resembles work. On that account, he will remain in jail for a few days hours to clean up the marble. before being given a hearing in the county On Sunday, Oct. 28, the DeKalb Ground court. Observer Aircraft Observation Post, located in the DeKalb Municipal Airport, will be in Mrs. Mary Wiltse, who for three or four operation from 8 to 5 o’clock. Observation years past has been in charge of the lunch posts throughout northern Illinois will particiroom at the North Western station, yesterday asked to be relieved immediately. Today pate in a joint exercise of the Eastern Air Defense Forces and the Ground Observer she left for Chicago and tomorrow morning Corps section of the Illinois Civil Defense. will open a place of business at 2160 North California Street to be known as “Mary’s Fire, which was discovered about 11:45 Sandwich Shop.” Mrs. Wiltse, “Mary,” as she o’clock Thursday evening, caused damage is more commonly known by, has been a estimated at several hundred dollars to the most faithful manager of the station lunch Lindemann Roller Rink on Sycamore Road. room here, has built up a remarkable busiThe blaze started on the wall on the east side ness among DeKalb people and gained the business and friendship of hundreds of peo- of the building, working up the wall into the

attic and through the roof but was brought under control by the DeKalb fire department before it spread through the large building. Some rafters and studdings were burned, but the fire was confined to the one area near the rear. After the fire had been extinguished, firemen aided by mopping the floor so that damage to the skating surface was prevented. The Good Roads Committee in Milan Township is urging the residents of the township to support the $60,000 road bond and gravel tax which will be voted on Friday, Oct. 2. The committee points out that while demands for better roads are increasing each year, the funds collected through the regular road and bridge levies have been the same for the past 25 years. Shortly before 8 o’clock this morning, the DeKalb fire department was summoned to a minor blaze at the Yee Sing Laundry at 440 East Lincoln Highway. The blaze started in the east wall where a chimney enters and apparently had been burning for some time when discovered.

1976 – 50 YEARS AGO

A Rockford architectural firm has begun working drawings for the conversion of the former DeKalb post office into a senior citizens/youth center. John Ciburk, DeKalb community development director, said architects Boettcher and Simmon have until the end of November to complete the drawings, which will then be sent to the Department of Health, Education and Welfare for approval.

Besides being called the “pumpkin capital of America,” Sycamore might gain national recognition for its historically rich architecture. Survey results of Illinois’ historical structures has placed a large section of Sycamore high on a list of priority areas worthy of preservation.

2001 – 25 YEARS AGO

In the spirit of the season, it could be a fitting analogy to say that the city’s downtown looked like crudely carved pumpkin for much of the past six months. Instead of knives, crews used saws to take off the top layer of familiar cement from State Street and plunged inside to remove pipes the way pumpkin seeds are removed from a gourd. Health officials in the nation’s capital recommended antibiotics for thousands more people Friday as a precaution against anthrax and ordered expanded testing, signaling mounting concern over the spread of spores to area mail facilities. Five DeKalb firefighters are headed to New York City today to pay their respects to comrades killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Responding to a call from the International Association of Firefighters, Dan Freeman, Dean Richardson, Tim Stiker, Kevin Larson and Reid Rissman will attend as many funerals as they can.

A horse-slaughtering plant on the south side of town hopes to sidestep concern about moving to a new building by simply buying the land it now occupies. Cavel International’s plan to build a new slaughterhouse on Harvestore Drive about a block away from its current plant has met strong opposition from the public and city officials. – Compiled by Sue Breese Misconceptions about DeKalb County Vil-

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com Leaders from DeKalb School District 428 are proposing a 2026 property tax levy of $88 million this week, a request officials say comes with staff’s recommendation and is below the state’s tax cap. The school board did not take any action on the district’s tax levy as presented at Tuesday’s meeting. Board member Vanta Bynum was absent from the discussion. Two other options were presented for discussion at the meeting. One option essentially would have resulted in what officials said was the district underlevying $82 million, which can lead to permanent funding loss. Another scenario would have resulted in the district levying for the maximum allowed, which is not viewed by officials as an option. Superintendent Billy Hueramo acknowledged that the board does not face an easy task with the tax levy. “I do also want to recognize that for the board, it’s a very difficult decision,”

Hueramo said. “You’re stuck between staff and a team of leaders presenting to you the things that we need for our students, our families, and our staff. But then ... you’re being pulled from the other end by the community, saying, ‘We don’t want our taxes to go up.’ Unfortunately, costs are going up. So, we need to make sure that we’re able to pay our bills.” The district’s estimated recommended funding ask of $88 million is below the maximum allowed under the state’s property tax extension law limit. Under that limit, certain non-homerule units of government are afforded the ability to levy taxes from existing properties, but are limited in that the tax extension can only increase the rate of inflation, which is 2.7% for the 2026 levy year, or 5%, whichever is less, plus any new properties added to the tax rolls each year. Armir Doka, the district’s director of business and finance, noted the way the district has picked up the tab over the past five years. Any major capital project pursued by the district during that

span was done in the absence of a referendum, without asking the taxpayers to foot the bill, he said. Historically, the district hasn’t levied the maximum allowed. Officials have said they tend to be fiscally responsible while maintaining current services. Amonaquenette Parker, the district’s director of improvement and innovation, acknowledged that rising costs are an issue for many and said it’s something the district is mindful of. She cautioned that underlevying is not a viable solution for the district to bring taxpayer relief. “There’s also tax shift risk because any of the taxing bodies, if they underlevy, if we do underlevy, it is not necessarily promised that taxpayers will feel the savings,” Parker said. “Because as you know, there are rising costs everywhere, and other taxing bodies may be forced to raise their rates to maintain their status quo or just pay their bills.” Board Vice President Nick Atwood echoed that sentiment. “We’re cognizant of that,” Atwood

As summer fades and cooler weather arrives in DeKalb and the surrounding communities, homeowners begin preparing their furnaces for another heating season. One important part of that preparation is often overlooked: the humidity level inside the home. When outdoor temperatures drop and furnaces begin running regularly, indoor air can become very dry. Homeowners may notice dry skin, irritated nasal passages, static electricity, or shrinking wood floors and trim—low indoor humidity can be a contributing factor. A properly sized and maintained whole-house humidifier can help improve comfort during the heating season. However, adding moisture to the air must be done carefully. Too much humidity can cause condensation on windows, damp building materials, and conditions that encourage mold growth. The goal is to maintain a healthy balance between comfort, moisture control, and indoor air quality. A whole-house humidifier adds controlled amounts of moisture to the air circulating through the home’s heating system, helping

maintain more comfortable indoor conditions. For many homes, an indoor relative humidity level of approximately 30% to 50% is a reasonable starting point. The appropriate setting depends on outdoor temperatures, window quality, insulation, air leakage, and the home’s construction. Remember that more humidity is not always better. Maintaining appropriate moisture levels while avoiding condensation is essential to protecting the home. An early fall humidifier inspection should include several important steps: • Inspect and replace the water panel • Clean the water distribution tray and drain • Check the water supply • Test the humidistat and controls • Inspect the bypass damper or fan • Check for leaks Following the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions is important. A qualified HVAC technician from KM Heating and Cooling can perform additional inspections, electrical testing, and repairs when needed. For more information, or to schedule a visit, please contact Dave Kissel at KM Heating and Cooling at (815) 691-1991.

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said. “And I think more so now than in previous years, we’re looking at the bottom line and the top line as opposed to the top line. So, I think that’s important for people to think about.” Since 2020, DeKalb schools have noted a change in balance, with more of the commercial and industrial tax base picking up a greater share of property tax funding. According to district documents, the tax share from homeowners has declined from 56% in 2020 to 41% in 2026. Hueramo said he takes issue with the way the proposed levy options have been presented to the board. “I think we’ve been doing this the reverse way,” Hueramo said. “I think this started when the E-Zone came in, and we wanted to be below a certain tax rate. We looked at it probably not in the right lens that we should as a school district. We should have looked at it as what actual amount of money did we need to run our district and what that puts us at a rate. That’s what makes

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DeKalb schools offer look at 2026 tax levy options 9

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 28, 2026 MIDWEEK

2026 DeKalb County 4-H Blue Ribbon Auction Thanks to all the contributors!

Please patronize these generous businesses and individuals.

Buyers A-1 Restoration – Brian Dahl Adkins Milk Hauling Ag Builders Construction Arndt Seed - DeKalb Asgrow Baie Farms Beau & Lynn Byington Bill Kuhn Bob Davidson Bob Pritchard Brad & Cindy Busch Campton Construction CHS, INC. - Bryan VanBogaert Compeer Financial – Sam Vatland Condon Construction Co. Conserv FS - Malta Conserve FS - Waterman Curran Contracting CWG AG Services – Wade & Grant Dave Gingerich Dave & Sue Peterson Davidson Pargman & Company DeKalb Sycamore Chevrolet GMC Farmers Helping Farmers Farmers Insurance – Jennifer Rhoads FNIC Insurance-Craig Johnson Forest City Insurance Mike Beever Friends of 4-H Gary & Leslie Fatland Gene Larson

Graham Gletty Hartmann Farms, Inc. Heartland Bank - Landon Faivre Hoyt Services-Tyler Hoyt Husshold Farms J Russ & Co Jim Govig Jim Stoddard John A. Wykes Josh Hickey Auctioneer Kishwaukee Associates Thrivent Financial - Shawn Blobaum Linda Bridger/Bridger Farms Maplehurst Farms Martin, Goodrich & Waddell Inc. Miller Pipeline Nick Marco Northern IL Seed & Services Ryan Shelby O’Donnell Excavating & Trucking O'Donnell Farms Old Second Bank - Dave Ott Overby Trucking & GrainButch Overby Paulsen Crop Solutions Pete & Ellie Peterson Family Mem. Pipe Strong - Mike Boyd Pleasant Hill Construction Poynter Sheep Farm Jeﬀ & Jan Poynter Poynter Stock Farm Kara & Jared Poynter Producers Hedge, LLC Andy Wold

Friends of 4-H Gold Level $1,000+ A & P Grain Systems Inc Pipestone Veterinary Services Zenz Buildings, Inc.

Silver Level $500-$999 Quality Plumbing & Maintenance Matt Trzynka Remax Classic Resource Bank-Don Banks Riley Oncken Roger’s Farm Shady Lawn Farms John & Kurt Hohenberger Shelley Rhoads Strissel Escavating Todd’s Southtown Auto Repair Whiskey Acres-Jamie Walter

Special Thanks Auctioneers: Andrew & Adam Almburg, Josh Hickey, and Tim Hall Resource Bank Bill Kuhn Dale Sanderson Dan Cribben Hayden Kuhn Art & Tina Kuhn Johnna & Dan Jennings Jeﬀ Marco Kailyn & Dalton Carr Katie Arndt Laura Condon Mary Hanson Matt Rhoads Sam Schneider Scott Botterman University of Illinois Extension

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Bronze Level $250-$499 Alpha Storm Solutions, Inc Central Grain Community Disposal Exterior 1 LLC, Matt Gangler Heide Farms Horticultural Specialists Jim & Amy Kuhn Kuhn Farm, Paul & Linda Kurt Sanderson Malta Veterinary Hospital Maplehurst Farms Inc Mary Lou Miller Red Oak Pork LLC Swanson Real Estate Vernon Drendel

Sponsor Level $100-$249 Ag Builders Construction LLC Ag Tech Services Inc Art & Tina Kuhn Barry & Diana Smith Bob Kyler Excavating LLC Boehne Farms of Shabbona LLC DeKalb Implement Company Edward & Juli Cowan First Impressons, Lerohl & Landers Friends of Riley Onken H.I. Stone & Sons, Inc Horticultural Specialists James Jones JMS Electronics John & Margo Gudmunson Kingston Mutual Insurance Larson Farms Leland Farms Co. Linda Anderson-Schielke Midland States Bank Sandwich Midwestern Concrete Mike & Lynn Martz Redbud Creek Ronald Klein Village Courtyard Sandwich Volkening Farms, Glen & Carol Wassmann Enterprises

Contributor Level $20-$99 Boehne Farms of Shabbona LLC Camryn Concrete Carsyn Cartage J & L Christensen Otto P Heisner Schneider Club Lambs, Sam Schneider Sharlyn & Jeﬀ Larson Swanson Brother's Hampshire Wagner Excavating LLC WM C Reiser Trucking, Bill & Betty

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• TAX LEVY

sense for us.” However the board proceeds with its property levy may have implications for students, faculty, and staff. Ultimately, the board reached a consensus directing staff to report back with another tax levy option for review. The information the board is working with is essentially projections – at least for now. District staff said there are variables at play that could change the tax levy as it’s presented for consideration to the board. Officials expect to put a tentative property tax levy to a vote at the November board meeting. After which, district leaders will need to put the levy to a final vote in December.

• ATHENA AWARD

Continued from page 4 engagement specialist for Birth to Five Illinois Region 16 DeKalb County. An ad hoc committee reviewed nominations and selected two recipients for the honor. In the spirit of Athena, LaCretia Konan, past chair for DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, encouraged everyone to continue growing, leading, and opening doors not only for themselves, but those who will follow. “Your voice, your perspective, and your leadership is needed,” Konan said.

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Jessi Haish LaRue (center), executive director of J.F Glidden Homestead and Historical Center, receives the Rising Leader Award Oct. 15 during the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Athena Award Reception at the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb.

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Continued from page 9

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14 Higher Self Hypnosis joins the Sycamore community

Photo provided by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce

The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Higher Self Hypnosis to Sycamore. Chamber ambassadors, supporters and community members celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on Sept. 22. “We’re excited to welcome Higher Self Hypnosis to the Sycamore business community,” Sycamore Chamber of Commerce CEO Rose Treml said in a news release. “It’s always exciting to celebrate a new business and the unique services they bring to our community.” Higher Self Hypnosis, 215 W. Elm St., Suite 201B, Sycamore, offers hypnosis services designed to help customers create positive change and work toward personal goals. For information, visit lena-grayqhht.com.

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After years of planning, construction, and community support, Opportunity House is getting ready to open the doors to its expanded facility. Construction on the $2.3 million expansion is complete, with final approval pending, and the organization will host a public Open House on Saturday, Nov. 7. The event will give community members a first look at the new spaces and show how they will create more opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build skills, explore careers, pursue employment, and enjoy community life. The expansion transforms Opportunity House’s historic workshop facility into a space designed for the future. The new S.T.E.A.M. Workforce Development & Training Center includes career exploration labs, vocational training areas, employment readiness instruction, and space to develop partnerships with local employers. The $2.3 million capital campaign has received strong community support, with $1.9 million committed and $1.4 million received to date. With construction complete, Opportunity House continues to raise funds to close the

remaining gap. The expansion comes as Illinois’ Dignity in Pay Act reshapes employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. Opportunity House is developing new ways to help the people it serves build workplace skills, explore careers, and pursue meaningful employment in their communities. “We are excited to be at this point in the project and look forward to opening the doors and sharing this space with our community,” said Tom Matya, CEO/President of Opportunity House. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported this project and helped make this vision a reality.” Community members are invited to attend the Opportunity House Open House on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. More details about the event and opportunities to support the campaign will be shared as the date approaches. For more information about the expansion project or to learn how you can help close the remaining funding gap, contact Opportunity House at (815) 895-5108 or info@ohinc.org.

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Community

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 28, 2026 MIDWEEK

Oddities shop in downtown DeKalb to close Mr. Willy’s Dark Art and Oddities to close for good in the coming months By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com One day before Mr. Willy’s Dark Art and Oddities marked a year since opening its doors in downtown DeKalb, the owners announced they plan to close their shop for good. No final closing date has yet been set. In a Saturday, Oct. 17, social media announcement, owners Shoobie Shirley and Willy Adkins said the decision to close was not easy. “After a lot of conversations and some difficult soul-searching, we’ve decided that we will be closing our shop doors sometime in the coming months,” the statement read. “We’re beginning to put together an exit plan, and while we don’t have a final closing date yet, we wanted you to hear the news from us.” The owners of Mr. Willy’s Dark Art and Oddities acknowledged that the state of the economy doesn’t help matters. “We know so many folks are stretching their budgets just to cover the necessities,” the statement read. “As much as we would personally like to classify a tiny skeleton or a wonderfully creepy piece of art as an essential household expense, apparently groceries and electricity get priority. Rude, but understandable.” The owners of Mr. Willy’s Dark Art and Oddities are not immune to the challenges that many are facing. “We understand that, and we’re facing some difficult choices ourselves,” the statement read. “We simply can’t keep the shop going on the sales we’re seeing.” Still, the owners of Mr. Willy’s Dark Art and Oddities touted what they accomplished over the past year. “We’ve been proud to take part in downtown festivals, community events, and charity efforts,” the statement read. “We’ve loved getting to know our neighbors, sharing the work of our artists and vendors, and watching people discover something here that made their wonderfully weird little hearts happy.”

Megann Horstead

Mr. Willy’s Dark Art and Oddities shop is located at 150 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, as shown on Monday, Oct. 19. Beyond the shelves, Mr. Willy’s Dark Art and Oddities prides itself on being a place where people can feel comfortable being themselves. “To our LGBTQ+ friends, our gothic community, and anyone who has ever walked into a room and wondered whether they belonged: we hope you never had to wonder that here,” the statement read. “A few religious pamphlets and a hateful protester weren’t going to change who we welcomed. We meant it when we said you belonged here. We still do.” The owners of Mr. Willy’s Dark Art and Oddities are grappling with differ-

ent emotions. “We’re sad,” the statement read. “Of course we are. We’ve put a lot of ourselves into this place. But we’re also so grateful that we got to open these doors and meet the people who walked through them.” They also have a new endeavor in the works. “We’re also still hoping to bring our newest endeavor, Peculiar Lot Auctions and Estates, to life in this next chapter,” the statement read. “Apparently, even while making one of the hardest decisions we’ve faced, we’re still incapable of running out of

ideas.” Mr. Willy’s Dark Art and Oddities expressed appreciation to all of its artists and vendors. “Thank you so much for being part of this project with us,” the statement read. “Thank you for trusting us with your creations and helping us fill this place with so much personality.” In signing off, Shirley and Adkins said the shop will close in the coming months, but their events and community will live on. “With love, gratitude, and probably a little crooked eyeliner by the time we finish writing this,” the statement read.

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

Photo provided by Barb City Manor

Barb City Manor Executive Director Sarah Davis (left) and Wanda Tatum of Angel Medical Management Services are all smiles outside the facility in this undated photo. Angel Medical Management Services was one of the sponsors of Barb City Manor’s Light Up The Manor campaign in 2025.

Barb City Manor needs sponsors for Light Up The Manor campaign Campaign kickoff party and lighting ceremony scheduled for Nov. 14 By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com Barb City Manor, a senior retirement living community in DeKalb, is in need of sponsors for its annual Light Up The Manor campaign, according to a news release. It is all part of an annual holiday fundraiser aimed at raising proceeds that will support older adults and future improvements to the historic facility at 680 Haish Boulevard. The Light Up The Manor’s latest campaign will get underway with a kickoff party and lighting ceremony on Nov. 14 at 4 p.m., according to a release. Organizers said they envision the festivities setting the scene for a cool November evening, hot cocoa and a crowd gathered to watch the Manor light up. “Twelve of our current residents had family who also lived at Barb City Manor,” Sarah Davis, executive direc-

tor of Barb City Manor, said in a release. “Seeing families return to the Manor says a lot about the trust they place in us. That trust is something we’re proud to carry forward.” Proceeds are meant to benefit two funds: A resident assistance fund providing aid to new and existing residents who need help affording their homes at Barb City Manor, and a project fund providing support for upcoming renovations, repairs and safety improvements to the historic building, which began as the original DeKalb Public Hospital. Various sponsorship opportunities are available, making it more accessible for businesses of different sizes and budgets, according to a release. Recognition and promotional opportunities will vary by partnership level, allowing for more than logo placement, giving businesses a holiday story to share on social media and a chance to connect with the community. Light Up The Manor also extends opportunities to pay tribute to loved ones with a Memorial Tree ornament or a 5-foot glowing Memorial Angel displayed on the manor’s grounds, according to a release. For information, contact the manor’s Anne Cheladyn at 815-756-8444.

Although the Nov. 3 midterm election has not yet happened, at least one Sycamore school official has said they intend to run for reelection in the April 6, 2027 election. Nathaniel Russell, appointed to the board Jan. 20 to fill a vacancy on the board, announced his plans to run for reelection on Tuesday. He was appointed after former board member Heather Tomlinson stepped down from the position in order to move to Shabbona, bringing her closer to family. Russell said he has focused on supporting student success, fiscal responsibility, transparent governance, and meaningful community engagement over the past nine months. “As a board member, my responsibility is to help ensure every student has access to a quality education while maintaining accountability to our com-

munity,” Russell said. “I will continue advocating for responsible financial management, strong academic programs, student safety, and open communication.” Russell – originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, before marrying Katheryne, who was born and raised in Sycamore – works as a Senior Positive Train Control Train Operations Engineer for Metra. In his news release announcing his candidacy, Russell said expanding career awareness and workforce development opportunities for Sycamore students is a key focus of his campaign. “Students should understand the wide range of opportunities available after graduation,” Russell said. “By introducing career exploration at an earlier age, students and parents can have informed conversations about future education, training, and employment options.” Petitions to run as a candidate for any office in the April 6 consolidated election cannot be filed until Nov. 16.

Photo provided by Sycamore Community School District 427

Nate Russell was appointed to fill a vacant position on the Sycamore Community School District 427 school board during a special meeting Jan. 20. He is running for reelection in the April 2027 election.

17 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Sycamore school board member announces bid for reelection

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 28, 2026 MIDWEEK

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Drainage District Meeting All members of the Normal Drainage District #13 of Dekalb Township are notified to attend Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 11am to noon at 7491 Twombly Road, Dekalb, IL for the annual meeting for all Normal Drainage District members. Commissioners: Scott Drake, Diane Storey, Stephen Storey (The Midweek Oct. 28, 2026) 2357662

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, October 28, 2026

SUDOKU AND SUPER CROSSWORD ANSWERS ON PAGE 2

AMUSEMENTS

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