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ON THE COVER
A couple watches the waterfall at Wildcat Canyon in Starved Rock State Park. Federal cuts to the National Park Service may lead to more visitors at Starved Rock and other Illinois state parks.
See story, page 6. Shaw Local News Network file photo
DeKalb officials want more electric vehicles in town
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The city of DeKalb wants drivers of electric vehicles to know they’re welcome in town, as officials consider a local policy step that could ease restrictions on where vehicle charging stations can go.
A city commission this week took steps to help DeKalb claim recognition as an “Electric Vehicle (EV) friendly community.” The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission gave an initial stamp of approval to text amendments to city code. Action taken by the commission still requires a final nod of approval from the City Council.
Scott Zak, DeKalb communications and engagement manager, said there are three levels of recognition the City can strive for as officials look to entice more types of motorists to the area.
“We are starting with the bronze level,” Zak said. “What we have tonight are the minimum changes we would need to the [unified development ordinance] to be classified as bronze level EV ready. That would be advertised as such that DeKalb is [an] ‘EV friendly community.’”
According to city documents, officials would like to amend city code to allow electric vehicle charging stations as an accessory use in all zoning districts. The city also wants to allow EV charging stations to count as satisfying the minimum parking space requirements.
In 2024, the city adopted a five-year Sustainability Plan. The plan laid out steps for DeKalb to create a more sustainable community, reduce carbon emissions and address climate change
Around that same time, the City Council entered into the Greenest Regions Compact, meant to help carry out DeKalb’s new Sustainability Plan.
“They make available to you many programs that can help you with your sustainability goals,” Zak said. “One of them is called the ‘EV Readiness Program.’ It’s actually funded by ComEd. It’s put on by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. The whole goal is to eliminate as many barriers as possible to owning an electric vehicle.”
Zak underscored the benefits the city has gained from the readiness program.
“There’s classes every other week that we attend,” Zak said. “It’s very comprehensive. It does everything from training from first responders on how to
respond to a fire with an electric vehicle, which is very different from a regular car, to recommending zoning changes.”
The city already has some charging stations throughout the community, including at the AMC Market Square 10 movie theater on Sycamore Road, Van Buer Plaza downtown and more.
City Planner Dan Olson said some communities require a certain number of charging stations for every project. But he said it’s not a requirement in DeKalb – at least for now.
“We’re not at that point at this time,” Olson said. “If it’s more of a demand, we’ll kind of follow that.”
The City Council is expected to put an ordinance recommending code changes to a final vote on March 10.
Megann Horstead
An electric vehicle charging station is located in Van Buer Plaza in downtown DeKalb.
NIU spring art exhibition suite runs through May 10
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The Northern Illinois University Art Museum will host an opening reception for its upcoming exhibition suite on March 19.
The reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the NIU Art Museum.
The exhibition suite will feature four exhibits: “Windows to the Subconscious,” “Surrealist Classics From the Museum Collection,” “Phantasma -
graphica: The Early Psychedelic Work of British Artist Douglas Binder” and “A Deb Sokolow Sampler: 20 Years of Speculative Drawing.”
“Windows to the Subconscious” focuses on the meaning of dreams. The artwork explores the dream and nightmare perceptions from 13 artists. The artists include Brandin Barón, Natalie Christensen, Marcella Hackbardt, Sandra Leonard, B. Lynch, Alejandro Mazon, Mark Pease, Mary Porterfield, Janelle Rebel, Jeffery Reinhart, Maria
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
DeKalb Community Cleat Closet to host distribution event March 16
DeKALB – The DeKalb Community Cleat Closet will hold a distribution event on March 16.
New and gently used soccer cleats will be given away from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at DeKalb High School, 501 W. Dresser Road. Cleats will be available on a first-come,
first-served basis. If the cleats are not all distributed, a second distribution event will be held in April in Sycamore.
The DeKalb Community Cleat Closet’s goal is to provide families an opportunity to receive free, quality and lightly used cleats.
For information, email dkcu.ccc@gmail. com or visit the DeKalb Community Cleat Closet’s social media pages.
Robinson, Martha Wagner and Liu Yang.
“Surrealist Classics From the Museum Collection” includes artwork donated by Melvin and Dicky Pfaelzer. The featured artists are Hans (Jean) Arp, Hans Bellmer, Salvador Dalí, Georgio de Chirico, Paul Delvaux, Max Ernst, Fernand Léger, René Magritte, Roberto Matta, André Masson, Joan Miró, Man Ray and Odilon Redon.
“Phantasmagraphica: The Early Psychedelic Work of British Artist Douglas Binder” includes gouache painting selec-
tions on paper and a triptych panel donated by M.A. Lipschultz of Chicago. The collection was selected by museum curator Peter B. Olson and NIU graduate student John Hosta.
“A Deb Sokolow Sampler: 20 Years of Speculative Drawing” observes reality by becoming a departure point for research and imagining the unknown and plausible.
The exhibit suites will run through May 10. For information visit niu.edu/ artmuseum.
Suffrage Movement crafts program set for March 16
DeKALB – DeKalb Public Library patrons can create Suffrage Movement inspired crafts to celebrate Women’s History Month on March 16.
The program will be held at 2 p.m. in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, 309 Oak St.
Attendees can learn about voting rights history and create postcards, buntings and banners, sashes, ribbons and buttons. Materials will be provided. Cornbread, gingerbread cookies and coffee will be served.
For information, email emilyk@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150.
– Shaw Local News Network
Learn blacksmithing at DeKalb’s Glidden Homestead
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will offer Intro to Blacksmithing classes starting in April.
The classes will run from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays at the homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb. Students can keep their first forged piece. Participants can volunteer after two classes.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Jazz in Progress to perform March 14 in DeKalb
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host an after-hours concert featuring Jazz in Progress.
The concert will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 14 in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The group will perform big band and modern jazz music.
Jazz in Progress is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
The class schedule includes:
• Safety
• Decorative twists
• Basic blacksmithing techniques
• Coal fore management
• The homestead and and Phineas Vaughan’s story
Classes cost $75 and proceeds support the homestead’s operations. Registration is required.
For information or to register, email jessi@gliddenhomestead.org or call 815756-7904.
organization that raises funds for local community music programs, including the DeKalb, Sycamore, Genoa-Kingston, Hinckley-Big Rock, Indian Creek, Sandwich, Somonauk, Earlville and Leland school districts; St. Mary’s School in DeKalb; and the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
For information, email chelsear@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1700.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by the J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center
The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center in DeKalb will offer Intro to Blacksmithing classes in April.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
DeKalb library to host healthy aging workshop March 13
DeKALB – Seniors and adults can learn about various healthy aging topics from Home Instead at the DeKalb Public Library. The workshop will be held at 11 a.m. March 13 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Participants can learn about nature and spring seed starting’s therapeutic effects. No registration is required.
For information, email chelsear@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1700.
Country singer Sam Robbins to perform March 23 in Sycamore SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County History Center will host a concert featuring country singer and songwriter Sam Robbins.
The concert will be held at 4 p.m. March 23 at the center, 1730 N. Main St. in Sycamore.
Robbins will perform country and folk music. He appeared on “The Voice” in 2018 and graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2019.
Tickets cost $30 and are limited. To buy
tickets, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org or tinyurl.com/DCHCRobbins.
For information, call 815-895-5762 or email info@dekalbcountyhistory.org.
Arena rock tribute band to perform March 22 in DeKalb
DeKALB – The Egyptian Theatre will host a concert featuring the tribute band That Arena Rock Show.
The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. March 22 at the theater, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb.
That Arena Rock Show will perform music from the golden age of rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, Queen, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Journey and Guns N’ Roses. The songs include “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and “Don’t Stop Believin.’”
Ticket prices start at $29.50. To buy tickets, visit visit the Egyptian Theatre box office, call 815-758-1225 or visit egyptiantheatre.org.
The Egyptian Theatre is owned and operated by the Preservation of Egyptian Theatre Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
– Shaw Local News Network
A CLOSER LOOK
National Parks staff cuts may have local impact
Will federal cuts lead to more state park visitors?
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
Going anywhere this summer? Some residents in northern Illinois were planning on visiting U.S. National Parks once school is out.
Recent events have some visitors thinking twice.
Federal budget cuts and staffing reductions are reaching the National Park Service, raising questions for longtime federal employees as well as the millions who visit America’s treasures each summer.
The cuts to 10% of the National Parks staff come just as the National Parks Service announced almost 332 million visitors in 2024 – a record year in attendance. About 1,000 probationary National Park Service employees were fired Feb. 14 and about 700 National Park workers are expected to participate in the buyout program.
In theory, staff reductions and reduced operations at the national parks could result in an influx of visitors at Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks. So far, however, Matthew Kosch isn’t seeing any signs of a surge at the state-run parks.
Kosch is vice president at the Sonnenschein Groupe, which runs Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock in Utica. Bookings are up, he allowed, but that’s expected this time of year because Grand Bear enjoys an increase during the spring break weeks and in anticipation of summer vacation.
“Winter is ending, spring is coming, so people are excited to get out and about,” he said.
Pam Grivetti, president of the Starved Rock Foundation, is concerned a summer influx of visitors who otherwise would have taken vacations at the national parks could cause capacity problems at Starved Rock, which would in turn lead to trail erosion and parking problems.
“Any time you have more people there, the impact on the trails and the litter probably will be increased,” Grivetti said, noting that volunteers are needed to meet the influx.
“Of course it’ll have an impact if we
have more people come in from the national parks, but I always say: Starved Rock has as much to offer as any national park.”
A few extra thousand visitors could have a big impact. Starved Rock last year drew in almost 806,000 visitors between May 31 and Sept. 1 – and that was a down year. During the summer of 2020, when pandemic-weary families stormed the park, summer attendance was 1.1 million.
Meanwhile, area residents who’ve planned summer vacations at the national parks are watching for cutbacks but aren’t necessarily devising any Plan B.
Larry Peterson of McNabb said he’s booked a four-night stay at a cabin on
I would hate to get out there and have them closed.”
Vicki Woodson, DeKalb
the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Along the way, he’s going to spend four more days split between Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks in Utah.
“I have no plans to cancel regarding the upheaval in staff due to recent events,” Peterson said. “It’s my belief the parks will be open albeit with limited amenities, which may mean less crowds, which suits me just fine.”
Vicki Woodson of DeKalb is more wary. She has been planning a 10-day tour of the national parks of California and has been trying to get updated information about whether or not the parks are going to be open.
“Since our focus is national parks,” Woodson said, “I would hate to get out there and have them closed.”
Nikki Yeazel of Princeton was planning a group tour of the national parks of Colorado, Arizona and Utah. They’re having second thoughts.
“The uncertainty of what the situation will be at that time has us considering a change of plans,” Yeazel said. “These parks are generally quite busy
Shaw Local News Network file photo
A couple hikes up the stairs to the top of Starved Rock at Starved Rock State Park. Federal cuts to the National Park Service may lead to more visitors at Starved Rock and other Illinois state parks.
DR FRANK E LUEDTKE
Frank E. Luedtke of DeKalb, 93, passed away peacefully Saturday evening surrounded by his family. He was born and raised in Chicago. His parents, Frank and Elsie, were German immigrants. He attended Lakeview High School and Northwestern University where he earned both his bachelor’s and medical degrees. After medical school, he did his internship at Cook County Hospital. While at Cook County, he met a student nurse named Virginia Herron. They married in 1957 at the end of his internship. Frank & Ginny honeymooned in Chicago and then traveled to San Antonio, Texas where he reported for active duty in the U.S. Army as a medical doctor. While stationed in Baltimore, he completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Maryland General Hospital. He and his family moved to DeKalb where he spent a fulfilling 40-plus years practicing med-
icine at the DeKalb Clinic. He enjoyed hiking in the Rocky Mountains, was a woodland conservationist, an avid gardener and especially enjoyed seeing his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Ernest and an infant daughter, Nina. He is survived by his wife Ginny, his son Frank (Patricia), daughters Marie (Alan) Anderson and Lorna (Ron) Bemis, his grandchildren, Frank (Jaclyn) Luedtke, David Luedtke, Scott Luedtke, Janet Luedtke (Colum Wilson), Benjamin (Kayla) Anderson, Emma Anderson, Brooke (Patrick) Martelli, Brett Bemis and three great-grandchildren.
The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb, Burial will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.
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Continued from page 6
and with less staff it seems like it will be a disaster or there will be limited opportunities to get in. Taking a long road trip to possibly be turned away due to staffing constraints is less than ideal.”
Michelle Rial of Serena said she may be ready to tap the brakes, too. She and her husband were planning an ambitious tour of the national parks in Oregon, Wyoming and Idaho.
“I have been researching parks and places to stay,” she said. “Now, I still plan on researching but don’t know when we will be able to go.”
Kristen Murphy of Woodstock was planning a makeup trip to Yellowstone with her mom. Their first planned trip was halted by the pandemic and Murphy means not having to cancel again.
“After the news about what’s going on with the park service, I called her and said, ‘It’s now or never’ and booked the same day,” Murphy said. “It’s always been her dream and she always instilled a love and respect of our national parks in me as I grew up.
“I really should be saving – it’s not cheap to stay there – but again, it’s now or never. At least that’s how it seems.”
Elizabeth Smith of Ottawa is a
self-proclaimed “National Park nerd” who called the budgetary upheaval “upsetting and embarrassing.” She’s scuttled any plans to visit in the next couple of years.
“I have seen how overloaded the parks tend to be during high season even with the previous number of staff,”
Smith said. “Why would anyone think it would get better unless they are purposely trying to make the system fail?”
Kristen Mueller of Barrington was planning a trip to Mammoth Cave but now is “very conflicted” about the trip.
“On the one hand, I don’t want to be a burden on an overwhelmed system,”
I have seen how overloaded the parks tend to be during high season even with the previous number of staff. Why would anyone think it would get better unless they are purposely trying to make the system fail?”
Mueller said. “On the other hand, I want to express how much I love the National Parks and support them with my presence.”
As for the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, which operates under the federal government, staff appears to be safe. Kevin Ewbank, supervisory park ranger, said he’s seen no evidence so far of any closure at the waterway, which typically greets 40,000 to 50,000 visitors a year. The visitor center is just across the Illinois River from Starved Rock.
“It’s not affecting us at this point,” Ewbank said of proposed staffing reductions. “We don’t have any probationary employees. All have been here more than the one-year probationary period.”
Scott Anderson file photo
A layer of ice glazes the top of the Ilinois River Jan. 21 near the Eagle Cliff overlook at Starved Rock State Park.
Elizabeth Smith, Ottawa
LOOKING BACK
1925 – 100 YEARS AGO
Work on the active drilling for the new city well will start in a few days, as all of the machinery has been installed on the foundation by workers for Thorne & Company. The same company sunk the well for the Illinois Power company and had little trouble in moving the machinery from the power company site to the location where the new well is to be built. During the time the well at the power company was drilled several residents of the city took an active interest in the work, and it is expected that the city well will create an equal amount of interest. The work of sinking the well and installing the equipment will be completed as soon as possible.
People who last evening telephoned the Chronicle office to secure election returns should have some conception of the great work that was required of the telephone operators. Judging from the manner in which the two Chronicle telephones rang during the hours from 5:30 until eight o’clock, many people in their first attempt to secure the office were told that the line was busy. The telephone operators gave exceptionally good service and many comments have been heard today on the manner in which they gave attention to the people wishing to secure the election returns. It was through the cooperation of the telephone office that The Chronicle was able to give out the complete returns from the five wards of the city without any delay.
Playing in the yard of a neighbor a few days ago, a little boy living on South First street was shot in the face by his friend, who had a BB or air gun. The BB shot is supposed to be lodged in the cheek, near the mouth, and caused the little fellow much pain. According to word received at the police station, several complaints have been received relative to the use of air rifles on the part of the boys in this city. It is in violation of a city ordinance to allow a child to have an air rifle in the city, and should more occurrences of a like occur the police department will take action.
Reports that chicken thieves have been in this city again were confirmed with the message from the home of Jack Haka on
Mike Jay, of Jay Pontiac, is DeKalb’s newest auto-truck dealer. Jay took over the franchise, 160 W. Lincoln Hwy., formerly called Right-Way Pontiac.
The sale of the post office site for $211,000 was approved by the DeKalb City Council last night. The East Lincoln Highway parcel was sold to Joseph Penner, a Florida developer. John Ciburk, urban renewal director, said Penner has interests in about 100 post offices across the United States.
A rural Waterman man was treated and released at DeKalb Public Hospital after he apparently parked his car on the Burlington Northern railroad tracks near the intersection of Illinois 12 and U.S. 30.
Clark Street, stating that the entire flock of chickens had been stolen last night. The report was received at the police station. It is not known how many chickens were stolen from the pens at the Haka home. That chicken thieves have been in this city before has been heard from several residents who have been bothered.
1950 – 75 YEARS AGO
DeKalb has had a new addition to its farming industry within the past week. The Hunt Brothers Feed Store, of which Paul and Robert Hunt are co-owners have added at great cost a large-fast and efficient feed mill. The feed mill is a longneeded addition to satisfy the needs of the farmers of the DeKalb and rural areas. The feed mill has a capacity for large amounts of grain storage and is loaded down with the latest in modern machinery.
Your wife may have suspected that she was worth a lot more to you than you may have given her credit for. So, the next time she wants a new hat, or something, better give in quietly. M. L. Mosher, extension farm management specialist at the Illinois College of Agriculture, has figures to show that the average farm wife is worth $60,000 in extra income to her husband and family during their married life.
Extensive repairs at the DeKalb County Tuberculosis Sanatorium and the adjourning nurse’s home will be one of the major problems faced by the Board of Supervi-
sors at next Tuesday’s meeting. Repairs at the Sanatorium, the cost of which has not yet been estimated, involve an almost compete replacement of the present electrical system and fixtures and extensive remodeling in the sanatorium building itself to make it more efficient and to provide sufficient room to properly handle all patients.
Announcement has been made that the Chicago and North Western Railroad is purchasing three self-propelled Budd passenger cars to be used in suburban service. The announcement stated that the cars will cost a total of $415,000. They are Diesel operated, air conditioned and can be run as units, as a train or coupled in as coaches to other trains. Delivery of the first of the cars is expected late in April.
A trailer, loaded with 12 tons of shelled corn, settled down when the tractor pulled out from under it this morning. The accident happened at the Fourth Street intersection of the Lincoln Highway in DeKalb and two wreckers required two hours of hard work in order to lift the equipment and move it out of the way.
1975 – 50 YEARS AGO
Kishwaukee College finds itself plagued with new buildings it is unable to complete. In the past year, college officials spent a large part of their time sending complaints to contractors, architects and the Illinois Building Authority.
The state of Illinois is holding nearly $1 million in bad checks written in payment for vehicle license plates, according to documents in the secretary of state’s office. Most of the “rubber” checks are for truck license fees and some date back as far as 1957.
2000 – 25 YEARS AGO
DeKalb County has a new bank, a wetlands bank, that is. According to County Board Chairman Robert Pritchard, the board recently took action to begin developing its wetland bank at Afton Forest Preserve through a construction agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The staff, volunteers and residents of the DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center did a fantastic job moving from their old facility on Sycamore Road to the new building on Annie Glidden Road. The staff will be able to provide even better care for the residents at the new center.
While researching barbed wire on the Internet during the planning stages of this year’s Baron DeKalb Day celebration, Gayle Wuori stumbled upon a way to bring pride to the city’s downtown. In her Internet search, she discovered a site for Marche Noir, a Canadian company that manufactures original jewelry in silver and steel, some of which includes barbed-wire bracelets, necklaces and rings.
– Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center
First National Bank’s South Drive-Up, located across from the main bank at 141 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, is seen in May 1992, just after the drive-thru moved across the street closer to the main bank.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Sycamore church to
ensembles concert March
SYCAMORE – St. John Lutheran Church will host a concert featuring the Chamber Orchestra and Schola Cantorum of Concordia University Chicago. The performance will be at 7 p.m. March 22 in the church sanctuary, 26555
Brickville Road, Sycamore.
The concert, conducted by Maurice Boyer, DMA, will be held as part of the ensembles’ spring tour. Free-will offerings for the Chamber Orchestra and Schola Cantorum of Concordia University Chicago will be accepted.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by St. John Lutheran Church
The Concordia University Chicago Chamber Orchestra will perform March 22 at St. John Lutheran Church in Sycamore.
Sycamore City Council changes spending policy
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The next time Sycamore officials go to spend public dollars they’ll have to check to see how their purchase squares with a new spending policy set by the Sycamore City Council on March 3.
The spending policy dictates how much departments and city staff can spend before they are required to gain Sycamore City Council approval. City Manager Michael Hall said the policy change, which was approved in a 6-1 vote, will increase the amount of money he’s preauthorized to spend on the city’s behalf by $5,000.
“Currently it’s $25,000 and we’re recommending going up to $30,000,” Hall said. “[I] want to emphasize that everything has a check and balance. So any purchases that I make that are under the $30,000, you see them every single City Council meeting. Everything down to the paper clip that we buy.”
Purchases with a bill worth more than $30,000 will require approval from
Sycamore City Council, according to city documents.
City department heads have comparatively less preauthorized purchasing power. But all purchases made by city staff, whether included in the budget or made as an emergency purchase outside the budget, must receive prior approval in accordance with the dollar limits outlined in the spending policy.
Department heads or their designees are allowed to make purchases worth up to $10,000 so long as officials believe they are picking the most economical option. Hall, or a designee can make purchases between $10,001 and $29,999, as long as they procured three written quotes for the purchase, according to city documents.
Any purchase worth $30,000 or more requires a formal bidding process before approval from Sycamore City Council can be obtained. Intergovernmental agreements, property rental, utilities, refuse and telecommunications that do not require quotations or bidding are exempt from policy, according to city documents.
Given
the evolving economic landscape, the current policy needs updates to meet legal requirements, improve purchasing efficiency and incorporate technological advancements.”
Kristian Dominguez, Sycamore finance director
In an email to Hall, Sycamore Finance Director Kristian Dominguez said that updating the city’s spending policy was “essential for supporting daily operations, providing clear expectations for both the council and staff, and ensuring transparency to residents regarding the city’s procurement processes.”
“Given the evolving economic landscape, the current policy needs updates to meet legal requirements, improve purchasing efficiency and incorporate
technological advancements,” Dominguez said.
Before the City Council approved the policy change, 4th Ward Alderman Ben Bumpus asked how often city staff need to be able to expedite purchases. Sycamore Mayor Steve Braser said he isn’t sure how many times that request was made by Hall or other city officials in the last year, but said those situations do occur.
“I know in the past there’s been a lot of different $20-, $25-, $30,000 things,” Braser said. “A $26,000 pump used to cost what, $15,000?”
Still, Bumpus – who was the only alderman to vote against the change –said he was “definitely struggling” to view the policy change as necessary.
“I don’t know if I’m convinced of the need to make this change,” Bumpus said. “I’m one of eight here, that’s just not of that same view that there’s enough demand to say we need to elevate that. I understand the inflation perspective but I’m not seeing that as, at least in two years here, a big item of our concern.”
Activities That Promote Cognitive Health Maintaining physical health as a body ages is an important consideration, and often one of the first things that comes to mind when people think about being healthy. Yet physical health is only one component of a healthy lifestyle; individuals also must pay attention to what they do to promote cognitive health.A 2023 study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Institutes of Health indicated that some decline in cognitive abilities is a natural part of the aging process. Attention, memory, executive cognitive function, language, and visuospatial abilities all exhibit measurable declines with age, according to the study. Just because some measure of cognitive impairment occurs as the years march on doesn’t mean that seniors are powerless against Father Time. Certain behaviors and activities can help improve cognition.Physical activityIt is important to stay physically active, not only for the body, but also for the brain. Harvard Health says research shows when animals exercise regularly, the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the brain increase. More oxygen can reach an area of the brain that is responsible for thought and help improve brain function. Exercise also lowers blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar, all of which can be beneficial to the brain.Engage in relaxing activitiesPeople who are depressed, sleep-deprived or anxious tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests. While this may not be an indicator of cognitive decline, it is important to engage in behaviors that promote happiness and restfulnesss for mental health. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and activities that help a person smile and laugh can be good for the brain.Participate in stimulating activitiesStimulating activities, like word games, gardening, dancing, or playing a musical instrument, can help maintain cognitive function and enhance memory, says Healthline. Doing things that require mental effort can help stimulate and maintain cognitive function and also may improve emotional well-being.Read more oftenVarious studies indicate that reading can promote strong mental health. In addition to keeping a person entertained or informed, reading exercises the brain. There are new words to learn, new scenarios to imagine and locations to envision. Sharing a summary of what was read with others also helps work the brain in different ways, all of which are good for cognitive health.Make new recipesBrowsing through a recipe, shopping for the ingredients, putting the ingredients together, and producing the finished product all can work the brain. A person is reading, engaging in math, predicting the results, and utilizing the senses during the process of cooking.Various activities can promote strong cognitive health and may help to reduce or delay cognitive decline through the years.
(Enter through the blue door on the right side of the ECS building)
(Enter through the blue door on the right side of the ECS building)
Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb 310 North Sixth Street DeKalb, Illinois 60115
Authority of the County of DeKalb 310 North Sixth Street • DeKalb, Illinois 60115
Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190
Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb 310 North Sixth Street • DeKalb, Illinois 60115 Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190
Phone 815.758.2692 • Fax 815.758.4190
from the Elderly and/ or Disabled. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is accepting applications from households who are income eligible and whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability.
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 who are income eligible and whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability.
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 who are income eligible and whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability.
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 who are income eligible and whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability.
• Accommodations for independent living seniors, couples or person with disabilities
• Accommodations for independent living seniors, couples or person with disabilities
• Accommodations for independent living seniors, couples or person with disabilities
•Security Features
•Security Features
• Security Features
•Laundry Facilities
•Laundry Facilities
• Laundry Facilities
•Friendly On-site Management
•Friendly On-site Management
• Friendly On-site Management
•Clean & Safe Atmosphere
•Clean & Safe Atmosphere
• Clean & Safe Atmosphere
•24 Hour Maintenance Service
•24 Hour Maintenance Service
• 24 Hour Maintenance Service
For more information, please call 815-758-2692, or applications are available online at www.dekcohousing.com
For more information, please call 815-758-2692, or applications are available online at www.dekcohousing.com
For more information, please call 815-758-2692, or applications are available online at www.dekcohousing.com THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER
THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER
THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER
Pet supplies store to open in DeKalb
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Brothers Country Supply, a family-owned pet supply store, will add to its roots in northern Illinois with the grand opening of a new location at 1702 Sycamore Road in DeKalb.
In a social media post, the company announced plans for a March 15 grand opening, which will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The event, according to the announcement, promises to be pet friendly and engaging for the whole family.
The store will have discounted products to mark its grand opening. In addition, there will be free shirts and door prizes, including signed bags of Badlands Ranch dog food by actress Katherine Heigl, which are valued at $559.
According to its website, Brothers Country Supply offers items for many animals, whether it’s dogs, cats, horses, pigs, chickens, wild birds, reptiles or guinea pigs.
Brothers Country Supply runs and operates several locations in northern Illinois, including Plano, Oswego, Morris and Ottawa.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
DeKalb County History Center to host property research class
SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County History Center will host a “Property Research 101” class for residents to learn about their home or property.
The class will be held at 1 p.m. March 15 at the history center, 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore.
Attendees will learn how to begin DeKalb County property research, online resources, and the history center’s archival information. Handouts will be provided. The class will be led by volunteer Russ Johnson and Rob Glover, the Joiner
History Room archival and collection specialist.
“Depending on the where and when a home was built, we check maps, city directories, abstracts, documents and copy books for clues to build a history of your home’s past,” Glover said in a news release.
The class costs $5 per person. Class size is limited to 20 people; registration is required.
To register, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org and scroll down to the events calendar. For information, call 815-895-5762.
– Shaw Local News Network
CARRYOUT
$20.00 per
includes
cabbage, & pie.
Carry-out orders enter from Washington Street (WATCH FOR SIGNS)
Megann Horstead Brothers Country Supply is seen March 4 at 1702 Sycamore in DeKalb.
Puerto Rican restaurant hopes to bring authentic taste
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – For as long as he can remember, Victor Rodriguez has enjoyed the finer makings of what authentic Puerto Rican cuisine can offer.
Originally from Puerto Rico, the DeKalb resident said everything he knows about cooking, he learned it from his grandma, Santia “Mama Chanci’s” Rodriguez, first.
“She was born and raised in Puerto Rico as well,” Rodriguez said. “She still lives over there. She’s the one that basically taught me how to cook at a very young age. ... She’s the reason why I’m doing it basically, [to] try to do something new to this area.”
Rodriguez is the owner of Mama Chanci’s, a new Puerto Rican restaurant, eyeing a projected mid-March opening in the former Halal Pros building, 817 W. Lincoln Highway, Suite H, in DeKalb.
At Mama Chanci’s, patrons will find a mixture of traditional recipes and modern-style dishes.
Rodriguez said his main goal is to
make authentic, affordable Puerto Rican food.
“I feel like everybody’s definitely going to enjoy that not only because it’s something new but also because of the pricing,” he said.
When in Puerto Rico, Rodriguez would often go to his grandma’s house. It is there she could usually be found either cooking for family or big events.
“She was the one that was always cooking,” Rodriguez said. “She came to
be known as a really amazing cooker and an amazing person throughout the whole neighborhood. Everybody knows the neighborhood in Puerto Rico, of course. Everybody knows her, if not they know of her and her amazing, delicious cooking. So, I’ve just devoted this restaurant toward her – all traditional recipes and a little bit of newer ones.”
As for experience, Rodriguez said he has what it takes.
“I’ve been a sous chef for the last on
and off eight years,” he said. “I cook really delicious food, make sure everything is up to point.”
Whenever Rodriguez has needed some added inspiration, he said he draws upon memories of his many travels to his native land.
“I have all my family over there, if not the majority of my family,” Rodriguez said. “I’m very family-oriented. ... I always go visit my family. I always see that there’s something new when it comes to flavor, when it comes to tradition. So it’s kind of like bringing a mixture of tradition and modernized culture.”
Rodriguez said he’s hoping to draw in crowds from Northern Illinois University as well as families that may not have had Puerto Rican food so they don’t have to drive all the way to Elgin or Chicago to get it.
He said people who have already heard the news about his restaurant coming to town seem receptive to the idea.
Once it opens, Mama Chanci’s hours of operation will be from 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Megann Horstead
The former Halal Pros building is seen Feb. 4 at 817 W. Lincoln Highway, Suite H, in DeKalb.
AMUSEMENTS
CLASSIFIED
Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants
AM SHARP
LOCATION: to be held at :
BO ONE COUN TY FAIRGRO UNDS 8847 IL Route 76 Belvi dere, IL 61 008 1 mile no rth of Belvidere, IL
PRAIRIE GRANGE SP ONSOR RUNNING 3 LINES!!
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DEKALB COUNTYSYCAMORE, IL LINOIS Selene Finance LP PLAINTIFF Vs Eugene Wendt; United States of America - Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants DEFENDANTS No 2025FC000006
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Eugene Wendt Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants
That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the forecl osure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 337 W Third Street Sandwich, IL 60548 and which said Mortgage was made by: Eugene Wendt the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp., as Mort gagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb Co unty, Illinois, as Document No 2008008452 modified with 2024001349; and for ot her relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.
NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Lori Grubbs Clerk of the Circuit Court 133 W. State Street Sycamore IL 60178 on or before April 11, 2025, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN A CCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.
CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527
(630) 794-5300
That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the forecl osure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 337 W Third Street Sandwich, IL 60548 and which said Mortgage was made by: Eugene Wendt the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as mortgagee, as nominee for Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp., as Mort gagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb Co unty, Illinois, as Document No 2008008452 modified with 2024001349; and for ot her relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Lori Grubbs Clerk of the Circuit Court 133 W. State Street Sycamore, IL 60178 on or before April 11, 2025, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT
AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN A CCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300
DuPage # 15170 Winnebago # 531 Our File No 14-24-06311
NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3262298 (Published in The MidWeek, Mar. 12, 19, 26, 2025)
