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ON THE COVER
Don Henderson, 88, points to a barber pole on April 17 that he was gifted for his barbershop, Spartan Style. Henderson first learned to cut hair in 1957, while Dwight D. Eisenhower was president. See story, page 6.
Photo by Camden Lazenby
Kishwaukee Concert Band to perform season finale concert May 4
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The Kishwaukee Concert Band will conclude its 23rd concert season with a performance on May 4.
The free concert will begin at 3 p.m. in the Boutell Concert Hall in the Northern Illinois University Music Building, 550 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb.
The concert will be directed by Dave Lehman and John Feken. Feature music includes “Afterlife,” by Rossano Galante, a piece that begins peacefully and grows and intensifies into a life, afterlife and self-awareness reflection. “New York:
1927,” arranged by Warren Barker, is a descriptive composition of 1920s New York City. John Philip Sousa’s “Nobles of the Mystic Shrine March” is an Almas Temple of the Shriners dedication.
“Georgia on My Mind” by Hoagy Carmichael will feature alto saxophonist Beth Wilkins. “Glenn Miller in Concert,” arranged by Paul Murtha, is a selection that defines the swing era’s sound. John Williams’ “Theme from Schindler’s List” will be performed by violinist Courtney Hanna-McNamara.
“Overture for Winds” by Charles Carter provides the audience a series of changes between fast and slow music. “Il Re Pas-
tore,” arranged by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is a dramatic cantata depicting love against conscience’s demands. Clifton Williams’ “Arioso” uses a single dynamic arc before returning to a quiet exit. “Broadway One-Step,” by Karl King, is a vintage ragtime and dixieland style march.
The concert is sponsored by the Kyler family of Malta and their friends, to honor the memory of Bobby Kyler.
The Kishwaukee Concert Band is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization composed of adult volunteers who have played an instrument in the past.
For information, visit kishconcertband. org or the band’s Facebook page.
North Elementary School PTO to host children’s clothing, toy sale May 17 at SHS field house
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The North Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization will host its annual Children’s Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale on May 17 to support student field trips and programs.
The sale will begin at 8 a.m. in the Sycamore High School field house, 427 Spartan Trail.
Admission is free for children and $1
for everyone else. Sale items include games, baby equipment and furniture, DVDs, bicycles, toys, maternity clothes, puzzles, jackets, shoes, children’s clothes, bedding, books, riding toys, outdoor equipment and Halloween costumes. Items will be full price from 8 a.m. to noon and half-price from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Volunteer and seller registration for the sale is available. Seller guidelines and set-up details will be provided. Early reg-
istration is encouraged. Seller registration is due May 14. To register, visit myconsignmentmanager.com/northelementarypto.
The North Elementary School PTO includes parents and educators who sponsor and organize fundraisers and events and promote parent, teacher, community and administration communication.
For information, email northschoolpto@gmail.com or visit the sale’s Facebook page.
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Matteo Contreras, 7, is all smiles after spotting the camera during the second annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration in downtown DeKalb on May 5, 2024.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in DeKalb returns at new spot
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Organizers behind DeKalb’s free Cinco de Mayo celebration are planning to bring all the food, fun and entertainment back for the third year in a row.
Festivities will take place from noon to 8 p.m. May 4 in Frank Van Buer Plaza in the city’s downtown. Previously, the event shut down portions of Lincoln Highway.
“We’re moving to Van Buer Plaza with the bulk of the Cinco de Mayo festivities held within that location similar to the farmers market,” Ryan Gifford, one of the owners of El Jimador Mexican Grill and one of the organizers for the event. “We’re using that area as the new central hub for Cinco de Mayo instead of using the block of downtown to be more fair to those businesses, traffic.”
Organizers said they have been putting in work to plan the event since last year.
Gifford described last year’s event as
such a success that organizers wanted to build off of it.
He estimates that crowds as large as 2,000 to 3,000 were drawn to the celebration in 2024.
“It had overwhelming support from the community last year,” he said. “It was huge. It was an all-day event.”
A majority of the celebration remains unchanged.
As in years past, highlights will include live music and dancing, food trucks, a beer garden and family-friendly activities.
Organizers also are planning a wagon parade expected to proceed down Locust Street and wrap around the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St. Spectators are encouraged to line the sidewalks as the procession makes its way through downtown.
Gifford said working with DeKalb city officials has been a seamless process for organizers.
“They’ve been wonderful to work with,” Gifford said. “City officials always seem to have our back. We have a great relationship with the city.”
Shaw Local News Network file photo
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
DeKalb Chamber accepting farmers market vendor forms
DeKALB – The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is accepting vendor request forms for the 2025 DeKalb Farmers Market season.
The market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, June 5 through Sept. 18, at Van Buer Plaza in downtown DeKalb. The Chamber will accept applications from artists, crafters, growers and food vendors. Vendors can participate for the full season, half the season or certain weeks. Due to Corn Fest closures, the market will not be held Aug. 21.
The market includes electricity access, on-site staff support and setups and teardowns. The farmers market also features the Link and Link Match Program, which helps vendors boost sales and promote food accessibility. Vendors also will be able to participate in afternoon and weekend events.
To request a form, visit dekalb.org/ farmersmarket or call 815-756-6306.
For information, visit dekalb.org.
Sycamore library group’s book sale set for April 25 and 26
SYCAMORE – The Friends of the Sycamore Library will host a used book sale to support the library’s facilities, services and resources.
The sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 25 and 26 at the Sycamore Public Library, 103 E. State St. Items for sale include gently used romance, nonfiction, mystery and history books, cookbooks, DVDs, games and CDs. Prices range from 25 cents to $3. The sale also features a buy-one-get-one deal on April 26.
The Friends of the Sycamore Library is a
‘Annie’s Story Time’ begins May 1 at the Glidden Homestead
DeKALB – The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will partner with the DeKalb Public Library to host a monthly “Annie’s Story Time” program.
The first program will be held at 1 p.m. May 4 on the homestead’s lawn, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
The program will feature interactive songs and movement. In inclement weather, the event will be held inside the homestead. The programs are planned for the first Sunday of the month.
No registration is required.
501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the library in various ways.
For information, email friendsofthesycamorelibrary@gmail.com.
DeKalb Township to host I-PASS recycle and swap event May 1
DeKALB – The DeKalb Township and state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, will partner to host an I-PASS event for residents to recycle, return, and swap I-PASS Transponders.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 1 at the DeKalb Township administrative building, 2323 S. Fourth St., DeKalb.
Residents can return and recycle transponders for new I-Pass sticker tags. Attendees also will receive an I-PASS account credit equal to the transponder deposit. Tollway representatives will
available to accept I-PASS Assist program applications.
The event will be appointment-only from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are allowed from 4:30 to 7 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 815-758-8282.
For information, call 815-758-8282.
The program is named after Joseph F. Glidden’s niece, Annie. She helped promote DeKalb’s cultural and social causes. Glidden formed the Library Whist Club in 1898. The club used its membership dues funds to purchase books for the DeKalb Public Library.
The homestead is open from noon to 4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of the month.
For information, email stormye@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
– Shaw Local News Network
Mark Busch file photo
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is accepting vendor request forms for the 2025 DeKalb Farmers Market season.
‘Let’s Dance Big Band Weekend’ begins July 11
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Just Make It Happen will hold its 19th annual “Let’s Dance Big Band Weekend” in July.
The event will run July 11-13 at the Duke Ellington Ballroom in the Northern Illinois University Holmes Student Center, 340 Carroll Ave., DeKalb.
The event will feature three bands, dance coaching lessons, a Welcome Dance, a Grand Ball, a Cabaret Dance and a Sunday Dance. Food will be provided.
The Big Band Weekend begins with a welcome dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 11 with music by the Ken Kilian Swingtet.
The Cabaret Dance will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 12. Attendees can relax and practice dance moves. The cost is $10 a person or $20 per couple.
The Grand Ball is scheduled from 7:30 to 10:45 p.m. July 12 and will feature the John Smith and Shananigans Big Band.
The Sunday Dance includes the Brian Patti Orchestra from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Participants are required to wear leather-soled shoes.
Just Make It Happen will hold its 19th annual “Let’s Dance Big Band Weekend” July 11-13 in the Duke Ellington Ballroom at Northern Illinois University’s Holmes Student Center, 340 Carroll Ave., DeKalb.
Registration is required and limited to 20 couples. Advanced registration is due May 1. Tickets cost $245 per person or $275
per person after May 1.
Just Make It Happen Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps the community
through professional entertainment. For information, visit justmakeithappen-dekalb.com.
Photo provided by Just Make it Happen Inc.
A cut above the rest
Spartan Style barber Don Henderson ready to retire after 68 years
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Don Henderson has been cutting hair since President Dwight D. Eisenhower was in office, and has operated a Sycamore barbershop since “Star Wars” premiered in theaters.
But that’s all set to change.
Henderson, 88, who started barber school in 1957, will retire at the end of the month. The shop will close April 30.
Spartan Style, 550 W. State St., Sycamore, the barbershop Henderson has operated since 1977, will close in conjunction with his retirement.
Jeff Henderson, 65, Don Henderson’s son, said his father has a “heart of gold” and would do anything for his customers.
“I think he’s got a lot of loyal customers from cutting their hair for years and years,” Jeff Henderson said.
Don opened his barbershop when he still was technically an apprentice, which meant he did not yet have his
license to cut hair. Eventually, he was told he had to hire a licensed barber or risk being shut down. But that was in Elburn, almost two decades before he brought his business to Sycamore.
In 1977, after cutting hair in DeKalb for two years, Don opened his shop in Sycamore. He said a friend advised him against calling the business Don’s Barbershop – what he’d named his Elburn business.
“I was a stranger to Sycamore and he didn’t think that was a good idea,” Don Henderson said. “He thought I ought to tie it to the community somehow, thus Spartan Style was made.”
When he started his career, Don said men would line up for flat-top haircuts. But over the decades he’s seen all sorts of trends come and go. He said there wasn’t one particular type of haircut he was particularly fond of giving, but admitted that being a barber “will force you to kind of keep up with the times.”
Over the almost half-century that
will
Sharon Henderson sits next to Don Henderson on April 17. The couple has been married 67 years and
officially enjoy retirement together in May.
Photos by Camden Lazenby
Spartan Style barbershop, 550 W. State St. in Sycamore, will close April 30 after 47 years of business.
Having a dad as a barber made my first haircut from somebody besides him quite nerve-wracking.”
Jeff
Henderson, Don Henderson’s son
• BARBERSHOP
Continued from page 6
Spartan Style has been open, Don has cut the hair of many people in the Sycamore community. That’s true, even today. Henderson said he’s maintained about 100 customers heading into the final few days of operating his business.
His wife Sharon Henderson, 86, said “it’s been good” to know her husband’s business has been a community staple for 47 years. They’ve been married for 67 years.
“I know that he’s happy in what he’s been doing, so that means a lot,” Sharon Henderson said.
Sharon said she hasn’t relied on her husband for haircuts over their decadeslong marriage, however. She’s used a separate hairstylist for most major haircuts, but he’s been able to use his skills to give her quick trims when she’s needed it.
Jeff Henderson, who now lives in
Indiana and hasn’t had his father cut his hair in three decades, said no one other than his dad cut his hair until he was about 20.
“Having a dad as a barber made my first haircut from somebody besides him quite nerve-wracking,” Jeff Henderson said.
Don said he made his decision in fall 2024 to retire this year, and isn’t having any second thoughts.
“I wanted to quit while I still had some life left in me,” Don Henderson said.
In retirement, the Hendersons plan to travel, visiting children and grandchildren who live across the country. But before that, they’re ready to celebrate.
From 3 to 5 p.m. May 2 at MVP Sports Bar, 124 California St., in downtown Sycamore, Don and Sharon Henderson will celebrate retirement with their family, customers and friends. The event is open to the public but is largely for his customers and family.
There will be no haircuts, however.
DeKalb city awards locals for sustainability work
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – DeKalb city residents who lead efforts to strengthen sustainability and environmental engagement in the area have earned awards for their work.
The DeKalb STARR (Sustainability Through Action, Resiliency and Responsibility) Awards were presented April 5 as part of a city presentation at the second annual Earth Fest, according to a news release. Earth Fest was sponsored by DeCarbon DeKalb and Northern Illinois University and held at Founders Memorial Library.
“The recipients are true leaders in local environmental sustainability efforts,” Mayor Cohen Barnes said in the release. “They have taken the initiative and given their time and energy to make DeKalb a better place to live, and I’m certain their work will inspire other community members to do the same.”
Nominations were solicited and received from community members. Awards were presented in five categories.
DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes (fourth from left), Second Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson (second from left) and members of the Citizens’ Environmental Commission gather with recipients of the DeKalb STARR Award, presented April 5 during DeKalb County Earth Fest.
recognized with the Corporate/Institutional Environmental Leadership award for discontinuing the use of plastic shopping bags.
Resident Nick Dory was named the Individual Sustainability Champion for his work picking up litter in his neighborhood and supporting the CEC.
Resident Saige Ruback was named the Youth Sustainability Leader for making time to support local sustainability initiatives even with a busy schedule as a student and travel hockey player.
To coincide with the adoption of the City’s updated Sustainability Plan, the CEC reinvigorated the City’s annual environmental award with a new name and the creation of five categories showing how sustainability can happen in many ways.
The Rooted for Good School Gardens program received the Sustainable Community Project award for organizing community and student volunteers to tend to gardens at DeKalb School District elementary schools.
the Green Business of the Year for its gardening and beautification projects at locations throughout the DeKalb area, including Hope Haven, which serves people who are homeless.
Sweet Life Garden Group was named
The DeKalb Aldi grocery store was
The effort was a success with more nominations submitted from the community than in recent years. Community members are encouraged to keep an eye out for their neighbors making a difference in sustainability locally and submit their names for a STARR Award when the nomination period reopens early next year.
24-27
Photo provided by the city of DeKalb
LOOKING BACK
1925 – 100 YEARS AGO
Many farmers of this community today attended a plowing match and demonstration at the George Busby farm, northwest of Malta. Several well known makes of tractors were stationed at the farm today for demonstration work and the farmers in attendance took an active interest in the work. The demonstration by the various tractors commenced shortly after noon today, and the farmers are said to have arrived early, an active interest was shown during the entire time.
Striking the church during the time that mass was being observed, about $1,000 worth of damage was done by lightening Sunday morning on the St. Mary’s church at Maple Park. The lightning struck one corner of the church and tore out some of the bricks. Many people of this city were wondering if the early morning storm did any damage in this community. Although the thunder was very heavy, no other reports have been received. In several sections of the state the damage was great, two people being killed at Peoria.
Although no announcement has been made by A. J. Kennedy, the work of excavating on his lot next to the fire station on North Fourth Street is progressing very rapidly, and a part of the excavation has reached a depth of about four feet. The black dirt that was found on the surface of the ground has been hauled to the high school where it is being used in leveling off the ground around the new part of the building.
The first consignment of fresh strawberries arrived in Sycamore the first of this week, and while the price conforms to that which generally prevail during the early part of the season, the several crates received here did not last long. The berries were from the large and luscious variety and looked very tempting to those who are fond of this particular fruit. It is said that several Sycamore people are nursing strawberry patches along at this time and if the weather continues favorably there will be many families enjoying home grown berries before long.
Very good progress in being made on the erection of the garage for Charles Nor-
railroad said the 200-job cut included middle management and executive position and were made in every classification and region in the system.
For just one year short of a quarter century, a week in April has been designated as National Secretaries Week by the National Secretaries Association in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Commerce. The week was originated to acknowledge the contribution of all secretaries to the vital roles of business, industry, education, government and the professions.
een on North Fourth Street, south of the American Steel Welfare building. The walls are being laid at this time and much of the preliminary work given attention. When completed the garage will be one of the most modern in this city. Mr. Noreen expects to use it as a display and sales room for his automobiles, and will also have a service station where he can give attention to work of this nature. The building will be modern in every manner and a great addition to the street.
1950– 75 YEARS AGO
Secretary of State Edward J. Barrett announced at Springfield that a charter had been issued to a DeKalb corporation. The charter was granted for the Hallgren Lumber Co., 1205 E. Lincoln Highway. There will be 3,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $100 per share. The company engages in the wholesale and retail sale of building materials, building equipment of all kinds such as concrete, lumber, hardware, nails, roofing, brick, tools and machinery and all commodities used in building.
Friday afternoon the DeKalb fire department was called out four times between 1:45 and 5:30 o’clock but fortunately only one blaze proved to be serious. At 3:50 o’clock the department was summoned to 720 E. Lincoln Highway where a wooden shed to the rear of the home was ablaze.
Shortly before the department arrived at the scene, a 50-gallon oil drum exploded spraying oil and giving the fire a good start. The north section of the large shed was gutted and the rear of the home was also damaged by flames. Another oil drum in the shed also bulged but was removed before it exploded. It was a hot fire for a time but was brought under control before it could spread to any extent.
The Englander Co. Inc., which operates a plant in DeKalb, and one of the largest manufacturers of sleep products, will build its second factory in the Birmingham, Ala., area. The factory is another step in the company’s expansion program that will include the opening of several new factories throughout the country. Englander operates a chain of factories from coast to coast, including the one in DeKalb, with an extensive warehouse system for servicing retail stores.
1975 – 50 YEARS AGO
More than 100 sixth grade students in the Genoa-Kingston school district have completed a unique outdoor education experience by spending one week learning in the out-of-doors at Walcamp.
The financially troubled Rock Island Lines announced a staff-cutting move that will save the railroad $3 million annually through the elimination of 200 jobs. The
Two new fire hydrants valued at $360 a piece were taken from a work site of Elliot Woods Co. on Illinois 23 near Bethany Road. The workers left the hydrants along the roadway Monday night and found them missing yesterday morning. Tire tracks were found where the hydrants were laying.
2000 – 25 YEARS AGO
A year to the day after the Columbine shooting, local and state law enforcement agencies continued their efforts to be prepared for anything and everything. Over the next few weeks, some of them will be using a prominent local landmark as a training ground. According to Jeff Padilla, supervisor with the Illinois State Police Tactical Response Team, the old St. Mary’s Hospital at North Second and Fisk Street in DeKalb will be ideal for its purposes.
The Malta and DeKalb school boards have worked hard to reduce the stress that is bound to happen when Malta’s older students start attending classes in DeKalb next year. Their planning will result in a much smoother transition.
Wally Wold was paid a special tribute by friends last weekend at a special pottery sale at Wood Works. Wold, a DeKalb resident who died last year was known by many for his talent to create beautiful pottery. DeKalb residents and former city residents who came from out of state gathered to sell the rest of Wold’s pottery. Friends raised $2,850, all of which has been donated to the American cancer Society in memory of Wally, who had cancer, and his wife Donna, who died in 1998 of cancer. – Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives
DeKalb-Sycamore bus, operated by Dart, is seen on its first day in 1946 at South Third Street and Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. Dart sold the line in September 1948.
County settles suit with would-be nursing home buyers
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – DeKalb County government has settled a lawsuit filed against private buyers who backed out of a planned $8.3 million sale of the DeKalb County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, records show.
The DeKalb County Board executive committee unanimously voted this month to end the lawsuit and enter into a $250,000 settlement agreement with the would-be buyers.
DeKalb County will receive $202,500 from the would-be buyers. Aaron “Aharon” Singer, of Skokie-based Saba Healthcare, which was one entity connected to the purchase contract, will get $47,500 in the settlement, according to county documents. Singer’s settlement money will not come from DeKalb County taxpayers, however. It will come out of an escrow account that Singer put $250,000 into to make a good-faith down payment before the purchase was finalized.
Interim DeKalb County Administrator Derek Hiland said county officials are ready to look toward to the facility’s future – which they have repeatedly said
DeKalb County government has settled a lawsuit filed against private buyers who backed out of a planned $8.3 million sale of the DeKalb County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, records show.
will remain under county ownership.
“This settlement agreement provides the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center with the opportunity to turn the page on this difficult chapter of the facility’s history as we look forward and continue providing high-quality, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services in our community,” Hiland said in part of a provided statement.
The buyers were under contract to buy the nursing home in 2023 after months of financial turmoil. The sale was
met with significant public pushback, however, including from nursing center unionized employees.
The initial lawsuit filing sought to recover more than $8.3 million in damages, court records show.
The lawsuit settlement is the apparent end of the latest segment in a multi-year saga that befell the county-owned nursing center as it fell into financial upheaval.
In September 2023, the $8.3 million sale of the nursing center fell through.
A month later on Nov. 9, the DeKalb
County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a lawsuit on behalf of DeKalb County that alleged the buyers’ failure to see the sale through caused “substantial financial losses” to the county.
At the time the lawsuit was initially filed, county officials estimated the facility was incurring monthly losses of $200,000. The County Board had authorized monthly emergency cash flows to the center to ensure it remained operational.
When asked how much the facility has made or lost each month so far in 2025, nursing center administrator Bart Becker did not say. Instead, he told Shaw Local News Network he’s working on a financial report he plans to share with the DeKalb County Board’s finance committee in May.
Becker was rehired to run the nursing center in late 2022 after the previous administrator left days after the county authorized the now-failed sale. Becker previously worked as the center’s administrator from 2015 to 2018.
The lawsuit named Saba Healthcare and Evanston-based Illuminate H.C. – the
See SETTLEMENT, page 11
Mark Busch file photo
• SETTLEMENT
Continued from page 10
only two companies that made purchase offers for the nursing center. The filing also named as defendants Moshe Blonder and Singer of Saba Healthcare and Avi Zuckerman and Israel Davis of Illuminate H.C., as well as Landmark Abstract Agency LLC, the buyers’ escrow agent.
The money that will be doled out for the settlement will come from the $250,000 put into escrow during the sale process by the buyers, records show.
After the DeKalb County Board accepted a letter of intent for a sales agreement with Illuminate H.C. in July 2022, the buyer put $20,000 into an escrow account with Landmark Abstract Agency, according to the terms of the settlement. Another $20,000 was put into the escrow account – which is a money account managed by a third party, in an attempt to protect buyers and sellers in property sales – by the buyers on Jan. 4, 2023. On Feb. 15, 2023, the would-be buyers placed $210,000 into the account, according to the settlement.
County officials later learned that Saba Healthcare had become involved in the sale.
Lawyers representing Singer,
Blonder, Davis and Zuckerman did not respond to requests for comment.
Current financial outlook
In the 18 months since the lawsuit was filed, county leaders have taken steps to balance the nursing center’s budget.
In March 2023, the nursing center spent $402,931 on agency staffing, a county official said. The facility spent an average of $252,325 a month in 2023 on agency staffing, according to county documents. In 2024 , that monthly average was reduced to $90,562. Now, three months into 2025, that average is down to $14,629 for agency staffing, according to county documents.
In March, the nursing center’s daily census average was about 116 people, about 11 residents shy of what officials have estimated as their break-even point, according to county documents.
As of April 15, the facility had a census of 104 residents, 23 below the targeted number, a county official said. County officials said they tend to see reduced admissions ahead of family holidays, such as Easter, Christmas and Thanksgiving.
The facility services permanent residents and also long- and short-term residents in need of physical therapy or other health services.
Six years after it was announced, a
new wing devoted to transitional care for residents opened in July 2024. Becker has said that opening to expand the type of care the facility could provide, alongside County Board actions have aided the facility’s financial well-being. The nursing center now works with more insurance providers, which also has increased its census numbers, he said.
The nursing center admitted 14 more people than they discharged in 2024, according to county documents. Net patient revenue is $198,283 below the $1.6 million target set by Jordan Healthcare Group – the company hired by DeKalb County to create a corrective plan for the once-indebted facility.
The center’s average revenue from daily billing for January, February and March was $46,060, county records show.
“March also had an excellent, I think one of the best months as far as revenue goes in a long, long, long time,” Becker said during the April 9 DeKalb County Board Committee of the Whole meeting.
In a provided statement, Hiland said he wants residents to know the county is committed to making the facility successful.
“As the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center continues to operate as a county-owned facility, we emphasize that the windshield is bigger than the rear-view mirror,” Hiland said. “The
facility has come a long way over the past several years with the opening of the Transitional Care Unit, the establishment of an Oversight Board and the continued support of the Nursing Home Foundation and the community.”
The path to the settlement agreement was years in the making, and included counter lawsuits filed by the defendants as well as the dismissal of the initial lawsuit in May 2024, court records show. After that dismissal from Chief Circuit Court Judge Bradley Waller, county officials then re-filed the lawsuit without allegations of fraud by the defendants, according to the updated filing.
From that point forward, lawyers representing the county narrowed the scope of the lawsuit to center around alleged breach of contract.
Earlier this year lawyers from both parties agreed to settlement terms. Those terms were approved in a unanimous vote by the DeKalb County Board’s executive committee on April 9. The committee, comprised of nine board members, has final say on pending litigation.
The settlement agreement includes no admission of liability from any party, according to county documents.
Assistant DeKalb County State’s Attorney David Berault was one of two lawyers who represented DeKalb County in the lawsuit.
DeKalb Park District to offer summer camps and programs
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The DeKalb Park District will offer camps and summerlong programs for children ages 3 to 18 from May 27 through Aug. 8.
Attendees can register on a week-toweek basis or select a weeklong specialty camp. An online parent meeting is set for 6 p.m. May 20, during which summer camp details will be shared.
Camp Discover will be from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Jefferson Elementary School, 211 McCormick Drive, DeKalb. The camp features games, field trips, craft activities, cometo-us entertainment and water days. The camp will move to the Hopkins Park shelter, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, for the last two weeks.
Camp Discover is intended for children ages 6 to 12. Registration costs $195 per week or $1,969 for all 11 weeks. Participants who register by April 30 will receive a 5% early-bird discount. Prorated rates are available for Memorial Day and Fourth of July weeks.
Camp Discover parents also can select a Before Camp from 7 to 8:45 a.m. and an After Camp from 5 to 6 p.m. option for an additional fee.
The park district is offering weeklong specialty camps for those ages 5 to 18. The camps include All Sorts of Sports from June 2 to 6, Yarn Camp
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Craft swap set for April 23
DeKALB – Adults and teens can donate and shop for supplies during a craft swap at the DeKalb Public Library.
The event will be held at 6 p.m. April 23 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
Donations of new, clean or gently used craft supplies can be dropped off at the adults services desk or at the event. Accepted items include sewing patterns, jewelry-making supplies, craft kits, yarn hooks and needles, fabric, adult coloring books, sewing and embroidery thread, craft books and sewing notions.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. For information, email susang@dkpl.org
from June 9 to 13, Let’s Make a Mess from June 16 to 20, DeKalb Explorers from June 23 to 27, Pickleball Camp from July 7 to 11, radKIDS Camp from July 14 to 18 and Theater Camp from July 21 to 25.
Summerlong mini programs for ages 3 to 5 will be held at the Sports and Recreation Center, 1765 S. Fourth St., DeKalb. The programs offer various activities including arts and crafts, outdoor play, come-to-us entertainment, educational games and field trips.
The mini programs include Morning Minis from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Lil’ Lunchers from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Afternoon Adventures from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Attendees can register for up to three programs. Children must be potty-trained.
Scholarship assistance is available for summer camp, specialty camps and summerlong programs to qualified DeKalb residents. The goal is to make the camps and programs accessible for DeKalb families regardless of their financial situations. Scholarship application forms are available at dekalbparkdistrict.com/scholarship-program.
The Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association will offer Camp Maple Leaf for children with special needs. For information, visit kishsra.org.
For information and to register, visit dekalbparkdistrict.com/summer-camps or call 815-758-7756.
or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2114.
Digitizing old media program set for April 28 in DeKalb
DeKALB – Teens and adults can learn how to digitize and scan old media during a program on April 28 at the DeKalb Public Library.
The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, 309 Oak St.
Participants can learn how to digitize and scan photographs, 35mm slides and negatives with an Epson Scanner. No registration is required.
For information, email patrickc@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2115.
– Shaw Local News Network
place
Relocated Hired Man’s House improvements could be done soon
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – After the relocation of the historic Hired Man’s House from Sycamore to DeKalb last fall, project leaders said building improvements were in order and are expected to be completed in the coming months.
On April 12, Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County was joined during a build by a group of volunteers from Northern Illinois University and its women’s basketball team.
“It’s amazing, and it’s very critical for us,” said Sheri Kosmoa, president at Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County. “Because of these volunteer groups that come out to help us, we can get a lot of this work done.”
Since the historic move of the Hired Man’s House last fall, Kosmoa said improvements to the house have remained close to budget.
“Affordability has always been a challenge,” she said. “We are able to keep the cost down through donations. But costs aren’t going down for any builder and we’re in the same boat as them.”
NIU student Alecia Doyle said she’s glad she decided to lend a hand to support the cause.
The NIU women’s basketball team’s newly installed head coach, Jacey Brooks, was seen dropping in as student athletes spent time bonding with one another during the build.
“It means a lot to me,” Doyle said. “It makes me feel good knowing that I’m helping the community and helping others and also getting to do it with my teammates. It just helps us build a bond, as well, while we’re helping the community.”
One such challenge Doyle said she
faced during the build was climbing a ladder.
“I am kind of scared ladders, so getting up on a ladder was definitely a challenge,” Doyle said. “But I ended up doing it. I conquered my fears. So, I’m proud of myself for that. I had my teammates there at the bottom holding it, so that just gave me confidence, the ability to be able to trust them that they wouldn’t let me fall.”
NIU student Shannon Blacher said her favorite part was building camaraderie with the team giving back to a good cause.
“It’s probably just learning new things, learning how to work in construction and houses, something I’ve never done much of before, but I’m having a lot of fun doing it, especially with my teammates,” Blacher said. “It feels good to give back to the community.”
Chris Marrs, treasurer of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, said seeing the university community show its support meant a lot to the organization.
“I mean, I think it’s great,” Marrs said. “The community support has been phenomenal for this house and to see the university active in being involved in this build is greatly appreciated.”
Kosmoa touted what project leaders have accomplished so far.
She said the rooms were reconfigured to a two-bedroom, the basement was finished to include a bathroom, a porch was added, and a new roof and siding were installed.
The historic house is expected to be move-in ready by the end of June or beginning of July, project leaders said.
Kosmoa said there’s still much work that needs to be done on the house.
“It’s a large project – a lot of moving parts, a lot of moving pieces, a lot of different things to coordinate,” she said.
For over 40 years, Oak Crest has been the premier Senior Living and Long-term Care Community in DeKalb County. Our 5-Star rated Mildred & Howard Eychaner Health Center has provided unparalleled care and hospitality to Oak Crest residents for decades.
Mark Busch file photo
A house is backed into
Oct. 22, 2024, at its new location on Pleasant Street in DeKalb. The home was moved from the DeKalb County History Center property in Sycamore by Devooght House Movers and Habitat For Humanity.
Kishwaukee College to offer 4 summer training programs
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
MALTA – Kishwaukee College will offer four fast-track training programs during the summer semester.
Classes will be available online, in-person and in hybrid formats.
The programs range from 11 to 15 weeks and allow students to start careers or build skills with additional training. Participants need computer access and the internet for online programs. Some programs include an externship or a clinical component.
The summer fast-track training programs include:
• Dental Assistant: May 5-Aug. 1, online lecture and in-person practice. Dental assistants are health care professionals who work with dentists and dental hygienists to provide corrective and preventative dental care and dental office administrative support. In-person practice will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at a local dental office.
• Pharmacy Technician: May 5-Aug. 15,
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
DeKalb Chamber’s spring showcase set for April 24
DeKALB – The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will host its Local Showcase and Spring Show for residents to connect with local organizations and businesses.
The event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. April 24 at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
The showcase includes more than 100 vendors featuring giveaways, swag, raffles and games. A Kid’s Campground will offer activities and summer camp information such as the NIU Athletics, STEAM and Visual and Performing Arts camps. Job seekers also can explore employment opportunities and resources. Concessions will be available. The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce provides businesses in the greater DeKalb region with resources, avenues for businesses to connect with each other and the community and advocates for business needs.
For information, visit dekalb.org, call
online. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with dispensing prescription medications while performing various duties in a pharmacy setting. Funding is available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
• Phlebotomy Technician: June 2-Aug. 15, in person. Phlebotomists are health care professionals trained to handle, collect, process, and transport blood and other specimens for laboratory analysis with micro-collection and venipuncture techniques. In-person instruction and practice will be from 10 a.m. to noon Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Kish College. A clinical experience will be held July 28-Aug. 15 at a local hospital.
• Sterile Processing Technician: May 5-Aug. 8, online. Sterile processing technicians provide support to health care facilities for patient services. Technicians decontaminate, process, assemble, sterilize, clean, store and distribute medical devices and supplies needed in patient care, especially surgery.
For information, visit kish.edu/fasttrack.
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815-756-6306, or visit the Chamber’s social media pages.
DeKalb
County History Center to host recipes program April 25
DeKALB – The DeKalb County History Center will partner with the University of Illinois Library’s Rare Book Department to host a “Flavors of the Past: A Culinary Journey Through Time” program as part of its “Food: Gathering Around the Table” exhibit.
The program will be held at 2 p.m. April 25 at the history center, 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore, and 5 p.m. at the Kirkland Historical Society, 309 S. Fifth St., Kirkland.
Attendees will see a collection of cookbooks and recipe manuscripts. The program highlights the Gwendolyn Brooks recipe box, a 17th century English cookbook, the 3D book “More Slice of Pie” and a Mexican culinary student’s personal compilation from the 1920s. For information, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org or call 815-895-5762.
SYCAMORE – A developer wants to build multiple single-family and multi-family homes and condominiums on Sycamore‘s north side, though his proposal still needs work, city officials said.
Chris Youssi, of Youssi Custom Homes, has asked for permission to rezone more than 12 acres of property he owns near the corner of Plank Road and Luther Lowell Lane, according to city documents. His initial proposal sought to build 44 units, including single-family and multi-family residential buildings. But city officials said he may need to go back to the drawing board before obtaining final approval.
The 12 acres in question sit across from North Grove Crossing subdivision, adjacent to Heron Creek subdivision and behind the DeKalb County History Center.
“The needs have changed since we annexed and zoned that area,” 2nd Ward Alderman Chuck Stowe said. “We thought that corner would be a real big commercial hub and in all this time it hasn’t proved that way. So, I guess we can learn from our mistakes.”
Stowe, who represents the Sycamore City Council on the planning and zoning commission, said he could see himself being in favor of rezoning the property between Luther Lowell Lane and the Casey’s Gas Station at the corner of Plank Road and Route 23 to accommodate for a housing development.
The Sycamore Planning and Zoning Commission held a workshop last week to discuss Youssi’s preliminary concept plan for the proposed development.
Sycamore Community Development Director John Sauter said he received a letter from DeKalb County Engineer Nathan Schwartz on April 11 that indicated the project wouldn’t jive with future county plans to add turn lanes on Plank Road.
Schwartz confirmed April 15 that he sent letters expressing concern for the project’s preliminary design. He said any project on that land would need to include space for an 80-foot right-of-way along Plank Road, and space for future turn lanes on Plank Road and Luther Lowell Lane.
Sauter said he received an additional letter from Schwartz on April 12, two days before the commission met, that identified another potential issue.
“There’s a sanitary main that needs
Image provided by the city of Sycamore
A developer has proposed building multiple single-family and multi-family homes, including condominiums, on 12 acres of land in Sycamore. The developer workshopped the housing proposed for the city’s north side, shown in renderings here, at a recent Sycamore Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
to be extended to the east,” Sauter said. “As proposed, it would be underneath the future road, so obviously that wouldn’t be good. We want to keep it off to the side. So that leads us to this point.”
Youssi was not at the planning and zoning workshop, but he was represented by Austin Montgomery. Montgomery and project designer Jeff Linkenheld, with Arc Design Resources, spoke about the project.
Linkenheld said 44 residential units, including 14 single-family buildings lots and 13 multi-family buildings, were a part of the preliminary concept plan. The single family buildings were proposed for the north side of the property. The multi-family units were considered for the southeast side of the property and two lots near the Casey’s Gas Station would be configured as commercial lots.
He said project designers are considering multiple ways to accommodate the Plank Road right-of-way.
“What we would have to do, because of the Plank Road right-of-way dedication, would be to reduce the footprint of the multi-family [housing],” Linkenheld said.
Sauter told the commission that the developers would need to return to the City with a revised plan. He said the housing development is still multiple meetings away from being able to receive an approval recommendation from the commission. Sycamore City Council approval also is required before work can begin.
Commissioner Rachel Sauber said she was a proponent of the idea of zoning part of the property for residential buildings.
“I think it’s a good use, and I like this single-family buffer there too,” Sauber said. “I think it blends it with what’s around.”
Eric Jones, who represents the Sycamore School District 427 board on the commission, said approving residential property now is better for the district than continuing to wait for interest from commercial businesses.
Montgomery said the housing units Youssi wants to develop are meant to be sold to prospective homeowners, but could initially be rented.
“Price range for this development is to be determined,” Montgomery said. “It depends on the unit, the size, the bedrooms. In the past, he’s been trying to shoot for under $300,000.”
The property that Youssi wants to develop is currently zoned for commercial businesses, but Sauter said the land has not drawn much interest from commercial businesses.
“There’s a lot of C3, commercial land around the city that’s been sitting for years, frankly,” Sauter said. “We’re seeing some development proposals that are either mixed use or strictly residential, especially north of town. There hasn’t been that much interest up that way for commercial, to be honest with you.”
Commissioner David Finney reminded Montgomery and Linkenheld that the changes needed to accommodate the DeKalb County engineer’s concerns could give the project a higher-than-expected density.
“We’re aware of the issues that have been brought up before this board,” Linkenheld said.
Resource Bank Classics Club returns from Japan trip
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
DeKalb library to host goat yoga sessions April 26 DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will partner with Blue Sky Farm Goat Yoga to offer two goat yoga sessions to residents ages 12 and older. The sessions will be held at 1 and 2:15 p.m. April 26 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
The sessions will be led by a certified yoga instructor. Attendees must bring a yoga mat or towel that can get dirty and sign a waiver. The goats will run, snuggle and jump on participants. The goats are not potty trained. Patrons can take pictures with the goats after the sessions. Attendees ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Because of the sessions being limited to 25 people, the sessions are first-come, first-served.
For information, email chelsear@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1700.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by Resource Bank
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