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ON THE COVER
Third grader Lydia Petritsch, portraying Taylor Swift, waits March 13 for someone to press the button to activate her speech during the Hinckley-Big Rock Elementary School Wax Museum program in Hinckley.
See story, page 6.
Man pleads guilty to reporting false shooting threat at Sycamore High School
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – A Chicago man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison for making a false 911 call in September claiming he saw someone with a gun at Sycamore High School, records show.
release during court proceedings.
Delaney was represented by defense attorney Mary Baccam of the DeKalb County Public Defender’s Office.
afternoon, according to court records.
Delaney originally faced two Class 3 felony charges of disorderly conduct, which carry a five-year maximum prison sentence.
It’s not the first time Delaney will serve an IDOC prison sentence, according to court records.
Terrell L. Delaney, 31, pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, to disorderly conduct by threatening a school building. The charge was changed from a Class 3 felony at arrest to a Class 4 felony at the plea hearing, according to DeKalb County court records. His plea was accepted by Circuit Court Judge Joseph Pedersen, who sentenced Delaney by agreement to serve two years and six months in the Illinois Department of Corrections, records show.
He will earn 119 days of credit for time spent in DeKalb County Jail, where he was held without
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Songwriting program set for March 24 in DeKalb
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a program for teens and adults to learn how to start creating their own songs.
Prosecutors with the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office argued that Delaney’s actions set off a brief school lockdown at the high school and nearby West Elementary School on Sept. 13 in Sycamore.
Authorities later determined Delaney, arrested that same day, had lied to police after he called 911 about noon that day, claiming to have seen someone in a Sycamore High School bathroom with a gun. Police said he made the fake phone call to divert officers from finding him in connection to a domestic altercation, according to the Sycamore Police Department. Although the two school buildings were placed on a precautionary lockdown, Sycamore School District 427 Superintendent Steve Wilder said in September that “at no time was there a direct threat to the safety of our students or staff.”
Authorities found and arrested Delaney in the 200 block of Mason Court that
Delaney also faced charges related to a February 2024 incident in which police alleged that he harassed a woman and threatened to blow up Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. He pleaded guilty to felony stalking in that case on March 28, 2024, according to court filings. Pedersen also presided over that case. He sentenced Delaney to 100 days in jail and 24 months of probation for the February 2024 incident. Delaney received credit for 52 days in jail. After serving the remainder of his 100-day sentence in early 2024, Delaney was released on parole. He was on parole at the time of the Sycamore High School incident, court records show.
Delaney was unable to be immediately reached for comment because of his incarceration in the IDOC.
The program will be held at 6 p.m. March 24 in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, 309 Oak St.
Participants can learn about the songwriting process. The program will focus on Shel Silverstein’s music. Because of limited space, the program is first-come, first-served. For information, email jackw@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851. – Shaw Local News Network
is important to The MidWeek. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411 or email at readit@midweeknews.com.
Photo by Mark Busch
Terrell Delaney, 31, of Chicago
Officials condemn letters targeting of Latino-owned businesses
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – City leaders this week issued sharp rebukes after they said multiple Latino-owned businesses in DeKalb recently were targeted by letters filled with what Mayor Cohen Barnes called “hate speech.”
Barnes and DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd voiced their concerns at a recent City Council meeting. Barnes and Byrd quickly condemned the actions and said they stand in support of local Latino-owned business owners.
“This is not how we behave in the city of DeKalb,” Barnes said. “This is not how human beings, in general I think, should behave in the United States of America. But that really upset me, and I’m appalled.”
The alleged discriminatory attacks on DeKalb’s Latino community come just two months into President Donald Trump’s tumultuous second term, which has seen sweeping federal orders targeting immigrant communities. Trump campaigned in part promising to crack down on illegal immigration using U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforce-
ment agents.
The president’s policies already have garnered strong opposition locally. In February, dozens of DeKalb businesses protested by closing for a day, joining in nationwide “Day Without Immigrants” protests. Business owners said they wanted to show the value Latino-owned businesses and immigrants have in DeKalb.
But Barnes and Byrd said that there appears to be local pushback to that solidarity.
At the City Council meeting, neither Barnes nor Byrd showed the actual letters or disclosed specifics about what sort of threats were made, nor how many business owners received them. They said the letters appeared to include rhetoric about a person’s immigration status and threats to “go home.”
Barnes said authorities don’t know who sent the letters.
Byrd shared a photograph of two such letters with Shaw Local News Network. One of the letters addressed to a DeKalb business on 10th Street was postmarked Feb. 14. In all capital letters, the writer asked about the “legal” status of the business’ employees, ending with
This is not how we behave in the city of DeKalb,” Barnes said. “This is not how human beings, in general I think, should behave in the United States of America. But that really upset me, and I’m appalled.”
Cohen Barnes, DeKalb mayor,
an ominous: “Since you closed, we’re coming back. Adios.” Another letter includes a similar message, asserting that “illegal” people aren’t allowed. In the message, the writer implores the business to stay closed, stating its services aren’t needed.
Neither letter appears to have been signed or lists a name.
Byrd said he’s talked to several business owners who said they were targeted. He said the owners handed the letters over to police.
“They are not afraid,” Byrd said. “They are here to stay.”
Third Ward Alderman Tracy Smith said he also knew a business owner who’d received such a letter.
Barnes said he takes issue with the way the local Latino community has come under attack.
“I believe DeKalb is a place where everyone belongs, but there’s behaviors that don’t,” Barnes said. “You’re going to exhibit that behavior, and you’re going to be threatening like that and attack members of our community, then this isn’t your community. Go somewhere else. Period.”
Monday’s City Council meeting is not the first time city leaders have stepped up to show support to immigrant communities.
Hours after Trump’s inauguration in January, City Manager Bill Nicklas released a public statement declaring that local law enforcement wouldn’t play a role in enforcing federal immigration law. At the time, Nicklas said he wanted to clarify DeKalb police duties after he received “a number of citizen concerns and inquiries,” regarding potential ICE enforcement. DeKalb’s
See LETTERS, page 8
Iizuka
The Cotton Club, 858 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, is seen March 10.
Megann Horstead
DeKalb’s The Cotton Club owner seeks successor
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Nestled in DeKalb’s Junction Shopping Center inside a bright red train car is The Cotton Club, 858 W. Lincoln Highway.
The sewing and alteration shop has had a part in helping area customers to look and feel their best, no matter the occasion, for years.
Owner Farkhunda Mahfooz said she feels good about the services that she provides to the community.
“I make the customer happy,” Mahfooz said. “That’s the most important thing.”
At The Cotton Club, Mahfooz has an assortment of equipment and supplies on hand to meet customers’ sewing and alteration needs. Those include sewing machines, hemming machines, serger overlock machine, zippers, velcro, thread and more.
Mahfooz said she had worked for the establishment’s previous owner, Eileen Sheppard, who died on March 4, for several years.
Mahfooz took ownership of the business in July 1998.
“She was like a mother to me,” Mahfooz said. “She came a couple times to visit me here, and she was treating me like a daughter.”
Mahfooz said she’s always felt the
shop was a great place to do business.
“The area is very nice,” Mahfooz said. “The store is in the Junction Shopping Center. It’s a shopping area. It looks nice because it’s a caboose, and everybody likes that.”
As a whole, Mahfooz has nearly 45 years of experience in sewing and alteration.
“I worked in Arkansas,” Mahfooz said. “I worked in California, Wisconsin and Dubuque, Iowa. You name it. I worked everywhere. ... Everybody likes it, and I do all kinds of alteration. I do wedding dresses alteration and the bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, homecoming dresses. Then, we do all the suit alteration, and we do the leather jacket zipper work.”
Mahfooz said she would like to leave The Cotton Club in good hands. She intends to retire in the next year, but did not set a specific date.
“I wish somebody can buy this store so it keeps going,” Mahfooz said. “I even said that if somebody buys it, I can come and work for them for a while, for a little bit.”
Mahfooz said customers have told her they’re going to miss The Cotton Club when it’s gone.
“All the customers are very happy and they’re sad when they heard that I’m going to close, but I have to think about myself also,” she said.
MINI SENIOR EXPO
THURSDAY
MARCH 27, 9-11 A.M.
DeKalb
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – DeKalb mayoral candidates spent March 9 pitching their platforms for prospective voters during a packed election event.
Almost 100 people crowded into the basement of the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., to hear from candidates seeking the offices of DeKalb mayor, DeKalb City Clerk, DeKalb School District 428 board and DeKalb Township Supervisor.
The forums, moderated by WNIJ Radio’s Sue Stephens and co-hosted by the DeKalb Election Group, included questions from the audience.
Mayoral candidates included incumbent Cohen Barnes, 7th Ward Alderman John Walker, and Northern Illinois University employees educator Linh Nguyen and IT staffer Kouame Sanan.
DeKalb incumbent mayor Cohen Barnes (from left) seeking a second term, speaks March 9 during a question-and-answer period next to opponents Linh Nguyen, Kouame Sanan and John Walker, at a candidate forum hosted by WNIJ radio and the DeKalb Election Group at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.
Barnes has run his reelection campaign so far touting his experience both in elected and nonelected roles, highlighting what he’s called fiscal responsibility in his first term, not raising property taxes and bringing in business.
Walker has run on what he’s declared is his ability to “bring everybody to the table,” promising to beef up the city’s citizen-led committees, using experts to help advise the City Council, lowering taxes and being open to new ideas.
Nguyen, whose path to the ballot has been long, highlighted her role as a scientist, saying she’d lead with a “datadriven” approach to city government
Icons come to life at Hinckley-Big Rock Elementary School Researching their roles
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
HINCKLEY – Elvis, Taylor Swift, Patrick Mahomes, Wayne Gretzky, David Beckham and other celebrities were all at a DeKalb County elementary school this month. At least that’s what the school’s third grade class wanted you to think.
As part of a classwide project, dozens of Hinckley-Big Rock Elementary School third graders dawned costumes and cosplayed as a famous person of their choosing on March 13.
Third grade teacher Katie Claypool said it was the 10th year Hinckley-Big Rock third graders took their annual biography assignment and turned it into what they called a living wax museum.
“Third grade historically has done a biography research project where parents were invited into classrooms,” Claypool said. “The year I switched to third grade my teaching team decided why not open it up in the gym? And that way the whole community can come and see it.”
No longer contained to school hours, what happened Thursday night was the result of community support and intense preparation from students who are just beginning to learn how to write nonfiction.
The students were asked to pick a famous person of their choosing, research their life and use their findings to write a multi-paragraph essay from their subject’s perspective.
They were then asked to memorize their prose and perform it, as if they were a Disney animatronic or a wax figurine that had come to life in a museum.
Hinckley Big-Rock Elementary School Principal Deborah Hervey, said she knew about the annual third grade project before she took the job leading the school three years ago.
“I think it’s amazing,” Hervey said. “The students work so hard and put so much time and effort into all of their research and their reading and their writing, and preparing their speeches.”
Although students had a copy of their script on hand, many of the students had their script memorized. That was important, because more than 100 mem-
When you see that they have overcome such hardships and challenges, yet they’re so successful today – that’s the piece I want the kids to realize.”
Katie
bers of the community paraded into the school gymnasium at 6 p.m. like hushed museum connoisseurs entering the Smithsonian’s newest exhibit.
Those museum goers walked into a
room of more than 50 motionless figurines. When they stepped on a sticker made to resemble an analog button, they could bring a famous person to life. Students jumped into their roles eagerly.
“Just watching the joy on their faces, as they do their presentations, and the confidence they show is incredible,”
Claypool, Hinckley-Big Rock Elementary School third grade teacher
Mark Busch
Third grader Chris Roche portrays Elvis as he gives his presentation March 13 during the Hinckley-Big Rock Elementary School Wax Museum program at the school in Hinckley.
• LIVING WAX MUSEUM
Continued from page 6
Hervey said.
To make the living wax museum come to life, the school’s third grade teachers helped the students organize their research into paragraphs that focused on their subject’s early life, what they’re most known for and how they’ll be remembered.
“I think the main positive is we notice that with every single person that they pick, from Simone Biles to Dwayne Johnson, every one of those people have shown grit and resiliency,” Claypool said. “Their life stories are incredible.”
While there’s a lot that can be said about the pedagogy of taking a simple biography research assignment and turning it into a community event, Claypool said its important to teach her students that few people achieve unparalleled success without dizzying defeats along the way.
“When you see that they have overcome such hardships and challenges, yet they’re so successful today – that’s the piece I want the kids to realize,” Claypool said. “It didn’t come easy to them. They had to work extremely hard, and if they can do it and so can you.”
Mark Busch
Third grader Ellie Skaggs, playing Abraham Lincoln, checks out some of her classmates’ costumes as she waits March 13 for someone to press the button to activate her speech during the Hinckley-Big Rock Elementary School Wax Museum in Hinckley.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Sycamore Middle School to hold Science Olympiad March 20
SYCAMORE – Sycamore Middle School will host its 38th annual Science Olympiad on March 20.
The Olympiad will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the middle school, 150 Maplewood Drive.
Students will compete in various events for gold, silver and bronze medals. The events include Windmills, the Egg Drop, Float a Boat, Go for the Ozone, Marblous Mayhem and the Marshmallowpult.
The theme of the Olympiad is “STEAM to the Future.”
The Olympiad also will feature games, booths, displays, hands-on science activities and experiences. Food and beverages will be available to buy.
The school also will host its STEAM art
show, book fair and eighth grade “Innovative Thinkers” demonstrations.
DeKalb library group’s spring book sale begins March 21
DeKALB – The Friends of the DeKalb Public Library will host a spring book sale to support the library’s programs, materials and books.
The sale will be held from 9 to 4:30 p.m. March 21 and 22 and 1 to 4:30 p.m. March 23 in the library’s lower level, 309 Oak St. Gently used puzzles, books, CDs, LPs and DVDs will be accepted for donation at the circulation desk. Magazines, textbooks and videotapes will not be accepted.
A $5-a-bag blowout sale is set for March 23.
For information, email friends@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1030.
– Shaw Local News Network
DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd gives remarks March 10 during the DeKalb City Council meeting.
• LETTERS
Continued from page 3
policies also are in accordance with Illinois law.
Nicklas’ statement has since been translated into Spanish for readers and is published on the city’s website. Barnes said he felt sorry for those who were victimized by what he called hateful letters.
“That is not something that we tolerate here in the city of DeKalb in any way, shape or form,” Barnes said. “I feel bad for those businesspeople that are out there working hard, doing their thing and just trying to be good stewards, good residents of the city of DeKalb. And they had to deal with something like that. So I just wanted to apologize to that community. That is not representative of who we are as a community.”
Megann Horstead
LOOKING BACK
1925 – 100 YEARS AGO
For the third time in five years the clothing firm of Carlson & Benson was the victim of clothing robbers, when persons entered the store at Sycamore some time last night and helped themselves to about $4,000 worth of suits. One hundred and thirty-five suits were taken, according to a check made this morning. The firm carried but $1,000 robbery insurance on the merchandise and the loss is a heavy one for the boys who have been robbed twice before. The cash register was stripped of $6.50 in cash, but no other articles of merchandise were taken.
Numerous complaints, especially from the northeastern section of DeKalb and from North Fourth Street, have been made at the police station relative to a disturbance caused by dogs. Yesterday afternoon members of the police department had to be called to settle a neighborhood argument as to the proper place that dogs hold. Many people having dogs think that a city license will protect the dog, no matter what the animal does to the discomfort of the neighbors. This is not true and any dog that causes trouble to a neighborhood may be killed, if not kept at home.
With water installed and all of the equipment in place with the exception of the pipe and drills. The work of sinking the city well will be started in a short time, it was announced yesterday. City workmen spent the greater part of yesterday installing the water for the equipment at the well grounds. The well will be located on North Eighth Street next to the Northwestern railroad tracks, W. C. Thorpe and company receiving the contract for the sinking of the well, have had machinery on the ground since the day following the letting of the contract.
B. J. Morgan, the heating plant contractor of DeKalb, has been busy of late supervising the work at the new home of Mrs. Harriet Mayo at DeKalb where he will install one of the best heating plants on the market. Mr. Morgan has given attention to the preliminary work and as soon as the other contractors get their work well along. It is understood the remainder of the plant will be installed. Mr. Morgan
DeKalb Bank. Members are to bring coloring kits to the March 27 meeting at the Moose Club.
The Somonauk Junior Woman’s Club will present its 14th annual spring style show Thursday in the Somonauk auditorium. Proceeds from the event will go for a scholarship the club gives each year to a senior graduating from Somonauk High School.
“The Rock Island Line is a mighty fine line” the old folk song asserts. But the song became outdated late Monday. The 123-year-old railroad, the first to span the Mississippi River, filed bankruptcy and announced it would shut down all traffic effective March 31.
also installed the heating plant at the DeKalb theater at the time that building was constructed and has put in several other large plants.
1950 – 75 YEARS AGO
Otto Babcock, service officer for DeKalb County says that widows of veterans of World War I whose income is $1,000 a year or less are entitled to a pension of $42 a month. Those with children under certain ages are entitled to extra compensation and the income restriction is raised to $2,500.
All blacktop roads in the county which are under the supervision of the county highway department have been posted with warning notices about the weights allowed for truck traffic. Heavily loaded trucks have been using some of the blacktops as short cuts between concrete highways and cited the Malta-Shabbona highway as a prime example. Heavily loaded trucks cut up blacktop roads very quickly.
Sometime during the night vandals entered the DeKalb Township High School and while nothing was reported as missing considerable damage was caused. Several plaques on the walls in the main hall were torn down and broken and two rooms on the second floor were entered and fluorescent lights were broken as was a clock in one of the rooms. The vandals also entered the home economics room where a can of fruit juice was taken from
a refrigerator. After drinking some of the juice they sprinkled the remainder of the contents along the hall.
A Miami man almost bought a two-engine airplane from the government for $10. William Ambrose’s bid was the only one offered at a federal marshal’s auction in a foreclosure auction. He said the plane was in disrepair and wanted only the engines as scrap metal. The assistant U.S. attorney, E. L. Duhaime, termed the bid “ridiculous” and said he would ask that it be rejected by a federal judge.
At an open meeting of rural subscribers to the Maple Park Fire Department held last night, it was voted to purchase a tank truck to assist in fighting fires in the country. With the farmers using more and more eclectic pumps, the danger of this source being cut off in time of fire is greater, and it was deemed wise to carry a supply tank along with the truck.
1975 – 50 YEARS AGO
The DeKalb City Council heard a suggestion last night to use part of its federal community development money to raze buildings at Seventh Street and Lincoln Highway. A new post office is planned just west of the structures.
The DeKalb Police Department wives held their last meeting at the home of Mrs. Carl Pool. She was assisted by Mrs. Richard Morgan. The annual Easter Egg Sale was announced for March 28 at the
2000 – 25 YEARS AGO
A revised plan for a controversial residential subdivision will be scrutinized by its potential neighbors at an open public meeting. DeKalb city officials said at the commission meeting that they hope developer John Pappas’ latest plan for 34 acres at Fairview Drive and South Fourth Street will satisfy objections raised by neighbors.
Union Pacific Railroad is abandoning plans to build a rail port in rural Maple Park. The reason? Public opposition said Union Pacific spokesman.
Adams Street, which is one block south of the railroad track, is Waterman’s Industrial Corridor. It also is home to the seat of government: Waterman Village Hall and the Clinton Township garage and meeting hall. Located in the center of this corridor, with Paul Johnson Trucking at the west end and the Monsanto (DeKalb Ag) center at the east end, is one of the oldest buildings in continuous use since the late 1800s, Walt Wilcox’s Welding shop. The business is officially closed, but Walt still is doing some work for old customers who drop in.
It’s a long way from Hollywood, but DeKalb will have its moments on the big screen this weekend. “Love 101,” a film shot in DeKalb in late 1997, will debut locally on Friday at Campus Cinemas. – Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center Work on widening the intersection at Fourth Street and Sycamore Road in DeKalb is seen in this photo looking northeast toward St. Mary’s Cemetery.
State Rep. Keicher proposes eliminating franchise tax
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, has filed a bill in Springfield that would eliminate the franchise tax in Illinois.
That bill, HB2846, would amend the Business Corporation Act of 1983 so that domestic and foreign corporations are not required to pay a franchise tax that would be due or payable on or after Jan. 1, 2026.
Keicher said the franchise tax isn’t currently hitting the businesses you’d expect.
“The tax only hits a small handful of mostly mom and pop businesses and the tax doesn’t generate much at all,” Keicher said.
Keicher said he believes “it is the right and fair thing to do.” He said Illinois House Republicans, House Democrats and Gov. JB Pritzker had a deal in 2019 to eliminate the franchise tax along with the data center incentive, Blue Collar Jobs Act, manufacturer purchase
credit, and research and development credit.
“Since it was part of an agreement that Democrats walked back on I feel [it’s] the right thing to get it done as one of the folks that voted for it then,” Keicher wrote. “I want to carry out the promises made in 2019.”
The Illinois Department of Employment Security revised the December unemployment rate to 4.9%, down from the preliminary report of 5.2%, according to a department news release.
The preliminary unemployment rate for the state in January was also 4.9%, up 0.9% from the national average, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Keicher said he believes if Illinois had an unemployment rate that matched the national average, there would be tens-of-thousands of more jobs in the state.
He argued that Democrats in the state legislature have implemented repeated measures that chase away or discourage job creators from considering Illinois.
“The franchise tax is one of those that keep employers from investing in Illinois,” Keicher wrote. “So my ask would be, let’s be average and welcome job creators.”
Sheriff Joseph F. Glidden program set for March 23 at the Glidden Homestead
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center’s final Soup-er Sunday program will feature a presentation on the role of Sheriff Joseph F. Glidden on DeKalb County presented by College of DuPage associate professor of history John Paris.
The program will be held at noon March 23 at the homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
Admission is free for homestead members and $5 for nonmembers.
Paris will discuss Glidden’s time serving as DeKalb County Sheriff from 1851 to 1853. He also will discuss how DeKalb County was a hub for abolitionism and the Underground Railroad during the early 1850s. Glidden followed
a non-pursuit policy that aided and allowed the county to remain an Underground Railroad location until the Civil War.
Paris received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from Northern Illinois University. He has developed various programs for the College of DuPage since 1996. He also works as a Glidden Homestead docent.
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, call 815-756-7904, visit gliddenhomestead.org, or email jessi@gliddenhomestead.org.
Jeff Keicher
Salute to Scholars event April 24 will highlight Spartan success
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Sycamore High School students will see their academic achievements celebrated next month by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber will join the Spartans at the annual Salute to Scholars event on April 24. The event is meant to highlight the dedication of top-performing students while building connections with local business and community leaders.
“Sycamore is a special community that has so much pride in our schools,” Sycamore School District 427 Superintendent Steve Wilder said in a news release. “The Salute to Scholars is another example of how a community partner, the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, supports the achievement of our students.”
Wilder said the significance of the
recognition for Sycamore students can’t be overstated.
“It is so special to be recognized for your hard work and achievements,” Wilder said. “This event is a testament to our students, their families, and all of our incredible staff members who have walked alongside them through their journey.”
RoseMarie Treml, Sycamore Chamber of Commerce executive director, said the Chamber is honored to continue the meaningful tradition.
“These students have shown remarkable dedication and commitment to their education,” Treml said. “Salute to Scholars is our way of celebrating their success and showing them that this community values and supports their future.”
For more information about the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce and its programs, visit sycamorechamber.com or email office@sycamorechamber.com.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Board game designing workshop set for March 23 in DeKalb DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a workshop on designing board games on March 23.
The program will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the library’s 309 Creative room, 309 Oak St. Attendees can learn how to design
MANABURN, a game featuring dice, cards and miniatures. Participants also will discuss and exchange ideas about how to design miniatures and board games with library makerspace tools. No registration is required. For information, email techdesk@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851. –ShawLocalNewsNetwork
DeKalb school board hopefuls talk book banning
Editor’s note: To read more about local candidates, including for the DeKalb SchoolDistrict428schoolboardrace,visit our Election Central webpage, www. shawlocal.com/daily-chronicle/election/.
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – While the majority of candidates who addressed voters last week voiced strong opposition to book banning, one DeKalb School District 428 board hopeful said she doesn’t want books in school libraries that contain “explicit sexual imagery.”
Six of the 12 running for seats on the DeKalb School District 428 board answered questions from prospective voters and presented campaign pitches in front of a packed DeKalb Public Library room March 9.
School board hopefuls in attendance – Erin Grych, Howard Solomon, Jose Jaques, Brandon Elion, Kristin Bailey and Nicholas Atwood – were asked how they would respond if a book “is challenged” in the district. Solomon previously served on the board.
In 2023, Gov. JB Pritzker signed antibook banning legislation that ties state funding to open access policies surrounding materials used in public schools. The bill was meant to protect public and school libraries from pressure to ban, remove or restrict access to books based on “partisan or doctrinal disapproval,” Capitol News Illinois reported.
Libraries and public school library systems face a potential loss of state
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funding if they ban books locally, according to the law. Such libraries are only eligible for state grants if they adopt either the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights or some other written statement prohibiting the practice of banning books or other materials.
A multi-race forum was hosted by WNIJ Radio and the DeKalb Election Group on March 9 at the DeKalb Public
Library. The event also included live forums for candidates running for DeKalb Mayor, DeKalb City Clerk and DeKalb Township Supervisor. The forums were moderated by WNIJ’s Sue Stephens.
It’s a crowded race for three DeKalb school board seats this spring. Candidates Marilyn Parker, Derek Shaw,
See SCHOOL BOARD, page 14
Kelsey Rettke
Candidates for DeKalb School District 428 board participate March 9 in a candidates forum hosted by DeKalb Election Group and WNIJ Radio at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St. Nicholas Atwood (from left), Kristin Bailey, Brandon Elion, Erin Grych, Jose Jaques and Howard Solomon are seen.
Continued from page 5
and work with community groups to build stronger local partnerships.
Sanan, the only one in the group who hasn’t run for public office before, pointed to his leadership roles in his local church, his desire to make the city safer, his knowledge as a longtime DeKalb resident and his enthusiasm for making himself available to all DeKalb citizens.
The Consolidated Election is April 1. Early voting is underway at the DeKalb County Legislative Center, 200 N. Main St., in Sycamore. More locations will open March 17.
Here’s more about what the candidates for mayor had to say:
On what is DeKalb’s ‘most neglected problem?’
(Candidates are listed in the order they answered)
Nguyen : Streets, sidewalks and more navigable road infrastructure for residents to have easier access to places.
“Climate change is threatening our way of living, especially in DeKalb where we have the richest soil in the nation,” Nguyen said. “With this job, we have an opportunity to be at the leading edge and show our farming community how to solve this problem.”
Sanan: Stronger, safer and affordable communities. Sanan said he wants better lighting in DeKalb public areas. “It’s so hard to knock on people’s doors,” Sanan said. “There’s no sense of community anymore, nobody knows their neighbor.”
Walker: More robust citizen-led commissions at the city level, which he said allows for better problem-solving. The commissions are made up of volunteer citizens who advise elected officials on city policy. “You have to bring everybody to the table, because when you bring everybody to the table who thinks differently then you create dialogue, you create conversation,” Walker said.
Barnes : Economic development, enhancing the quality of life for DeKalb residents and infrastructure improvements. Barnes pointed to the city hiring more first responders and south-side economic growth in the past five years. “And then also infrastructure improvement,” Barnes said. “We’ve been investing heavily in our roads, our water, and next year we should have all of our lead pipes in the city of DeKalb eliminated.”
What makes their personality suitable for mayor?
Sanan: Pointed to leadership roles in
his church, his support of local business and that he would employ a “no one left behind” approach to the office.
Walker : Said he’s built an intimate knowledge of city neighborhoods through his job at UPS and would be open and honest in encouraging residents to approach him directly. “I never panic,” he said.
Barnes : Emphasized his experience as mayor and various leadership positions and his “ability to sit, listen and understand,” he said. Barnes said he’d approach a second term by growing community partnerships. He said he can make the hard decisions.
Nguyen : Said she’d approach the mayor’s office using “the scientific method,” and would make decisions based on data. “DeKalb, you have a very good problem, you have really good people wanting to serve the city,” Nguyen said. “This is what my family in Vietnam fought and died for, for democratic processes like this.”
How would you support sustainability and green efforts?
Walker: Said he would look to experts in their fields to help inform city policymaking, including those on DeKalb’s Citizens’ Environmental Commission. “Some people have an issue with people who know more than them in the room,” Walker said. “I don’t.”
Barnes : Also pointed to the environmental commission and listed ways he said the city already works toward that
goal: the commission’s pledge to combat monarch butterfly extinction, an electric bus housed at the city’s new bus transit center, electric vehicle charging stations and companies that prioritize green initiatives. “We know that is the future,” Barnes said.
Nguyen : Said she’d push for partnerships with NIU, DeKalb School District 428 and Rooted for Good, a local organization that provides mobile food services, fresh produce and other services aimed at combating food insecurity. She said she’d look to experts “so that we can be the leader in sustainability, and that strategic partnership where we start with this.”
Sanan: Said he’d review existing city policies to determine where changes can occur to foster sustainable local efforts. He said he also would encourage partnerships with area institutions. “So it’s not an easy thing to do, even though it’s a vital issue,” Sanan said.
Top infrastructure priorities?
Barnes : Street funding and water quality. The city’s 2025 fiscal budget included $4.5 million for roads.
Nguyen : Make streets more bicycle-friendly and roadways more pedestrian-friendly.
Sanan : Focus on making roads safer so that more people use them, including adding lighting to act as a crime deterrent.
Walker : Prioritizing funding in the city’s budget for roadwork, and also
focusing on what he called “civic infrastructure.”
Describe the ideal relationship between the mayor and city manager
Nguyen : Initiate conversations and develop a good professional relationship. She said she previously worked closely with City Manager Bill Nicklas as a local activist and organizer.
Sanan: Said trust and respect are key in the relationship to share ideas. “The mayor sets the tone or the agenda, and then the city manager implements it,” Sanan said. “So I would say a good relationship between those two individuals is very important.”
Walker: During his response, Walker became visibly emotional as he spoke of the deep mentorship Nicklas has shown him for six years, meeting regularly on Saturday mornings to discuss city issues. “The one thing about the man is he has good intent,” Walker said. “Is he always right? No he’s not. Am I always right? No. Is Mayor Barnes always right? No. But the one thing that I’ll never do is turn my back on somebody like that, because he taught me so much.”
Barnes : Called it a “symbiotic” relationship, and also heralded what he called Nicklas’ “incredible” work as city manager. He said trust is key. “It’s important that you have that rapport on a professional level,” Barnes said. “But really it’s a human connection, it’s a real relationship.”
Kelsey Rettke
A crowd in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., waits for election forums to begin March 9 at the event hosted by WNIJ radio and the DeKalb Election Group.
• SCHOOL BOARD
Continued from page 12
James Mitchell and Twangie Smith were not in attendance at the forum. Candidate Mark Charvat, who is running unopposed for a two-year unexpired term, was present at the event and invited to participate, Stephens said, but did not. Stephen Gaffney, who had filed to run, withdrew his candidacy last week due to other professional responsibilities, he told Shaw Local News Network March 12.
Questions at the library forum were provided by audience members, Stephens said.
Meet some DeKalb school board candidates
Candidates’ responses, listed in alphabetical order, have been edited down for length. To listen to their full responses from the forum, visit northernpublicradio.org.
OBITUARIES
MICHAEL D LARSON
Born: March 2, 1943 in DEKALB, IL
Died: March 3, 2025 in DEKALB, IL
Michael David Larson, 82, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away at Oak Crest, Monday, March 3, 2025.
He was born February 2, 1943, in DeKalb, Illinois, the eldest son of Leon and Dorothy (Schade) Larson.
Mike was a proud graduate of DeKalb High School and Northwestern University, where he became a brother in the Sigma Chi Fraternity and graduated with degrees in accounting and business administration. He met the love of his life, Mary Frances Siler, on a blind date at Northwestern and thought to himself, “I’m going to marry that girl.” And he did. On September 10, 1966, the couple was married. Mike was in the United States Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia at the time and was deployed the very next day to Nuremburg, Germany where he and Mary spent the first two years of their marriage traveling around Europe as much as possible. Mike was honorably discharged in May 1972 at the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Mike returned to work at Elmer Larson alongside his grandfather and father, eventually
Atwood
Background, priorities: Works as an appellate prosecutor for the state of Illinois and is an NIU law school graduate and adjunct faculty professor. He has a 4-year-old who soon will attend the district. He’s running to provide transparency and accountability to the public. He said he wants to ensure district money is spent where it’s needed: in the classrooms. He said if elected, some of the goals include adding more teacher’s aids into the classroom by offering job seekers more pay. He said he also wants to see more reading and math specialists in elementary classrooms. He said he’d push the school board to pay for that by growing its property tax base like neighboring taxing bodies.
Response to book question: “If a parent has a problem with a book that’s in the library, simply tell your child not to check that book out. We need to have open flow of ideas. This is a school. We have to have all perspectives repre -
sented and the ability for these kids to learn and explore the world around them. So if an individual has a problem with a book, don’t check out the book. If there’s a question of obscenity there are guidelines from the U.S Supreme Court as far as making that kind of determination. If it is found to be obscenity, it should be removed. But that’s a high standard to me.”
Bailey
Background and priorities: Works in marketing and communications for an agriculture machinery manufacturer. She earned bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in English and taught college-level writing for a decade. She said her 8-year-old daughter attends St. Mary School because of “the violence in our local elementary school,” but she wants to help address that in DeKalb schools. If elected, she said she’d prioritize alleviating school violence and also ensuring teachers have efficient support, both administratively and in the classroom.
Response to book question: “I would want to understand the concerns, but also the context. How is this thing being used? [...] How it is being critically engaged? That is the purpose of texts like this. And education is all about being exposed to new ideas, being exposed to different ways of being, things we don’t agree with, things that bother us and make us uncomfortable. That is what education is, public education. [...] I am vehemently opposed to banning books.”
Elion
Background and priorities: Is a parent with children in the district. Has a bachelor’s degree in arts and sociology with an emphasis in criminology and works at Nestle. He helped found the Ezra Hill Jr. Memorial Foundation, a community outreach group that’s helping DeKalb wrestling kids to obtain scholarships. He said he’s running to put students
See SCHOOL BOARD, page 15
joined by his two brothers and many others over the years who became like a part of the family. In 1975 and 1977, Mike and Mary adopted their two children, Barbara and Daniel. Mike’s hard work at Elmer Larson provided a wonderful life for Mary, Barb, and Dan. Mike and Mary ensured Barb and Dan received an excellent education, Catholic upbringing, and many opportunities, including ski trips in Colorado, a wedding in Spain, and enjoying beautiful beaches and excellent family dinners in Aruba. Mike’s favorite Sunday ritual was watching the Chicago Bears games on TV or at Soldier Field, having been a season ticket holder for decades.
Mike not only enjoyed working for his family, but also his industry and community. Mike served on several Industry Boards of Directors including the Illinois Aggregate Association (IAAP), Northern Illinois Material Producers (NIMPA), National Stone Association (NSA), National Aggregate Association (NAA),and eventually the combination of the two, National Stone, Sand, & Gravel Association (NSSGA). Mike formed several partnerships and developed residential and commercial property in DeKalb, Sycamore, Cortland, and Waterman. He dedicated his time to both DeKalb and Sycamore communities by serving on the Chambers of Commerce, named to the DeKalb Chamber Hall of Fame in 2014, Kishwaukee Family YMCA Board, DeKalb County Community Foundation, DeKalb County Builders and Developers, ReNew DeKalb as Vice-President, the Kishwaukee Community Hospital/KishHealth System Board of Directors for 13 years, being named chair in 2012, as well as several
other councils, committees, and associations. He was philanthropic and generous to St. Mary’s, Oak Crest, and many other causes and individuals. As a result of his dedicated service, Mike was the recipient of multiple awards such as the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce’s Clifford Danielson Outstanding Citizen Award in January of 2016. Mike was very proud of his four grandsons, Michael, Ian, Syler, and Cayden, providing a college education for each of them. He regaled them with tales of caution from his own youth and encouraged them to be successful. Michael followed in his grandfather’s footsteps; earning his Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting. Syler will graduate in May with dual degrees like his grandpa, but in Medical Management & Business Technology, with a minor in Finance. Ian also graduates in May with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management and Associate Degree in Science Aviation Flight. He is already a pilot like his grandpa was until he experienced a “hard landing” at the DeKalb Airport and gave up flying. Cayden has only just begun his tertiary education path, but no doubt will make his grandpa even more proud of him than he already was. Possibly most importantly, Michael Larson loved golf. He always said, “it never rains on the golf course” and his “knees never hurt when he was on the golf course.” Over the years, he played in many tournaments at the Kishwaukee Country Club in DeKalb. In 2006, Mike and son Daniel competed in the Bemis sponsored Mercedes Benz Open, winning in DeKalb, then Pinehurst, North Carolina, culminating in competition at the Kapalua Resort
in Maui, Hawaii. Mike and his brothers, Steve and John, were honored when the bar was named the Larson Brothers Lounge after the new Kishwaukee Clubhouse was constructed. After his wife Mary passed, the Mighty Kish and the friends that he made filled the void of that loss.
Michael is survived, and will be dearly missed, by his children, Barbara (Daryl Filkins) Larson and Daniel Larson; his grandsons Michael Decker, Ian Decker, Syler Larson, and Cayden Larson; his siblings and brothers/ sisters-in-law Susan Burch, Stephen (Bill) and Barb Larson, Janet and Chuck Austin, and John and Donna Larson; his cousin Nancy Caparros; his nieces and nephews Jamie Pesek, Andrea Larson, Shannon Burch, Jeffrey Larson, Michaela Larson, Karsten Larson, Caitlyn Austin, and Jessica Austin.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, the beautiful Mary Larson, his parents, Leon and Dorothy Larson, his nephew Lee Burch, and his brother-in-law Thomas Burch. Visitation will be held April 11, from 4-7pm at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 322 Waterman St., Sycamore, IL 60178. Funeral Mass will be held April 12, at 10:30am at The Church of St. Mary, 322 Waterman St., Sycamore, IL 60178, followed by Military Color Guard outside of the church, then burial of Michael and Mary Larson’s ashes at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 1100 West State St., Sycamore, IL 60178.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the ALS Association of Chicago in care of the Anderson Funeral Home, 2011 S 4th St, DeKalb, IL 60115.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
DeKalb library to host special needs play group March 20
DeKALB – Families with children with special needs ages newborn to 5 can attend a play group at the DeKalb Public Library.
The group will meet at 10 a.m. March 20 in the library’s Story and Activity Room, 309 Oak St.
Children can participate in activities that
• SCHOOL BOARD
Continued from page 14
first. If elected, he’d prioritize beefing up the district’s early learning program by making it a full day, and fostering more community engagement:
Response to book question: “No, I don’t think we should go down the route of banning books. [...] If there’s a book that is found offensive, I believe that conversation needs to be between those parents and that child. That’s also where the education starts. But for us to ban a book that one person may find offensive, you may have a group of other people that don’t find it offensive.”
Grych
Background and priorities: Attended DeKalb schools herself, earned a master’s degree in Nebraska and now works as a preschool music teacher. She’s a mother of four and sits on the Jefferson Elementary School PTA. She said she wants to “foster American patriotism” in DeKalb schools, and represent families who want to have a say in curriculum and be active in classrooms. Grych said she’s running in part “to stop the radical sexualization of our children.” She said she wants to reverse the 2022 Illinois State Board of Education ruling that adopted statewide standards for sexual education mandated under Illinois law.
Response to book question: “Despite losing federal funding, I would like for our libraries to do their best to not have sexually explicit material especially in our elementary classrooms, or available there. They are innocent. Putting them [books] out to display and, ‘Oh, pick me, pick me,’ it’s not helpful. Especially if they have beautiful colored illustrations that draw [students] in. As far as challenging what is already in existence, I definitely want to hear what this community has to say, and I would like to uphold what they say and listen to their suggestions of how we handle it and who would you like to handle it?”
cater to their abilities and interests.
Attendees also can meet and engage with families. Activities includes books, stepping stones, Magna-Tiles, puzzles and cars. Children must be accompanied by a parent.
No registration is required. For information, email theresaw@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
– Shaw Local News Network
Jaques
Background, priorities: A retired DeKalb police officer who also worked as a School Resource Officer, he said he raised two children in DeKalb schools and now has three grandchildren in the district. He said if elected he wants more fiscal transparency and to improve safety and security. He said he’s an advocate for smaller class sizes.
Response to book question: “First I’d listen to the challenge, find out why they’re having problems,” taking into consideration the funding risks. “Whether you like that situation or not the reality is you have to take that into consideration. [...] The most crucial part about this, and I’m harping on fiscal responsibility, is losing the funding for the entire district’s library budget because a few parents have a problem with a book that could, I’m not saying should be banned, it’s more educating students about when they should be reading that or the proper time or under what circumstances [reading it] might be a little inappropriate.”
Solomon
Background and priorities: Solomon served on the school board from 2015 to 2019. He said he wants to be responsible to constituents and would want to address student behavior issues. He said a priority if elected also would be to better retain teachers, including a push for newer teachers to get a larger pay bump the more they stay in the district.
Response to book question: “I oppose banning books period.That’s for starters. I understand there may be some parents who are a little bit worried about exposing their children to certain things that parents don’t want to expose their children to. And should a parent raise a point of contention about a book it should stay in the library but be quarantined. And the only people that are subject to the quarantine are the children of those parents who raised the concern. [...] Other students for whom those books are not quarantined would still be able to get to them or get the information out for whatever it is they gained.”
Dennis Leifheit
AMUSEMENTS
CLASSIFIED
MACH INE SH OP LIVE PUBLIC AUCTIO N
SATURD AY, MARCH 29 th, 2025 10:00 AM
by: Moni Comfort Station Avai lable LOCATION: 2125 DEAN ST , WOODSTOCK, IL 60098
MACHINE SHOP ITEMS: Several Bridgeport Vertical Mills (1 Enco); Punch presses; Brake presses; cut off saw; Hydraulic sheet metal shear; Lathes; Hydraulic surface grinders; precision grinder; Air compressors; MIG Welder; spot welder; gas welding tanks; drill press; Wire-EDM; wire cutters; (2) Furnaces; banding/strapping (ITW/signode); Hydraulic lift; 5 step staircase ladder; several ladders; parts bins full of misc screws, nuts & bolts; work benches; file cabinets; Pair of older Schwinn bikes; plumbing items; electrical items/ wiring; jigs; fluorescent bulbs; a few toys & misc Everything must be paid for at time of sale, must be picked up or moved by Friday, April 4th at 5 pm Machine moving arrangements available for a fee.
Belvider e, IL 61008 815-988-0249 cell
OWNERS: A. Karr
AUCTI ONE ER: LYLE LEE IL State Li cen se #440.000200 WI # 2863-52 CLERKS
LARGE LIVE PUBLIC AUCTIO N
SATURDAY, MARCH 22nd, 2025 RUNNING TWO RINGS! 9:00 AM
Lunch by: Moni Comfort Station Avai lable
LOCATI ON: Boone Co Fairgr ounds 8847 Rt. 76, Belvidere, IL 61 008 2004 FORD DIESEL TRUCK, ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES, HOUSEHOLD, YARD, TOOLS & MISC
Belvider e, IL 61008 815-988-0249 cell
OWNE RS: R. Case, H. Suski, J. George an, R. Ra mi rez, S. Hammer & J. Venegas AUCTI ONE ER: LYLE LEE IL State Li cen se #440.000200 WI # 2863-52
CLERKS
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
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
DEFENDANT S No 2025FC000006
Publis her's Notice: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housin g Act which makes it il legal to advertise "any preference, li mitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handic ap, familial stat us or nati onal origin or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation of discrimination." Familial stat us includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or lega custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violat io n of the law. Ou r readers are hereby informed hat all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD 1- 800-669-9777 Hearing impaired number is 1-800-927-9275
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 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)
