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ON THE COVER

One of the rooms in the Beyond One Barb Transition Center is seen Jan. 22 during the grand opening celebration in DeKalb. DeKalb School District 428’s transition program has been in place to facilitate students with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 18-22 into adulthood and independent living. See story, page 6.

Photo by Mark Busch

NIU police chief to retire after 25 years

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – The top cop in Northern Illinois University’s police department is calling it quits after a quarter century on the job.

Northern Illinois University Police Chief Darren Mitchell ended his 25-year run with the University’s police force when he retired from his position on Jan. 31, according to a university news release.

“This month marks a significant milestone in my career – the 25th anniversary of joining the NIU Police Department –and feels like the right time to close this chapter and explore new interests and passions as I embark on the next stage of my journey,” Mitchell said in the release.

He began his time on campus in January 2000 as a patrol officer and ascended the ranks over the course of his career. In 2005, he was elevated to lieutenant, and six years later deputy chief. In 2021, he was promoted to police chief, becoming the first person at NIU’s police department to be hired internally for the department’s top position.

Mitchell also was at the department during the 2008 mass shooting that killed five students.

He’s a graduate of NIU, earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the university.

In 1992, he earned a political science degree from NIU and took a position as an assistant director of the university’s CHANCE Program, which gives academic, social, financial and organizational guidance to students.

He stayed with the CHANCE Program

Oct. 12, 2023, during the

until he graduated with a master’s degree in adult continuing education.

Throughout his career, Mitchell has earned a variety of accolades, including the Medal of Valor and the Life Saving Award. In 2024, he received the Richard A. Flournory Engagement Award for his commitment to building an inclusive campus from the NIU Division of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

and the Presidential Commission on Race and Ethnicity, as well as the 2024 Dean’s Service Award from the NIU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

“I will cherish the memories, friendships and lessons that have shaped me during these 25 years,” Mitchell said.

“While I look forward to new opportunities and time with my family. A piece of my heart will always remain with NIU.”

is important to The MidWeek. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411 or email at readit@midweeknews.com.

Mark Busch file photo

Northern Illinois University Police Chief Darren Mitchell rides in the March of the Huskies parade

NIU Huskie Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb.

DeKalb Community Cleat Closet taking cleat donations

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – The DeKalb Community Cleat Closet is partnering with the DeKalb Chamber Leadership Academy and DeKalb County United to accept items for its upcoming cleat distribution.

The donations will be accepted through March 3.

New and gently used cleats will be accepted. The cleats will be donated on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a news release. Donations can be dropped off at various DeKalb and Sycamore locations. A cleat distribution will be held in March.

Drop-off locations include:

• Sycamore Park District Community Center, 480 Airport Road, Sycamore

• Old National Bank, 130 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb

• Old National Bank, 2290 Sycamore Road, DeKalb

• Old National Bank, 230 W. State St., Sycamore

• DeKalb High School, 501 W. Dresser Road, DeKalb.

• Sycamore High School, 427 Spartan Trail, Sycamore

• Sycamore Middle School, 150 Maplewood Drive, Sycamore

• Children’s Learning Center, 905 S. Fourth St., DeKalb

• Chilton’s Sporting Goods, 248 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb

• DeKalb’s Salvation Army Community Center, 830 Grove St., DeKalb

• DeKalb Sports and Recreation Center, 1765 S. Fourth St., DeKalb

• DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., DeKalb

• Sycamore Public Library, 103 E. State St., Sycamore

• Northern Rehab, 3266 Sycamore Road, DeKalb

• Family Service Agency, 1325 Sycamore Road, DeKalb

• Northern Illinois University’s Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb

For information, visit dkcunited. com, email DKCU.ccc@gmail.com, or visit DeKalb Community Cleat Closet’s social media pages.

- FEBRUARY THURSDAY

Photo provided by Jessi LaRue

The DeKalb

Stage Coach Players sets audition dates for ’25 season

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – Stage Coach Players will hold auditions this month for three productions in its upcoming season.

Auditions will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 7 and 1 to 5 p.m. Feb. 8 and 9 at First Lutheran Church, 324 N. Third St. in DeKalb.

The productions will run from May through July. They include the historical drama “Radium Girls,” the comedy musical “Legally Blonde,” and the comedy “Shakespeare In Hollywood.”

Auditions consist of cold readings from the script. Callbacks will be held by invitation at 5 p.m. Feb. 9.

“Radium Girls” director David W. Booth is seeking five men and five women ages teens to 50s. The actors will play multiple roles. “Character

actors” are encouraged during auditions.

“Legally Blonde” director Cortney Jo Newby and music director Terri Crain Goodman need actors ages 17 and older. Auditions include a dance routine and singing 32 bars from the musical or a similar show. Participants singing a song not from “Legally Blonde” must bring a music copy. An accompanist will be provided.

“Shakespeare In Hollywood” director Josh Smith will need a cast of eight men ages 20 to 60s and four women in their teens and older. Actors auditioning for Oberon must have a British accent. The actor playing Puck also must be female or female presenting and in their early teens to 20s.

For information, visit stagecoachplayers.com or the Stage Coach Players social media pages.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Vintage DeKalb County postcards program set for Feb. 9 at the Glidden Homestead

DeKALB – The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center’s next Soup-er Sunday program will feature a presentation on vintage DeKalb County postcards by collector and history and genealogy librarian EvaAnne Johnson.

The program will be held at noon Feb. 9 at the homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb. It is free for homestead members and $5 for nonmembers.

Johnson will share historic postcards featuring DeKalb County landmarks, businesses and street scenes. The presentation also will include a discussion on how to begin a postcard collection and old postcards dating methods. Johnson’s collection includes more than 350 DeKalb County postcards.

Proceeds from the program will go toward the homestead. Soup and a house tour also will be provided.

The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center is a nonprofit organization working to preserve the home and barn while providing educational opportunities

to the public.

For information, email jessi@gliddenhomestead.org, call 815-756-7904, or visit gliddenhomestead.org.

Hygge Winter Happiness programs set for Feb. 8 and 26

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host two hygge programs as part of its Hygge Winter Happiness series.

The programs will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 8 and 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 26 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.

The programs will focus on recognizing the wonder in life. Hygge is a Danish word used to describe the creation of a cozy, warm and inviting atmosphere. No registration is required.

For information, email susang@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2114.

DeKalb church to hold hymn sing Feb. 12

DeKALB – City Light Church, 2325 N. First St., DeKalb, will hold a hymn sing at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 12.

For information, call 815-758-4919.

– Shaw Local News Network

Nominations open for DeKalb environmental award

DeKalb STARR Award nominations open through March 3

By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – A newly renamed DeKalb city award that celebrates local efforts to champion environmentalism and sustainability is accepting nominations through March 3.

The DeKalb STARR Award, formerly called the DeKalb PRIDE Award, recognizes that sustainability is happening in many ways in the DeKalb community. New this year, the award will be accepted in five categories, according to a news release from the City of DeKalb.

“The Citizens’ Environmental Commission encourages everyone to nominate their neighbors, local organizations and favorite businesses for the DeKalb STARR Award,” DeKalb Citizens’ Environmental Chair Julie Jesmer said in the release. “Every effort to

Environmental Leadership and Youth Sustainability Leader, which will be awarded to a nominee younger than 18.

The city’s Citizens’ Environmental Commission revised its annual environmental award and renamed it as the DeKalb STARR (Sustainability Through Action, Resiliency and Responsibility), according to the release.

To select the award winners, community members are encouraged to nominate individuals, businesses and organizations for their impact in one or more of five focus areas that align with the city’s revised Sustainability Plan.

These areas are ecological impact, community engagement and education, environmental leadership and advocacy, innovation and green technology, and economic contribution to the green economy.

enhance sustainability locally, regardless of size, deserves to be recognized. We hope this acknowledgment encourages more people to join the effort to address climate change.”

The five categories of the DeKalb STARR Award are called Individual Sustainability Champion, Green Business of the Year, Sustainable Community Project, Corporate/Institutional

THE ARTS AT NIU

Nominations can be made through a simple four-question, online form on the city’s website at cityofdekalb. com/1544/DeKalb-STARR. Anyone can submit a nomination. Nominations are due by March 3.

The winners will be selected by the commission and recognized in April.

Photo provided by city of DeKalb

Former Citizens’ Environmental Commission Chair Steve Honeywell (center, right) presents a PRIDE Award to Greg Romaneck for his work cleaning up the Kishwaukee River by kayak. The award was renamed STARR for the 2025 recipient.

D-428 celebrates opening for center’s face-lift

Programming aids students with disabilities

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – Officials for the newly renovated Beyond One Barb Transition Center and DeKalb School District 428 recently celebrated the transition program’s new off-campus location at 530 Charter St.

The event this month marked the grand opening of the new transition center, which first opened its doors to students and staff at the start of the winter semester.

The celebration consisted of brief remarks followed by a ribbon-cutting and building tours.

Notable guests to mark the occasion included DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes, District 428 board President Deyci Ramirez, District 428 board Vice President Christopher Boyes and District 428 board member Steven Byers.

Kyle Gerdes, the district’s director of student services, said knowing the transition program has a renovated space means a lot to those it serves.

“It’s more than just a building‚“ Gerdes said. “It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to provide the very best for young adults with disabilities.”

For years, the district has strived to create an environment where students ages 18 to 22 with intellectual or developmental disabilities can continue their education.

The transition program previously called DeKalb High School, 501 W. Dresser Road, home.

Special education teacher Jessica Marcellis-Montavon, who leads programming at the Beyond One Barb Transition Center, said the renovations help the district better serve its students.

“Our new center has also increased opportunities for our students to become independent and increase their everyday life skills, as our accessibility features were built right into the plans, like Kyle said,” Marcellis-Montavon said, “from the fixtures and the furnishings that allow students, regardless of disability, mobility or height, to have access to all areas of our center, all of our appliances, our sinks and everything you see here.”

At about 2,400 square feet, the center

It’s more than just a building. It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to provide the very best for young adults with disabilities.”

has three bathrooms, a staff break room, an administration office, a classroom, a living room, a kitchen with a laundry area, two sensory rooms, two storage spaces on the main floor and a basement.

Marcellis-Montavon said she expects that students may gain more from the program based on how it’s set up going forward.

“Our Beyond One Barb Transition students are now in the best learning environment possible by being in the

community-based setting,” Marcellis-Montavon said. “We now have increased opportunities for our students to work toward being independent in

adult life. The community setting is important because it is a setting that

Photos by Mark Busch

DeKalb School District 428 representatives along with teachers in the district’s transitional program cut the ribbon Jan. 22 during the grand opening celebration of the Beyond One Barb Transition Center in DeKalb. The transition program has been in place to facilitate students with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 18-22 into adulthood and independent living.

Kyle Gerdes, DeKalb School District 428 student services director

Kyle Gerdes, DeKalb School District 428 student services director, speaks Jan. 22 during the grand opening celebration of the Beyond One Barb Transition Center in DeKalb.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Kishwaukee College accepting Awards of Excellence nominations

MALTA – Kishwaukee College is accepting nominations for its 2025 Awards of Excellence.

The deadline for nominations is 4 p.m. Feb. 6, according to a news release. The Awards of Excellence recognize Kishwaukee College employees for their contributions to the college’s mission.

“Kishwaukee College employees dedicate many hours and make exceptional efforts to support our students and community,” Kishwaukee College organizational development director Tricia Myers said in a news release. “The Board of Trustees Awards of Excellence program

provides a great opportunity to recognize our valuable faculty and staff members who have made significant contributions.”

The awards also highlight the college’s faculty and staff’s efforts. Entries can be submitted by community members, students and employees. The college has presented the awards annually since 1990.

Nominees must be full-time employees, part-time employees and adjunct faculty members. Cabinet-level administrators cannot be nominated. The award categories include part-time staff, support staff, professional staff, part-time faculty and full-time faculty.

For information, visit kish.edu/excellence.

– Shaw Local News Network

• TRANSITION CENTER

Continued from page 6

they’re going to be living, working and enjoying adult life within.”

Gerdes said he sees the transition center as a positive development for the district and its young adult students.

“It is my hope that this center stands as a symbol of our commitment to inclusivity, empowerment and a belief that every student deserves an opportunity to succeed,” Gerdes said. “This is also just the beginning. Jessica and her team have been in this building and have been already working on settling in and figuring out how they can take those next steps as a program.”

The kitchen in the Beyond One Barb Transition Center is seen Jan. 22 during the grand opening celebration.

Mark Busch

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Family treasures preservation subject of next lecture in DeKalb County History Center series

SYCAMORE – The February hybrid Brown Bag Lunch and Local Lore series program at the DeKalb County History Center will discuss how to preserve family treasures.

The free program will be held at noon Feb. 6 at the history center, 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore.

DeKalb County History Center archival and collection specialist Rob Glover will provide tips on how to care for family treasures. Attendees also can ask questions and receive guidance with practical suggestions.

“Glover is a trained archivist who has many years of experience,” DeKalb County History Center executive director Michelle Donahoe said in a news release.

“He regularly receives phone calls and emails with questions about how to take care of fragile photos, maps, scrapbooks, etc. We thought having a program would be a great opportunity to share this information.”

The “Ask an Archivist” program is part of Brown Bag Lunch and Local Lore, a free lecture series offered as part of a collaboration between the DeKalb County History Center and the Ellwood House Museum.

Brown Bag Lunch and Local Lore is funded in part by the Mary E. Stevens Concert and Lecture Fund.

For information, call 815-895-5762 or email info@dekalbcountyhistory.org.

Sycamore Music Boosters fundraiser to be held Feb. 8

SYCAMORE – The Sycamore Music Boosters’ annual “A Note to Remember” fundraiser to support local music programs will return Feb. 8.

The event will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. at Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St., Sycamore. It is intended for ages 19 and older.

The fundraiser will include live auctions, raffles and live music performed by the Sycamore High School String Quartet, SHS Jazz Ensemble, SHS Madrigals, the Eric Montzka Trio and the Todd Donnelly

Trio. Refreshments and a cash bar also will be available.

Montzka said the Sycamore Music Boosters have helped him and his family over the years, especially with the purchase of drums used in the school district’s band program.

Tickets cost $40. To buy tickets, visit sycamoremusicboosters.com/ a-note-to-remember.

The Sycamore Music Boosters supports students in K-12 music programs offered within District 427.

DeKalb

library to host Safe Passage booth Feb. 6

DeKALB – Safe Passage will offer an information booth about its services at the DeKalb Public Library on Feb. 6.

Information will be available from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St.

Safe Passage offers counseling, transitional housing, legal advocacy, medical advocacy and emergency shelter services.

Visitors can learn about ways to get

involved and upcoming events.

For information, email samanthah@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.

Ellwood House Museum to offer tour guide training Feb. 11

DeKALB – The Ellwood House Museum will offer training for returning and new volunteers interested in leading guided tours.

The training will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 11 at the museum’s visitor center, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb.

The training will focus on tour content and share Ellwood family background information, the site’s architecture, and the barbed wire story.

New volunteers also will receive take-home training materials.

Volunteer times are available Wednesdays through Sundays. Ellwood House Museum tours begin March 1.

Registration is required. To register, visit ellwoodhouse.org/volunteer, email king@ ellwoodhouse.org, or call 815-756-4609.

–Shaw Local News Network

LOOKING BACK

1925 – 100 YEARS AGO

Following a visit on the part of the DeKalb Elks to Sycamore on Monday night it has been announced that the Sycamore Elks will return the call on Tuesday night of next week. The visit will be for the purpose of engaging in a card tournament at the club rooms in this city. On Monday night the DeKalb Elks played cribbage with the Sycamore team. A DeKalb bowling team also bowled with the Sycamore Elks. It is understood that the same bowling team will come over Tuesday night while a group of cribbage and “500” players will also come over. Every DeKalb Elk wishing to play in the games is urged to be at the club Tuesday evening.

R. F. McCormick, B. C. Knoodle, D. C. Thorton, H. G. Wright, Claus Collin, and S. W. Boardman, on the building committee for the DeKalb Trust & Savings bank, left early this morning for Streator, where they will inspect various bricks that will be used in rebuilding the bank building this spring. The men left early this morning and also expect to stop at Joliet to inspect a bank that has just been erected in that city. The work of rebuilding the Fourth Street bank will be started in the very near future and the trip to Streator today was for the purpose of selecting the style and color of brick that will be used in the new building.

Tickets for the concert that will be given on the evening of February 23 at the First Lutheran Church by the Scandinavian Bell Ringers are being placed on sale by members of the First Lutheran Church and at the Powell and the Lenz drug stores. The ringers have appeared in many cities where they have made a great impression on the audiences. Critics on the staffs of several musical publications and daily papers have given them the highest praise, one critic stating that the concert given by the Bell Ringers was the greatest musical event of the year.

Taxpayers on the county will receive sometime this week, the notice from the treasurer’s office as to what their taxes are for this year with a blank attached, which will be used for receipting purposes. Everyone will be privileged to go to a bank in the town or city in which he lives and pay his taxes, rather than sending the money to

the county office, or going there in person. The task of getting these tax bills ready for the mail has been a strenuous one.

1950– 75 YEARS AGO

Waterman again has bus service after an interval of several weeks during which the service was discontinued. The Exemplar Stages now have the following schedule for Waterman. Going west one leaves at 9:25 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Eastbound 11:38 a.m. and 7:38 p.m. The buses operate between Aurora and Rochelle daily except Friday, Saturday and Sunday when they go to and from Rockford and Aurora.

Announcement was made at Springfield by Secretary of State Edward J. Barrett that a charter had been issued to the Wagenseller Motors Inc., Sycamore Road, DeKalb. The charter was issued to the corporation to buy, sell, deal in and with vehicles of every kind.

Military officials believe that “Hopping John” someday may be as well known in army circles as spuds and java. Hopping John is a southern dish consisting of blackeyed peas and ham hock. Quartermaster officials in the Third Army’s food service section announced the dish to soldiers as the combination “we’d most like you to try.” That’s what soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg and Fort Benning will do on February 3, 11, and 22, when Hopping John will be served at all mess halls. If the troops like it, military officials said black-eyed peas will become a standard part of the army menu.

and other expenses. New uniforms, featuring blazing cardinal tunics with silver buttons, silver sashes and matching gauntlets, black trousers and black Australian style bush hats with white plumes, will be worn by the band members for the first time.

DeKalb school activities – Dana Meadowcraft shares his enthusiasm for railroads with Eugene Griffith at a recent hobby show held at Littlejohn School. Dana’s collection started several years ago and includes many railroad related mementoes and clippings.

Mrs. Harriet Heeg of Hinckley has quite an unusual plant blooming at the present time. It is called the “Scared Lily of India” and grows without dirt or water. The plant has grown to nearly three feet tall this year, which is taller than in past years. This is the fourth year she has had the plant. The first year the bloom was black in color, the second year a deep purple, last year red and this year it is a deep red color. When the bloom is first starting to open it has quite a strong odor, but the bloom is very beautiful. With the coming of spring the plant will be planted out of doors, and when fall arrives again the bulb will be placed in a container without dirt or water.

Work has been progressing quite rapidly in the former First National Bank building in Hinckley. Three new entrances have been made and the front stone has been cut down making larger windows and finishing with red bricks.

1975 – 50 YEARS AGO

An old chum, absent from the area for several weeks, paid a visit last night. His name is ‘old man winter’ and he marked his homecoming with a 3.5-inch snowfall.

The Northern Illinois University Marching Huskie Show band left Tuesday evening for New Orleans, La., to perform in five parades during Mardi Gras festivities in that city. The 75-piece unit is the first in the history of NIU to participate in a Mardi Gras parade. Musicians, baton twirlers, pom-pom squad and color guard members raised the $4,500 required to pay bus fare

Housing construction is not the best line of work to be in these days, but if the situation improves, 14 boys will have the necessary training. The building trades classes of Sycamore, DeKalb and Malta high schools take to the field each school day to build a house. Under a watchful eye, 17 boys learn first-hand the techniques and frustrations of home building.

2000 – 25 YEARS AGO

For Major David Zahn, moving day means more than packing up a few boxes. Zahn, who operates Salvation Army stores from LaSalle to Janesville, Wis., helped load all the merchandise from the Salvation Army at 1802 Sycamore Road to the former Ace Hardware building, located just a few buildings north. The space difference is just one of the perks of taking over the former Ace Hardware building. The former store had 10,000 square feet available, while the new store will use 17,000 square feet.

A new computer catalog system will greet library users at DeKalb Public Library beginning Tuesday. The new system, installed by Northern Illinois Library System, is a product of Innovative Interfaces Inc. and replaces the current “Index” system that was installed in 1990 when the library converted from the previous computer system, CLSI.

Secretary of State Jesse White, in cooperation with Senior Citizens Center, DeKalb, is offering a Rules of the Road Review Course for all citizens in the DeKalb area. The purpose of the course is to help applicants pass the Illinois driver’s license renewal examination.

Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center Archives Holiday Inn on West Lincoln Highway in DeKalb is pictured in June 1971.

NIU celebrates STEAM Studio’s grand opening

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – Northern Illinois University, Meta and the city of DeKalb recently celebrated the grand opening of the NIU STEAM Studio.

The celebration was held in conjunction with the 15th annual NIU STEM Fest, according to a news release. The studio features a makerspace, the Creative Arts and Technology Lab, and a flexible classroom for the university’s Barb City STEAM Team programs. The programs support DeKalb youth in learning engineering, science, math, technology and arts through homework help, mentorship and hands-on projects.

Meta, which has a data center in DeKalb, is the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

“Meta is proud to call DeKalb home, and we are committed to creating a positive impact here and investing in the long-term success of its students,” Meta community development manager Tara Tenorio said in the release. “We are thrilled to be both deepening our partnership with NIU and helping create

new opportunities for DeKalb High School students – especially those from communities that have historically been underrepresented in tech fields. STEM education is incredibly important for students of today to be career- and college-ready, and we’re excited to help grow the next generation of leaders here in DeKalb.”

The Barb City STEAM Team has brought middle school students to an NIU after-school program since fall 2021. The program is designed for underrepresented students in STEAM careers. The students work with NIU STEAM educators and student mentors to develop college and career readiness through participating in sports, creating art, cooking healthy food, and taking part in hands-on science and engineering challenges.

The program recently was expanded to high school students through a Meta DeKalb Data Center grant. The fall session includes 30 middle school students. The program includes 40 middle school and 40 high school students for the 202425 school year.

“We know that this type of mentor-

NORTHERN ILLINOIS CARRY

ship is transformative for students who could be the first generation in their family to attend college,” NIU Executive Vice President and Provost Laurie Elish Piper said in the release. “The Barb City students are developing persistence, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills as they work through complex design challenges. Just as importantly, they’re building a network of college-bound peers and university mentors who can support them through the completion of high school and the transition to university. This program is truly helping DeKalb’s students to imagine themselves as college and career bound.”

Barb City STEAM Team program director Jasmine Carey said she has seen firsthand how students have grown in confidence, self-esteem and self-advocacy skills during the program.

“Many students are self-advocating, communicating with their teachers, and taking the initiative when it comes to maintaining and improving their grades,” Carey said in the release. “Many have gained the confidence to try out for other extracurricular activities

that they might not have tried out for in the past. Other students are breaking through fears of public speaking and taking on speaking roles in our Teen STEM Cafes.

“One student expressed their social anxieties upon starting the program and has since bloomed into a well-spoken and expressive young person. We have become partners with our students’ families to establish a program that nurtures a positive self-image, instills belief in their abilities and empowers their children to envision themselves in STEAM careers.”

The flexible classroom will assist various STEAM activities with grow towers, moveable whiteboard tables and science lab tables. The makerspace includes tools such as 3D printers and a laser cutter. The Creative Arts and Technology Lab features a computer lab and technology for students to create digital media. The technology includes headsets and drawing tablets, a greenscreen production area and an art creation space.

February is Heart Health Month: Taking Care of Your Heart

February is Heart Health Month, a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing your cardiovascular health. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, yet many cases are preventable with simple lifestyle changes and regular health monitoring. Home Instead invites you to join us for an educational session focused on protecting and nurturing your heart, especially if you or a loved one could benefit from extra support at home.

This FREE session will be held on Thursday, February 13th at 11 a.m. in the Zimmerman Room at the Dekalb Public Library. This event is designed for those who need assistance at home or care for someone who does. We will cover practical tips on heart health, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, and the importance of regular check-ups.

We understand that maintaining your heart health can feel overwhelming, especially when managing other responsibilities or health concerns. Our

mission is to offer not only guidance, but also empathy and encouragement. At Home Instead, we are here to support your journey toward better health, offering in-home care services that help you or your loved one maintain independence while staying on top of essential health needs.

Heart health is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re managing your own health or caring for someone else, small steps—like staying active, eating heart-healthy foods, and monitoring blood pressure—can make a significant difference. This event will provide actionable insights and resources to help you take those steps confidently.

Take a moment to invest in your well-being. Join us on Thursday, February 13th to learn how Home Instead can help you live a healthier, happier life. Together, we can make heart health a priority this February and every day.

Let this Heart Health Month be your motivation to embrace a healthier future for yourself and those you love.

Home Instead 2585 Sycamore Rd. DeKalb, IL 60115

815-754-1300 www.homeinstead.com/location/718/

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

DeKalb Women’s Club to meet Feb. 7

DeKALB – The DeKalb Women’s Club’s next meeting will feature a presentation by Barb Rotondo from The Garden Market in Sycamore.

The meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Oak Crest Retirement Center’s pub area, 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive, DeKalb. Rotondo will present “Let’s Grow Plants.” Attendees can enter the pub area through door 26.

The DeKalb Women’s Club has provided scholarships and supported international projects and the community since 1896. For information, email dekalbwomensclub1896@gmail.com.

DeKalb library tax aid program begins Feb. 8

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will partner with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide to offer free tax return assistance for people with low-to-moderate income.

The program will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 8 through April 12, at the library, 309 Oak St. Participants must bring a photo ID,

• STEAM

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“All three of the spaces provide an area where students can explore additive manufacturing, digital production, environmental science and more,” NIU STEAM Director Kristin Brynteson said in the release. “In these learning spaces, they are working on projects connected to the real-works skills needed for high-demand careers of the future.

“We think of our programs as working together on different tiers of impact designed to inspire and support students’ interest and success in STEM fields. STEM Fest is designed to spark

necessary tax documents and last year’s return forms. To view a list of documents, visit aarp.org.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers will be available.

Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, call 815-991-9418.

For information, email reference@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150.

DeKalb library to host light-up Valentine’s Day card event Feb. 8

DeKALB – Children can learn how to create a light-up Valentine’s Day card at the DeKalb Public Library.

The free program will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 8 in the library’s Story and Activity Room, 309 Oak St.

Participants can learn about complex and simple circuits. Batteries, copper tape, LEDs and templates will be provided. The event is limited to the first 30 children. Registration is required. To register, visit the library’s children’s desk one hour before the event.

For information, email lauraw@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.

– Shaw Local News Network

excitement about STEM/STEAM learning in the whole community. Then, for those young people whose imagination has been captured at STEM Fest, the Barb City STEAM Team is one possible pathway toward a deeper knowledge of and preparation for STEAM fields.”

NIU STEAM is accepting applications for the Barb City STEAM Team middle and high school programs. Participants must be registered DeKalb School District 428 middle or high school students from underrepresented communities and face commonly recognized STEAM career barriers. To apply, visit niu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/ form or niusteam.niu.edu/programs-events/barb-city-steam-team.

All three of the spaces provide an area where students can explore additive manufacturing, digital production, environmental science and more. In these learning spaces, they are working on projects connected to the real-works skills needed for high-demand careers of the future.

Kristin Brynteson, NIU STEAM director