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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 • S h awLoc al.co m

‘WE’VE GOT THE SNOW’ Sycamore Park District, NIU to hold pop-up event Jan. 28 / 6

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024 MIDWEEK

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Kelsey Rettke file photo

Beginning the week of Jan. 15, a six-month detour is expected to go into effect for all vehicular traffic from the Lucinda Avenue bridge in DeKalb, seen here in June 2023, meant to accommodate a rescheduled plan to replace the bridge this year.

Lucinda Ave. bridge detour to resume in DeKalb, last to June

By MEGANN HORSTEAD

mhorstead@shawmedia.com DeKALB – A six-month detour is expected to go into effect this week for all vehicular traffic from the Lucinda Avenue bridge in DeKalb, meant to accommodate a rescheduled plan to replace the bridge this year.

At the Jan. 8 City Council meeting, DeKalb leaders were given a brief project update.

City Engineer Zac Gill said the timing will make sense for the city to begin rerouting vehicular traffic in and around the Lucinda Avenue bridge.

PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzles on page 20

Pedestrian traffic will be restricted starting at the end of next week.

“Lucinda Avenue bridge we’re finding out that that is nearing clearance from all utility conflicts,” Gill said. “We looked at the most sensible way to do this is, as the second semester starts there at NIU, let them have their move-in weekend. The week of Jan. 15, then we’ll give them that Monday to clear out of town, all parents, friends and visitors. … By the end of the week, the detour enclosure for the Lucinda [Avenue] bridge will be re-erected.”

The city anticipates that improvements to the Lucinda Avenue bridge will be completed by the summer, officials said.

Originally, the city intended to have work on both the First Street and Lucinda Avenue bridges completed by the end of 2023. But things didn’t pan out according to plan.

While the First Street bridge reopened in December, after some delays of its own, the Lucinda Bridge replacement project was halted and pushed to 2024 because of what city officials said were delays by area utility companies.

Mayor Cohen Barnes expressed his appreciation to Gill for taking the lead with overseeing the city’s bridge work.

“We’re really excited to have the bridges completed,” Barnes said.

WHERE IT’S AT Amusements ........................................20 Classified .........................................21-22 Cover story ............................................. 6 Looking Back .......................................... 9

ON THE COVER Finley Frankel (front) 6, and Olivia Weller, 9, both of DeKalb, kick up some snow Tuesday, Jan. 9, as they cruise down the sled hill at Hopkins Park in DeKalb.

See story, page 6.

Photo by Mark Busch

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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.

3

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Mark Busch

A retired Sycamore firefighter writes a message on a vintage fire truck for firefighter/ paramedic Bradley Belanger on Jan. 6 during the visitation for Belanger at the Sycamore Park District Community Center. Belanger, 45, who worked with the Sycamore Fire Department for more than two decades, died Dec. 22, after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Sycamore bids farewell to late firefighter Hundreds of Illinois firefighters pay respects to Bradley Belanger

By CAMDEN LAZENBY

clazenby@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – Longtime Sycamore firefighter Bradley Belanger was remembered Jan. 6 as the “heart and soul” of the local firehouse, as crowds from across Illinois flocked to town despite the wintery weather to pay their final respects.

Days after he received a motorcade escort from Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield and right before Christmas, Belanger, 45, died Dec. 22 at his Esmond home surrounded by family and friends, according to his obituary. He’d been diagnosed with esophageal cancer a year before.

Sycamore Fire Chief Bart Gilmore and Deputy Fire Chief Jim Ward helped orchestrate the visitation services.

“Brad was an integral part of our fire

department, he was an integral member of the community, both Sycamore and DeKalb County as a whole. He served in so many different capacities, and he’s so well loved,” Gilmore said. “I think everybody sees it as an honor to be able to do this.”

Born in August 1978 in Winfield, Belanger is survived by his wife Jamie Belanger, and their two sons Dakota Becker Belanger and Hunter Belanger.

During Saturday’s ceremony, Belanger’s family was given his helmet, firefighting suit and other memorabilia.

Retired Sycamore Fire Lt. Dan Marcinkowski was one of more than 100 Illinois firefighters who attended Belanger’s visitation.

“When I was a mechanic at the fire department, [Brad] was one of my assistants, and just a phenomenal guy. He’d give you the shirt off his back. And he would do anything for me and vice versa. We helped each other out. His

See BELANGER, page 4

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024 MIDWEEK

4

• BELANGER

Continued from page 3 family, our families are close, and he’s just an all around good guy. And we’ll make sure that his family is taken care of,” Marcinkowski said.

Over a six-hour period, crowds came and went for Belanger’s funeral in the Sycamore Park District Community Center, 480 Airport Road. A private service for family and close friends was scheduled for 5 p.m., but the public was invited to pay their respects as early as 11 a.m.

Sycamore Mayor Steve Braser, who attended the firefighter service, said Belanger’s death is sad for the late first responder’s family and the larger Sycamore community.

“Everything everybody spoke about him before I knew of his illness was very positive,” Braser said, who added he didn’t know Belanger personally.

In lieu of flowers, mourners were asked to donate funds for the services through a GoFundMe page. The Sycamore Park District donated the venue space free of charge, and Sycamore School District 427 buses were used to shuttle visitors to overflow parking lots.

Firefighters gathered together for a walking procession into the building, beneath purple and red flood lights.

Belanger’s comrades, at least 100 deep, walked one by one through the

Photo provided by Ian Wheeler

Sycamore firefighter Brad Belanger died Dec. 22 after a battle with esophageal cancer, the Sycamore Fire Department announced. visitation service, each saluting the folded American flag in his honor. It was a fitting sendoff for Belanger, who hailed from a firefighting family. His father, Robert Belanger, was a firefighter in Glen Ellyn. After Belanger graduated from Glenbard West High School in 1996, he sought to join the fire service, according to his obituary.

Many Sycamore city officials paid respects to Belanger, including City

Manager Michael Hall, City Clerk Mary Kalk, First Ward Alderpersons Alicia Cosky and Alan Bauer and Fourth Ward Alderpersons Virginia Sherrod and Ben Bumpus. State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, also attended, as did District 427 Superintendent Steve Wilder.

Third Ward Alderwoman Nancy Copple said she was impressed by the amount of support from fire departments statewide.

“My prayers are going out to the beautiful wife and boys, and the brothers and the young sister, since we have a fire lady, and just everybody. Just pulling in and seeing the neighboring fire trucks, just the brotherhood and the sisterhood, it’s amazing. I’m just thankful,” Copple said.

DeKalb County Administrator and former Sycamore city manager Brian Gregory said he considers himself fortunate to have worked with Belanger.

“Brad was a great guy, that always had a huge smile on his face, a positive attitude and a willingness to do anything for others including the residents of the city of Sycamore and DeKalb County, his friends and his devoted family. ‘BB’ will certainly be missed by many,” Gregory told the Daily Chronicle in an email statement.

Placed in front of at least 150 filled seats were items to commemorate Belanger’s legacy: a folded American flag and the 1923 Stutz fire truck the department restored over the past decade. A wooden American flag with Belanger’s name etched onto it also was displayed, alongside a photo of Belanger surrounded by floral arrangements.

Belanger was a member of the Winfield Fire Protection District from 1998 until 2007, when he was hired as fulltime firefighter and paramedic with the Sycamore Fire Department, according to his obituary. He was active with the

See BELANGER, page 5

• BELANGER

5

Continued from page 4

Mark Busch

A large American flag hangs over Airport Road near the Sycamore Park District Community Center on Jan. 6 in honor of Sycamore firefighter/ paramedic Bradley Belanger. impression on some tenured Board members.

DeKalb County Board Chair Suzanne Willis said she admired Belanger.

“I’m sorry that we did not get to serve together on the County Board for very long, I would have enjoyed serving with him longer, I’m sure. He was

very active when we were having the hearings on the wind turbine farms, and I really admired him then for wanting to step up and serve on the board so he could be in a decision-making position. That impressed me. I’m really sorry we did not get to work together,” Willis said.

In honor of Belanger’s service as a firefighter, and as a symbol to days gone by in the firefighting community, an old fire bell was rung three times during the firefighter visitation ceremony.

Then, a final call for emergency services rang out. Belanger, the call meant, had completed his mission.

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Sycamore department until his death, and was known for being an involved member of the workforce including the firefighter’s union.

Belanger was part of the region’s Illinois Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) No. 6 Technical Rescue Team, the Sycamore fire investigation team, the department’s health and safety committee, fleet and building maintenance programs, and more, according to his obituary.

Belanger was known for always having a Sharpie at the ready.

“His love for firehouse pranks and shenanigans became legendary, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie that will forever be etched in our memories,” his obituary reads. “Beyond the humor, Brad was a pillar of strength and someone you could rely on in the toughest of times. He was always there.”

Belanger’s enthusiasm for service shown outside the firehouse. He took a particular interest in local government when wind farms were being proposed near his home, a campaign that led to him running for and winning a seat on, the DeKalb County Board in November 2022.

He resigned in January 2023 after receiving his cancer diagnosis, but his passion and tenacity left a lasting

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024 MIDWEEK

6 DeKALB COUNTY

Pop-up cross-country skiing events this month

Winter fun in store as snow settles in for the season

By CAMDEN LAZENBY

clazenby@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – After a weeklong onslaught of winter weather, officials with a Northern Illinois University program and a local park district think they have the answer for cabin fever: a pop-up cross-country skiing event.

Sycamore Park District representative Sarah Rex said the 101-year-old park district is going to hold a cross-country skiing pop-up event at the Sycamore Park District Golf Course on Jan. 28 with the help of NIU’s outdoor recreation group, NIU Outdoor Adventure.

“We’re just today putting this together because it is a pop-up. Like we’ve got snow, we’ve got to do this,” Rex said.

Christine Lagattolla, associate director of external affairs for NIU Recreation, said NIU Outdoor Adventure does programming with Sycamore Park District year round, but this is an annual event they can’t schedule until Mother Nature cooperates.

DeKalb County was pummeled with two major snowstorms over the past week, leaving plenty of snow on the ground for some winter fun.

“We do this about every year, for the past several years, if we get lucky with some snow. And it looks like we’re going to have some snow for awhile, so that’s good,” Lagattolla said.

Information regarding how to register for the special event can be found on Sycamore Park District’s website.

Lagattolla said the program is intended to help area residents take up an outdoor activity during the winter months. Organizers have made it a family affair by stocking child size cross-country skis and snowshoes rentals.

Registration for the pop-up event is open, but Rex said it’s one of the more popular programs every year so those interested should sign up sooner rather than later.

“We’ve done partnered programs with NIU Outdoor Adventure for several years now, probably five or six years, and this is one of the most popular ones,” Rex said.

The pop-up cross-country skiing event – programming Lagattolla called a hidden gem – is a highlight of Sycamore Park District’s outdoor events for the winter season, but it isn’t the only type of winter activity that can be

Photos by Mark Busch

Alonzo Galvin, 5, of Cortland takes advantage of the snowfall Saturday, Jan. 6, as he snowboards down the Northwestern Medicine Sled Hill near the Sycamore Park District Community Center. done on park district grounds.

The district’s second annual Fire and Ice Festival also took place over the weekend.

And just outside of the Sycamore Community Center, 480 Airport Road, is the Northwestern Medicine Sled Hill. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. when conditions allow, including when there’s 2 or more inches of snow on the ground.

Rex said the community center, in a way, has made the sledding hill more accessible.

“What’s really cool about that is people who use a wheelchair or have a hard time with stairs or climbing up a hill, they can come inside, use the elevator up onto the track level and then just walk out the building and be on top of the hill,” Rex said. “We don’t encourage people who are just tired from too many sled rides down, but if grandma or grandpa, or someone who uses a wheelchair or any kind of crutches or cane, they can take an elevator to the top of the sled hill. Which is really cool.”

The hill has seen near continuous use since Jan. 6, when a young snowboarder spent the day learning control. Rex said she’s seen people out on

Mae Kunigonis, 9, of DeKalb and Max the English bulldog race down the sled hill Jan. 9, at Hopkins Park in DeKalb.

Several inches of heavy, wet snow was a headache for some and fun for others.

the hill this past week as late as 9 p.m.

In the winter months, NIU Outdoor Adventure allows Sycamore and DeKalb residents to rent equipment including skis, snowboards and snow-

shoes. Equipment rentals and pickups run from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sunday and Tuesday at NIU Outdoor Adventure’s

See WINTER ACTIVITIES, page 7

DeKalb County Residents Need information about mental health resources for your family or friends?

Don’t know where to turn for locating help?

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Mark Busch

Continued from page 6

location in the NIU Recreation Center, 325 S. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.

Lagattolla said NIU Outdoor Adventure is getting ready to launch an online reservation system, and hopes that effort allows more members of the NIU and DeKalb County community to rent equipment.

NIU Outdoor Adventure also has

partnered with the DeKalb Park District to hold a second pop-up cross-country skiing event. The 90-minute session will be scheduled for a weekend afternoon or weekend early evening, according to a Jan. 10 announcement by the DeKalb Park District. More details are expected.

DeKalb also offers a sled hill and an ice skating rink at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road. The sled hill is open daily 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The ice skating rink opens when weather permits.

What’s really cool about that is people who use a wheelchair or have a hard time with stairs or climbing up a hill, they can come inside, use the elevator up onto the track level and then just walk out the building and be on top of the hill.”

Sarah Rex, Sycamore Park District representative

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THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF QUESTIONS CAN BE ANSWERED: Where to get help for rent, gas, and heating Organizations that will assist parents with a teenager who is having trouble in school, home, or with the law Organizations that will assist in suicide prevention Where people without health insurance can get mental health treatment Where to get help for a young child who has anxiety/depression SM-CL2130844

• WINTER ACTIVITIES

January 18, 2024 9 am to Noon Self-Help Legal Center, located on the first floor of the DeKalb County Courthouse.

Groups that provide support for families dealing with mental illness Where people with chronic mental health issues can go stay during the day

DeKalb County Courthouse is at 133 West State Street, Sycamore IL 60178

The Wizard of Oz Sunday, January 28th at 1:00 and 7:00 Mon, Jan 29 and Wed, Jan 31 at 7:00 Times and Movies subject to change

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7 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024

The sign at the First National Bank tells it all as temperatures are just cold enough to make the precipitation snow rather than rain Jan. 9 in DeKalb.

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024 MIDWEEK

8 Snow day

Delano’s Winter Sale ET P R CA ANTS N REM t.

W AS LO

Mark Busch

AS LOW AS

Stage Coach Players production opens Jan. 19 contact@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – Stage Coach Players is set to open its next production, the Black Box play “Unintended Consequences,” on Friday, Jan. 19.

The play is scheduled to run for three days, according to a news release.

“Unintended Consequences” tells the story of Willis Wilson, a mechanical engineer who lives in Tappan, Illinois. Wilson makes a living doing odd jobs for local farmers and restoring antique cars and machinery.

While he works on a machine he knows nothing about, Wilson meets Jules Charney, a local minister’s daughter and “reformed” punk rocker spending the summer with her mom before moving to Denver. He hires Charney for the summer after seeing she has a gift for mechanics as he tries to learn the machine’s purpose.

While working alone one day, she

meets Whit, an eccentric woman looking for Will. Whit reveals she also was an assistant at the shop.

The cast features Thomas McManamon as Willis Wilson, Tasha Renae as Jules Charney, Wendy Tritt as Whit, Brian Maxfield as Kevin Adair, and Wynt Driett as Jean Wilson.

“Unintended Consequences” is not part of the Stage Coach Players regular series. It contains adult situations, themes and language.

This production is based on the play of the same name written by Scott Morris, who also will direct the play.

He previously directed Stage Coach’s production of “Visiting Mr. Green” in 2021.

Performances of “Unintended Consequences” will be at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 and 20 and 2 p.m. Jan. 21 at Stage Coach Theatre, 126 S. Fifth St. in DeKalb.

Tickets cost $5 and are available online at stagecoachplayers.com or through the box office at 815-758-1940.

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Kyle Krenz, an electrician with DeKalb Public Works, removes snow that has accumulated Tuesday, Jan. 9, on the stoplights at the intersection of Lincoln Highway and Fourth Street in DeKalb. Heavy, wet snow fell through most of the day, bringing with it slick and sloppy roads that crews worked to clear and a chance for a little fun for others who were out of school.

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LOOKING BACK

9 Opportunity House is planning an addition to the present headquarters at 202 Lucas St. The plant will add about 6,000 square feet on the west side of the existing workshop, counseling rooms and offices.

Official opening of the new auditorium of the Malta school will take place Saturday evening, January 19. The auditorium which was built as an addition to the main building is to be used as a combination high school assembly room gymnasium and auditorium for the school and community plays and entertainments.

Mayor J.J. Kingsley, following the heavy snow of yesterday, ordered the snow plow out and to traverse every walk in town to help the property owners get their walks clean. The teamster also cleaned the gutters in many places in case the snow goes quickly, and this will avoid floods of any kind. Now that Mayor Kingsley has started the task of cleaning sidewalks, it would be a first-class plan if the property owners would follow up a bit with Armstrong shovels.

Reports came to the police station yesterday that an old screechy windmill somewhere near the city hospital was causing considerable annoyance. The matter was investigated and found to be the one at the swimming pool, and was quickly taken care of by Rotarians and the city authorities. It was reported the windmill made so much noise that many patients of the hospital were unable to sleep at night.

Derailment of an engine and car last night about 10:30 near the YD tower tied all railroad traffic up until eight o’clock this morning. The engine and one car hopped off the track near the round house and it was necessary to call the big hook before traffic could be opened.

It was possible to allow some of the trains by, but schedules were not adhered to until the trouble was corrected.

Illinois’ shame for years has been the neglected condition of the graves at Janesville of the father and stepmother of Abraham Lincoln. So, the Lions clubs of Illinois have erected a monument over the graves and will see to it henceforth that the grave is not neglected. The monument will be dedicated on Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12.

Starting in yesterday with a fine fall of snow, the weatherman forgot his business and let the “beautiful” continue in its downward course until during the forenoon today when the temperature took a drop. E.E. Embree has been

Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center

DeKalb County Locker Service, a butcher and meat locker business boasting several locations, is seen at the intersection of Fifth and Pine streets in DeKalb in March 1948.

hauling loads of snow from this property on Second street; there have been any number of automobiles stuck, and it has been one grand and glorious day for the autoists. It is estimated that the snow was ten inches deep in places while in others it did not exceed the right inch mark.

1949– 75 YEARS AGO

Seventeen girls received their caps and pins at the Brownie Troop 30 vestiture service held at the Cortland Methodist Church. The girls then were entertained with a flashlight drill and two songs were sung.

The Franks Community Woman’s Club met January 13 in the church community room. Featured on the program were slides of historical landmarks found in northern Illinois. As the pictures were thrown on the screen, a reader gave the history of each.

A light M5 tank, secured by the city of DeKalb, to be used as a memorial in honor of those who served their country in the armed forces, has arrived in DeKalb. The tank, which weighs 28,500 pounds, arrived by railroad this morning and the car will be spotted at Seventh Street. Arrangements are being made to unload the piece of war equipment on Monday. The tank will be placed at Lincoln Highway and Fourth Street and will replace the honor toll board, which was removed a few weeks ago.

Lauren Abel of Aurora, a pilot of a B-24 during World War II, has identified the mysterious airplane pieces reported found along the Kaneville-Virgil blacktop

Sunday, as the battered remains of a jettisoned gasoline tank of the sort used on single-engine fighter craft. Abel saw the wreckage and examined it Sunday afternoon. He said that it evidently had been cut loose from a plane and had hit the fence and ricocheted across the road where it ripped up more wire. Abel, who held the rank of first lieutenant, served with the 93rd bomb group spending eight months in England.

Failure of an electric pump shortly before 8 o’clock Friday morning cut Sycamore’s water supply to the vanishing point briefly. The pump failed and then started to run backwards when attendants couldn’t shut it off immediately. The reverse motion sucked the water out of the mains and water taps all over the city were dry. However, the crippled pump was shut off and another turned on quickly so that the failure went unnoticed by many residents.

What appeared to be the work of experts resulted in the theft of between $2,000 and $3,000 at the DeKalb Elks Club located on First Street and the Lincoln Highway. The safe was blasted between 3 and 4 o’clock this morning and the safe-crackers grabbed four metal money boxes and departed hurriedly.

1974 – 50 YEARS AGO

Seventeen of 18 women sent home Wednesday morning from the Falls Products Inc., here, were back at work today. The women were sent home after becoming ill from an undetermined cause while working on the assembly line at the plant which manufactures lawn mowers.

Because former Sycamore High School student Marta Wetzel became a new author and by publishing a book, the high school has received a complimentary dictionary from the publishing company. The former Sycamore student has been active in state athletic associations, specializing in fencing and conditioning, care and prevention of injuries in women’s sports. She served as an instructor at NIU during the 1973 summer session in the department of physical education for women.

Remember when a two-cent stamp would send a letter anywhere? When mail was delivered twice a day, and three times daily to the business area? When the DeKalb Post Office stood on the corner of Lincoln Highway and First Street? Many DeKalb residents will recall life as it was some 58 years ago when DeKalb’s original post office building at 100 W. Lincoln Hwy. is auctioned on Saturday.

1999 – 25 YEARS AGO

Their truck broke down, they eluded invasive border searches and narrowly saved their load from being looted by an unruly mob. But the Zelaya brothers, Aldo and Martin, made sure the generosity of DeKalb County residents was felt more than 2,000 miles away in Honduras, where survivors of Hurricane Mitch are trying to patch their lives back together.

On Jan. 7, DeKalb building inspectors issued 140 warning tickets to people for not shoveling their sidewalks. On Tuesday the inspectors will hit the street again, but the stakes will be higher for property owners who still haven’t cleared a path, a $25-per-day fine.

Northern Illinois University is moving ahead with plans for a multi-use facility, despite a protest that students and faculty are being shut out. The Board of Trustees gave university administrators the green light to draw up specifications and designs for the building, which NIU officials have dubbed a convocation center.

– Compiled by Sue Breese

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024

1924 – 100 YEARS AGO

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024 MIDWEEK

10

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

DeKalb Township to host mobile DMV event Jan. 23 DeKALB – The DeKalb Township will host a Department of Motor Vehicles mobile event for residents to complete certain services.

The township, 2323 S. Fourth St., DeKalb, will hold the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 23.

The mobile unit offers organ and tissue donation sign-up, voter registration, vehicle registration stickers, driver’s licenses and Real ID and state identification card issuance. Road tests and written exams will not be provided.

Proof of identification is required. A state-mandated documentation list will be available at the township. Accepted payment methods include personal checks; debit cards; money orders; and Discover, AMEX, Mastercard and Visa

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Post WinterFest Warm Up event set for Jan. 20 in Genoa

GENOA – The University of Illinois Extension will partner with Bill and Mary Lloyd of Genoa to host a post WinterFest Warm Up event for WinterFest attendees.

The free event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 20 at Lloyds Garden Center, 622 Park Ave., Genoa.

Attendees can warm up after WinterFest. Live music will be performed by Lee Gardner. Comfort food, hot chocolate and beverages will be provided.

Registration is not required. Free tickets will be available. To receive tickets, visit eventbrite.com and search “WinterFest warm up.”

Early accommodation requests for access needs are encouraged. To make a request, call 815-758-8194.

For information, visit extension.illinois. edu/bdo

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

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DeKALB – The Egyptian Theatre will host its “Countdown to the Oscars Film Series” to celebrate cinema’s legacy beginning Jan. 16.

Films will be shown at 7 p.m. Tuesdays from Jan. 16 through March 5 at the theater, 135 N. Second St. in DeKalb.

Eight Academy Award-winning or nominated movies will be screened. The selection features blockbusters, classic movies and critically acclaimed films.

The movie lineup includes: Jan. 16: “The Philadelphia Story” Jan. 23: “Sunset Boulevard” Jan. 30: “In The Heat of the Night” Feb. 6: “Star Wars: A New Hope” Feb. 13: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” Feb. 20: “Jurassic Park” Feb. 27: No film March 5: “Everything Everywhere All at Once” Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for students with ID and seniors ages 65 and older.

To buy tickets, visit egyptiantheatre. org, call 815-758-1225, or visit the Egyptian Theatre box office.

The Egyptian Theatre is owned and operated by Preservation of Egyptian Theatre Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

For information, visit egyptiantheatre. org.

credit cards.

Residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

For information or to schedule an appointment, call 815-758-8282 or email Admin@dekalbtownship.org.

Dennis Leifheit

Sycamore

Sycamore church to host blood drive Jan. 20

SYCAMORE – The American Red Cross will partner with the National Football League to host a blood drive to help alleviate the current emergency blood shortage.

A blood drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 675 Fox Ave., Sycamore, according to a news release.

Blood, platelets and plasma will be collected. Donors will be entered into a contest for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII. Appointments are required to donate.

To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 800-7332767.

For information, visit RedCrossBlood. org/Super Bowl, redcross.org, CruzRojaAmericana.org, or the American Red Cross’s social media pages.

– Shaw Local News Network

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11 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Egyptian Theatre to host Oscars film series

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024 MIDWEEK

12 NORTHERN ILLINOIS

COVID-19 on rise in some northern Illinois counties SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Several northern Illinois counties are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 and now are newly listed at the high or medium level for hospitalizations.

More than half of all Illinois counties have elevated levels of the coronavirus, Illinois Department of Public Health officials recently announced. Compounding the issue, the state overall has moved to high risk for respiratory illness levels, including the flu or respiratory syncytial virus.

The latest numbers show that Lee, Ogle, Boone and Winnebago counties are labeled high, meaning there were at least 20 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the week per 100,000 people in the population, one of the main gauges the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uses for COVID-19 risk and prevalence.

They are among 18 counties statewide now in that range, according to the IDPH. McHenry, DuPage, Lake and Cook counties have moved to medium-level risk for COVID-19 hospitalizations, while Will, Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, LaSalle, Bureau, Grundy and Putnam

Christopher Braunschweig

The CDC recommends indoor masking in areas where COVID hospitalizations are high, and masking for high-risk people in medium areas. counties remain at low risk.

At the high level of hospital admissions, the CDC encourages people to wear masks, stay up to date with vaccines and, for those at higher risk of serious illness, avoid unnecessary indoor activities.

People also are advised to test for the virus in cases of a suspected contact with a sick person and to isolate if diagnosed. In medium-risk areas, masks are encouraged indoors for those at

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higher risk.

Experts have said a winter COVID-19 increase was expected given that people tend to spend more time indoors and gathered with others at the holidays.

That increase is being seen with the flu, too, with state health officials noting flu activity is surging to match the preCOVID-19 2019-2020 season.

The state reported the deaths of two children from the flu and said they’re investigating a third death as possibly

flu-related, calling those cases a “sobering reminder of the potential severity of influenza in children and the importance of vaccination.”

The health department said RSV, another respiratory virus, appears to have stabilized, but with a slight increase in RSV hospital admissions in infants in the past week.

People who get respiratory sickness symptoms – such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat, a runny nose or a fever – are advised to stay home and wear a mask out if necessary to seek medical care.

Other indicators in the latest data show updated virus levels. The number of overall COVID-19-related deaths in Illinois increased by 28% over the previous week based on provisional information. In many areas, levels detected in wastewater monitoring also are on the rise. Statewide, almost 1,400 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations were reported, 7.7% higher than the previous week, according to the IDPH. In many parts of the region, less than one-quarter of the population is up to date on the latest COVID-19 vaccinations, according to the CDC, with McHenry, Lee and La Salle counties below 20%. The overall state rate is about 24%.

Developer back with plan to build 40 townhomes in Sycamore 13 SYCAMORE – A developer who in 2022 proposed building 40 townhomes on Sycamore’s south side is again seeking city approval of the project, which received initial support by a Sycamore commission Jan. 8.

The townhomes – dubbed luxury condos at Fox Point Reserves in blueprints released by the city – would be built on just less than 5 acres of land at 1235 Hathaway Drive about a half mile from Blain’s Farm and Fleet in Sycamore, documents show. Sycamore’s Planning and Zoning Commission took a first look at the latest proposal Monday, which includes a potential rezoning.

Randy Yoch has owned the 4.6 acres at the proposed site of his townhome complex for almost two decades. Yoch told the commission Jan. 8 the townhomes, if approved by the City Council and built, won’t be rented.

“I’ve owned this property for 20 years or so, and we’ve had multiple presentations in front of the Planning and Zoning Commission,” Yoch said.

“The current project, we are joining with a local builder, and we are anticipating that these are for-sale townhome units. No rentals.”

According to concept plans, the buildings would be single story. Each unit would include about 1,400 square feet of living space, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, one-car garages and “luxury amenities throughout.”

Bob Breidenbach, a Sycamore resident who lives near the site of the proposed townhomes, attended the meeting and said he hoped the properties wouldn’t be predominately rental units. Developers have said they intend to sell the units, not rent them.

Yoch has requested Sycamore City Council approval to rezone the Hathaway Drive site from mixed use, which allows for both residential and business development, to multi-family use only.

The proposal for the townhomes in the residential neighborhoods behind Peace Road first went in front of the Planning and Zoning Commission in August 2022.

Yoch and another developer, Kurt Kozlowski, have entered into an agreement to build the site together, according to city documents.

City Manager Michael Hall said city best practices say Sycamore officials should consider surrounding properties when deliberating a development proposal. In this case, a townhome complex could fit with the area,

Hall said. He said city staff also back the plan.

“So if you look to the east it’s multi-family units as well,” Hall said.

“To the west is a hotel. So it [the proposal] kind of fits in that area. It has been undeveloped for a long period of time. So staff is recommending in favor of the project, and along with the rezoning of this project.”

At 8.6 units per acre, the project would produce a high-density living space in southern Sycamore, according to city documents.

Kozlowski received positive feed-

back from the commission during a workshop on Aug. 8, 2022.

Monday’s development proposal is identical to the one first presented to the city in 2022, said the city’s community development director John Sauter.

Approval of zoning changes wouldn’t give the project a final green light, however.

A vote on the zoning request for the development is expected at the Jan. 16 City Council meeting. Final project plans would need to go through additional city approval also before moving forward, city officials said.

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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clazenby@shawmedia.com

Why it pays for seniors to maintain good credit The benefits of maintaining good credit include looking more reliable in the eyes of prospective employers and securing lower mortgage interest rates when buying a home. Those rewards can benefit anyone, but theyÕre especially enticing to young people. But what about seniors? Do individuals stand to benefit significantly from maintaining good credit into their golden years?

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¥ Unforeseen expenses: No one knows whatÕs around the corner, but savvy seniors recognize the importance of planning for the unknown. The COVID-19 pandemic seemingly came out of nowhere, and among its many ripple effects was the sudden job loss experienced by seniors. The JCHS report found that 21 percent of homeowners age 65 and over had reported loss of employment income related to the pandemic. Unforeseen medical expenses also can compromise seniorsÕ financial freedom. Maintaining a strong credit rating into older adulthood can help seniors navigate such financial uncertainty more smoothly. Such a strategy can help seniors secure low-interest loans or credit cards that can help them pay down sudden, unforeseen expenses without getting into significant debt.

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024 MIDWEEK

16 DeKalb Corn Fest board donates $3,500 to Barb Food Mart

Photo provided by the DeKalb Corn Fest board

The DeKalb Corn Fest board recently presented a $3,500 check to Barb Food Mart as the recipient of funding from the 2023 festival. Pictured (from left) are Christi Coulter, Lisa Angel, Nancy Partch, Denise Salihoglu, Shawn Lowe, Brian Reynolds, Sean Larson and Jessica Dewey. Barb Food Mart is a food pantry that serves 250 families every week at its Garden Street location and another 250 families out of two satellite pantries located at DeKalb High School and Malta Elementary School, according to a news release. For every $1 the pantry receives, it is able to buy $8 worth of food for families. Consider donating at secure.givelively.org/donate/barb-food-mart-nfp.

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eschelkopf@shawmedia.com Sandwich residents will see smoother roads ahead in 2024.

The long-anticipated reconstruction of North Latham Street in Sandwich is one of the projects set to begin in the city in the coming months.

“We’ve got all the utility relocation work done so we’ll start construction on that project here in the spring,” Sandwich Mayor Todd Latham said.

The project – which has a price tag of more than $4 million – will involve the reconstruction of a 1-mile section of the street that extends north from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway tracks to Sandhurst Drive.

Sewer and water improvements also are part of the project.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

DeKalb County workshops offered to aid area youth

A DeKalb-based organization that helps empower area youth to lead meaningful lives is offering a workshop to promote healthy habits in January and February.

Federal and state funds will help pay for the project. The city this year will also start engineering work for improvements to North Main Street from Center Street to Pleasant Avenue.

“We’re going to do a similar type of project on North Main Street,” Latham said. “It hasn’t been done for many years.”

Preliminary engineering also has begun on replacing the Pratt Road bridge. Along with those projects, the city plans to do more than $150,000 worth of sidewalk projects this year.

A project to improve the city’s wastewater treatment plant will be finishing up this year. The city received a $13.9 million state loan for the project.

The upgrades to the plant will improve its ability to remove nutrients, including phosphorus, and

improve water quality in Harvey Creek and waters downstream. The project includes a phosphorus-removing chemical feed system, filters, new aerobic biosolids sludge digesters and rehabilitation of the existing digesters.

The city is facing a mandate from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to reduce phosphorous discharge from the plant into Harvey Creek to 1.0 milligrams per liter. It must comply with the mandated discharge levels by Dec. 1, 2024, which was extended last year by the IEPA from March 2023.

Sandwich will be required to reduce phosphorous discharge levels to 0.5 milligrams per liter by 2030. The plant was built in 2000 and can treat up to 1.5 million gallons of wastewater a day.

Staffing will also be part of discus-

sions in the new year. Latham said the city this year will work on making sure the police department is fully staffed.

“We’re just a few down,” he said.

“It’s just kind of the way it is with any job.”

The Sandwich Police Department’s new Public Safety Center fully opened its doors last year. In addition, new Sandwich Police Chief Kevin Senne was sworn in during the Sept. 5 Sandwich City Council meeting.

The Sandwich City Council also wants to hire someone to bring more economic development to the city. In November, the majority of City Council members voted to create an economic development and tourism position.

The part-time position would pay $45,000 a year with benefits.

DAYS (Developmental Assets for Youth Success) is offering a free interactive workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 17 and 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Blank Slate Room at the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education, 2500 N. Annie Glidden Road, Suite C, in DeKalb.

Designed for adults, community leaders, business owners, coaches and educational staff, this workshop focuses on the 40 developmental assets that help youth successfully navigate their pre-teen and teen years to become thriving, successful adults.

Developmental assets enhance the relationships between adult leaders and youth.

Register at forms.gle/yobhZAN7K6zrVLij9. For information, call DAYS team lead Merri Michalski at 815-217-0460.

– Shaw Local News Network

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Road, sidewalk projects ahead for Sandwich in 2024 17

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024 MIDWEEK

18 DeKalb Chamber celebrates Excelleaf Dispensary’s grand opening

Photo provided by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated Excelleaf Dispensary’s grand opening and welcomed it to the Chamber’s membership. Chamber staff, community and board members, and ambassadors marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting Dec. 1. Excelleaf Dispensary, 305 E. Locust St. in DeKalb, provides quality care and helps customers embrace cannabis as part of a healthy lifestyle. For information, visit excelleaf.com or call 331-223-9688.

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Illinois State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, seen here July 12 at DeKalb High School, is happy with a recently announced plan to convert the intersection of Plank, Lindgren and North Grove roads in Sycamore into a roundabout.

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State Rep. Keicher says he supports $1.5M Plank Road roundabout plan

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clazenby@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, is a proponent of a $1.5 million roundabout planned for Plank Road in Sycamore.

DeKalb County Engineer Nathan Schwartz recently shared an email with the Daily Chronicle indicating the ongoing study of the Plank Road corridor determined a $1.5 million plan to install a roundabout at the intersection of Plank, Lindgren and North Grove roads in Sycamore is the best option for relieving the congested intersection.

On Jan. 4, Keicher said he supports the plan.

“Kudos to DeKalb County Government, Illinois and DeKalb Highway Department and Nathan Schwartz for addressing this issue. In the many discussions we have had you made it clear this was a priority to make it safe,” Keicher wrote in a social media post on Jan. 4.

A year ago, area residents pleaded with officials at a DeKalb County Board meeting to expedite the study of the Plank Road corridor. Schwartz said he expects to reveal the results of the study soon, but has yet to indicate

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what will be recommended for the roadway north of the intersection expected to be converted to a roundabout.

That roundabout – anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025 at the earliest – will be less than a half mile from North Grove Elementary School.

Schwartz has said the new traffic pattern will reduce speeds, creating safer conditions for pedestrians crossing the road. The consultant firm that’s been hired for the project, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, is looking into additional ways to make the area safer for foot traffic, but Schwartz said the results of the study showed a roundabout was the best solution. Schwartz said a stoplight at the intersection of Plank, Lindgren and North Grove roads would back up traffic along the already congested roadway more than most realize. Schwartz also emphasized a roundabout’s ability to keep traffic flowing while allowing for safer pedestrian access.

Keicher, a Sycamore resident who manages a State Farm insurance office in the city, said that was the reason he’s established himself as a supporter of the project.

“I know some don’t like roundabouts but I’m a big fan after seeing the data on why they are often a more efficient and safe option,” Keicher wrote on Facebook.

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19 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024 MIDWEEK

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 17, 2024 MIDWEEK

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“CLIP N SAVE” REAL ESTATE AUCTION

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17th, 2024 TO BE SOLD AT 11:00 AM SHARP!

LOCATION: 6974 CINDY DR., ROCKFORD, IL 61109 3 Bdrm Ranch, 1 bath home, 1160 sq. ft. 2-car garage, full finished basement. Stove & fridge stay.

Deck on front of house, small patio & shed out back.

OPEN HOUSE TO BE HELD SUNDAY, JANUARY 21ST from 1-3 pm PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Belvidere, IL DEKALB 61008 COUNTY, ILLINOIS HEARTLAND BANK & TRUST AUCTIONEERS: LYLE LEE, IL. State License COMPANY, #440.000200 WI. # 2863-52 Plaintiff, 815-988-0249 v.

Real Estate Terms: $10,000 down day of sale (nonHOTOPP PROPERTIES, INC., refundable) by Cashiers check or check w/ bank letter IllinoisClosing corporation; of guarantee. Sold in “AS IS”an condition. in 30 L. at closing.

HOTOPP.; days or less. Title policy to WILLIAM be furnished "UNKNOWN OWNERS" and No warranties implied or expressed.

Lee Auction service "NON-RECORD is NOT responsible for accidents.

Sale is CLAIMANTS," subject to Owner's Approval. Have yourDefendants. financing lined up. No Buyer's Premium on Real Estate Case No. 2024FC000001 Property Address 218 N. Eddy Street Sandwich, Illinois 60548 315 S. Wolfe Street Publisher's Notice: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Sandwich, Fair HousingIllinois 60548 NOTICE "any OF PUBLICATION Act which makes it illegal to advertise The requisite preference, limitation or discrimination based Affidavit for Publication on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial having been status or national origin, or anfiled, intention, notice tois hereby given make any such preference, limitation of discrimination." to HOTOPP PROPERTIES, Familial status includes childrenINC., underantheIllinois age ofcorporation; 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnantL.women and WILLIAM HOTOPP; people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper "UNKNOWN OWNERS" and will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate "NON-RECORD which is in violation of the law.

Our readers CLAIMANTS," are hereby Defendants in newspaper the aboveinformed that all dwellings advertised in this entitled basis. suit, that said suit are available on an equal opportunity has HUD been1-800-669-9777 commenced in the To complain of discrimination call Court of DeKalb Hearing impaired numberCircuit is 1-800-927-9275 County, Illinois, by Plaintiff, HEARTLAND BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, against you and other defendants praying for foreclosure of a Mortgage covering the described as premises follows to wit: PARCEL ONE: PUBLIC NOTICE LOT 3 BLOCK 11 IN EDDY'S IN THE CIRCUIT COURT ADDITION TO THE CITY OF OF THE TWENTY THIRD SANDWICH ACCORDING TO JUDICIAL CIRCUIT THE PLAT RECORDED IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS BOOK "A" OF PLATS, PAGE HEARTLAND BANK & TRUST 7 ON MAY 14, 1855, IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS. COMPANY, Common Address: Plaintiff, 218 N. Eddy Street v.

HOTOPP PROPERTIES, INC., Sandwich, Illinois 60548 Illinois corporation; Permanent Index No: an WILLIAM L. HOTOPP.; 19-35-239-006-0000 "UNKNOWN OWNERS" and PARCEL TWO: "NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS," LOT 3 AND SO MUCH OF Defendants.

THE EAST 1/2 OF THE VACATED ALLEY LYING Case No. 2024FC000001 WEST OF THE ADJOINING Property Address SAID LOT 3 BETWEEN THE 218 N. Eddy Street Sandwich, Illinois 60548 WESTERLY EXTENSIONS OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH 315 S. Wolfe Street LINES OF SAID LOT, ALL Sandwich, Illinois 60548 IN BLOCK 7 IN HALL'S NOTICE OF PUBLICATION The requisite Affidavit for ADDITION TO SANDWICH, Publication having been ACCORDING TO THE PLAT filed, notice is hereby given THEREOF RECORDED IN to HOTOPP PROPERTIES, BOOK "A" OF PLATS PAGE INC., an Illinois corporation; 40, ON OCTOBER 13, WILLIAM L. HOTOPP; 1882, IN DEKALB COUNTY, "UNKNOWN OWNERS" and ILLINOIS "NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS," Common Address: Defendants in the above- 315 S. Wolfe Street entitled suit, that said suit Sandwich, Illinois 60548 has been commenced in the Permanent Index No: Circuit Court of DeKalb 19-25-355-002-0000 which Mortgage was County, Illinois, by Plaintiff, HEARTLAND BANK AND made by Hotopp Properties, TRUST COMPANY, against Inc., as Mortgagor, in favor you and other defendants of Heartland Bank & Trust praying for foreclosure of a Company, as Mortgagee, Mortgage covering the and recorded in the Office premises described as of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb County, Illinois, follows to wit:

Common Address: 315 S. Wolfe Street Sandwich, Illinois 60548 Permanent Index No: 19-25-355-002-0000 which Mortgage was made by Hotopp Properties, Inc., as Mortgagor, in favor of Heartland Bank & Trust Company, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb County, Illinois, on December 10, 2019, as Document No. 2019011393.

NOW THEREFORE, unless you, the above-named Defendants, file your answer to the Complaint in said suit, or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of DeKalb County, Illinois, on or before February 9, 2024, default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint.

Tina M. Jacobs, Esq. ARDC 6190255 Joy Pinta, Esq. ARDC 6278250 JACOBS & PINTA 77 West Washington Street, Suite 1005 Chicago, Illinois 60602 (312) 263-1005 officeadmin@ jacobsandpinta.com I3236037

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