DC_Midweek_010423

HERO STORY

Shabbona woman sets her 2023 goals as work heralded by CNN Hero of the Year

Police warn of phone scammers claiming to be ComEd reps looking for money

Shaw Local News Network

SYCAMORE – Sycamore police are warning of a scam making its rounds that includes phone callers pretending to be ComEd representatives claiming immediate phone payment for delinquent account holders.

Police said in a Dec. 23 social media post that they had received multiple reports from residents saying they’d been targeted by the scam.

Police said residents should always avoid sharing any personal information over the phone.

“The callers are attempting to obtain account information and threatening that power will be shut off/disconnected if

NEWS BRIEFS

DeKalb provides Christmas tree recycling in January

DeKALB – The city of DeKalb and Lakeshore Recycling Systems will provide a special Christmas tree collection for DeKalb residents during the first two weeks of January.

The collection will begin Sunday, Jan. 1, according to a news release.

The recycling event is open to DeKalb residents who use LRS.

Flocked trees, trees with shiners, tinsel, light bulbs, glitter, wire, plastic or in plastic bags will not be included in the collection and are considered a large item.

Lightbulbs should be completely

immediate payment is not made,” Sycamore police wrote.

Police said representatives of utility companies such as ComEd will never ask for immediate payments via phone requiring prepaid gift cards, third party banking apps or cryptocurrency.

“Imposters can spoof phone numbers

on caller-ID to make it appear they are calling from ComEd,” police wrote.

Authorities said if residents aren’t sure whether a caller is actually a ComEd employee, they should check first. Police are urging community members who might receive such a call to hang up, call 1-800-EDISON-1 by actually dialing the number on your phone, and determine the initial caller’s validity.

Sycamore police said if anyone believes they may have fallen victim to this or a similar scam, they should call the department at 815-895-2123 to help mitigate issues.

For information about ComEd imposters, go online to www.comed.com/ MyAccount/Customer Support/Pages/ ImpostersScams.

removed from all live and artificial trees when possible and recycled at county events.

For information, call 815-770-7550.

Mental Health Board accepting 2024 grant year applications

DeKALB – The DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board is accepting funding applications for its 2024 grant year.

The board is accepting applications from providers of services to DeKalb County residents that support access to high-quality behavioral health care services.

The fund’s goal is to offer services for programs that provide DeKalb County resi-

dents help with mental health, substance use disorder and developmental disabilities.

The 2024 grant year application is available online at dekalbcounty.org/departments/mental-health-board/grant-application. The deadline to submit applications is noon Monday, Feb. 27.

The DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board helps to fund programs that serve the needs of people with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and substance abuse, along with prevention and educational programs.

For information, call 815-899-4960 or email dcada@dekalbcounty.org.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

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ON THE COVER

Nelly Cheboi (left) and her mother at the CNN Heroes Awards in December 2022.

Cheboi was named the 2022 CNN Hero of the Year. In 2018, Cheboi started TechLit Africa with her husband, Tyler Cinnamon.

See story, page 6.

Photo provided by TechLit Africa

CORRECTIONS

Accuracy is important to The Midweek and it wants to correct mistakes promptly. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411, or email readit@ midweeknews.com.

“Imposters can spoof phone numbers on caller-ID to make it appear they are calling from ComEd.”

Sycamore police via social media

The Commitment of Resource Bank

Chapter Ten Why People Matter

At Resource Bank, we believe that personal relationships are the basis for all we do. When you call us, you speak to a person right here, not a machine or a call center. Our first priority is to help you. We offer many technology-based solutions, but only for the purpose of actually helping you and not simply as a strategy to close branches and reduce staffing costs. Our view is that technology is a tool, and these tools are available when and where you want them. Technology is not a substitute for human contact, human caring, and human solutions; especially when there are problems to be solved.

In October, the Bank celebrated its 126th anniversary. It is with a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation that we thank all of our fine customers, many of whom we’ve served for generations, for your loyalty and support. And for those of you that have not experienced Resource Bank, we invite you to experience a real community bank. We believe you will be amazed by the level of personal service you receive!

In closing, dear friends and neighbors, it has been our great pleasure to share The Commitments of Resource Bank with you. With your support, we look forward to a bright future where you can count on us for years to come.

Richard Katz, Executive Chairman

Enriching the Lives of Our Customers Caring For Our Communities Believing in the American Dream

Elder Care Services announces dollhouse raffle winner

Shaw Local News Network

DeKALB – Elder Care Services recently announced the winner of their Christmas Dollhouse Raffle drawing Friday, Dec. 16.

The winner of the Christmas Dollhouse raffle is David Walker of DeKalb, according to a news release.

All funds raised during the raffle will go towards supporting Elder Care Services programs.

Elder Care Services was contacted earlier this year by local veteran and

craftsman Lee Newtson to see if the agency was interested in conducting a fundraiser with a dollhouse he wished to donate. The two-story wooden dollhouse features a wraparound front porch and an American flag.

Elder Care Services is a local nonprofit providing services and programs to DeKalb County seniors and vulnerable adults to help them remain safe, secure and supported in the community.

For information, visit ecsdekalb. org or call 815-758-6550.

Sycamore Library’s winter reading challenge runs through Feb. 10

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

SYCAMORE – Sycamore Library is asking area readers this winter to take part in its seasonal reading challenge titled Warm Up Your Winter.

“It is our goal to just promote literacy when the little people are out of school so that they can continue building those reading skills,” said Jill Carter, public relations and marketing for Sycamore Library.

The winter reading program started a week before Christmas and runs through early February.

“We like to start it just before school’s about to let out and then we’ll run it through Feb 10,” Carter said.

Readers or parents of young readers can create a family account on Beanstack – an app Carter said works like a virtual reading log – to win badges and prizes for the books they read during the winter reading challenge. Carter said there are different versions of the

winter reading challenge for different age ranges.

“So there’s a youth and teen version and then there’s an adult version because we like to encourage everyone to do their reading, but it’s all on that same app and then all the information is also on our website,” Carter said.

While the Beanstack app is a prominent feature in the library’s winter reading program, those who prefer pen and paper still will be able to print out a paper reading log through Sycamore Library’s website.

“We do have paper still, for those that desire to just track their reading on a paper log, but the Beanstack app makes it pretty easy,” Carter said.

Even those taking care of individuals who are not yet able to read are encouraged to take part in the program.

“We even include the age range we refer to as 0 to, 0 and up because even reading to little ones that aren’t able to read themselves – we count that as your reading too,” Carter said.

Photo provided by Elder Care Services

Dollhouse creator Lee Newtson (left) and raffle winner David Walker

Photo provided by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

TECH HERO HERALDED

Shabbona woman sets 2023 goals: 100 computer labs for Kenya schools

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

SHABBONA – Nelly Cheboi, a Shabbona based software engineer who was born in Kenya, said she just assumed she wouldn’t win when she found out she was nominated to be CNN’s Hero of the year.

Cheboi was on a New York stage when she was named the 2022 CNN Hero of the Year.

“I really did not believe I was going to win, and so when I heard my name I don’t know, I was just overwhelmed,” Cheboi said.

In 2018, Cheboi started TechLit Africa with her husband, Tyler Cinnamon. The nonprofit organization distributes recycled technology to build computer labs in Kenyan schools.

Cheboi, originally from Mogotio, a small village in Kenya, said TechLit Africa is helping students in Kenya create computer and online skills that will make them more employable as they enter the workforce. TechLit Africa has about 4,000 students and 20 teachers but Cheboi has dreams of expanding.

Using the award money earned in December – $100,000 as CNN Hero of the year, and a $300 from the Elevate Prize Foundation – Cheboi hopes to establish 100 computer labs in Kenya with TechLit Africa.

Cheboi’s mission to give her community useful skills for a tech based workforce has sometimes received pushback when communities have never heard of the skill sets Cheboi’s organization is helping to cultivate. That can present roadblocks on TechLit Africa’s road to expansion.

“I really think with this award it will be a lot easier, because now so many people in the community, in our community in Kenya have heard about the award, and they are more likely to give us a chance,” Cheboi said. “So before it was really hard to go into a new community and tell them about our projects because they’re thinking ‘Hey, who are you?’ Like what am I talking about? But I know that like so many people in Kenya have heard about the award its going to be a lot easier to expand to a hundred schools.”

Cheboi, who was on Forbes’ 2022 Social Impact List of “30 Under 30” for her work with TechLit Africa, said she didn’t think she had a chance when she found out she was nominated to be the

2022 CNN Hero of the Year.

“It was really nice but I wasn’t sure. As an entrepreneur I’m just used to disappointment so I wasn’t, I didn’t have high hopes for it,” Cheboi said.

As a part of the vetting process, CNN produced a video that explains what TechLit Africa does. That, at least, was something Cheboi knew she could count on. She said she just kept thinking that the best thing she could get from the nomination was the video.

“It’s really hard to explain to donors what our work is and we didn’t have a good video. So I kept trying to get someone to do a video for us,” Cheboi said, happy to have the video. “They captured our story really well.”

That video, Cheboi hopes, will help TechLit Africa to expand into more schools in Kenya.

“Our hardest thing has been convincing schools to work with us. So when we talk about. So what we’re trying to do is train these kids, give them enough skills so they can work online when they’re ready for the workforce.

But there’s no reference, right? They don’t know anyone who’s worked online before,” Cheboi said.

Cheboi said because there’s no reference, it can be hard for the community to believe that what she’s helping students learn will be useful. She’s hopeful, however, that her recent award will help her sway former naysayers.

“So I’m excited to go back and see if they’re a bit more receptive, you know, to see if they are a bit more like open

now that I’ve gotten this big brand name behind us,” Cheboi said.

Cheboi said she confided in Cinnamon, also her husband, when she didn’t think she had a chance at winning CNN’s annual award.

“So I told my cofounder, Tyler [Cinnamon], I was like, ‘You know what, I’m so glad my mom will be traveling to New York. I’m so glad we made it this far,’ and Tyler was like ‘What are you talking about, why don’t you think we have a shot at this,’ ” Cheboi said.

When the award was announced, her mom joined her on stage. The two of them then got to spend time together, away from their hectic lives.

“I kind of took a vacation instead,” Cheboi said, when asked if her work life had gotten busier since the award’s announcement. “You know, I just hung out with my mom. Now I’m just getting back to email and to work. But for me I think it’s been overwhelming because my inbox, my phone was ringing all the – I turned everything off and just spent time with

my mom.”

Photo provided by TechLit Africa

Nelly Cheboi teaches children in Kenya through TechLit Africa, her nonprofit organization that seeks to give Kenyan students tech skills to in an increasingly tech-focused workforce.

“So I’m excited to go back and see if they’re a bit more receptive, you know, to see if they are a bit more like open now that I’ve gotten this big brand name behind us.”

Nelly Cheboi TechLit Africa

NEWS BRIEFS

DCCF awards $9,522 in Promise Grants to local organizations

SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Community Foundation recently awarded $9,522 in grants to five local organizations.

The grants will be used to fund projects that support underserved population in DeKalb County, according to a news release.

The Promise Grants recipients include:

• Barb City Manor Retirement Home –$5,000 to provide housing assistance for seniors

• DeKalb County Community Gardens –$1,270 to provide horticultural education in multiple languages

• Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project – $1,500 to provide eviction prevention education to immigrants

• Hinckley Area Food Pantry – $1,265 to provide food and supplies to low-income teenagers

• Neighbors’ House – $487 to supply board games and learning activities for after-school groups

The Promise Grant-Subvencion de Promesa is one of the foundation’s grantmaking programs and receives support from the Promise Fund and the Howard and Mildred Eychaner Fund.

To donate to any fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation, visit dekalbccf.org/donate or write to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore.

For information, email grants@dekalbccf.org.

The event is free and open to the public.

For information, call 815-758-4919.

University of Illinois Extensions to host environmental webinars

DeKALB – The University of Illinois Extensions office will host three Everyday Environment webinar sessions beginning this month.

Admission to the webinar sessions is free. Registration is required to attend.

The Everyday Environment series is exploring natural resources topics and steps that anyone can take to help improve the environment. Recordings from the webinars will be available after the sessions online at youtube.com/UIextension.

The featured webinar sessions include:

“Maple Syrup: From History to Harvest” 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12. Patrons can explore the history of maple syrup, learn how to tap their trees, and discover best practices for DIY syrup. To register, visit go.illinois.edu/HowToSyrup.

“Tornado Trends” 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9. Participants will be able to learn more about tornadoes, twister myths and facts, and tornado trends. To register, visit go.illinois.edu/TornadoTrends.

“Tricky Pollinator Questions and Answers” 1 p.m. Thursday, March 9. Attendees can learn about what the latest science has to say about pollen and answer their most challenging pollinator questions. To register, visit go.illinois.edu/ PollinatorQandA.

to host hymn sing Jan. 11

DeKalb church

DeKALB – Glad Tidings Church, 2325 N. First St., DeKalb, will host a hymn sing at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11.

Early accommodation requests for access needs are encouraged. To make a request, emedvecz@illinois.edu.

For information, visit go.illinois.edu/ EverydayEnvironment.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation Daveyon Bradley of the Promise Grant Committee delivers a $1,265 grant check to the Hinckley Area Food Pantry.

DeKalb School District 428 adopts

$67.5M property tax levy for 2022

remarks or raised questions about the district’s levy during the meeting.

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – DeKalb School District 428 hopes to collect an estimated $67.5 million in its 2022 property tax levy, payable next year after the school board approved the final levy for DeKalb residents at a recent meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, the school board held a public hearing to give taxpayers an opportunity to ask questions or make comments regarding the levy.

Under Illinois law, public hearings must be held in advance of property tax hearings to allow for the public to weigh in. In this case, the hearing was also meant to advise DeKalb residents that the district was requesting an amount over 5% compared with 2021. No members of the public gave

Similar to other DeKalb area municipal governments, District 428 officials said the tax levy collection means more property tax revenue for the district because of significant increased development over the past year.

Property values are expected to rise across the county.

A homeowner who owns residential property valued at $150,000 in 2021 is expected to see a decrease in their share of the district’s levy, according to school board documents. That taxpayer might owe $117, or 3.9%, based on a 6.62% increase in the existing 2021 property EAV assessed by DeKalb Township.

District officials said the school board’s decision will help fund the district’s operations for the coming year. Public school districts usually account for the largest portion of property taxes owed on a resident’s tax bill.

In a memo to the administration, Cindy Carpenter and Armir Doka, the district’s directors of business and

finance, stressed how important it is when estimating to capture the full percentage of change between the equalized assessed evaluation and new property.

The district has recently noted $50,123,152 in new growth EAV from Ferrara Candy, Amazon, Meta/Facebook and Wehrli Custom Fabrication, according to school board documents.

In a related action, the school board approved an application for a property tax relief grant from the state.

The district is anticipating a property tax relief grant allocation amounting to $5.7 million and a required abatement of $6.07 million with $324,877 from operating funds will help make the decrease in the levy possible, documents show.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) All Seats $7

Drum and Bugle Corps returning July 7 to DeKalb

DeKALB – The Drum and Bugle Corps will return to DeKalb to perform their summertime show in July.

The show will be held July 7 at Northern Illinois University’s Huskie Stadium, 1425 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, according to a news release.

The event is bringing in the top nine drum corps from six states to DeKalb. The event is one of the largest tourism events held in northern Illinois during the summer. Ticket information for the show will be made available in January 2023.

The Drum and Bugle Corps show has been a summertime attraction for Northern Illinois University for more than 35 years.

Fri 12/23 Sat 12/24 Sun 12/25 Mon 12/26 Tue 12/27 Wed 12/28 Thurs 12/29

11:00 AM, 1:15, 3:30, 5:45

11:00 AM, 1:15, 3:30 Sun 4:45, 7:00 6:10 PM 6:10 PM

The district may not be alerted of the final grant amount until late January or early February 2023, after which point, the district will then have to file an abatement resolution to the DeKalb County Clerk and forward the certification to the Illinois State Board of Education, according to school board documents.

For information or to volunteer, email FunMEevents@aol.com or call 815-756-1263.

– Shaw Local News Network

Avatar: The Way of Water (PG-13) All Seats $7 2:20, 6:00 2:20 PM Sun 2:20, 6:00 6:00 PM 6:00 PM

ELF (PG) FREE Admission 12:15 PM 12:15 PM Sun 2:20 PM

Times and Movies subject to change Sycamorestatetheater.com • 815-991-5112 Follow us on

THE VILLAGE Restaurant

Located at 418 W. State st in Sycamore, we are a family owned restaurant that specializes in authentic Greek Food. Come in and see us or try us to go with pickup and delivery. We hope you will enjoy the foods we grew up on! $5

purchase of $25 or more coupon Must present coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp. 12/31/22

Exp. 02/28/23

Mon Closed Wed 11:00 am – 08:00 pm Tue Closed Thu 11:00 am – 08:00 pm Sat 11:00 am – 09:00 pm Fri 11:00 am – 09:00 pm Sun 11:00 am – 08:00 pm

Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, con dence, and character who make the world a better place.

Measure will help fund operations for the upcoming year

LOOKING BACK

1923 – 100 YEARS AGO

Although it was necessary to alter the arrangement of the equipment at the North Western station, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Wiltse were glad to do this when the large new gas stove arrived for the lunch room. The new equipment is well fitted for making pies and other work at the lunch room, and the proprietors are more than pleased they had the extra work to do before installing the stove.

Sherriff Edward Crawford journeyed to Shabbona, where he captured one Jack O’Brien, who was wanted by the sheriff of Boone County for serious charges preferred by a young woman. O’Brien had been sought by officials of this county for a year and a half, and finally the DeKalb County sheriff got track of him. He had been working near Shabbona on a farm, under an assumed name. When captured by Crawford, the man accompanied him to Boone County where he was taken over by the sheriff of that place.

Due to a small boy locking himself in a room on the second floor at the Belding home yesterday, Fire Chief McEvoy was appealed to as a last resort, to get the room opened. The chief with the big ladder truck went to the home and after placing one of the larger ladders to the side of the building was able to get into the room, releasing the youngster. This is the first time in many months that the chief has been called on to use his ladder for such purposes.

Discovery of another outbreak of small pox in the city of DeKalb, one of the cases in a family, which previously refused to be vaccinated, has caused the red card to be placed on one or two homes in DeKalb today. The health board does not believe that the situation will get beyond control, but again urges those people in the city who have not been vaccinated to attend to the matter at once.

1948 – 75 YEARS AGO

Yesterday the parking meters in DeKalb were one year old, having been placed in operation on Jan. 2, 1946. At that time 394 meters were placed in operation in the business district as a means of alleviating the parking problems. Although it took a few weeks for the motorists to become accustomed to them, it was not long before all were dropping in their pennies and nickels as a habit. Enforcement was not stringent during the first few weeks, or until the newness wore off, but then tickets were placed on those cars which were found to be in violation.

Five years ago the agencies of war forced the United States government to take an action which dealt millions of “little fellows,” the low income Americans, a blow in the solar plexus. It was a simple order. All it did was ban the sale of new automobiles, except to those with high priorities such as doctors, public officials, essential war workers, and the armed services. Five years have elapsed and the war has been over for two and one-third years, 28 months, and for the average “little fellow” the ban on new cars still exists. The $40-a-week worker. The guy who kept the big automo-

This March 1956 photo of North Third Street in DeKalb looking south toward Locust Street, shows the houses at 214 and 212 N. Third St. just before they were removed.

bile manufacturers in business with their purchases of second-hand cars, have been elbowed rudely aside for five long years. Most of them were not “essential” during the war, few of them have the necessary “down payment” which some unscrupulous dealers have exacted since for the mere privilege of paying twice as much for a car as it cost pre-war.

During the holidays, with the schools being closed the Sycamore Community Center has become a beehive of activity. Children of all ages are there in large numbers from morning until night, using the facilities of the civic building. The smaller children are enjoying the many games provided for them, while the older ones keep the gymnasium ringing with their voices while shooting baskets. Several times every day teams of all ages are formed and basketball games are played.

The Malta fire truck will be in DeKalb Saturday morning for some special work on the motor. Chief Heins wishes to warn farmers that if fire starts in their buildings they should call DeKalb or the nearest town for help.

1973 – 50 YEARS AGO

Because of interest aroused in Oriental culture as a result of President Nixon’s recent trip to China, the NIU Student Association is presenting a Peking Opera. The Oriental opera will be presented tonight, tomorrow and Saturday beginning at 8 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium. All parts will be played by NIU students under the direction of Van Lu.

The New York Yankees were sold today by the Columbia Broadcasting System which brought the club eight years ago for $13.2 million and netted a “considerable profit” on this transaction.

DeKalb Public Library can help you to “get away from it all” via cassette tapes. The library has a tape collection which permits listeners to take a “tour” of Berlin,

London, Paris, San Francisco, Kowloon, Hong Kong or Washington, D.C. The library also has a series of tapes known as Vital History Cassettes. Information on these tapes include pertinent current events, speeches of President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, UN General Secretary Waldheim and coverage of recent election speeches.

Now making their home in DeKalb are newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Mahmoud Akrabawi, who were married last month at Calvary Lutheran Church in rural Lee following a rather unique courtship. Akrabawi made a public appeal for a wife through the Daily Chronicle in order to avoid being deported to his native Jordan.

1998 – 25 YEARS AGO

Local businesses in DeKalb are continuing the holiday spirit by donating their services to young residents of Hope Haven, a local homeless shelter. Mardi Gras Lanes, the Northern Illinois University Campus Recreation Center and GKC Theatres are offering to treat the children to bowling, basketball and movies, activities these children would not ordinarily be able to enjoy and participate in due to their family circumstances.

The flood of July 1996 left the Congress Lake Estates mobile home park in Kirkland devastated, leaving about 1/3 of the town’s population homeless. In November, the village gave final approval to a hazard mitigation plan with the federal government to buy out the trailer park, allowing residents to get on with their lives and forever turning the area into city-owned park land.

Corn and soybeans usually come to mind when thinking about crops in DeKalb County. But one Kirkland resident has become well-known for his production of wheat. In fact, he has been named to a state committee that is seeking to revolutionize the crop’s production. Illinois Agriculture Director Becky Doyle recently named Allan Aves of Kirkland to serve on a special Wheat Program Committee.

Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center

Sycamore likely to see hike in 2023 property tax levy

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

SYCAMORE – Sycamore city residents should expect to see an increase in the amount of property taxes they’ll owe to the city in 2023, after a recent Sycamore City Council vote meant to add first responders to the city’s payroll.

The Sycamore City Council voted to approve an increase of the city’s property tax rate from 0.625% in 2022 to 0.682% in 2023.

The city of Sycamore is expected to collect $600,000 in property taxes through the levy. The funds will be used to establish three new firefighter and two new police officer positions, each estimated to cost $120,000, according to city documents.

“I would have preferred the less expensive one but we need everything that’s in all the options,” 2nd Ward Alderman Chuck Stowe said.

The 0.057% tax increase was one of five options presented to the city council on in the Dec. 19 council meeting. No option before the council would have seen the 2022 tax rate of 0.62542% decrease or stay the same.

According to city documents, the approved tax levy will add an estimated $105.24 to a Sycamore resident’s tax bill.

However, that total may in fact be higher because the number does not appear to reflect the year over year increased property value of the average Sycamore resident.

“At the end of the day, it is what the council approved and it’s what we’ll move forward with. I know a lot of thought had gone into making those different options,” 4th Ward Alderman David Stouffer said.

Lazenby – clazenby@shawmedia.com

Virginia Sherod and 1st Ward Alderman Alan Bauer were absent from the Dec. 19 meeting; 1st Ward Alderman Josh Huseman, 2nd Ward Alderman Pete Paulsen and 3rd Ward alderpersons Nancy Copple and Jeff Fischer voted against Stowe’s motion. Stouffer was the only one to vote with Stowe.

Huseman said he believes the city is faced with needs created by a larger population.

“The growth of Sycamore is positive. We’ve had great population growth, it’s been very well managed but there’s some things that we haven’t done incrementally along the way,” Huseman said.

The tax levy vote comes amid months of conversation at the city level where Sycamore’s first responders have asked the council to support hiring more police and fire employees.

At a Dec. 19 council meeting, Stowe attempted to garner aldermanic support for a third option, which would have levied $480,000 and increased the tax rate from 0.62542% to 0.661165%. That increase would have been enough to create one new police officer and three new firefighter positions, according to city documents.

Stowe’s motion to approve option three failed 2-4. 4th Ward Alderwoman

During an Oct. 17 presentation to the City Council, Sycamore Police Chief Steve Winters said he wants to add police officers to the department’s roster so that most shifts are staffed with five officers and a sergeant.

Minimum staffing for the Sycamore Police Department is three officers per 12-hour shift, which start or end at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. In 2021, 66.5% of shifts

Camden

Sycamore’s 1st Ward Alderman Josh Huseman (from left), 2nd Ward Alderman Pete Paulsen, 2nd Ward Alderman Chuck Stowe, Sycamore City Manager Michael Hall, Sycamore Attorney Keith Foster and Sycamore Mayor Steve Braser listen to the public comment period Dec. 19 of the Sycamore City Council meeting.

were staffed with only three officers on duty.

On an average day, 75% of the year, the Sycamore Fire Department has a total of six individuals working its two fire stations, Sycamore Fire Chief Peter Polarek said during a Sept. 19 City Council meeting. Sometimes seven or eight firefighters are on duty, but that’s normally in the winter.

Sycamore Mayor Steve Braser has previously said he’s not a fan of how thin the city’s public safety workers have become during Nov. 22’s City Council meeting.

Huseman said he agrees with the mayor that the city needs to prioritize personnel for public safety officials.

“We’ve had a gap in our staffing levels and so this just gives room to focus specifically on public safety – three firemen, two police officers and it’s a very manageable amount from a tax stand-

point,” Huseman said. “I’m excited about it, I think that our department heads are excited about it and it’s probably something that we should have been talking about for some time, and so I’m looking forward to them being able to move forward now.”

Stouffer said he believes while the chosen tax levy wasn’t his first choice, it will allow the city to fund more employees.

“It wasn’t necessarily the option I was hoping that we would get but I think it was – at the end of the it’ll be a nice compromise and get the city on the right track to have the personnel and support that they need as we continue to grow,” Stouffer said.

Stowe said the city has a need for all the positions that could potentially be created from option one but cautioned against doing too much too quickly.

“We don’t need to do everything at once, I think we can slowly building to what we need and this is a, you know, good step forward towards that,” Stowe said.

Custom BBQ Seasoning 1 Shaker $1699

Crab Rangoon ...................................2.5 ct. $1825

Polancris Tenderloins ......................... 5 ct. $1399

Chicken Fritters .....................................1 lb. $869

Onion Rings - Battered .........................1 lb. $549

Egg Rolls - Veg-Chix-Pork-Shrimp 5 ct. $545

Mini Chix Burritos 1 lb. $1099

Ravioli Filled with Beef 1 lb. $649

Cheese Ravioli - Deep Fry 1 lb. $649

Cream Cheese Poppers 1 lb. $799

Sliced Gyro Meat ....................................1 lb. $799

Battered Pickle Fries .............................1 lb. $799

Alligator Tail Meat ............................. 1 lb. $2199

Escargot w/Garlic Butter .................... each $100

Stuffed Scallops 9 ct. $999

Swedish Meatball - large 1 lb. $899

Prinskorv 1 lb. $1399

Toblerone - Dark Chocolate 1 bar $279

Karl Fazer Tumra Suklaa

47% Dark 1 bar $569

Manner Wafer Cookies

Dark Chocolate 14 oz. $969

Angel Soft 8 Mega $899

Velvet 4 Rolls $1499

Charmin - Ultra Strong 6 Mega $1099

Miller

Swiss Chocolate 85% Cocoa

Milk Box 1.4 oz. $239

Hershey's Dark Chocolate .............. 1.45 oz. $139

Dove - Dark Chocolate 1.44 oz. $139

Life Goods

Norwegian Bums Choice 6 Mega $589

Charmin - Ultra Soft 9 Rolls $1999

Carblis Vodka Cocktails (5%) 4 pk. $1199

Rumchata or Tequila Rose ............. 750ml. $2299

“We don’t need to do everything at once, I think we can slowly building to what we need and this is a, you know, good step forward towards that.”

Chuck Stowe 2nd Ward alderman

District 428 eyes relief funds

$322,800 earmarked for renovations to schools’ Education Center

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – DeKalb School District 428 schools are on the hook for $322,880 in additional costs related to renovations to the district’s Education Center, and school officials intend to pay for it using COVID-19 relief money.

The funds set for renovation are pulled from the district’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief grant funding, a pandemic-era federal funding opportunity that is funneled through the U.S. Department of Education and distributed through the state.

The school board voted 5-1 to earmark the funds at a recent meeting, doubling the renovation contingency budget for the district’s Education Center, 901 Fourth St., DeKalb, from 10% to 20%. The request was brought forward by Tammy Carson, the district’s director of facility and safety operations. Board Vice President Deyci Ramirez was the lone dissenting vote.

The Education Center renovation project has been underway since Nov. 1, officials said.

“There were multiple sprinkler pipe leaks that caused flooding to the building and made repairs necessary,” Car-

son said. “The rooftop HVAC units were beyond life expectancy and also required replacement. The project consists of replacement of all rooftop units for HVAC upgrades in addition to other renovations such as carpet/paint.”

Carson said renovations include reworking all ductwork in the buildings, work on thermostats, wiring, ceiling and lights. Plans also include improvements for additional walls to split larger spaces into smaller offices meant to accommodate staffing and additional work stations inside the building. Exterior windows will be wrapped, and improvements will be made to exterior canopies to address what Carson called safety concerns with the existing canopy structure.

Board Member Jeromy Olson questioned if the change orders for the project are necessary.

“Is this stuff that we absolutely have to have?” he asked.

Carson said project leaders found

FUNDS, page 14

Dr. Z has been in the area for 29 years 15 Minutes West of Somo nauk

Mark Black file photo – mblack@shawmedia.com

DeKalb School District 428’s Education Center remains empty on May 13, 2021, in DeKalb.

REACT sets Stand for Democracy event Jan. 6 in DeKalb

DeKALB – Responsive Engagement Activating Civic Talent has scheduled its second annual Stand for Democracy event.

The event will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at Peace Corner, Lincoln Highway and North First Street in DeKalb, according to a news release.

Attendees will peacefully demonstrate their commitment to American

democracy. Participants are encouraged to bring their own signs to the event. Attendees should dress for the weather.

REACT is a local Indivisible group that organizes rallies and other activities when needed to celebrate or improve important ideas and American institutions that need attention.

For information, visit facebook.com/ REACTdekalb or email civicsreboot@ gmail.com.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

• FUNDS

Continued from page 13

that, among other things, electric wires need to be cleaned up and put in at appropriate levels, windows need to be replaced, the exterior canopy needs to be removed and wrapped with an aluminum finish.

Olson pointed to the cost to address the exterior canopy and how it contributes to the need for an added contingency budget for the renovation project.

“I’m assuming that the change in the exterior finish is probably a significant bump in that total,” Olson said.

Carson replied that there is a significant amount tied to the exterior finish.

“Could we delay that?” she said. “Yes. When we looked at doing that as a separate project, it was almost twice the cost to do that because again, they’re there with the equipment and potentially again, use of time.”

When asked if the exterior finish on the canopy is an allowable expense for ESSER funds, Carson said the district has a back-up plan in the event that such spending is determined to be not permitted.

“Any expenditures that are determined to not be covered by ESSER will be budgeted from the Operations/ Maintenance Budget,” Carson said.

The district had previously approved $161,440 in contingency to allow Montgomery-based Lite Construction Inc. to make changes to the project, such as those to the doors, walls, added electric and other unforeseen things, officials said.

Those change orders included adding walls which include electric and data lines, removal of an old call box with wall repair, change to floor plan design in specific rooms, addition of work stations, and door and window removals with wall repair.

“Once you get into the ceilings and walls, you find things that you did not realize were there that needed to be dealt with properly,” Carson said.

The renovations originally were

approved in November 2021 with plans to start in March 2022, but there was a delay before officials commenced work, officials said.

“After the project was bid out, the decision was made by Administration to delay the start of the project from March 2022 to November 2022 to allow time for staff to prepare to move into the temporary location,” Carson said. “In addition, moving in November versus March was determined to have less impact to the departments affected by the move.”

Carson said that with the delay, there were actually design changes that were made based on the needs of the district and additional staffing levels and various other things.

The original education center renovation project was approved at $1,614,400 with an additional $161,440 in contingency for office renovations, additional workstations, upgrades to electric, exterior wrap and exterior canopy renovations.

“I believe this may be my only project that I have come forth to the board asking for an increase in contingency money,” Carson said.

Carson said there could be some additional change orders that come along between now and the end of the project, which is slated for March 2023.

With Board approval, contingency funding was approved to $322,880, which Carson said allows the project to move forward and avoid potential delays.

“The approval is for up to that amount if needed,” Carson said. “It does not mean that that amount will be spent.”

The added project costs will be funded through ESSER funds, but a portion may be funded from the district’s regular operations and maintenance budget if needed.

Carson said she hopes the district doesn’t have to use the entirety of its contingency budget. She said she doesn’t want to delay the project any more than is necessary and prompt the district to have to lease Northern Illinois University’s space longer to house administrative staff.

New fund to build opportunities for those with traumatic brain injuries

Shaw Local News Network

SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Community Foundation recently announced the creation of the new Friends of Jon Fund, meant to help enhance the lives of those living with a traumatic brain injury by providing opportunities for fun and recreation.

The fund was created by the siblings of Jon Wrenn – Nancy, Pam, Jennifer and Kent – to continue his generous spirit of caring for others, especially those who often are dismissed or not seen.

Wrenn experienced a traumatic brain injury as a result of a car accident just

Suffering a traumatic brain injury as a result of a car accident when he was in high school in 1988 hasn’t stopped Jon Wrenn from living an active life, whether it’s been competing in a marathon (left) or kayaking in Lake Superior (right).

before his high school graduation in 1988. Despite the dramatic change it brought to his life, Wrenn managed to live a full and active life.

After his accident, his family and friends donated and raised money to create a trust fund to help enrich his life. The fund gave Jon the financial ability to travel, seek out adventure and enjoy the fun things in life.

To make a donation to any fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation, visit dekalbccf.org/donate or send via mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore.

For information, call 815-748-5383 or email dan@dekalbccf.org.

Half Page 4.725 x 9.5 An Evening of Prayer, Meditation and Music.

Friday, January 6, 2023, 7:00 P.M. Email: stpaulsdekalb@gmail.com

Friday, October 7th, 2022, 7:00 P.M.

Friday, October 7th, 2022, 7:00 P.M. m o o s bsite for links]

St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road, DeKalb Office: (815) 756-4888 Email: parishoffice@stpaulsdekalb.org Website: www.stpaulsdekalb.org

St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road, DeKalb Office: (815) 756-4888 Email: parishoffice@stpaulsdekalb.org Website: www.stpaulsdekalb.org

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road, DeKalb Office: (815) 756-4888 Email: parishoffice@stpaulsdekalb.org Website: www.stpaulsdekalb.org

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road, DeKalb Office: (815) 756-4888 Email: parishoffice@stpaulsdekalb.org Website: www.stpaulsdekalb.org

The Reverend Barbara A. T. Wilson, Rector

The Reverend Barbara A. T. Wilson, Rector

The Reverend A. T. Rector

The Reverend Barbara A. T. Wilson, Rector

Photos provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation

DeKalb Chamber seeks art cover

Directory

DeKALB – The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is seeking artwork for the cover of its 2023 Business Directory Guide.

Entries for the art cover must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, to virginia. filicetti@dekalb.org, according to a news release.

The theme for the cover is “Growing DeKalb,” as the community has experienced growth in business, diversity and attractions while keeping its agricultural roots. The winning artwork will be used for the directory’s cover, and other entries may be included inside the directory. The business directory is printed, distributed throughout the DeKalb area and published as a booklet online.

Entries must be submitted as a high-resolution PDF or JPG image. Artwork entries should reflect what “Growing DeKalb” looks like to the artist and have professional representation. All forms of art will be accepted. Submissions must include a name, email, address, phone number and a brief explanation of how DeKalb has grown positively.

The winner will receive a prize valued at $250. Entries are being reviewed by a business directory guide committee within the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce provides businesses in the greater DeKalb region with resources, avenues for businesses to connect with each other and the community, and advocates for business needs.

For information, visit dekalb.org or email virginia.filicetti@dekalb.org.

NIU STEM Fest receives Nicor Gas grant

NAPERVILLE – Nicor Gas announced that the Northern Illinois University Foundation is the recipient of a $5,000 grant to help support the foundation’s educational and career readiness programs.

The grant will be used to support the university’s annual NIU STEM Fest, according to a news release.

The NIU STEM Fest is a free community event designed to stimulate curiosity in science, technology, engineering and math-related fields. The event includes hands-on activities, presentations, explorations of STEM careers, and demo shows for all ages.

Nicor Gas is a natural gas distribution company for Southern Company Gas and services more than 2.3 million customers in northern Illinois.

For information, visit NicorGas.com/ Community.

Glidden Homestead Soup-er Sunday program begins Jan. 8

DeKALB – The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will host a Soup-er Sunday program featuring local author Sally M. Walker in two weeks.

The homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, will host the program at noon Sunday, Jan. 8, according to a news release.

Admission to the program is free for homestead members and $5 for non-members.

Walker will discuss her new book, “Underground Fire: Hope, Sacrifice, and Courage in the Cherry Mine Disaster,” which tells the story of the 1909 Cherry Mine fire, one of the worst coal mine disasters in American history. Hundreds of coal miners from Cherry, Illinois, became trapped underground during an underground fire Saturday, Nov. 13, 1909. The miners remained trapped more than 300 feet below the earth’s surface as the fire lasted over the course of eight days, resulting in the deaths of 259 miners. The book alternates between the aboveground rescue efforts and belowground terror.

Proceeds from the program will go towards supporting the homestead. Soup is being served during the program.

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. The homestead will be open from noon to 4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of the month.

For information, call 815-756-7904, visit gliddenhomestead.org, or visit the J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center’s Facebook page.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

Photo provided by the J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center Cover art for author Sally M. Walker’s book “Underground Fire.”

Prospective

monished to file to verify all The succe has the sole expense of tenants or ot presently in pos subject

If this prope minium unit of the unit at sale, ot her than shall pay th and the legal by The Condom erty Ac t, 765 (1) and (g)(4)

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS PLANET HOME LENDIN G, LLC, PLAINTIFF, VS. CARA A WOODS; CHRIS R WOODS; VILLAGE OF HINCKLEY DEFENDANTS. NO. 2022CH000002

660 LOUISE DR HINCKLEY, IL 60520

NOTICE OF SALE

PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORT GAGE

FORECL OSURE ACT

PUBLIC NO TICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered by the Court in the above entitled cause on March 31, 2022, Sheriff of DeKalb County will on 2/9/23 in 150 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL 60178, at 1:00pm, sell at public auction and sale to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate mentioned in said Judgment, si tuated in the County of DeKalb State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy said Judgment:

TAX NO. 15-15-228- 038

COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 660 Louise Dr Hinckley, IL 60520

Description of Improvements: The property is a single family home.

The Judgment amount was $236,766.66.

Sale Terms: This is an "AS IS" sale for "CASH". The successful bidder must deposit 10% down by certified funds; balance, by certified funds within 24 hours. NO REFUNDS

The subject propert y is subject to general real estate taxe s, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate water bi lls et c., and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff The sale is furt her subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the bid amount the purchaser shal l receive a Certif icate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale

The property will NOT be open for inspection.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/ expense of evicting any tenants or ot her indivi du als presently in possession of the subject premises

If this property is a condominium unit the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, ot her than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Ac t, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4)

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SECTION 15- 1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For Information: Visit our

IS" sale for "CASH". The

successful bidder must deposit 10% down by certified funds; balance, by certified funds within 24 hours. NO REFUNDS

The subject propert y is subject to general real estate taxe s, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate, water bi lls, et c., and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff The sale is furt her subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the bid amount , the purchaser shal l receive a Certif icate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale

The property will NOT be open for inspection.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/ expense of evicting any tenants or ot her indivi du als presently in possession of the subject premises

If this property is a condominium unit , the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale ot her than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Ac t, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4)

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SECTION 15- 1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For Information: Visit our website at http://ilf oreclosuresales.

mrpllc .com

Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only - McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Pl ai ntiff' s Attorneys, 1 N. Dearborn St., Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602. Tel. No (312) 346-9088 Please refer to file# 22-12590IL

PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTI CES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

Plaintiff's attorney is not required to provide additional information ot her than that set f orth in this notice of sale I3209559

Published in The MidWeek, December 28,

only - McCalla Raymer

Leibert Pierce, LLC, Pl ai ntiff' s Attorneys, 1 N. Dearborn St., Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602. Tel. No (312) 346-9088 Please refer to file# 22-12590IL

PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTI CES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

Plaintiff's attorney is not required to provide additional information ot her than that set f orth in this notice of sale

I3209559

Published in The MidWeek, December 28, 2022 January 4, 11, 2023

March 31, 2022, Sheriff of DeKalb County will on 2/9/23, in 150 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL 60178, at 1:00pm, sell at public auction and sale to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate mentioned in said Judgment, si tuated in the County of DeKalb, State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy said Judgment:

LOT 28 IN UNIT SI X, BASTIAN'S SUBDIVISION, A SUBDIVISON OF PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 5, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREO F, RECORDED JULY 20, 1988, IN BOOK "T" OF PLATS, PAGE 88 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 88005389 AND AS CORRECTED BY DOCUMENT NUMBER 8810154 RECORDED DECEMBER 28, 1988, IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

TAX NO. 15-15-228- 038

the court.

Upon payment in full of the bid amount the purchaser shal l receive a Certif icate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale

The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/ expense of evicting any tenants or ot her indivi du als presently in possession of the subject premises

If this property is a condominium unit , the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, ot her than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Ac t, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4)

INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

Plaintiff's attorney is not required to provide additional information ot her than that set forth in this notice of sale I3209559

Published in The MidWeek, December 28, 2022 January 4, 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS PLANET HOME LENDIN G, LLC, PLAINTIFF, VS. CARA A WOODS; CHRIS R WOODS; VILLAGE OF HINCKLEY, DEFENDANTS. NO. 2022CH000002 660 LOUISE DR HINCKLEY, IL 60520

NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORT GAGE FORECL OSURE ACT PUBLIC NO TICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered by the Court in the above entitled cause on March 31 2022, Sheriff of DeKalb County will on 2/9/23, in 150 N. Main Street, Sycamore IL 60178, at 1:00pm, sell at public auction and sale to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate mentioned in said Judgment, si tuated in the County of DeKalb, State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy said Judgment:

LOT 28 IN UNIT SI X, BASTIAN'S SUBDIVISION, A SUBDIVISON OF PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 5, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREO F, RECORDED JULY 20, 1988, IN BOOK "T" OF PLATS, PAGE 88 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 88005389 AND AS CORRECTED BY DOCUMENT NUMBER 8810154 RECORDED DECEMBER 28, 1988, IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

TAX NO. 15-15-228- 038 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 660 Louise Dr Hinckley, IL 60520

Description of Improvements: The property is a single family home.

The Judgment amount was $236,766.66.

Sale Terms: This is an "AS IS" sale for "CASH". The successful bidder must deposit 10% down by certified funds; balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. NO REFUNDS

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxe s, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate, water bi lls, et c. and is offered for sale ithout tatio

COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 660 Louise Dr Hinckley, IL 60520

Description of Improvements: The property is a single family home.

The Judgment amount was $236,766.66.

Sale Terms: This is an "AS IS" sale for "CASH". The successful bidder must deposit 10% down by certified funds; balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. NO REFUNDS

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxe s, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate, water bi lls, et c., and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff The sale is furt her subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the bid amount , the purchaser shal l receive a Certif icate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale

The property will NOT be open for inspection.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/ expense of evicting any tenants or ot her indivi du als presently in possession of the subject premises

If this property is a condominium unit , the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale ot her than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Ac t, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4)

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SECTION 15- 1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For Information: Visit our website at http://ilf oreclosuresales. mrpllc .com Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only - McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Pl ai ntiff' s Attorneys, 1 N. Dearborn St., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No (312) 346-9088. Please refer to file# 22-12590IL

PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTI CES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR

ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SECTION 15- 1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For Information: Visit our website at http://ilf oreclosuresales.

mrpllc .com

Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only - McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Pl ai ntiff' s Attorneys, 1 N. Dearborn St., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No (312) 346-9088. Please refer to file# 22-12590IL

PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTI CES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

Plaintiff's attorney is not required to provide additional information ot her than that set forth in this notice of sale I3209559

Published in The MidWeek, December 28, 2022 January 4, 11, 2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, PLAINTIFF, VS. JAMI WARD, INDI VI DUALLY AND AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF MITCHELL WARD A/K/A MITCHELL LEIGH WARD; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MITCHELL WARD A/K/A MITCHELL LEIGH WARD; ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; CENTRAL ILLINOIS LOANS, INC.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; JAMI WARD NEXT OF KIN OF A.W., DEFENDANT S. NO 22 FC 000046 501 SOUTH 11TH STREET DEKALB IL 60115 JUDGE

PRESIDING JUDGE NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO YOU, Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Mitchell Ward a/k/a Mitchell Leigh Ward Unknown Owners and Non-Record Cl aimants defendants, th at this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, asking for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: THAT PART OF OUTLOT 1 OF HUNT'S PLAT OF BLOCKS 12 AND 13 OF HUNT'S ADDITION TO DEKALB, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK "C" OF PLATS, PAGE 59 ON SEPTEMBER 24, 1904, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF SE CTION 23, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 4, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 12 IN BLOCK 12 OF AN ADDITION TO BLOCKS 12 AND 13 OF H. D. HUNT'S ADDITION TO DEKALB; THENCE SOUTH ALONG A CONTINUATION OF THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT FOR A DISTANCE OF 50 FEET; THENCE WEST PARALLEL TO THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 12 FOR A DISTANCE OF 156 FEET; THENCE NORTH 50 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CO RNER OF SAID LOT 12; THENCE EAST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 12, 156 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNIN G, SITUATED IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Commonly known as: 501 South 11th Street Dekalb, IL 60115 and which said Mortgage was made by, Mitchell Ward a/k/a Mitchell Leigh Ward Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for First National Bank of Omaha Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb Co unty, Illinois, as Document No 2020002971; and for ot her relief.

OF HUNT'S PLAT OF BLOCKS 12 AND 13 OF HUNT'S ADDITION TO DEKALB, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK "C" OF PLATS, PAGE 59 ON SEPTEMBER 24, 1904 BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF SE CTION 23, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 4, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 12 IN BLOCK 12 OF AN ADDITION TO BLOCKS 12 AND 13 OF H. D. HUNT'S ADDITION TO DEKALB; THENCE SOUTH ALONG A CONTINUATION OF THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT FOR A DISTANCE OF 50 FEET; THENCE WEST PARALLEL TO THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 12 FOR A DISTANCE OF 156 FEET; THENCE NORTH 50 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CO RNER OF SAID LOT 12; THENCE EAST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 12, 156 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNIN G, SITUATED IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Commonly known as: 501 South 11th Street Dekalb, IL 60115 and which said Mortgage was made by Mitchell Ward a/k/a Mitchell Leigh Ward Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for First National Bank of Omaha Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb Co unty, Illinois, as Document No 2020002971; and for ot her relief.

UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case, on or before January 20, 2023, A JUDGM ENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT.

E-fili ng is now mandatory with limited exemptions To e-fi le, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/ service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/ faq/gethelp.asp or talk with your local circuit clerk's offic e. If you cannot e-file, you may be able to get an exemption that allows you to file in-per son or by mail. Ask your circuit clerk for more information or visi t www.illinoislegalaid.org If you are unable to pay your court fees, you can apply for a fee waiver For information about defending yourself in a court case (including filing an appearance or fee waiver) or to apply for free legal help, go to www.illinoislegalaid.org

You can also ask your local ci rcuit cl erk's office for a fee waiver application.

PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1 N. Dearborn St Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 Ph (312) 346-9088 Fi le No 22-09879IL-793005 I3209552

COMPLAINT.

E-fili ng is now mandatory with limited exemptions To e-fi le, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/ service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/ faq/gethelp.asp or talk with your local circuit clerk's offic e. If you cannot e-file, you may be able to get an exemption that allows you to file in-per son or by mail. Ask your circuit clerk for more information or visi t www.illinoislegalaid.org If you are unable to pay your court fees you can apply for a fee waiver For information about defending yourself in a court case (including filing an appearance or fee waiver), or to apply for free legal help go to www.illinoislegalaid.org You can also ask your local ci rcuit cl erk's office for a fee waiver application.

PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1 N. Dearborn St Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 Ph (312) 346-9088 Fi le No 22-09879IL-793005 I3209552

(Published in The MidWeek December 21, 28, 2022 January 4, 2023)

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