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ON THE COVER
Charred debris sits on a second-floor balcony of the condemned 1024 W. Hillcrest Drive apartment complex on Dec. 23 in DeKalb. An estimated 60 residents were displaced. See story, page 4. Kelsey Rettke file photo
DeKalb County Visitors Bureau receives state grant for international tourism
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau recently was awarded a state grant, which agency officials said will encourage international tourism and grow Northern Illinois University’s student population.
The $33,600 was awarded by Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity as part of the state’s International Tourism Grant Program.
DCCVB Executive Director Cortney Strohacker thanked the governor in a news release, and said the funds will boost DeKalb County to a “global audience.” She said bureau staff also will attend an international tourism summit to learn ways to attract foreign travelers.
“DeKalb County’s long history of agricultural innovation, educational opportunity and welcoming business cli-
mate have made our area an attractive destination for international visitors and students,” Strohacker said in the release.
The state program awarded $857,000 in total to 11 certified tourism and convention bureaus in Illinois, according to the release.
“Illinois is truly in the middle of everything, and our tourism industry is thriving like never before,” Pritzker said in a news release. “Thanks to the International Tourism Grant Program, 11 local tourism and convention bureaus will showcase the best of Illinois to global audiences, attract international visitors and drive growth to local economies statewide.”
The DeKalb County tourism agency plans to create interactive digital kiosks in high-traffic locations around the area. The kiosks will display options for local attractions, destinations, events, lodgings and restaurants.
The International Tourism Grant
Program will increase international travel to Illinois by marketing efforts directed to identified target markets including Mexico, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Italy, Australia and New Zealand, according to the release.
Illinois welcomed 2.16 million international visitors in 2023, reflecting a 39% increase, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. International visitors also added about $2.7 billion to the state’s economy in 2023.
The DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau works on the behalf of county stakeholders to attract travelers and overnight visitors to the area’s events, businesses and attractions.
The Illinois Office of Tourism leads tourism industry efforts to inspire visitation to and within Illinois.
For information, visit EnjoyIllinois. com or ExperienceDeKalbCounty.com.
Christmas tree removal offered in DeKalb County
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – As the holiday season draws to an end, various municipalities in DeKalb County are offering Christmas tree removal as a part of refuse services.
Sycamore Public Works Director Matt Anderson said Waste Management, contracted for refuse services in Sycamore, will collect Christmas trees through the end of January.
The DeKalb’s refuse service provider, Lakeshore Recycling Systems of Morton
Grove, will haul away real Christmas trees from DeKalb homes during their regularly scheduled refuse service collection times over the first two weeks of January, according to a city news release.
Flood Brothers Disposal of Carol Stream, responsible for refuse services in Genoa, is giving city residents through the end of January to put out their tree for pickup.
Residents north of Route 72 in Genoa will receive trash pickup services on Mondays, and those living south of Route
72 will receive the service on Tuesdays, according to Flood Brothers Disposal.
DeKalb County residents should be aware that their Christmas trees cannot be tossed on the curb with tattered decorations. A tree will not be included in the special collection services in DeKalb, Sycamore or Genoa if the tree is wrapped in a plastic bag or flocked, or has shiners, tinsel, glitter, wire or plastic on it, according to the release.
Light bulbs also need to be completely removed from live and artificial trees in order to be fit for removal.
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No changes to policy at Northwestern Medicine, spokesperson says
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Mask wearing is once again being recommended and changes to visitation protocol have been implemented at OSF Healthcare facilities due to “widespread respiratory illnesses” in Illinois, company officials confirmed on Thursday with Shaw Local News Network.
Paul Arco, media relations coordinator for OSF Healthcare, wrote that changes to OSF Healthcare mask policy, which previously didn’t recommend mask wearing for individuals who weren’t known to be sick, were driven by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
“The decision to recommend masking was made by our leadership based on the CDC’s tracking of respiratory illness in our communities,” Arco wrote.
The change to recommend patients and visitors at OSF Healthcare facilities was implemented on Dec. 31, according to a company statement provided by Arco.
Colleen Reynolds with OSF Healthcare wrote that the mask wearing “is a recommendation, not a mandate.”
Not all healthcare facilities in northern Illinois currently recommend uni-
versal mask wearing, either.
Northwestern Medicine, which operates Valley West and Kishwaukee hospitals in DeKalb County, has not recently made changes to its mask-wearing pol-
icy. Megan McCann with Northwestern Medicine wrote that there are still some instances patients and visitors could be asked to wear a mask, however.
“We offer masks at every entrance to our facilities and do require masks in certain clinical areas,” McCann wrote. “For patients who have symptoms of respiratory virus [and] in a patients room, if requested or if staff requires it.”
Overall respiratory virus activity levels in the U.S. were high entering the new year, according to CDC data. Illinois has moderate respiratory illness levels, according to the CDC.
That data and company observations is what lead to OSF’s new mask recommendation and was directly referenced in the policy statement.
“Due to widespread respiratory illnesses in our communities, including COVID-19, influenza and RSV, OSF HealthCare recommends masks to be worn by patients and visitors,” Arco wrote.
Additionally, the number of adult visitors will capped.
“To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone, we are temporarily asking for a limit of two adult visitors [age 18+] per patient at a time,” Arco wrote. “Exceptions will be made for special circumstances such as endof-life situations.”
WEDDING AND BANQUET CENTER
Kelsey Rettke file photo
The first OSF On Call Urgent Care in Sycamore is seen July 4, 2024. Mask wearing is once again being recommended and changes to visitation protocol have been implemented at OSF Healthcare facilities due to “widespread respiratory illnesses” in Illinois as of Dec. 31.
DeKalb apartment building to be demolished after fire
City staff: Utility work needed before tenants can return to buildings
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – A DeKalb apartment building ravaged by fire and condemned due to damage will be demolished, City Manager Bill Nicklas told tenants and fire victims on Dec. 31.
The demolition needs to occur before authorities can determine whether two neighboring buildings in the same complex can have tenants again due to “utility challenges,” Nicklas said.
The city of DeKalb hosted a public update meeting on New Year’s Eve for tenants and victims of a north-side apartment fire that left dozens displaced days before Christmas.
The meeting was a chance for those affected to learn about the status of the fire that condemned 1024 W. Hillcrest Drive and left units in two neighboring buildings at 930 and 934 Greenbrier Road temporarily uninhabitable, officials said. The complex used to be called Hunter Trifrat.
“At [the Dec. 31] meeting, City Man-
ager Bill Nicklas explained 1024 W. Hillcrest Drive, the most severely damaged building, has been condemned and will need to be demolished,” officials wrote in a news
release. “The interior of this building has partially collapsed.”
The Greenbrier buildings also remain uninhabitable as of Dec. 31.
At [the Dec. 31] meeting, City Manager Bill Nicklas explained 1024 W. Hillcrest Drive, the most severely damaged building, has been condemned and will need to be demolished. The interior of this building has partially collapsed.”
DeKalb city officials
Firefighters from more than a dozen agencies across northern Illinois responded to the Dec. 22 blaze. The fire started inside a West Hillcrest unit and quickly spread to the attic and then to neighboring buildings. The multilevel Hillcrest Drive building was condemned due to fire, smoke and water damage.
Authorities had not announced a cause of the fire as of Jan. 1.
Volunteers told Shaw Local News Network that 32 families – almost 60 residents total – were displaced. Many included children and babies.
James the Magician
Januar y 18th @ 2:00 p.m. ,
“We want to work as fast as possible with the owners to safely get the building down, so workers paid by the owner can extend the water and the electric to the other two buildings,” Nicklas said in a news release.
Nicklas said it’s too early to say when tenants may be able to return to the Greenbrier Road buildings, according to the release.
The Greenbrier buildings still need electricity and water restored, according to the city. The two utilities are connected throughout all three buildings via the 1024 W. Hillcrest Drive basement. When that building is demolished, independent utility lines for the Greenbrier properties will need to be installed, city officials said.
In the 10 days since the fire, volunteers and staff with service agencies including the Family Service Agency of DeKalb County, The American Red Cross, DeKalb Township and the city have worked to provide the residents with temporary housing.
Staff with the Family Service Agency also put a call out to local landlords, urging them to offer affordable housing to the affected families. Agency staff called the search for affordable housing “a critical challenge” and said many families are in need of immediate housing.
Rylie Loucks-Kues of the Family Service Agency asked landlords who have available units to contact her with details, including availability and rental costs. She can be reached at rlouckskues@fsadekalbcounty.org.
Kelsey Rettke file photo
The rear of 1024 W. Hillcrest Drive, DeKalb, is taped off to residents and passersby on Dec. 23 after the city of DeKalb condemned the building less than 24 hours following a major fire on Dec. 22. The fire displaced an estimated 60 residents in the three-building complex.
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First born of 2025 at Kishwaukee Hospital
Baby girl Harper born to Lee County family
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – A Steward couple welcomed their second daughter to the world on New Year’s Day, and their baby was the first to be born at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in 2025.
Kendal Harvell, 30, now is a mother of two and spoke with Shaw Local while her husband, Ivan Harvell, 30, drove them home from Kishwaukee Hospital on Thursday.
Kendal said her due date was New Year’s Eve, but the idea of their child being a New Year’s Day baby wasn’t a thought they’d spent much time on.
“We were anticipating her to be pretty punctual like her big sister,” Kendal said. “We didn’t really expect that we really would be the first one to have a baby in 2025 in DeKalb County, but here we are. She will have a very fun birthday moving forward.”
Harper Marie Harvell was born at 11:55 a.m. Jan. 1. She was 20 inches long and weighed 7 pound and 6.3 ounces, according to a news release from Northwestern Medicine.
“We’ll be welcoming this one into the chaos and hoping for the best,” Kendal said.
Ivan said it’s exciting and cool to know his daughter was the first born at Kishwaukee Hospital in 2025, but he wasn’t expecting that accolade.
“She was born at 11:55 [a.m.], so going into it, I didn’t think she’d be the first baby of the new year because you always think the first baby of the new year would be at 12:01 [a.m.],” Ivan said.
He said he had a “really good feeling” while driving his wife and newborn daughter home on New Year’s Day knowing everyone was healthy.
This wasn’t their first rodeo, however. More than two years ago, the married couple, who began their romance as Indian Creek High School sweethearts, brought their first daughter home from Kishwaukee Hospital.
After two stints in the maternity ward in the DeKalb-based hospital, Kendal said she had no complaints.
“The nursing staff is excellent every time we’re there, and they
really do go above and beyond to make sure we feel comfortable,” Kendal said.
Kinsley Harvell, 2, did not meet her little sister until her parents
brought her home, but her mother said they’d been speaking with her about the family developments.
“We’ve been talking to her a lot about her little sister, and I think
she’ll be excited, although a little disappointed,” Kendal said, “because while we really liked the name Harper, she really wanted us to name her Fruit Snacks.”
We’ve been talking to her [Kinsley] a lot about her little sister, and I think she’ll be excited, although a little disappointed, because while we really liked the name Harper, she really wanted us to name her Fruit Snacks.”
Photo provided by Northwestern Medicine
Harper Marie Harvell was the first baby born at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb on New Year’s Day 2025.
Kendal Harvell, mother of newborn Harper and big sister Kinsley
IVT auditions for ‘Charlotte’s Web’ begin Jan. 12 in Sandwich
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SANDWICH – The Indian Valley Theatre has scheduled auditions for its upcoming performances of “Charlotte’s Web.”
The auditions will be from 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 12 and 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Sandwich Opera House, 140 E. Railroad St.
The casting call is intended for people ages 7 to adult.
“Charlotte’s Web,” based on the book by E.B. White and the play by Joseph Robinette, tells the story of Wilbur, a young pig who wants to avoid the butcher. Wilbur befriends Charlotte, a spider, who becomes
Learning Center playground
with a community foundation grant.
determined to save him. She begins the campaign by writing “Some Pig” on her web. The campaign ends with Wilbur doing what’s most important to Charlotte.
The IVT production will be directed by Kathie Hart and produced by Darren Whaley.
Auditioners are encouraged to inform the director of rehearsal conflicts. They also must be available for tech week set for March 30 through April 6.
Performances of “Charlotte’s Web” will be April 4-6.
For information, email info@indianvalleytheatre.com, visit indianvalleytheatre.com, or send a message on the IVT Facebook page.
DCCF accepting grant applications
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Community Foundation is accepting applications for spring 2025 Community Needs Grants and Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants.
Nonprofit and public sector organizations are encouraged to apply.
Learn more or apply online at dekalbccf.org/grant-programs.
The Community Needs Grants program now offers funding of up to $20,000 while the new Build the Future Grants program provides up to $100,000 for eligible projects. Build the Future Grants are specifically designed to support the construction and expansion of facilities that meet the charitable needs of DeKalb County residents.
This program replaces the large request category of the foundation’s Community Needs Grants, directing all construction and expansion requests from eligible organizations to the Build the Future Grants program. Applications are accepted annually from Jan. 1 to May 15.
Community Needs Grants support the capital needs of local nonprofit and public sector organizations. Funding is made possible through ongoing donor generosity to Community Impact Funds, Field of Interest Funds, and Donor Advised Funds at the Community Foundation. Last year, this grant program provided $272,426 to address needs and support projects in DeKalb County. The application deadline is March 1 at 11:59 p.m.
Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants support music education for nonprofit and public sector organizations throughout the greater Chicagoland area. Funding is made possible through the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation. Because of Wurlitzer’s local heritage, preference is given to organizations serving DeKalb County residents. Last year, this grant program provided $247,800 to support music education. The application deadline is March 1 at 11:59 p.m.
For more informaiton, contact the grants staff at grants@dekalbccf.org or 815-748-5383.
JANUARY THURSDAY MEAL
The Kishwaukee College Foundation bought the Early
sunshades
Photo provided by DeKalb County Community Foundation
VAC renovates Meals on Wheels office and kitchen
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois recently renovated its Meals on Wheels office and kitchen to increase its food service operation’s efficiency.
The renovation began in 2023 and was assisted by 3M DeKalb Corp.
“We have a remarkable staff that, despite the challenges of this aging facility, is dedicated to providing high-quality meals to meet the needs of so many,” VAC CEO Nate Kloster said in a news release. “To support their work through facility improvements is a priority.”
The corporation awarded a grant to the center to help increase its food service operation’s efficiency.
“We know that to continue to meet the growing need for our meals, we must focus on how we can become more efficient and increase capacity,” Kloster said. “This is particularly important as our Meals on Wheels program is showing unprecedented growth without comparable increases in funding. This growth is not just a number; it’s a testament to the increasing need in our community.”
The center also received a DeKalb County Community Foundation Community Needs Grant to fund the renovation. The renovation included adding kitchen equipment and preparing, repairing and remodeling the kitchen’s building.
“Thanks to the work of Irving Construction Co. and its subcontractors, we addressed the repair needed as they delved deeper into the project,” Voluntary Action Center COO and 3rd
Ward city Alderman Tracy Smith said in the release.
Smith said Irving’s work added equipment and repairs needed to make the kitchen more efficient.
“In my experience, the largest expense in commercial kitchens is equipment,” Meals on Wheels cook Gustavo Lopez said in the release.
“We are proud that Irving Construction is a part of this project and will be a part of the remarkable work of this kitchen.”
Kloster gave credit to contributions made by longtime supporters Joel and Helen Maurer and the George and Betty Dutton Family Foundation. Joel Maurer also spent time volunteering for the Meals on Wheels program and served on VAC’s board of directors.
“In 2015, VAC had to reduce Meals on Wheels service days due to a government shutdown,” VAC Chief Data Officer Ellen Rogers said in the release. “Irving introduced a challenge to the community by matching contributions to the program. This effort saved the program until government funding resumed.”
The Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois has served the transportation and nutrition needs of the community through community transit, Meals on Wheels and senior nutrition since 1974.
“The generosity of these donors demonstrates our community’s long commitment to our Meals on Wheels program,” Kloster said. “This program is much more than a meal; it supports many who have helped shape our community. It’s about providing a lifeline for those in need and being a good neighbor.”
Mark Busch file photo
Amy Woods, kitchen manager for Voluntary Action Center, unwraps turkeys on Nov. 17, 2022, at the facility in Sycamore.
LOOKING BACK
1925 – 100 YEARS AGO
Drivers of automobiles in the city of DeKalb who permit the youngsters to hitch their sleds to automobiles will be liable if any of the children are injured in an accident in which other machines are concerned, according to a statement at the police station today. Steps are to be taken at once to put an end to this dangerous practice of allowing the children to hitch sleds to automobiles and go sliding around town at a fast rate of speed.
Spark Plug, the new truck at the fire station, was called out just before noon today on account of some trouble in the house at the extreme end of Fourth street, used by C. W. Broughton as headquarters for his dairy. The chief and one of the men made the trip and according to reports, the stove pipe became clogged, causing the house to be filled with smoke. As far as could be learned there was no damage done, other than by smoke. By having the small truck available at the station, it was unnecessary to take all the trucks to this fire, and the little wagon will prove its worth more than once in answering such alarms.
Two trains on the Great Western, one going west at 9:39 a.m. in the morning and the other going east at 7:16 in the morning, are to be removed providing the permission of the Illinois Commerce Commission can be secured. There are five trains in the morning, four going east and one going west and four trains leaving during the afternoon and evening hours.
Train No. 12, arriving in DeKalb at 7:23 each evening on which many DeKalb people have been taken to Chicago, has been robbed three times in as many months, according to information from Chicago, and a total of over $500,000 in loot taken. Whether any DeKalb money was lost in the holdups in the last three months has not been ascertained today. The robberies have been reported in each case, and every police department along the system have been on the lookout for the robbers.
Following a period of seven days spent in consultations with five contractors, two of them local, the DeKalb Trust & Savings bank today awarded the contract for the rebuilding of the bank to A. Moorman & Company of St. Paul, exclusive bank builders for a period of 27 years. With the exception of the plumbing, heating and electrical work, which will be sublet to local contractors, the entire bank will be rebuilt by the St. Paul company. When complete, the rebuilding of the bank is expected to reach a sum of about $75,000.
1950– 75 YEARS AGO
The building which until recently housed the First National Bank of Hinckley was sold to Joe Hough of Palatine. Work was started Thursday morning on the inside getting it ready for Thompson’s restaurant, which recently vacated the Jerry Phillips building in the east end of town. Plans are for the restaurant to be in the east part of the building, with a new entrance made there for it. Joe Hough will also move his barber shop there, which is now operated by Gordon Hamilton in the
Two boys shovel snow on South Second Street in DeKalb in December 1949.
Al Bauer building. Definite plans for the rest of the building have not been completed as yet.
Old Christmas trees were burned in the yard at Central School last night with members of the Sycamore fire department on hand to supervise the job. It was an attempt to revive the old English custom of Twelfth Night, but not too many people remembered the occasion. Only a small crowd with a small number of trees showed up for the ceremony, most people apparently having forgotten about the plans.
Chevrolet, first automobile in the low-price field to offer an automatic shift on its 1950 models, announced today a cut in prices on one of its models. Cost of the all-steel station wagon was slashed $250, lowering the factory list price to $1,880. Prices on all other models remained unchanged, the General Motors Division said.
It’s possible to buy a new car today on 25-cent installments. A Chicago automobile dealer has installed coin meters in his cars and a customer now can drive a new car out of the showroom and pay for it a quarter at a time. Max R. Tauber, the only dealer to try the plan so far, today reported that both new and used car sales have jumped since he inaugurated it December 27.
Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt believes suggestions are “absurd” that she become a presidential candidate in 1952. “The time is not ripe for women to aspire to higher office,” she told newsmen before a talk yesterday at the 32nd annual Union Agriculture meeting. Mrs. Roosevelt advised women to “forget your sex, forget you are women, and vote like a good citizen.”
1975 – 50 YEARS AGO
It was like a beginning of a new school year today for students and staff when the doors opened officially for the first time at the Thomas H. Roberts elementary school at Ridge and Normal roads. Students at the Glidden School building loaded books and personal
supplies from their desks into large sacks yesterday. Taking turns by classes, the students rode the school bus to the new building where they located new homes for their belongings.
Workers are grinding up Christmas trees at the Northland Plaza Saturday. The project, sponsored by the DeKalb Junior Conservation Board, created a new alternative to simply dumping used Christmas trees. The pine chips will be spread on the Shabbona Forest Preserve for mulching purposes. The tree shredder was donated by Illinois Tree Service.
Three on a sled, like three on a match, is an unlucky combination for a downhill team at Hopkins Park slope, Sycamore Road. Sledders were out in abundance following recent snowstorms in the DeKalb area.
2000 – 25 YEARS AGO
The argument over how to best save the cashstrapped Malta School District continues, with some residents trying to stop the planned dissolution of the district. The district has been a steady decline of students since 1970, when it had a record 490. Last year 242 students attended Malta’s two school buildings.
As far as the DeKalb County engineer is concerned, replacement of the highway department’s garage on Barber Greene Road is the county’s No. 1 safety issue. But as they looked at a long list of safety-related highway projects currently on hold, some county board members have reserved judgement.
The intersection of Chicago and Somonauk roads will be converted into a four-way stop with a flashing red light. Located on the line between the villages of Sandwich and Somonauk, the intersection has been the site of several major accidents, some including fatalities.
– Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of King’s Corner Arcade at Mardi Gras Lanes. Chamber staff,
Photo provided by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
SYCAMOMRE
Safe Passage to hold women’s rights rally Jan. 18
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Safe Passage will host a rally in honor of women’s rights and other national marches occurring that day.
The rally will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 18 at the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St., Sycamore.
“This rally is not about protesting any politicians or political parties. It’s about reminding not only DeKalb County but the nation that all women deserve the same privileges as men as well as not having to live in fear of vio-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Hygge Winter Happiness programs set for Jan. 11 and 29
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host two hygge programs as part of its Hygge Winter Happiness series.
The programs will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 11 and 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 29 in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, 309 Oak St. The programs are free and intended for adults.
The programs will focus on comfort and self-care. Hygge is a Danish word used to describe the creation of a cozy, warm and inviting atmosphere.
No registration is required.
For information, email susang@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2114.
lence for just being a woman. We hope everyone comes ready with not only their signs but their voices. After all the violence we have seen recently in the county against women. This should be a top priority for us all here in DeKalb County,” Safe Passage prevention and communications manager Beth Ganion said in a news release.
Safe Passage is DeKalb County’s only domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center, providing a wide range of services including shelter, counseling and advocacy to survivors and their loved ones.
For information, visit safepassagedv.org/events.
DeKalb library to hold variety show Jan. 11
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will hold a variety show on Jan. 11.
The free event will begin at 2 p.m. in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
The show will feature juggling, comedy, magic and balloon creations. Children must be accompanied by their parents. A ballon twisting station will be available after the show by Fantastic Balloon Inventions.
No registration is required to attend.
For information, email theresaw@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350. – Shaw Local News Network
Mark Busch file photo
Lisa Casner, Safe Passage adult domestic violence counselor, holds a candle during a moment of reflection Oct. 7, 2024, during the annual Safe Passage Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil and Survivor Speak-Out inside the Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb.
Maple Park receives $40K for playground equipment installation
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
MAPLE PARK – The village of Maple Park recently received $40,000 from the DeKalb County Community Foundation to install new playground equipment in Memorial Park.
The equipment installation is expected to be complete by March, according to a news release.
The playground will be included in
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Homestead’s Soup-er Sunday program to return Jan. 12
DeKALB – The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center’s Soup-er Sunday program will return with a presentation on barbed wire baron John Warne Gates by St. Charles History Museum collections and exhibitions manager Eric Krupa. The program will be held at noon Jan. 12 at the homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
Admission is free for homestead members and $5 for nonmembers. Krupa will discuss the life and legacy of Gates, one of the country’s robber barons. Attendees also can view images and artifacts related to Gates. Proceeds from the the program will support the homestead. Soup and a house tour also will be provided.
The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center is a nonprofit organiza-
Sue Ann Novak, 78, of Yorkville, Ill., passed on to be with her healing Lord on Dec. 30, 2024, surrounded by loving family members.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, she was the firstborn of J. Richard and Mildred (Glorfield) Johnson. Sue attended West Elementary School in Sycamore, where her teacher, Marjorie Gustafson, was expecting a child whom she decided to call Sue Ann, after our Sue. Sue went on to graduate with the Class of ‘64, being in the first class to complete all four years at the “newly built” high school on Spartan Trail.
Sue was a member of Salem Lutheran Church, singing alto in various youth choirs, attending Sunday school, and was confirmed by Pastor Eric N. Hawkins.
After high school graduation, Sue was joined in marriage to James A. Novak, at Salem in Sycamore. Sue and Jim made their home for many years in West Chicago, raising three
Memorial Park’s upcoming improvements. The equipment is designed to accommodate children of various ages and abilities and ensure inclusive and engaging recreation.
“We are incredibly grateful to the DeKalb County Community Foundation for their generous support of our vision for Memorial Park,” Maple Park village president Suzanne Fahnestock said in a news release. “This playground will be a transformative addi-
tion 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
Egyptian’s ‘95th Anniversary Film Series’ begins Jan. 7
DeKALB – The Egyptian Theatre will host a “95th Anniversary Film Series” to celebrate its 95th anniversary.
Films will be screened at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 7 through March 4, at the theater, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb. The theater will show movies from the last nine decades that showcase cinema and storytelling’s evolution.
The movie lineup includes:
Jan. 7: “Bringing Up Baby”
Jan. 14: “Casablanca”
Jan. 21: “Rear Window”
sons: Michael (Joanie) Novak, Jeffrey Novak and Timothy (Rachel) Novak. Raising three sons was a challenge, but Sue was a loving mother and survived the task.
Son Jeffrey gifted Sue and Jim with their first grandchild, Austin, making them “official” grandparents. What joy that brought. Michael and Joanie added a grandson, Nicholas, and later a granddaughter, Vivian. And son Timothy and Rachel topped off their joy with twins, grandson Devon and granddaughter Megan! Sue and Jim put in their support and babysitting duties as good grandparents do.
Sue is survived by her husband, Jim; her three sons and daughters-in-law; and five grandchildren; her siblings, sister Mary (Steve) Safford, and brothers Jeffrey (Bonnie) Johnson and Craig (Gila) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J. Richard and Mildred; parents-in-law, Henry and Mae Novak; niece, Sarah Safford; and sister-in-law, Nancy Smith.
Sue’s family is forever grateful for all who helped care for her so lovingly.
tion for Maple Park families, providing a safe and welcoming space for our children to play and grow. It reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a vibrant and connected community.”
The village will accept input as the renovation progresses to ensure the playground meets residents’ needs and expectations.
“Our private philanthropic organization helps DeKalb County communities with their economic development
Jan. 28: “Dr. Strangelove”
Feb. 4: “Cooley High”
Feb. 11: “Glory”
Feb. 18: “The Truman Show”
Feb. 25: “Chicago”
March 4: “Lady Bird”
Tickets cost $10. To buy tickets, visit egyptiantheatre.org, call 815-758-1225,
programs focusing on a mission around quality of life,” foundation executive director Daniel Templin said in a news release. “We operate out of the generosity of others and appreciate the village’s work to build a strong community.”
The DeKalb County Community Foundation’s goal is to enhance DeKalb County’s quality of life through philanthropy and community partnerships.
For information, email sfahnestock@villageofmaplepark.com.
or visit the Egyptian Theatre box office.
The Egyptian Theatre is owned and operated by Preservation of Egyptian Theatre Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
For information, visit egyptiantheatre. org.
– Shaw Local News Network
SUE ANN NOVAK
AMUSEMENTS
Railroad Stre et (RT 72) Kingston IL 60145 inte nds to hold an auc tion of the goods stored in the following units in default for non payment of rent The sale will occur as an online auction vi a www.storageauctions com January 30, 2024, at 9:30 am Unless stated otherwise, the descript ion of the unit/space contents is as follows: Brian Rowland of 106 Emme tt Stre et, Genoa, IL 60135 KMS Unit 46Household goods Neal Burnham of 1109 Alex andria Drive, Sycamore, IL 60178 KMS Parking Space A-31 Boat All property is being stored at the above self storage facility This sale may be withdrawn any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.
(Published in the Daily Chronicle Jan. 1, 8, 2025, 2024) 2216411
