MidWeek_121323

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 • S h awLoc al.co m

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

2 ShawLocal.com 121 W. Lincoln Highway DeKalb, IL 60115 833-584-NEWS Office hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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First Street bridge in DeKalb reopens

By MEGANN HORSTEAD

mhorstead@shawmedia.com DeKALB – After months of delays and detours, the new First Street bridge reopened to traffic Friday, Dec. 1, in DeKalb for the first time since the spring.

The bridge originally was set for a planned closure through August, but the project has seen several delays, officials said.

City engineer Zac Gill said the detours no longer were posted as of Friday afternoon. Traffic could be seen coming and going across the bridge as of 4 p.m. Dec. 1, although the sidewalks on both sides of the bridge remain closed, according to signage posted.

Gill said while the city was projecting the bridge would be completed by mid-November, issues with a third-party utility company led to a delay. It’s a reason the city has given for months when questioned about repeated delays.

“They then chose to pull off the job for over three weeks and did no work,” Gill said. “ComEd did no work. With the new line installed, they did not de-energize the existing line that was in the way, and we obviously can’t work through an existing energized power line. So we had to sit there and twiddle our thumbs until they decided to come back three weeks later.”

Gill said the bridge only will be open to vehicular traffic on the road itself.

“The walkways will not be open yet until we get the railings complete and tie

Senior Director of Content Joe Biesk 815-526-4387 jbiesk@shawmedia.com

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Editor Emily Ayers 815-526-4411 eayers@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a presentation on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 2 p.m. Dec. 16 in the lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room.

The presentation is free.

The Midweek and ShawLocal.com are a division of Shaw Media.

All rights reserved.

Copyright 2023

‘A Christmas Carol’ presentation set for Dec. 16 in DeKalb

PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzles on page 22

Kelsey Rettke

The First Street bridge in DeKalb reopened to traffic Dec. 1. The bridge originally was set for a planned closure through August, but the project has seen several delays, DeKalb city officials said. in the other sidewalk and pathway,” he said. “Then we will fold in the availability for pedestrians in the next week or two.”

Elsewhere, on the city’s south side, improvements to Peace Road were expected to be completed by Dec. 8.

“They have another week or so of paving, and then they will have the roadway paving completed barring, again, any unforeseen things that come up,” Gill said of the Peace Road work.

Gill acknowledged that the Peace Road project also faced a slight setback of its own.

Originally, the improvements to Peace

Road were expected to be completed by the end of November, officials said.

“Getting asphalt down is what’s important,” he said. “The rest of the work can be done. It’s a lot less temperature sensitive and weather sensitive as they finish working with the signals, working with other backfilling behind the curve and other grading.

“It’ll continue to go a bit into the weather and receive some final treatment in the spring. But, again, as long as we hold course here for the next week, we should be able to get all the asphalt on the road and prepare to turn that fully over to public traffic.”

Attendees can learn about Dickens background, life, role as a writer and his books such as “Great Expectations,” Oliver Twist” and “A Tales of Two Cities.”

The presentation also will include a discussion on his Victorian-age writing and holiday spirit influence.

The program will be led by Michelle Gibbons, a historical presenter.

No registration is required. The library is located at 309 Oak St. For information, email samanthah@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.

– Shaw Local News Network

WHERE IT’S AT Amusements ........................................ 22 Classified ........................................ 26-27 Cover story ............................................. 6 Looking Back .......................................... 9

ON THE COVER Ray Hernandez (center) leads a fast-break attempt Dec. 4 during the Guns and Hoses Basketball Game at Huntley Middle School in DeKalb.

See story, page 6.

Photo by Megann Horstead

HOW ARE WE DOING? We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@ shawmedia.com.

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.

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Santa Claus greets children Friday, Dec. 1, along State Street in downtown Sycamore for Discover Sycamore’s annual Walk with Santa.

North Pole couple brings cheer to Sycamore’s annual walk

By KELSEY RETTKE

krettke@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – Eager children and their families gathered in downtown Sycamore on Friday, Dec. 1, in spite of cold, wet weather for a chance to greet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus as they helped light the trees outside the DeKalb County Courthouse during Discover Sycamore’s annual Walk with Santa.

Circuit Court Chief Judge Bradley Waller welcomed the crowd after the walk and asked those in attendance for a special favor in honor of a young Sycamore life lost to illness recently. Maggie Green, 11, a sixth grader at Sycamore Middle School, died Nov. 29 after a battle with cancer, Sycamore School District 427 announced.

“Please keep her family in your prayers this holiday season,” said Waller, who wore a purple tie in Green’s honor. “She lost her battle with a very rare form of pediatric cancer that’s near and dear to my family’s heart. My

youngest daughter had a similar cancer when she was Maggie’s age. So if you would do that [pray], I know the Greens would greatly, greatly appreciate that.”

The Sycamore State Theatre offered families a chance to enjoy a festive double feature before the walk, which included the 1966 version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

The Sycamore Fire Department escorted the guests of honor from the North Pole. Children swarmed Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus for a chance to give a hug, share a high-five or even hand over their Christmas wish lists.

The crowd walked along State Street downtown to the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St., where they also got a chance for photos in Santa’s House, which will be set up throughout the month.

As the crowd looked on, Santa and Mrs. Claus led them in a countdown and the trees were lit, marking the holiday season.

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

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Free places to warm up this winter in DeKalb County SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

DeKalb County has warming centers throughout DeKalb, Sycamore and Genoa free to use and open to help all in the area looking to get out of the bitter cold.

Residents are encouraged to contact the facilities before traveling to ensure a room is available, especially during holidays and severe weather events, according to a news release.

In DeKalb

• DeKalb Park District Hopkins Park Community Center, 1403 Sycamore Road. Call 815-758-6663. Weekly hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed weekends.

• DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St. Call 815-756-9568. Hours include 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday and Saturday.

• DeKalb Salvation Army Community Center, 830 Grove St. Call 815-7564308. Weekly hours are 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, closed Friday through Sunday.

• Christ Community Church, 2350 Pride Ave. Call 815-787-6161. Hours are 9

a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, closed Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday. Only open when temperatures are 20 degrees or lower.

Under city of DeKalb municipal code, landlords must provide residential buildings heat to maintain a room temperature of at least 68 degrees between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., and at least 62 degrees at other times.

To request a well-being check for someone who may be suffering from extreme weather, call 815-748-8400.

To report inadequate heat in a residential building, call 815-748-2070 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, call 815-739-0745.

In Sycamore:

• Sycamore Police Department, 535 DeKalb Ave., open 24 hours every day.

• Sycamore Public Library, 103 E. State St., open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

In Genoa:

• Genoa Police Department, 333 E. First St. in Genoa. To call the non-emergency police department for issues such as main breaks, call 815-784-6633.

For emergencies, dial 911.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Sycamore church to perform ‘JOY!’ musical celebration Dec. 17 SYCAMORE – The Sycamore United Methodist Church Music Ministries will perform the Christmas musical celebration, “JOY!” The performance will begin at 5 p.m.

Dec. 17 at SUMC, 160 Johnson Ave. The performance is free and open to the public.

“JOY!” tells the story of Christmas through six scripture-based narrations and choral settings. The performance will feature ensembles, soloists and the Chorus of DuPage barbershop chorus.

Attendees are encouraged to wear ugly Christmas sweaters or Christmas colors.

Guests also can sing along to some

Christmas carols.

The performance will be directed by Pete Hansen, the church’s music director.

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Sycamore church to host drive-thru Nativity, chili supper

SYCAMORE – The Lutheran Church of St. John will host a live drive-thru Nativity and chili supper to celebrate Christmas. The public is invited.

The free event will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at the church, 26555 Brickville Road in Sycamore.

Attendees can drive around the church to view the Nativity, featuring scenes such as the Old Testament prophecies and the Wise Men’s visit.

A chili supper will be served.

– Shaw Local News Network

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DeKalb Park District to host Elf Fest event Dec. 20

DeKALB – An Elf Fest will be held from 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Sports and Recreation Center, 1765 S. Fourth St., DeKalb. Registration is due Dec. 18, according to a news release from the DeKalb Park District.

The event will feature elf-themed activities, games, refreshments and light snacks. A screening of “Elf” will be projected indoors from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.

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– Shaw Local News Network

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An Elf Fest will be held from 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Sports and Recreation Center, 1765 S. Fourth St., DeKalb. Registration is due Dec. 18.

The event will feature elf-themed activities, games, refreshments and light snacks. A screening of “Elf” will be projected indoors from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

6

Megann Horstead

Hayden LaPointe hoists Landen Gadney in the air after he shoots and scores the game-winning shot at the buzzer Dec. 4 during the annual Guns and Hoses Basketball Game at Huntley Middle School in DeKalb.

Winners abound in DeKalb charity game DeKalb police and firefighters victorious in toy collection event

By MEGANN HORSTEAD

It felt good because that meant a lot of toys being donated.

That’s the way I look at it. The more people we can draw is the best.”

mhorstead@shawmedia.com DeKALB – It came down to the wire in a friendly matchup between DeKalb police and firefighters and teachers and staff from DeKalb School District 428 competing in the annual Guns and Hoses Basketball Game.

The charity event made its return to Huntley Middle School in DeKalb as a fun way to bring the community together to collect toy donations for children and families in need.

Pat Finnigan, DeKalb County’s Toys for Tots coordinator, said the basketball game does a great job of drawing people in year after year.

“I think it’s just honestly the sense of the community and then the Christmas spirit,” Finnigan said. “It just brings people out. It’s just a great thing to see.”

Andrew Sperry, team captain for DeKalb School District 428 faculty, said the rivalry remains firmly intact

Andrew Sperry, DeKalb School District 428 faculty team captain between both sides.

“It’s the competitiveness, I guess, of it all,” Sperry said. “It brings in a lot of people. I feel like the more we get into it, the more they get into it, the more fans we get. So, it’s just a good way for us to keep the community involved, too.”

Ray Hernandez, team captain for Guns and Hoses, agreed.

“We got competitive players on both sides,” Hernandez said. “The crowd gets into it and everything. We like to see a good outcome. So, it’s back and forth. In that sense, it’s a good rivalry.”

The game-time action was kept close from end to end, with the final score coming undecided until about the same time as the final buzzer sounded.

Hernandez said the key to keeping

the team together when the going got tough was playing off the crowd’s energy, as well as his teammates on the sideline.

“We know each other well,” Hernandez said. “We’re a really close bunch. When we get on the sideline, we tell each other, ‘You got to dig. You got to give a little more effort.’ That helps a lot. People were helping. People come together. They play hard. They give it their all for those closing seconds.”

Sperry said his team had a lot of “young, fresh legs” to integrate into the play schemes this year.

“We got a lot of new faces on our team,” Sperry said. “That was really cool to see. … It was passed down to me to organize for D-428, so I’m glad that we have plenty of people to keep it going.”

The final score was 46-43, with Guns

and Hoses sealing the victory over District 428 faculty.

Landen Gladney, a member of Guns and Hoses, said it felt great all around knowing that he was able to shoot the game-winning shot in a charity basketball game meant for a good cause.

“It felt good,” Gladney said. “We had a plan going into it, and he had executed [the pass] perfectly.”

Hernandez said he was satisfied with the outcome of the game.

“We had to get it back,” Hernandez said. “We lost last year. So, this was our year to do it again. We came back and got the ‘W’.

Things may not have worked out in Sperry and his team’s favor, but he said he is content with what the event accomplished overall.

“It felt good because that meant a lot of toys being donated,” Sperry said.

“That’s the way I look at it. The more people we can draw is the best.”

Finnigan said he would consider the event a success.

“I would say we had a pretty solid turnout,” Finnigan said. “It’s everything we expected. Just keep striving for better next year.”

Monday- Saturday 6am - 7pm Sunday 8am- 4pm

Gingerbread house STEM event set for Dec. 16 in DeKalb

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host its fifth annual STEM Gingerbread House Family Fun Science event.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. Dec. 16 in the Story and Activity Room, 309 Oak St., according to a news release.

Admission is free.

Guests can build gingerbread houses with graham crackers, candy and frosting. Supplies will be provided.

Attendees also can participate in a Best House competition. The winner will receive a $5 Target gift card.

The event is limited to 30 children.

Registration is required. To register, visit dkpl.org or email lauraw@dkpl.org.

For information, call 815-756-9568, ext.

3350.

DeKalb library to host 3D printing workshop Dec. 13

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a workshop for patrons to print 3D Christmas ornaments.

The workshop will be held at 6 p.m.

Dec. 13 in the 309 Creative room of the library at 309 Oak St., according to a news release.

The workshop is free and intended for

teens and adults.

Participants can design, shape and customize Christmas ornaments with TinkerCad, a 3D modeling software.

Assistance will be provided. The ornaments may be printed after the workshop.

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Artificial intelligence STEM Cafe planned Dec. 14 in DeKalb

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host an artificial intelligence STEM Cafe as part of a Teen STEM Cafe series.

The free event will be held at 5 p.m.

Dec. 14 in the lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St., according to a news release.

Attendees can learn about swarm robotics, ChatGPT and how artificial intelligence systems impact businesses.

The event also will feature STEM-related activities.

The speakers include Andy Jeon, Ph.D., Northern Illinois University assistant professor of marketing, and Sachit Butail, Ph.D., NIU associate professor of mechanical engineering.

Registration is required; visit dkpl.org.

For information, email stevenm@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3400.

– Shaw Local News Network

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

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Decorating Area Homes and Businesses since 1945 Photo provided by the Genoa Lions Club

Former District 1J Gov. Rick Tonozzi (right) presents the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award to Genoa Lion Todd Merritt.

Genoa Lions Club names Melvin Jones Fellowship Award recipient SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

GENOA – The Genoa Lions Club recently awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award to Lion Todd Merritt.

Merritt received the award at a ceremony Oct. 18 at the Genoa Veteran’s Home, 311 S. Washington St., Genoa, according to a news release.

The ceremony was officiated by Genoa Lions Club President Mike Dreska. The award was presented by former District 1J Gov. Rick Tonozzi.

Attendees included Genoa Lions members, Brenda Merritt, Jeff Merritt, Mer-

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Elder Care Services Wagon of Wishes raffle drawing set

DeKALB – Elder Care Services of DeKalb County’s Adult Protection Services will host a Wagon of Wishes raffle to support its APS Department.

The raffle drawing will be held at 1 p.m.

Dec. 15 on Facebook live, according to a news release.

Participants can win a wagon full of Christmas gifts. The gifts include puzzles, snow spinner sleds, arts and crafts, a lunch box set, board games, dolls, interactive educational toys, Legos, a Cocomelon sing-along book, an

ritt’s brothers, and their spouses.

Merritt joined the Genoa Lions in October 1998. He served as the club’s president three times and as club treasurer since 2012. Merritt first served as president in 2004 and is a constant Genoa Lions board member. His father, Orrin Merritt Jr., joined the club in 1952 and earned the award in 1996. Merritt’s attention to detail has helped the club thrive.

The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award is given to a Lions member who has demonstrated active participation in the community and embodies the Lion motto of “We Serve.”

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– Shaw Local News Network

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LOOKING BACK

9 a billiard parlor for many years. There are three apartments on the second floor which will be rented out.

Over 100 books have been loaned by the DeKalb City Library to the grade school of the city in order that “Book Week” may be more fittingly recognized.

The books were sent to the Glidden school and will be passed on to the Ellwood and Haish school before being returned to the library. The city library will hold an open house after the coming holidays when the Whist club will have compete charge. The Whist club has been active in procuring books and rendering service to the library.

1973 – 50 YEARS AGO

Watergate and the energy crisis are secondary considerations today for DeKalb County residents who woke up to find themselves buried in five inches of snow and ice. The first major snowstorm of the winter knocked electrical power out for about 400 homes and businesses in the DeKalb-Sycamore area, forced the closing of most schools and made travel difficult if not impossible.

Miss Reed of the Palmer School of Writing, came to DeKalb to look over the work by pupils at St. Mary’s school who are taking up the Palmer method of writing. The instructor found all the students doing work above the average, even amongst the little folks at the school. She found that all have acquired the fundamentals of Palmer writing and with the extreme interest manifested, the day proved to be a pleasing one.

Some very good specimens of writing have been produced by the pupils of St. Mary’s school, and some of them have been reproduced in the official magazine of the Palmer School of Writing.

Christmas spirit was given a little foundation on which to grow today, when the first shipment of Christmas trees were found in front of the business stores on the Lincoln Highway. The mild weather has not been in accord with the Christmas spirit but the merchants report that the sales have been brisk.

Illinois Christmas ship is back. After four years’ absence, the tradition established by Captain H. Schueneman, who went down to Davy Jones’ Lake Michigan locker 11 years ago, has been revived by his widow. Mrs. Schueneman for a number of years after the captain died brought a load of Michigan evergreens to Chicago in chartered ships. But for the last four years she has been unable to find a captain who considered a cargo of Christmas trees in keeping with the dignity of his vessel. This year the old schooner “Fearless” buffeted Lake Michigan’s angry waves and brought the Yuletide symbols safely to port. The trees will be sold to dealers here and downstate.

1948 – 75 YEARS AGO

Today was a big day for the youngsters of DeKalb and community. Santa Claus

The Joint Congressional Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation met today to discuss whether President Nixon complied with the law in taking tax deductions that saved him $235,000 in federal income taxes. Nixon requested the study in making pubic his tax and financial records last weekend.

Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center

Winter on the Northern Illinois State Normal School (now Northern Illinois University) campus in DeKalb, circa 1920.

arrived early this afternoon and was greeted by hundreds of his little friends at his headquarters at the Gordon-Clark show rooms located at 146 North Fourth Street. Although it was not possible for Santa to meet all of his friends this afternoon, he is looking forward to seeing them all before he leaves on the afternoon of December 24.

Cubs canvassed the homes in the morning and carried the bundles to the curbs. The Scouts and trucks then covered the city gathering the bundles and taking them to Seventh and Oak Streets. Although it was not the largest collection made by the Scouts, the results of the drive were more than satisfactory.

Christmas carols will sound over a loudspeaker system in downtown Sycamore Wednesday night. Most of them will be recorded and played back on the speaker. The committee would like to hear from singing organizations that want to participate. Just call the Chamber of Commerce, 206, and leave your name.

Adding considerably to the holiday atmosphere were the Christmas decorations which were erected yesterday in the DeKalb business district.

Huge silver wreaths with red metal bows were placed on each lamp post along with twisted green garlands. On the corner poles there are plastic faces of Santa Claus. The brightly sunlight this morning reflected brilliantly in the metal bows and the decorations attracted considerable favorable comment from the many shoppers.

A most successful paper drive was conducted on Saturday in DeKalb by the Boy Scouts and Cubs. Although the final report has not been received about 32 tons of paper were collected. Through the concerted efforts of the Cubs, Scouts and Adult leaders the drive was carried out in a smooth manner. The

The Genoa post office will move from its present location on January 15, to the building at the corner of Genoa and Main streets. This building has been known as

In keeping with President Nixon’s request of no outdoor Christmas lighting this year because of the energy crisis, the Genoa Jaycees announced at their December meeting that they have dropped their annual Home Decorations Contest and the Villa Rest Home tour.

1998 – 25 YEARS AGO

The Salvation Army in DeKalb/ Sycamore is once again finding itself awash in rare coins. The Salvation Army said six gold coins have been dropped off in community kettles, along with over 20 silver coins. Two are British sovereigns, an early 1900s coin. The sovereigns are a half ounce of gold each. One is dated 1910 and the other 1911.

The DeKalb Public Library will be implementing a new browser that will allow patrons access to the Internet when they have registered. Children and young adults (17 and younger) must have their parent/guardian sign a waiver form allowing them access. As stated in the Internet Policy, the library has full Internet access with no filters.

A deal signed yesterday should bring a new cable TV service to customers in DeKalb, Sycamore and Rochelle within the next four months. TCI and Time Warner have reached a “definitive agreement” to trade a number of cable systems which now serve more than 1 million customers nationwide.

– Compiled by Sue Breese

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023

1923 – 100 YEARS AGO

What a new nursing home oversight board could look like

By CAMDEN LAZENBY

clazenby@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Board is one vote away from creating an oversight board for the DeKalb County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, which will remain in county hands following a year-long sale effort amid a $7 million budget shortfall at the facility.

After an $8.3 million contract to sell the facility to private buyers fell through in early October – last month a lawsuit was filed against the nursing home buyers for dropping out of the sale – county officials have focused on finding ways to bring the facility back from the brink of insolvency, and preventing a similar situation from happening again.

To that end, DeKalb County Board members have mulled the creation of a DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center oversight board over the past two months. However, some members of the public have expressed concerns that the new board could be ineffective.

Madeline Nelson, a staunch opponent of the sale and an outspoken supporter of the nursing center, said the oversight board should be comprised of rehabilitation and administrative experts, not politicians.

“You can’t get the information that you need if people are not willing to step up, take chances, risk being disliked and give you the information that you need. I came here at some cost. It takes guts to stand before the County Board and say, ‘We think you got it wrong.’ And I don’t like it, I don’t like to be the center of attention, no one does, but what we need is more free flowing information,” Nelson said.

No oversight board has yet been approved. Creation of the group requires full County Board approval.

The earliest a vote could happen is Dec. 13.

On Dec. 6, a nearly two-hour discussion ended with the County Board’s Executive Committee unanimously approving a proposal for a nine-person oversight board. The oversight board members would be appointed by the DeKalb County Board, with six seats reserved for members of the public and three seats earmarked for members of the DeKalb County Board.

If the group is created, DeKalb County residents with relevant expertise will be encouraged to apply for the oversight board’s six public positions.

Two of the three County Board seats would be allocated to elected board members who chair the Health and Human Services Committee and

Mark Busch file photo

The DeKalb County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in DeKalb is seen Oct. 17.

Finance and Administration Committee. A third seat would be given to a County Board member at large.

The Executive Committee also unanimously proposed a list of 12 duties and responsibilities for the potential oversight board: • The acquisition, purchase, sale, lease, transfer or encumbrance of any real estate or of any substantial part of other assets of the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.

• Any increment or additions to the capital debt or to renegotiate, modify or otherwise change the existing capital debt obligations of the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.

• Any borrowing not indicated in the capital or operating budgets of the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.

• The adoption of the annual operating and capital budgets of the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center or any changes thereto.

• To approve expenditures as provided in the Bylaws.

• All matters related to the appointment, compensation and employment status of the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center Administrator.

• To determine wages of all employees of the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.

• Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreements.

• The selection and award of any contracts for an outside Management Company (only in the event the Board determines to use a management company). If applicable, these contracts will be bid under Illinois Law and re-bid at least every four years.

• To enter into or settle litigation.

• Establish prices for goods and services

• A three month reporting cycle to the Health and Human Services Committee, Finance and Administration Committee and the Committee of the Whole If the board is created, it wouldn’t be the first tasked with overseeing nursing center operations.

The Nursing Home Operational Board was dissolved by the County Board in December 2021. That was months after then newly hired DeKalb County Administrator Brian Gregory was informed by the DeKalb County

See NURSING HOME, page 11

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

10 DeKALB COUNTY

Dennis Leifheit

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

MALTA – Kishwaukee College recently announced that Perla Gonzalez is the recipient of an Illinois Community College Faculty Association Student Scholarship.

Gonzalez received the $1,000 scholarship at the ICCFA conference luncheon Nov. 10 in Bloomington, according to a news release.

The scholarship reviews academic achievement, community service, campus activities and personal goals.

She is one of eight statewide ICCFA Student Scholarship recipients for the 2023 to 2024 academic year.

Gonzalez graduated from Hiawatha High School.

She is a Student Government Association member, Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees student trustee and National Society of Leadership and Success member.

She also works at the Kishwaukee College Early Learning Center. She is studying nursing and plans to work as

Continued from page 10 Treasurer’s office in March 2021 that the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center had insufficient funds to make payroll.

DeKalb County Board Chairwoman Suzanne Willis, a Democrat from District 10, has suggested twice this fall that the County Board Chairman hold a seat on the oversight board. Her idea has since been tweaked by County Board members to allow for any board member to fill the third seat allocated

to the County Board.

Willis said she put forth her idea because she doesn’t want the county’s predominant governing body to lose sight of the nursing center’s operation.

“I worry, again, of not having that really tight connection between this [oversight] board and the County Board because the buck stops with the County Board,” Willis said.

“You’re responsible for ensuring the fiscal operation of the county as a whole, including the nursing home, and I don’t want us, I don’t want that to drift away.”

Great idea for the Holidays!

Photo provided by Kishwaukee College

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11 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Kishwaukee College nursing student receives scholarship

• NURSING HOME

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

12

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13 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

14

Dozens of residents urge D-428 to lower property taxes

By MEGANN HORSTEAD

mhorstead@shawmedia.com DeKALB – Dozens showed up recently ahead of an expected December vote to urge DeKalb School District 428 to lower property taxes amid a proposal put forth by the district that would have seen taxpayers pay hundreds more on their bills.

A new proposal has since been put forth that would, if approved, see taxpayers pay more than last year but a fraction of what was initially proposed, according to estimates provided by the school district.

Several residents who took to the podium with public comments shared a common refrain: They urged the school board to bring tax relief instead of a proposal which, if approved, would see homeowners paying hundreds more on their 2023 property tax bills than last year.

Board Vice President Steven Byers made a plea to the board, asking his fellow board members to come up with a proposal that would ease taxpayers’ bills.

“When our community shows up in support or opposed to something, that really means a lot for those of us that have been elected,” Byers said.

Megann Horstead

DeKalb resident and local businessman Steve Irving speaks Nov. 30 at a special meeting of the DeKalb School District 428 board.

The property tax levy is a collection tool used by units of government to collect revenue from homeowners’ property tax bills. Public school property taxes generally account for the majority of residents’ tax bills.

DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes also attended, echoing comments made in November calling for the district to change its proposed tax levy plans so

that homeowners won’t be so burdened.

Barnes has argued that DeKalb taxing bodies should take advantage of recent economic growth to lower the city’s tax rates without hurting municipal budgets.

“How can you all benefit from this unprecedented historic economic development, the increased levies and make sure that all of us that live here, sup-

ported the schools many times in the past, new schools, new initiatives?”

Barnes said. “How can we make sure that you hold us harmless so we benefit as well from this economic development? So, I challenge you to hold the taxpayer harmless.”

In a statement issued by the district Dec. 1, DeKalb Superintendent Minerva Garcia-Sanchez said district staff have “thoroughly vetted” its tax proposals to ensure students and employees are supported.

“We needed to be certain that the option we all were hoping for to hold taxpayers harmless this year was indeed feasible and allowed us to continue to take care of everyone,” Garcia-Sanchez said in a statement provided by district spokesperson Rita Elliott. “We are committed to closing learning gaps, increasing opportunities for our students’ success, and strengthening our district. We are grateful for the resources our community provides us to do this work in supporting our future generations.”

No vote on a final tax levy was held during the Nov. 30 meeting. A school board vote is expected Dec. 12, however, which also will offer the public another

See TAXES, page 15

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• TAXES

Continued from page 14

What’s the new number?

The district has proposed a new tax rate option for its levy: 5.52% compared to 5.98% which was put forward as an option in November, down slightly from a 6% rate in 2022.

According to district estimates, under the new proposed rate, a DeKalb homeowner whose home is worth $375,555 in 2023 would owe $6,579 on their 2023 property tax bill compared to $6,598 in 2022. That’s a difference of $20.

Previous district calculations used property values from 2016 in its estimates.

DeKalb resident Bill Feithen said he believes the district has gravely mistaken the taxpayers and their interests in reference to its former property tax proposals.

“I don’t know how you can justify increasing by the amount that you’re proposing,” Feithen said. “What residents do understand are dollars and cents. Are my property taxes rising or going lower? If they are rising, is it a reasonable increase or an outrageous increase?”

DeKalb resident and local businessman Steve Irving said he believes the district – which has identified a $33 million plan for a new elementary school as

See TAXES, page 16

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15 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023

chance to weigh in.

a 2024 budget priority – should include a diversity of voters’ voices on their spending plans. Irving recommended a referendum instead of a property tax bill increase.

“If part of this property tax increase is to help pay for that new school, I think it’s really an under-handed deal to choose that choice to build it there without a referendum and then increase the property taxes by a huge amount,” Irving said. “It’s basically sidestepping everybody sitting here that had a decision to be allowed to make a decision on how much money to be spent on that project.”

In March, the district approved a $1.86 million lease-to-purchase agreement with Northern Illinois University as the latest step in a $33 million plan to turn NIU’s former School of Nursing building into a new elementary school.

Officials have said a school is needed to help balance enrollment size and student-to-teacher ratios. District staff have said the plan won’t include a referendum.

Armir Doka, the district’s director of finance and business, said the district needs to think long term about its needs.

“As a financial officer, I want the sustainability in the revenue to be captured at the right amount,” Doka said.

In recent years, the city has seen a wave of activity and more revenue come with new south side developments such

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

16

Panel OKs rezoning plan to annex 21 acres into Kish Water Reclamation District

By MEGANN HORSTEAD

mhorstead@shawmedia.com DeKALB – A DeKalb panel last week backed a request made by leaders from the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District calling for the rezoning meant to aid a plan to annex 21 acres near Interstate 88 into the district.

The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-0 to approve the petition to rezone the district’s properties to Government Sanitary district.

Commissioner Steve Becker was absent.

The DeKalb City Council will have the final say on the rezoning request at a later date.

Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District is looking to annex a 21-acre “south slope site” adjacent to the Interstate 88 tollway along Annie Glidden Road for potential future use.

Executive Director Mark Eddington addressed the panel, saying the district’s intent is simple.

“Over the years, we’ve maintained

• TAXES

Continued from page 15 as the Meta DeKalb Data Center, retail giant Amazon, Kraft Heinz, Ferrara Candy Co. and more.

Board member Amanda Harness disagreed with Doka.

“I mean even holding them harmless, we’re benefiting from $9 million increase over this year what we had,” Harness said. “That is $9 million we probably wouldn’t have if all of this [development] wasn’t going on at the south side of town. So, with that, we need to start being more thoughtful in our spending.”

Board member Christopher Boyes questioned what’s the best course of action to take to preserve the district’s long-term financial sustainability going forward, while also ensuring the city’s ability to attract businesses to town.

“They’re not looking at how much the school district is choosing to abate after the fact,” Boyes said. “They’re

several different properties in several different zoning categories,” Eddington said. “We’re seeking to recategorize all our existing properties into one … GS zoning to kind of clean things up.”

In October 2022, DeKalb city leaders authorized an agreement stating that the city and the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District will serve as co-equal units of government.

That means properties will be treated as a public or institutionally zoned property similar to Northern Illinois University.

City Planner Dan Olson said the rezoning is compatible with the city’s comprehensive plan.

“It will allow the district to function and continue their sanitary waste collection, disposal and all the regulations that they have to comply with,” Olson said.

Eddington said he’s had an opportunity to meet up and address concerns of

See REZONING, page 19 looking at what is the percentage on paper that they filed with the county they’re going to charge us when they choose to come here. Our city manager is here. What would you say working with the businesses that come to town are looking at?”

City Manager Bill Nicklas spoke during the meeting, arguing that lowered tax rates are a way to entice economic development, part of a goal identified by Mayor Cohen Barnes since he took office in 2021. Facebook’s parent company Meta, for example, was given a 20-year, 55% property tax abatement plan approved by the DeKalb City Council and neighboring taxing bodies in 2020.

“They’re interested in location, access, the many parts of our community that we’re happy to talk about,” Nicklas said. “But when it comes to taxation, they only talk about five things universally up until today. They feel that our aggregate rate is too high, which is why they ask for 50% abatement.”

I don’t know how you can justify increasing by the amount that you’re proposing. What residents do understand are dollars and cents. Are my property taxes rising or going lower? If they are rising, is it a reasonable increase or an outrageous increase?”

Bill Feithen, DeKalb resident

Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb 310 North Sixth Street DeKalb, Illinois 60115 Phone 815.758.2692 Fax 815.758.4190 The Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb is accepting pre-applications for the Low Income Public Housing Program from applicants who are income eligible and have two (2) or more local preferences. Sequoya Apartments in Shabbona is accepting applications from the Elderly and/or Disabled. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is accepting applications from households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability.

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SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Community Foundation recently announced the creation of the Brian D. Slavenas Memorial Scholarship Fund, meant to aid DeKalb County students studying music.

The fund honors Brian D. Slavenas, a DeKalb High School student who was killed in Iraq in 2003, according to a news release.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of DeKalb County and going on to either major or minor in music. Preference is given to applicants who were involved in music during at least the last two years of high school.

“We are grateful to be entrusted with this endowed Scholarship Fund that celebrates Brian’s musical accomplishments while helping future musicians with their ongoing musical studies and development,” Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin said the release.

Slavenas was born Dec. 19, 1972, in DeKalb and graduated from DeKalb High School in 1991. He had a variety of skills and interests, according to the release. Slavenas was a runner in middle school, threw discus in high school and won a weight-lifting competition in college. In 1996, he was security for the torch at the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.

He was a classical pianist, starting lessons at age 16. While working toward his degree in industrial engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Slavenas audi-

iObtener cobertura!

November 1st - January 15th Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation

Brian D. Slavenas tioned for and received acceptance into the music school as a classical pianist. He also worked to obtain licensing as a pilot, a flight instructor and a commercial aircraft pilot, and taught flight. Brian graduated in December 2002 and was called to active duty shortly after. He was a Company F. First Battalion member, 106th Aviation Illinois National Guard in Peoria.

Donations to any fund at the Community Foundation, including the Brian D. Slavenas Memorial Scholarship Fund, can be made online or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.

For questions or to discuss setting up a Fund that honors a loved one, contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.

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Call to speak to one of the Health Department’s Program Navigators Llame para hablar con uno de los Navegadores del Programa del Departamento de Salud

815-748-2498 enrollhealth@dekalbcounty.org This Healthcare Enrollment Assistance Program-Navigator (HEAP-N) is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial award funded by CMS/HHS totaling $158,005.00 annually. The contents are those of the DeKalb County Health Department and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HRS, or the U.S. Government.

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17 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023

1991 grad, Iraq vet honored with memorial scholarship

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

18

• REZONING

19

Continued from page 16

Aerial drone image of Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District, the DeKalb Sanitary District water treatment facility plant at 303 Hollister Ave., is seen May 13, 2021.

Shaw Local News Network file photo

reinstated and possibly improved; and the current trucking traffic from the district’s facility is from the local waste management and other DeKalb County communities that carry local waste that needs to be processed.

Members of the planning and zoning commission backed the district’s request.

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But Eddington said there are some promises the district cannot make.

“While in generalities we agree with the five tenets of the letter, the reality is the sanitary district is bound by our mission to the [Environmental Protection Agency] and to the environment,” Eddington said. “The things we cannot predict are the future of wastewater

treatment as technology gets better, as water quality standards are promulgated. We don’t have any intention of buying more property, but I can’t stand here and make a promise that the district won’t expand its footprint. …

That’s not how I characterize the meeting and that’s not a promise I can make now.”

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023

some of the property owners who live in the Lawnwood and Woodlawn areas at a recent community meeting.

The property owners are neighbors to the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District’s main facility at 1301 Sycamore Road.

Eddington said in the area converted to native prairies and wildlife, there’s a drainage ditch that goes back through some woods south of a service road.

“In any event, most of this area here is floodway,” Eddington said. “Like I told the folks we met with, we have no intention to do any building here in the future. It’s a floodway. Even if we wanted to build here, it would be very costly and difficult. So, I think, in general, they were very happy to hear we had no designs to build any structures closer to their property than we already are on the site.”

A group of property owners signed a letter of support for the district’s petition only to set forth a list of requests shared after having attended a recent community meeting. They include no future building expansions on the property adjacent to Woodlawn Drive and Lawnwood Avenue; the main facility may be improved; the “south slope site” will not serve entities outside of DeKalb County; the wildflower and butterfly repopulation areas will be

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

20

Almost 100 Sycamore music students selected for all-district performances SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

SYCAMORE – Almost 100 Sycamore music students were selected to perform as part of all-district groups in Moline, according to a news release.

The Sycamore Music Boosters announced that 41 Sycamore High School and 57 Sycamore Middle School students from Sycamore School District 427 were named 2023 Illinois Music Educators Association All-District Orchestras, Bands, Jazz Bands and Choirs members.

The students participated in the All-District Orchestra Festival on Nov. 4 at Moline High School, 3600 Ave., Moline, according to the release.

The students recorded material for competitive audition judges in October. Students picked for the jazz bands played Nov. 11 at Hononegah High School, 307 Salem St., Rockton. The choir and band students performed

St. Catherine of Genoa Catholic Church

Nov. 18 at DeKalb High School, 501 W. Dresser Road, DeKalb.

Sycamore High School students selected for the ILMEA All-District festivals include:

High School Choir

• Soprano – Jenna Bergman, Sofia DasNeves, Lila Ezell, Susie Gallegos, Liliana Jennings, Sarah Melnick.

• Alto – Natasha Inocencio, Layla Musich, Clara Wirsing.

• Tenor – Felipe Beharovic, Ty Devito, Michael Kocher, James McConkie.

• Bass – Elijah Herra, Gabriel Jovanovich, Owen Zographos.

High School Orchestra

• Violin – Marlie Colness, Stephanie Kim, Jeanny Ni, Regan Ni, Eva Peterson.

• Viola – Teagan Hagemeyer.

• Cello – William Akst, Delaney Baylor, Alistair Lanting, Callista Morton, Evan Tonaki.

See MUSIC STUDENTS, page 23

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{ thankful} FOR ALL THE SOUNDS OF THE SEASON

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023

BE

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

22

AMUSEMENTS

SUDOKU AND SUPER CROSSWORD ANSWERS ON PAGE 2

23

• MUSIC STUDENTS

Continued from page 20 • Bass – William Harris, Jon Locascio.

High School Orchestra Winds

• Oboe – Elizabeth McConkie.

High School Band

• Flute – Averi Anderson, Alise Goodman.

• Oboe – Makena Ndicu.

• Clarinet – Bellamaria Juarez.

• Trumpet – Wesley Hogland.

• Trombone – Cydney Henson.

• Tuba – Jessica Bolda.

• Percussion – Noah Bradac, Greyson

Decker.

High School Jazz Band

• Guitar – Sawyer Webb.

• Drum set – Greyson Decker.

Sycamore Middle School students selected for the ILMEA district festivals include:

Middle School Band

• Flute – Lola Boksa, Ayla Flewelling, Eliana Gilson, Bailey Rundle.

• Clarinet – Bronwyn Butler, Daniel Hua, Hunter Vanatta.

• Alto saxophone – Ben Fitzenreider.

• Trombone – Max Mangini.

• Tuba – Garrison Spencer.

• Percussion – Hayley Herrmann.

Middle School Jazz Band

• Alto saxophone – Benjamin Fitzenreider.

• Tenor saxophone – Hunter Vanatta.

• Trumpet – David Ruiz.

Middle School Choir

• Soprano – Ella Atwell, Eliza Hagemeyer, Lily Henkel, Claire Hua, Nateyvia Lark, Vivian Meier, Rosemary McConkie, Taylor Peabody, Madelyn Solomon, Quinn Weimer, Aislinn Wickness.

• Alto – Haley Bright, Miles Doty, Kailey Heisner, Ava Lewis, Fiona Long, Savanna Shuman, Chase Weckerly.

• Baritone – Cohen Jennings, Miles Musich, Bradley Warford.

Middle School Orchestra

• Violin – Lucas Devroye, Claire Hua, Charlotte Huseman, Kamden Johnson, Brooke Klem, Andrew Krulac, Ellie Lawless, Isaac Martinez, Kaitlyn Page, Gus Riebe, Callum Swan, Mia Tonaki.

• Viola – Chase Ashley, Kane Craig, Rosemary McConkie.

• Cello – Allison Deutsch, Genevieve Hendricks, Oscar Klacik, Jane Pickard, Silas Ruckold, Mallory Tallacksen.

• Bass – Leo Robinson.

The Sycamore Music Boosters supports music programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade within District 427.

For information, visit sycamoremusicboosters.com.

1/31/24.

SM-CL2127942

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Photo provided by the Sycamore Music Boosters

The Sycamore Music Boosters announced that 41 Sycamore High School and 57 Sycamore Middle School students from Sycamore School District 427 were named 2023 Illinois Music Educators Association All-District Orchestras, Bands, Jazz Bands and Choirs members.

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

24

Waste Management plans to open facility by end of 2024 SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – Waste Management of Illinois plans to open its latest renewable natural gas facility in DeKalb by the end of 2024.

The plant will process bio-gas collected from decomposing organic materials, according to a news release. The bio-gas is processed for gas pipeline system delivery. The facility will recover and distribute 1 million British thermal units of renewable natural gas per year.

The plant’s renewable natural gas use is expected to avoid 53,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions from displaced fossil fuels.

Waste Management has identified 20 renewable natural gas projects for development, including the DeKalb facility. The company plans to spend more than $1 billion on renewable energy projects from 2022 to 2026, according to the release.

Multiple DeKalb-area dignitaries joined Waste Management leaders in August to celebrate the facility’s groundbreaking. The ceremony was at the DeKalb County Landfill, 18370 Somonauk Road, DeKalb.

In attendance was state Sen. Dave

$

Photo provided by Waste Management

Picturerd (from left) are DeKalb County Administrator Brian Gregory, DeKalb County Vice-Chairman John Frieders, DeKalb County Board Chair Suzanne Willis, Waste Management of Illinois Inc. President Brad Pollock and Illinois state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley.

Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, DeKalb County Administrator Brian Gregory,

85

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Waste Management of Illinois Inc. President Brad Pollock, DeKalb County

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Photo provided by DeKalb Chamber of Commercee

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated Create Health Mobility Clinic’s one-year anniversary and welcomed it to the Chamber’s membership. Chamber staff, community and board members, and ambassadors marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting on Oct. 23. Create Health Mobility Clinic, 308 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, helps clients make a wellness plan to improve their daily lives through refined biomechanical dysfunction. For information, visit createhealth815.com.

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 MIDWEEK

26

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Call 1-877-460-2754 to order item 291X or Visit HaleGroves.com/H4YL43 Publisher's Notice: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise "any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation of discrimination."

Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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