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Monday, December 9, 2013
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Debate on proposed bar continues DeKalb City Council could change Glidden Crossing’s annexation agreement By DEBBIE BEHRENDS dbehrends@shawmedia.com DeKALB – DeKalb City Council members will continue discussion today on changing Glidden Crossing’s annexation agreement to allow a proposed bistro, bar and video gambling operation. The proposed Penny’s is billed as a casual eatery with a bistro-style menu that would include items such as
wraps and paninis. Blackhawk Restaurant Group LLC, represented by Mike Thiessen, will present plans for the restaurant proposed for the 2,000-square-foot storefront near Goodwill at Monday’s meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St. He reported at the Nov. 25 public hearing that a similar restaurant is planned for 2694 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, in
Pension vote may alter ’14 election
the Hy-Vee shopping center. A sign in the window provides a website and phone number to apply for employment at that location. The Glidden Crossing shopping center, 975 Annie Glidden Road, south of the intersection of Annie Glidden and Malta roads, is anchored by Schnucks. The annexation agreement the council approved for the shopping center in 2006 pro-
hibits bars or taverns from operating there. Rockford attorney Aaron Szeto has submitted an application to amend the agreement to strike the prohibition. The shopping center backs up the Overlook Pointe residential subdivision. At the council’s request, city staff mailed notices of the public hearing to all residents within 500 feet of Glidden Crossing.
Derek Hiland, the city’s principal planner, previously said the city would receive additional restaurant and bar tax revenue if the business opens. He said gaming terminals could generate another $2,000 revenue monthly for the city. Hiland said he would recommend approving the change to the annexation agreement. If the change is approved, the tenant would have to apply for liquor and gaming licenses.
If you go n What: DeKalb City Council meeting n When: 6 p.m. today n Where: DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St.
Voice your opinion Does DeKalb need more video gambling establishments? Vote online at Daily-Chronicle.com.
DeKalb officers play Santa
Candidates now may face fallout By KERRY LESTER The Associated Press SPRINGFIELD – While Illinois Republicans have made solving the state’s pension crisis their issue for years, far fewer GOP lawmakers than expected supported the watershed package of reforms passed by the Legislature Tuesday. Only 15 House Republicans – a third of the 47-member caucus – voted for the $160 billion savings plan that was jointly crafted by Democratic and Republican legislative leaders, as did 10 of the Senate’s 19 GOP members. With at least one major campaign donor lobbying against the package and concerns about giving Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn a gift for his re-election campaign, Republican leaders in each chamber faced a challenge that grew more complicated as the vote neared. More Democrats, in turn, stepped forward to compensate, even though the plan was bitter medicine for unions representing state workers, their usual allies and campaign supporters. “I think everyone feels unhappy about the choice we faced. I don’t think anybody felt there was joy in a yes vote,” said House Democratic Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie. Now that the votes are cast, lawmakers face the consequences in the 2014 election campaign. While legislative leaders would have strategized
Photos by Erik Anderson – For Shaw Media
DeKalb police Officer Jason Leverton looks at the price of an item as Jake Wedoff, 9, (left) and Demaurian Burke, 11, look on Sunday during the Heroes and Helpers event for children at Target in DeKalb. The children had $100 to spend for themselves and their family.
Children pick Christmas gifts through Heroes and Helpers
Jamari Garbatt of DeKalb gets excited when he finds a toy he wants as DeKalb police Officer John Loechel looks for other toys.
By FELIX SARVER fsarver@shawmedia.com DeKALB – When Audra Lehnert was shopping for dolls Sunday, she managed to find the right one with the help of a DeKalb police sergeant. Audra, 8, was walking through the toy aisle at Target with DeKalb police Sgt. Steve Lekkas in tow
when she spotted a Lalaloopsy doll. Audra, who came to the store with her tiara on, is a huge fan of dolls. “It’s what I always wanted,” she said as she picked up the box for the doll. Target and the police department’s Benevolent and Protective
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