DeKALB – DeKalb School District 428 leaders are considering a plan that would add more than a dozen additional security staff to DeKalb High School and the district’s two middle schools in an attempt to shore up safety concerns, officials said.
The staffing proposal, presented at a recent school board meeting, would allow for more observation and patrolling of free roaming areas of the building, such as the cafeteria, gym and hallways, during certain parts of the school day. It would also help provide for absences or contractually required breaks to occur as staffing levels do not permit them, staff said.
District 428 recently underwent a safety audit, completed in July. The audit’s recommendations included improvements to the districts’ doors and cameras, increasing school community vigilance and enforcement, and new security staff to beef up existing measures.
One such request approved in June was hiring new security manager Jose Jaques. Jaques said the latest staffing request is coming to the school board for consideration since the district doesn’t have enough support to meet buildings security needs at Huntley and Clinton Rosette middle schools and DeKalb High School.
“As you will see, a lot of the issues are the same across the three schools,” Jaques said. “Currently, we have security staff at what I would consider minimum – even below minimum – what can be expected.”
Clinton Rosette Middle School has two security assistants tasked with covering 85,000 square feet and 624 students. The district would like to add five more under the staffing proposal presented to the school board.
“It’s hard for security to be able to manage the cafeteria and those extra areas and the hallways,” Jaques said. “We have two security guards in there now, so something’s being missed.”
At Huntley Middle School, three security assistants are expected to cover 230,000 square feet and 942 students. The district would like to add 2.5 full-time security assistants under the staffing proposal presented to the school board.
“There’s not a lot of ability for them to manage more than one location at a time,” Jaques said.
At DeKalb High School, the district is looking to add an additional six security assistants – five during the school day and one after hours. School officials allow for nine to be assigned during the school day and one during after hours for after-school activities.
“DeKalb High School is an interesting situation because we have a [considerably] larger number of security assistants,” Jaques said. “We have [nine] there for 400,000 square feet, but we have 2,054 students.”
Jaques said the proposal would strengthen the available security resources at the high school.
“Especially during arrival and release, we have security assistants spread very, very thin,” Jaques said.
The staffing request for additional security assistants at the middle schools and high school comes on the heels of the district’s decision to add two more student resource officers through the DeKalb Police Department this past summer, bringing the total districtwide to five.
Some board members questioned the staffing proposal’s price tag.
The request is projected to cost the district $652,062 to hire an additional 13.5 fulltime security assistants, according to school board documents.
Board President Samantha McDavid questioned how the district will pay for the proposal.
“Are there any kind of grants that cover this kind of hiring?” McDavid said.
Jaques said the district is looking to explore alternate funding opportunities.
Board member Jeromy Olson said the district’s ask was large and suggested that the school board consider “scaling down” the proposal, giving it a test run and evaluating its success shortly thereafter.
“If we could just start smaller and maybe test our success, then maybe we know which way to go,” Olson said.
Board Vice President Deyci Ramirez questioned how else the security assistants could assist the schools considering what she called a large request asked for evidence to support the district’s staffing proposal.
The district, like many industries, is facing hiring challenges that are exacerbated by the economic uncertainty dealt by the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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All rights reserved. Copyright 2022 ON THE COVER
Joyce DeFauw smiles in her graduation cap in fall 2022, 71 years after she first attended Northern Illinois University in 1951.
See story, page 6.
Photo provided by NIU
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Istarted working with Resource Bank as a part-time teller in April of 2000, just as the Annie Glidden Branch in DeKalb was opening. At the end of this year, 2022, I will be retiring as the Director of Teller Services. I’ve had several positions since I started, and they have all been a little bit different, but I’ve always stayed in the teller line – at the front line of customer service. I just like talking to people, getting to know them, listening to them, and ultimately helping to meet their needs. Plus, I run into people all the time outside of work at places like the grocery store or gas station. Many times, they will want to talk, just like we do in the teller line, and I end up having the opportunity for a lovely conversation.
As my time with Resource Bank comes to a close, I know that I am going to miss the people the most. The positive, daily interactions with my clients and colleagues have been a part of my life for so long, it will be tough to retire. It will also be difficult to say goodbye to all of the tellers that I work with each day. I have had a hand in hiring each one of them and, having been one myself, I know that our tellers are eager to provide the best customer service possible to our valued clients.
The drive to help our customers is what made me proud to work here all these years. In the teller line, almost every day, we were able to show our clients with our words and actions what Resource Bank stands for – Enriching Lives, Caring For Our Communities, and Believing in the American Dream. It was extremely gratifying to have my values align so well with the personal and professional values of those around me. For me, it was the best opportunity that I ever had, and one which I will never forget.
Mary Cipra, Director of Teller Services
MALTA – Kishwaukee College’s Kody’s Cupboard Food Pantry provided free winter coats to students during a coat giveaway.
The giveaway was held Monday, Dec. 5, and Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Kishwaukee College, according to a news release. The coat giveaway was made possible through the Kishwaukee College Foundation and Anita Fuerst, assistant professor of English at the college.
Kody’s Cupboard was started in 2019 by the College Board of Trustees and staff to help alleviate hunger and meet the basic needs of the campus community.
For information, visit kish.edu/kodyscupboard.
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host a DIY acrylic pour ornaments workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room.
The workshop is intended for teens and adults.
Patrons will be provided with clear plastic ornaments and acrylic paints to decorate them for the holiday season. Because of limited materials, the workshop is first come, first served.
For information, email graces@dkpl. org or irise@dkpl.org, or call 815-7569568, ext. 2110.
–ShawLocalNewsNetwork
DeKALB – 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 this winter.
People are asked to contact the facilities of their choice before traveling to ensure a room is available, especially on holidays and during severe weather events, according to a news release from the city of DeKalb. The Christ Community Church location will only be open in weather with temperatures of 20 degrees or lower.
• 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., 815-756-3568. Weekly hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• DeKalb Salvation Army Community Center, 830 Grove St., 815-756-4308. Weekly hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon-
People walk down the DeKalb Nature Trail on Jan. 5, 2021, enjoying the unique scenery created by the recent snow, ice and fog.
day through Friday, closed weekends.
• Christ Community Church, 2350 Pride Ave., 815-787-6161. Weekly hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday,
closed Friday through Sunday. Only open when temperatures are 20 degrees or below.
Under DeKalb city code, landlords must provide heat to residential build-
ings 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 report inadequate heat in a residential building, call the DeKalb Building and Code Enforcement Division Mondays through Fridays at 815748-2070. After hours, call 815-7390745.
To request a well-being check for someone who may be suffering due to extreme weather, call the DeKalb Police Department at 815-748-8400.
• 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.
• 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.
DeKALB – Ninety-year-old Joyce DeFauw first attended class at Northern Illinois University in the fall of 1951, and on Sunday, to the elation of her family, she earned her bachelor’s degree 71 years later.
The Geneseo grandmother said she owes her success in part to loved ones surrounding her.
“I never knew I could do it, and I couldn’t myself but I had my creator and my family and friends and family with encouragement and I can’t give up now, no way, no way,” DeFauw said two days before she graduated.
DeFauw, a self-described “farm girl” with the eighth best academic record in her class when she graduated high school in 1951, was awarded a scholarship that helped her become the first person in her family to attend a university. The seven students with better academic records than DeFauw in 1951 elected to not use the scholarship, passing the opportunity along to her.
“I don’t know what the other students did, whether they went on to other colleges or chose not to go or, I don’t know what their reasoning was but I took advantage of it and I’ve not been sorry,” DeFauw said.
Initially DeFauw studied early elementary education but at the end of her freshman year she switched to home economics.
“I thought, last chance to learn anything, I’m away here to school so I took German and typing and bookkeeping and other things, and in doing so it would have made me go five years instead of four years,” DeFauw said.
Three and half years into her schooling, she met Donald Freeman while attending church. The pair married soon after and DeFauw left NIU.
Three years and three children later, however, DeFauw was widowed when Freeman suddenly died.
Five years after that, DeFauw met Roy DeFauw, her second husband. They went on to have six children in four years – including two sets of twins.
“So I was kind of busy and I guess I fulfilled my desire to teach with the family,” DeFauw said.
After spending decades out in the country on her farm, DeFauw said she developed a bad hip and found herself in a retirement home in Geneseo.
In 2019, at the behest of her family who told her they’d heard her say she
wished she’d finished her schooling, DeFauw reenrolled at NIU to complete her bachelor’s degree.
The first hurdle she faced was how to pick up from where she left off. Some of the classes she had taken more than six decades prior earned her credits that could no longer be applied to her degree. Further complicating the matter, DeFauw walks with a cane, lives more than an hour from campus, and is unable to drive, so she had to get a personal computer to enable her to take online courses.
“In order to communicate with my fellow students that’s how I did it,” DeFauw said. “And I’m very thankful because of the computer, especially with that [COVID-19] business and everything.”
DeFauw was likely among the oldest undergraduate students in the country when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020. In March 2020, NIU extended its spring break with online classes, and students didn’t return to in-person classes fully on campus until that fall.
Lockdowns forced schools into remote learning environments – a far cry from the days of classrooms with blackboards and actual chalk. Online learning wasn’t new to DeFauw at that point, but embracing a technology-fueled education was still a learning curve, however.
“I’m learning something each day and one thing learned is one thing I didn’t know before so I’m thankful for that.”
DeFauw said much of her family, including her children and grandchildren – who helped orient her to use her first personal computer – planned to attend her graduation ceremony.
“I have so much to be thankful for and so many that are rooting for me, and I can’t let them down,” DeFauw said Dec. 9, already done with her last finals.
Despite a 71-year journey where she learned how to use technologies that hadn’t existed when she began school, and a global pandemic that put her at greater risk than her fellow classmates, DeFauw’s long-sought victory came in the form of a general studies degree.
On Dec. 9, DeFauw said she would “love to be able to scream and yell and holler” when she graduates.
“But I don’t dare do that so I will just rejoice and be happy,” she said.
Photos provided by NIU ABOVE: Joyce DeFauw shares photos from her time on campus in the 1950s with Northern Illinois University President Lisa Freeman during a visit to campus in August. LEFT: Joyce DeFauw’s Northern Illinois University student ID card from 1951 is seen. DeFauw dropped out of school after three and a half years to start a family but in 2019 she returned and graduated on Dec. 11, 2022.
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Boy Scouts of the city started the Christmas Seal sale last night in earnest and the boys during the evening disposed of over 2,000 Tuberculosis Christmas seals. Saturday is to be the banner day for the Scouts. They now have plans made to install booths in several places around the city.
Through the efforts of Dr. C. E. Smith, who has been secretary of the DeKalb County Medical Society for some time, and with the help of Herbert Wells Fay, of Springfield, a large number of pictures of DeKalb County physicians will be made a permanent fixture of the new J. F. Glidden Memorial Hospital, according to an announcement made today by Dr. Smith, who plans to furnish a handsome case, and see that the pictures are properly mounted.
Reports are coming into the Isaac Walton league that several big bass and smaller fish have been found dead along the river banks near Sycamore. The matter was reported to the league of this city which is already at work on the matter trying to find the cause. So far those in authority believe that the cause may be due to the water that is emptied by factories, which contain poisonous substances.
Houses which are being built by merchants and factories of Sycamore are progressing very rapidly. Those on DeKalb Avenue and Cross Street are nearly completed. When completed, the homes will be turned over to factory men who will be able to buy them on the installment plan. It is estimated that there will be 11 of the houses built, while more are proposed for next spring.
Work on the new theatre for DeKalb has again become evident after a delay of sometime, on account of the lack of men to do the work. The ornamental front pieces which have been stored in straw for some time have been removed this week, and the sponsors of the new enterprise are hopeful that the front may be installed within the next few weeks. Nearly all of the roof has been completed and this will allow the continuation of the work, even if the cold weather may prove unfavorable.
Flaming pieces of soot, of large proportions coming from the C. F. Smith home on Augusta Avenue, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Reese, caused a call to the fire department yesterday. The boys stood around for a moment or two, kept a watchful eye on all sides of the house in case shingles caught fire, and then returned to the station. The firemen these days are sticking closely to their posts for emergencies, and as soon as the chief sees that one wagon can return, he so orders. This is done in case of a second alarm.
Milwaukee road switch engine 1516 was derailed near the General Electric plant last night and efforts of her crew and section workers to place it back on the rails have been unavailing. With all drivers off the rails and most canted in the mud, local officials finally called
for one of the road’s big wrecking derricks to come out this afternoon and set the busy little “yard goat” back on the rails. Little damage was done to the locomotive in the derailment and none of the crew members was hurt.
Orphans of veterans of World War I and II, who died as a result of service may be eligible for educational aid from the state of Illinois. The aid, in the form of $150 a year allowance and free tuition at the University of Illinois and state normal schools, is payable to such children between the ages of 14 and 22 while they are in school.
Raymond C. Nehring’s implement store in Hinckley was destroyed by fire last night which was caused by a huge, heavily loaded semi-trailer truck skidding out of control through the front and catching fire from an overturned oil stove. The big truck, owned by Union Freightways, was loaded with electrical equipment. It was reported that an automobile driver making a “U” turn in front of the truck caused the driver to lose control. It crashed through the show windows and stopped with the cab well inside the building.
During the noon hour the fire department was called out to assist in the rescue of a dog which had fallen in the water at Normal Lake, one truck answering the call. On arrival at the lake the firemen found that the dog had made its way out of the water and that their assistance was not needed. A safety first run was made last evening to North Seventh Street where brakes on a motor vehicle had flared and caused a fire scare. There was no damage and the two fire trucks returned to the station immediately.
Houston’s Apollo 17’s astronauts ended man’s first exploration of another world today, their moon ship packed with secrets of the past and a legacy left behind for the future. The three-day tour of the dusty, washboard floor of the Taurus-Littrow Valley was the last U.S. Manned expedition now planned beyond the orbit
of Earth. It was perhaps the last trip to the moon in the 20th century.
The mobile chest x-ray unit of the Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease Association of North Central Illinois will again visit DeKalb County communities, industries and other institutions in a year-round program to provide free chest x-rays to everyone, 18 years of age and older, during 1973. The unit was purchased and is operated on a day-to-day basis entirely by Christmas Seal contributions.
The Fairdale Methodist Church will have a Christmas Caroling Party Dec. 17. All Sunday school students are to meet at the church at 6:30 p.m. Their caroling route will be down Church Street, up Main Street and down First Street. It would be appreciated if porch lights would be turned on.
Only one landfill will exist in DeKalb County after this Friday when the 11-acre landfill operated by Charles Valence, 888 Sunset, Sycamore, will be closed by the county planning committee.
The wick is lit for Hinckley’s Fourth of July celebration, but plans for a fireworks show could go up in smoke if organizers cannot raise at least $15,000 by January. For the second year, firework organizers are hoping $12 community calendars will do the trick. While the calendars were an overwhelming success last year, raising about $20,000, sales this year have been less than smoking.
Northern Illinois University’s plan to purchase another piece of land on the west side of campus could send waves through city hall and heighten the debate over the city’s development. NIU’s Board of Trustees approved a plan to buy a 32-acre parcel near the campus on Lincoln Highway. The university will use the land for future growth.
–CompiledbySueBreese
Sycamore church to host drive-thru Nativity Dec. 17
SYCAMORE – The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John will host a live Nativity scene and chili supper on Saturday, Dec. 17.
The free event will run from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the church at 26555 Brickville Road in Sycamore, according to a news release. The public is invited.
Visitors can drive around the church to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Nativity and come inside the church afterwards to enjoy a chili supper.
For information, visit stjohnsycamore. org/home.
DeKalb church to host hymn sing Dec. 14
DeKALB – Glad Tidings Church, 2325 N. First St. in DeKalb, will host a hymn sing at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. The event is free and open to the public.
For information, call 815-758-4919.
SUMC’s annual Christmas cantata is Dec. 17 and 18
SYCAMORE – Sycamore United Methodist Church Music Ministries will present its annual Christmas cantata, “The
Winter Rose,” on Dec. 17 and 18.
Performances will be at 5 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 and 10 a.m. Sunday, according to a news release.
The church is located at 160 Johnson Ave.
The combined choir and full chamber orchestra of more than 40 people will be under the direction of Pete Hansen, SUMC director of music.
The choir, instrumentalists and soloists will present the life of Jesus Christ
from prophecy to passion using music, narration and symbolism.
The choir and orchestra will combine traditional carols and newly composed anthems to bring fresh insight to the timeless Christmas story.
For information, call 815-895-9113, email office@sycamoreumc.org, or visit the church’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
SYCAMORE – The community is invited to a drive-thru Nativity scene at Fellowship Baptist Church in Sycamore.
The free event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, through Saturday, Dec. 17, at the church located at 2425 Bethany Road, according to a news release.
Visitors can drive around the church and enjoy the biblical narrative of the birth of Jesus Christ, from Mary and Joseph’s journey through Bethlehem, to the manger scene and wise men’s visit. The Nativity also will feature hundreds of luminarias and twinkling lights to guide patrons.
DeKALB – The DeKalb County Voluntary Action Center recently received more than $17,000 for new kitchen equipment for its Meals on Wheels and Congregate meal programs that provide food to area residents.
The grant was provided through the DeKalb County Community Foundation, according to a news release.
“This support means more warm meals and smiles for someone living alone and socialization for individuals in need,” VAC’s child development officer Ellen Rogers said in the release.
The grant will allow the center to replace 25-year-old double stack ovens that no longer work properly.
The funds also will help replace a commercial range the center said is “unreliable because of sporadic operational failures,” according to the
VAC receives donation from Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary SYCAMORE – The Voluntary Action Center recently received a $2,2721.46 donation from the Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary’s District Grant program. The donation will be used by VAC to assist transit services through upgrading their technology, according to a news release.
The annual grant program offers Rotary members a chance to give back
release.
Rogers said her team is thankful for the financial support.
VAC CEO Nate Kloster said nutrition programs such as Meals on Wheels and Congregate have a particularly hard time garnering capital improvement funding.
“Essentially all our funding is directed toward operations and purchase of food,” Kloster said. “Our kitchen staff are delighted to now have reliable and dependable equipment, which improves staff morale and their productivity.”
Rogers said the support from the DeKalb County Community Foundation means the Voluntary Action Center is better apt to support individuals in need.
“This support means more warm meals and smiles for someone living alone and socialization for individuals in need,” Rogers said.
their dues and put them into their community. VAC staff, volunteers and clients appreciate the support received from Kishwaukee Sunshine Rotary and other local service clubs.
VAC has served the transportation and nutrition needs of the community through Community Transit, Meals on Wheels and Senior Nutrition since 1974.
For information, visit vacdk.org or call 815-758-3932, ext. 232.
Therapy dogs Holly and O’Mally helped the hospital staff at Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital celebrate National Rural Health Day Thursday, Nov. 17.
O’Mally’s owner, Jan Sofranko, and Holly’s owner, William H. Staub III, escorted the dogs around the hospital to celebrate the better care the hospital provides rural communities and Valley West Hospital’s new ranking in the Vizient Critical Access Hospital Cohort. The hospital was ranked sixth
out of 134 hospitals for high performance in quality and safety across a broad spectrum of patient care.
National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural” by honoring the selfless, community-minded, and determined spirit that prevails in rural America. National Rural Health Day also showcases the efforts of rural healthcare providers, organizations and cooperatives dedicated to addressing social determinants of health and the unique health care challenges that rural citizens face today and in the future.
Resolutions can be made at any age. Seniors who may feel that they are past the point in life where trying something new or setting goals is relevant to them can reconsider, as it’s never too late in life to have aspirations big or small.
The golden years may be different from any other period in a person’s life, but seniors can still embrace making positive changes. In fact, according to studies by Rush University, people who view life with a sense of purpose are two to four times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The following are some potential resolutions for seniors.
• Focus on safety. Aging sparks certain changes to the body and mind. Recognizing that you can’t do all of the things you did when you were younger doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to improve upon those things you can do, especially if you make some safety-minded tweaks. Resolve to improve home safety, such as removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars, checking smoke alarms, and installing a security system.
• Find new and enjoyable workouts. The exercise routines you engaged in just a few years ago may no longer suit your physical abilities or interests. Investigate new fitness
regimens or methods of movement.
Tai chi, yoga, water aerobics, walking clubs, and more can be incorporated into your daily habits.
• Organize medical records. Seeing health pictured systematically and clearly can help you stay on top of appointments and wellness measures. There are many different organizing systems to embrace; find one that works for your needs.
• Declutter your home. Resolve to get rid of extraneous items that are no longer serving a purpose beyond collecting dust. Having more room to move around can be safer, particularly if you need a cane or another assistive device, and there will be less to clean if you remove some clutter. If you plan to downsize soon, clearing clutter can make the move easier.
• Learn something new. A language, skill, or hobby are all within reach when you map out the steps to achieving your goal.
• Make new social connections. Caring Places senior communities indicates socially active older adults have better cognition and lower risks for depression than those who do not consistently reach out to friends. Aspire to make some new companions or to get back in touch with those you haven’t spoken to in some time.
Seniors can focus on key resolutions to make positive changes for the future.
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Nine-year-old Tayden Brown knows all too well that Christmas is the season of giving.
On Dec. 4, Brown took to Target with his heart set on buying slippers as a gift for his mom.
“Because she loves slippers,” Brown said. “She loves walking around in slippers. She lost her slippers. I got her new ones.”
Brown was among the more than 70 children nominated to be treated to a holiday shopping spree thanks to the “Heroes and Helpers” program put on by the DeKalb Police Department. DeKalb police worked with DeKalb School District 428 to nominate children to be matched with officers who volunteered to help children shop.
Each nominating child received $100 to spend at Target in DeKalb, and if they had siblings, they also received some money to spend in the store.
Officer Chris Sullivan said the point of the program is simple.
“We hope to build community,” Sullivan said. “We know that there are kids out there that might be struggling right now. So, we try to give them an
Dr. Z has been in the area for 29 years 15 Minutes WestMegann Horstead – mhorstead@shawmedia.com Officer Allie Remner (left) shops with DeKalb resident Tayden Brown, 9, on Sunday, Dec. 4, as part of the “Heroes and Helpers” program put on by the DeKalb Police Department.
opportunity that maybe they wouldn’t have
time of year [and] some
The police department started planning the event in mid-October, organizers said.
“We put out some stuff on social media to try to raise some money and we had some other money come in,” Sullivan said. “There were a lot of people in the community that did it and lots of businesses that helped us out.”
Brown was shopping with officer Allie Remner. Brown already had picked out a few items and placed them in his shopping cart. He said he intends to give the slippers as a surprise gift to his mom.
“I have a WWE character, another WWE character, a GI Joe and also I have a phone,” he said.
Brown said the holidays always mean a lot to him.
“It means excitement happening and spending time with your family,” he said.
Brown said he’s been a good boy all year long.
“I almost got straight As on my report card,” he said.
Maci Serrano, 10, was shopping with officer Cooper. Serrano said the holidays are all about “spending time with my family.”
She said she’s not expecting to get everything on her wish list this year.
“I’ll be grateful for anything I get,” she said.
SYCAMORE – The Sycamore Fire Department will continue its annual firehouse tradition of participating in the Red Wreath Program during this year’s holiday season.
Sycamore fire stations 1 and 2 will display a wreath on the front of the buildings from Thanksgiving until Monday, Jan. 2, according to a news release.
The wreath is a challenge to Sycamore residents to keep the lights red. A red bulb in the wreath will be changed to white if a fire occurs in Sycamore due to a holiday-related activity. The challenge is a reminder to everyone that the happiness of the holiday season can be changed in an instant by a fire.
The Sycamore Fire Department reported no holiday-related incidents last year.
• Keep hydrants clear and accessible to the fire department. Do not place anything around the hydrants, such as garbage cans, snow, etc., that could interfere with a response from the fire department during an emergency.
• If you use a turkey fryer, use it outdoors where there are no nearby objects that could catch fire. Use extreme caution, as personal injury could still occur.
• Inspect all illuminated decorations to make sure they are in safe working order. Things to check for include frayed wires or open light sockets. Use only exterior-approved cords outdoors. Extension cords should not be run under throw rugs or carpets.
• Keep live Christmas trees watered. If the tree begins to dry out, limit the use of Christmas lights. Always turn illuminated decorations off prior to leaving your house.
DeKALB – The DeKalb Fire Department is participating in its 26th annual Red Wreath Program, where the department displays lighted wreaths as a visual reminder of home fire safety during the holiday season.
DeKalb firefighters displayed the wreaths with all-red bulbs outside of every DeKalb fire station Thursday, Nov. 24. If an emergency fire incident related to the holiday season occurs, firefighters will replace a red bulb with a white bulb.
A red-lighted wreath hangs front and center in 2020 at the Sycamore Fire Department as part of the Red Wreath Program, an annual campaign to promote fire and home safety during the holiday season.
• Make sure the fireplace is in good working condition and the chimney is free of obstructions or creosote buildup. Do not burn garbage in the fireplace, such as gift wrap or mail.
• Blow out candles when leaving a room or going to bed. Keep at least 12 inches of space between the candles and any objects.
• Make sure your smoke detectors are in working order. If the batteries in the smoke detectors were not changed when your clocks changed for daylight saving time, change them now.
For information, call 815-895-4514 or visit the Sycamore Fire Department’s Facebook page.
SYCAMORE – Sycamore Public Library Executive Director Kim Halsey asked the City Council on Dec. 5 to increase the library portion of residents’ property tax bill by 2%.
“We respectfully ask to increase the tax rate on the EAV by 2%,” Halsey said. “That would increase the rate from 0.23281 to 0.23747, and it means a tax increase of $1.98 per month.”
Halsey said inflation, particularly rising energy costs, were the reason for the requested tax rate increase.
“What does this provide?” Halsey said. “Inflation has affected everyone in this room. Our operating expenses have increased significantly. For example, in 2019 – even last year – our highest Nicor bill was between $700 and $800, and the bill for November last month was $1,800,” Halsey said.
Halsey said the cost of material and supplies, as well as service contracts have all risen over the past year.
The library also is working on bringing its staff’s wage in line with what Illinois minimum wage will be on Jan. 1, 2025 – $15 an hour.
“Like many other industries, we’re
struggling to find staff, and we realize that we’re paying much lower than our counterparts that are just east of us,” Halsey said.
Over the past year, Halsey said, the library was visited more than 72,000 times, and 6,309 library cards were registered as of the end of the fiscal year.
Halsey also said the library circulated 146,000 materials throughout the year and hosted 528 programs to 7,800 attendees. Halsey said the request for an increased tax rate will help the library fund initiatives, but it also will help bolster funds for what Halsey described as “a large capital improvement project” that was first considered in 2019 that has become increasingly urgent.
“Meanwhile, our building is three years older,” Halsey said. “The windows that were installed in 1995 no longer seal and allow for cold air and occasional snow and ice to make its way into the building – which doesn’t help our Nicor bill. So it’s likely we’ll need to embark on some capital improvements sooner rather than later.”
Halsey said the library has not increased its program budget in four years.
Avatar: The Way of Water (PG-13) All Seats $7 6:00 10:40 AM, 2:20, 6:00 6:00 PM 6:00 PM
The community’s goal is to keep all the wreaths red. The display will continue through Sunday, Jan. 1.
The leading causes of holiday fires include cooking, candles, electrical short circuits in decorative lighting, and combustible holiday decorations. Chimney fires and heating appliances such as space heaters also pose a risk.
The DeKalb Fire Department has displayed lighted wreaths as a visual reminder of home fire safety during the holiday season since 1986.
For information, call 815-748-8460.
–ShawLocalNewsNetwork
Teen
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host an open mic night for teens at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room.
The event is free and open to youth ages 6 to 12.
Patrons can show off their talents and skills during the open mic or drop by listen. Actors, musicians, poets and writers are encouraged to participate.
Because of limited space, performers must register when they arrive.
For information, email kiarrih@dkpl.org or call 815-7569568, ext. 3350.
–ShawLocalNewsNetwork
NOTICE OF
OF RE PUBLIC NO
GIVEN that Judgment of Fo Sale entered cause on 03 Sheriff of De Illinois will on 2023 at the PM at Pu Building, 15 Sycamore, IL place otherw at the time of DeKalb and Stat sell at public highest bidde set forth below, described real PIN 19-36Improved
123 E. College Sandwich, Sale terms: 10 the highest bi funds at the cl tion; The balan the Judicial Abandoned Property Muni Fund, which the rate of $1,000 or fr of the
purchaser not $300, in cer due within tw hours. The subj subject to gene taxe s, special or special against said is offered fo any represen quality or quantity and without Plaintiff and condition. The subject to c the court. If the prope minium and take s place af purchasers othe mortgagees w to pay any as legal fees
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
FOR THE 23RD
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
DEKALB COUNTYSYCAMORE, ILLINOIS
U.S. Bank Nati onal Association, as Trustee for Structured Asset Securities Corporation Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2006-NC1
PLAINTIFF Vs Richard L. Van Deusen; et al. DEFENDANTS No. 2018C H000172
PUBLIC NO TICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 03/28/2019, the Sheriff of DeKalb County, Illinois will on January 12, 2023 at the hour of 1:00 PM at Public Safety Building, 150 North Main Sycamore, IL 60178, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of DeKalb and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: PIN 19-36-109-008
Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 123 E. College Street Sandwich, IL 60548
Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bi d by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Resident ial Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxe s, special assessments, or special taxes levi ed against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure take s place after 1/1/2007 purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4)
If the property is located in a common interest
as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure take s place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4)
If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mort gagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney
Upon payment in full of the amount bi d, the purchaser shal l receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other indivi duals presently in possession of the subject premises
The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the cond it ion of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all info rmation.
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For information: Examine the court file or contact
Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-1811500.
I3207782
Published in The MidWeek, November 30, 2022 December 7, 14, 2022
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DEKALB COUNTYSYCAMORE, ILLINOIS
U.S. Bank Nati onal Association, as Trustee for Structured Asset Securities Corporation Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2006-NC1
PLAINTIFF
Vs Richard L. Van Deusen; et al.
DEFENDANTS
No 2018C H000172
NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE
PUBLIC NO TICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 03/28/2019 the Sheriff of DeKalb County, Illinois will on January 12, 2023 at the hour of 1:00 PM at Public Safety Building, 150 North Main Sycamore, IL 60178, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of DeKalb and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate:
LOT 5 IN BLOCK 7 IN GAGE'S ADDITION TO THE ORIGINAL TOWN (NOW CITY) OF SANDWICH, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK "A" OF PLATS, PAGE 25 ON SEPTEMBER 6, 1856, IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
PIN 19-36-109-008
Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 123 E. College Street Sandwich, IL 60548
Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bi d by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Resident ial Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxe s, special assessments, or special taxes levi ed against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure take s place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4)
If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only
Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4)
If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mort gagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney
Upon payment in full of the amount bi d, the purchaser shal l receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other indivi duals presently in possession of the subject premises
The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the cond it ion of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all info rmation.
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For information: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-1811500.
I3207782
Published in The MidWeek, November 30, 2022 December 7, 14, 2022
Kish waukee College is receiving Bids for Fidelity Pediatric Simu lator & Medi um Fi delity Adult Simulator. The Bid documents may be found on the College Website link: ht tp://www.kish. edu/rfp
Cl osing date for Bids will be December 21st, 2022 at 10am, at which time the sealed requests will be opened.
Any specific questions should be directed to: Jessica Berek Dean, Office of Instruction Kish waukee College 21193 Malta Road Malta IL 60150 jberek@kish.edu
(Published in Daily Chronicl e 11/7/2022 & Midweek 11/14/2022) 2038924
