WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024 • S h awLoc al.co m
PERFECT PUSH Sycamore Fire Department welcomes new engine / 6
The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024 MIDWEEK
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Sycamore has half a year left with state grants to replace lead service lines a larger fear that high levels of toxic lead, which can cause severe health problems, was prevalent in city water. SYCAMORE – As the city of Sycamore The city has maintained that Sycacontinues its efforts to replace lead-lined more water is safe to drink. water pipes as required by a 2021 Illinois law, city leaders have now identified Sycamore lead-lined water pipe another goal: updating the city’s water replacement ongoing Sycamore City Manager Michael Hall master plan to guide future infrastrucon Jan. 16 said the city has secured a ture needs. Matt Anderson, head of Sycamore cumulative $11.16 million in loans from Public Works, said that at one time there the Illinois Environmental Protection were nearly 7,000 water service lines con- Agency to fund replacement of lead water nected to the community water supply service lines in the city. More than half of composed of materials unknown to the that – $6.8 million – has debt forgiveness, city. That number has since been reduced Hall said. About 75 addresses inside the city of to 135, Anderson said. “We don’t know what the materials are Sycamore have been identified to have lead [at the 135 remaining addresses]. So we’re water services lines, Anderson said earlier kind of doing two things. We’ve sent out this month. The replacement of the service mailers again, we did it in December lines at those addresses are expected to again. We might even go door to door on resume in February. Anderson said the some of these, we’re just waiting for peo- final portion of the inventory process has ple to respond. Everybody in town has been slowed by paperwork, however. “We’re trying to get them scheduled. been notified probably at least three or four times, probably at least four if they And then it’s, the other problem we’re have unknown or if they are listed as lead running into is with the people we’ve in our service to get them to participate in identified – they have to submit a packet back to us essentially giving the contracthis,” Anderson said. Sycamore’s lead service line replace- tor permission to do the work, and we ment program allows lead-lined water need to get those back,” Anderson said. As of early January, the city has 30 service lines on properties in the city be replaced at no cost to the property own- completed packets from the owners of ers. According to the U.S. Centers for Dis- properties with lead service lines, Anderease Control and Prevention, any amount son said. With 135 addresses left to invenof lead exposure can be damaging to a per- tory, he thinks there’s enough remaining funding to replace the lead service lines son’s brain. The replacement efforts come after that are identified during the final inspecyears of resident outcry about the quality tions. However, the state funding doesn’t stick around forever. of drinking water in people’s homes. “We still have funding, I think we may In the fall 2020, residents said they wanted to bring awareness to city officials have funding to replace all of these,” that discolored, foul-smelling water comes Anderson said. “All of the lead for sure, out of their homes’ taps and they refuse to and then whatever portion of those use it. Those complaints soon turned into unknowns that are actually found to be
By CAMDEN LAZENBY
clazenby@shawmedia.com
PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzles on page 12
lead. I think we would have funding for that through this forgivable loan. The issue is I think our funding will exhaust or no longer be available after I think June 30, [2024], so that’s the push.” At a City Council meeting on Oct. 16, 2023, 1st Ward Alan Bauer said he replaced his home’s lead service line years ago. “Your flow and pressures are going to be greatly improved. So it’s worthwhile to get this done. And you can’t beat it, it costs a lot less than what I paid to have it done,” Bauer said at the time. Residents unsure of the material of the water service line their home uses can find the city’s water service material inventory, and a form to request a replacement at www.cityofsycamore.com/ water-service-material-survey/. In 2019, Sycamore hired Trotter and Associates Inc. to complete a water master plan – a prerequisite for the millions of dollars of loans the city has received from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency over the past couple of years. With that document approaching five years old, city staff recommended City Council once again retain the services of Trotter and Associates to update the plan. According to city documents, the update will include an evaluation of the overall impact of completed water improvements, the identification of new priorities based on changing regulatory requirements and make recommendations based on documented changes in the water system and water system operations. Fourth Ward Alderman Ben Bumpus asked city officials how public engagement can be included in the creation of the 2024 water master plan. He was told public comments were considered in 2019 and an updated matrix for the plan can be developed based on public comments.
WHERE IT’S AT Amusements .........................................12 Classified ......................................... 18-19 Cover story ............................................. 6 Looking Back .......................................... 9 Obituaries .............................................. 11
HOW ARE WE DOING?
ON THE COVER
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Sycamore Fire held a “push in” ceremony for the department’s newest fire engine on Jan. 17. See story, page 6.
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January 25th - January 27th, 2024 Megann Horstead file photo
Jasmine Sandoval (right) watches as Elizabeth Sandoval ice skates during the DeKalb Park District’s annual Polar Palooza in February 2020 at Hopkins Park in DeKalb.
Polar Palooza to bring fun to Hopkins Park By MEGANN HORSTEAD
mhorstead@shawmedia.com DeKALB – Whether it’s snow or shine, organizers behind the DeKalb Park District’s Polar Palooza say they are planning to go ahead with hosting the annual winter festival on Saturday, Feb. 3, from noon to 3 p.m., at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road. In its eighth year, Polar Palooza will return with fun for the entire family to enjoy. New this time around is a fleet of snowplows as part of a touch-a-truck display of city-owned vehicles, snowman bowling, snowman volcanos and ice treasure digging. Chrissy Tluczek, the park district’s superintendent of recreation, said she is excited to see how many people turn out for Polar Palooza this year. “Our attendance is weather dependent,” Tluczek said. “We have had fantastic turnout the last couple years. … We’ve had about 500 individuals come through Polar Palooza the last two years. We hope to reach those numbers or even grow those numbers this year.” The event strives to be inclusive to all, featuring activities both indoors and outdoors at no cost to participating families. As in year’s past, Polar Palooza festivalgoers can try their hand at ice skating and sledding. They’re encouraged to bring their own skates and sleds. A small number of skates will be available for rent at no cost. Attendees also can expect to enjoy roasting s’mores and drinking hot
chocolate. Inside the Hopkins Community Center, festivalgoers may be greeted by the park district’s mascot Ronnie the River Otter while enjoying a cotton candy treat. Tluczek said one reason that Polar Palooza has been successful in year’s past is because of the event’s variety. “I think it’s popular because there’s several different things to do,” she said. “We have both indoor and outdoor activities. We’ll have crafts, hot chocolate, s’mores roasting [and] hayrides. It’s come and go. Everything is free of charge.” The park district begins planning for Polar Palooza immediately after the previous festival concludes, officials said. “It’s been almost a yearlong endeavor planning for the event,” Tluczek said. Tluczek said that putting on the event is a big undertaking for the park district. “We have park district staff from all areas of the district, from the recreation department to our parks and maintenance staff to administration staff all helping out,” she said. “But we do also look to some volunteers. We utilize volunteers from the community to help. Additionally, we collaborate with Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association. This year, [we’re partnering] with police, fire and the city of DeKalb. We also have some vendors that we utilize, as well.” For information on the event, visit dekalbparkdistrict.com or call 815-7586663.
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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024
INBODEN’S MARKET
The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024 MIDWEEK
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Crumbl not just another cookie shop, owner says By MEGANN HORSTEAD
mhorstead@shawmedia.com DeKALB – Opening a Crumbl Cookies along Sycamore Road in DeKalb wasn’t always part of Bill Badruddin’s plans, but the more he gave the idea some thought, the more it started to make sense. So when an opportunity arose to set up shop in the same tenant space that formerly was home to one of his father’s locally franchised Subway restaurants, Badruddin said he knew he couldn’t pass it up. “I was in a stroller in the back of this space right here,” Badruddin said, referring to pictures captured around 1991. “We used to own the original Subway at this address. … That’s just destiny right there that this was all meant to be for me to bring my concept from Chicago all the way out here to DeKalb to my hometown [and] have this space available.” On Jan. 17, Crumbl Cookies in DeKalb opened its doors to customers for the first time, treating them to a special sneak peak of what’s in store. The grand opening took place Friday and Saturday with chocolate chip cookie giveaways and an hourly raffle where patrons could vie for the chance to receive a single cookie every week
Megann Horstead file photo
Crumbl Cookies, 2566 Sycamore Road in DeKalb, opened Jan. 19. for a year. Badruddin, who lives in Chicago but is a Sycamore High School graduate, said he is excited to bring a Crumbl Cookies store to his hometown. “I grew up operating … franchises with my family,” he said. “We did our best every single day to provide an experience for our customers. … We
always have a special place in our heart to make sure we took care of our customers because of how much we loved DeKalb and Sycamore. I plan to do the same here with Crumbl [Cookies], with the rotating menu and brandnew flavors. I want to dare my fellow people of Sycamore and DeKalb to try something new and different.”
Badruddin said customers can rest assured that this is not another cookie cutter type shop. “At the end of the day, it’s just about giving it a shot and seeing the differences – the rotating menu, the interesting flavors, the suspense of never knowing what you’re going to see when you come in,” Badruddin said. “Then obviously, the open bakery aspect, you can see us doing everything. We make everything from scratch. You can taste that with every bite.” Badruddin said customers soon will be able to expect cookies that are specific to the DeKalb location. “I’m going to start a program pretty soon called ‘Hometown Picks,’” he said. “What that means is I will pick something dedicated to this hometown. So I have the cornbread cookie in the lineup. [I will have] pumpkin flavor, as well. Pumpkin flavor as reminiscent of Pumpkin Fest. Obviously, corn for cornbread cookies.” Crumbl Cookies is located at 2566 Sycamore Road in the Northland Plaza Shopping Center between GameStop and WestSide Children’s Therapy. Shop hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. The store is closed Sunday.
Avalon String Quartet
Avalon String Quartet, 7 p.m. Computer and Electronic Music, 7 p.m. NIU Philharmonic Orchestra with Concerto Competition Winners, 7 p.m. Feb. 21 Brass Area Concert, 7 p.m. Feb. 22 NIU Wind Ensemble, 7 p.m. Feb. 28 NIU Wind Symphony, 7 p.m. Feb. 29 NIU International Guitar Concert Series: Benjamin Verdery, 5 p.m. Jan. 25 Feb. 2 Feb. 16
Spring Season Opens Feb. 16
Anxious People! Witch Something, Somewhere, Somehow Spring Dance Concert See the entire schedule at: go.niu.edu/arts-tickets
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What is for Supper? What is a Meal? and Food for the Soul: Belief and Healing in Burma Nov. 14 - Dec. 16 and Jan. 16 - Feb. 12 Altgeld Hall - First Floor
NIU School of Art and Design Screenic Paradigms Jan. 22 - Feb. 29 Jack Olson Gallery Jack Arends Hall
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26
NIU CONVOCATION CENTER
TICKETS $8 FREE PARKING
GIRLS VARSITY / 6:00 PM BOYS VARSITY / 8:00 PM
Advance tickets can be purchased until 1/26/24 @ 12:00 pm at the DHS Athletic office, SHS Athletic office and DeKalb/Sycamore FNBO branch locations, or online at fnbochallenge.org (fees apply) Tickets can also be purchased directly at the Convocation Center for $10
High School Students must have their school I.D. to enter. All other students must be accomplanied by a parent/guardian.
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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024
DEKALB BARBS VS. SYCAMORE SPARTANS
The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024 MIDWEEK
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COVER STORY
New Sycamore fire engine completes 1,300-mile journey From the Rocky Mountains to the Midwest, Sycamore lucks out with replacement vehicle for emergency use By CAMDEN LAZENBY
clazenby@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – A nearly brand-new fire engine was purchased by the city of Sycamore from Logan City, Utah, last month, which meant someone had to drive the truck 1,300 miles back home in December. Sycamore Fire Chief Bart Gilmore said he thinks the new vehicle was well worth the trip required to get it to its new home, where it will be put to good use providing emergency aid to area residents. “I’ve been calling this thing a unicorn because you won’t find something this new in this kind of condition,” Gilmore said. Gilmore said he was aware of other fire departments, including one from Canada, that were looking at the 2018 Rosenbauer Pumper. So he sent two longtime members of the Sycamore Fire Department to inspect and potentially purchase the engine as soon as possible after receiving City Council approval. On Dec. 13, Sycamore Fire Lt. Eric Walker and firefighter John Pink were flown to Salt Lake City, and picked up by Logan City Fire personnel, so they could look over the prospective purchase. Then, over a three-day span after purchasing the vehicle, the two of them drove Sycamore Fire Department’s new version of the Cannonball run. “Nothing really aggravating happened. There wasn’t a thing we passed unless it was something pulling onto the highway from an off ramp that was going slower than we were, so we were probably the slowest thing on the road for 1,387 miles,” Walker said. Walker and Pink, who have worked a large portion of their careers alongside one another, took turns driving the Rosenbauer Pumper out of the Rocky Mountains, through the Northern Plains and back home to Sycamore between Dec. 14 and Dec. 16. On Jan. 17, Sycamore Fire personnel held a “push in” ceremony for the new vehicle, but it wasn’t an event that had been long anticipated. Gilmore said late last fall a crack running
Photo provided by Sycamore Fire Department
Sycamore officials pushed in the city’s newest fire engine into Fire Station 2 on Jan. 17, a month after John Pink and Eric Walker drove the vehicle from Logan City, Utah, to Sycamore. the length of the frame of Sycamore Fire Engine 2, a 2005 Central States Rescue Pumper, was discovered during a routine safety inspection. Within days, the Sycamore City Council authorized the fire department to spend up to half a million dollars on a replacement fire engine. “We asked the council for approval for $500,000 because engines are so hard to find, quality used engines are so hard to find, you really can’t wait around another month while the council approves things,” Gilmore said. The Rosenbauer Sycamore decided upon was used for a couple of years before it was transitioned to a reserve role. The pump is almost pristine because of strong water pressure in
the mountains, Gilmore said. The vehicle can automatically deploy chains, if it’s ever caught in ice, and has airbags in the event of rollovers. It had an asking price of $425,000 but Gilmore said Walker was able to barter down to $400,000. Gilmore said the vehicle could easily last 15 years. “And we got it at a cost that’s less than half of what a current fire engine would cost, and we got it without having to wait two years to get it,” Gilmore said. “When I called it a unicorn, I wasn’t trying to be funny. I mean, literally the chances of finding an engine so new in such good shape is impossible.” Gilmore said a Rosenbauer salesman recently told him it could take as
long as 54 months for a department to receive a new engine, so he’s feeling pretty lucky after Sycamore City Manager Michael Hall found the vehicle and his staff were able to beat other departments to the purchase. Walker said their luck hadn’t run out when it came time to drive the new engine – governed at 65 miles per hour – over the continental divide. “We had a little break and some really good luck with the weather. So the weather really wasn’t bad at all really here or there,” Walker said. “Within 30 minutes we were in the mountains, if not really less – two blocks north from the fire station downtown in Logan and start heading east, and we were going right up in the mountains right away.”
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK SYCAMORE – State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, and state Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, will host their fourth annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive for longterm care facility residents. The drive will accept cards through Feb. 7, according to a news release. Community members, churches, schools and businesses can create Valentine’s Day cards. The cards will be sent to rehab, nursing home and long-term facility residents. Cards can be dropped off or mailed to Syverson’s office, 527 Colman Center Drive, Cherry Valley; Keicher’s office, 158 W. State St., Suite C, Sycamore; or Keicher and Syverson’s joint office, 115 W. Oak Knoll Drive, Illinois Route 72, Hampshire. For information, email cheryll@senatordavesyverson.com.
Mark Busch file photo
State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, and state Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, are collecting Valentine’s Day cards for long-term care facility residents.
ONE OF A KIND.
SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Master Gardeners will host this year’s Gardener’s Pathway workshop Feb. 24. The program will run from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W. Prairie Drive in Sycamore. Admission is $50. Registration is required and is open through Feb. 10. Attendees will learn gardening tips from expert speakers. The event also features door prizes, refreshments, a continental breakfast and a boxed lunch. The Gardener’s Pathway schedule includes: • Check-in and continental breakfast: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. • Welcome and keynote: 8:30 to 10 a.m. • First breakout session: 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. • Lunch: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. • Second breakout session: 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. • Third breakout session: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. • Door prizes and evaluations: 2:30 to 2:45 p.m. Early accommodation requests to participate in the event are encouraged. To make a request, call 815-758-8194 or email cahandel@illinois. edu. To register, visit go.illinois.edu/GardenersPathway2024 or go to the DeKalb County Extension office in the DeKalb Farm Bureau building. – Shaw Local News Network Since 1991 23 years business
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Think spring at Gardener’s Pathway event set for Feb. 24 in Sycamore
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Valentines for Seniors Card Drive accepting donations through Feb. 7
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8 LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Arts in Action program subject of next History Center lecture
Registration is encouraged; visit dekalbcountyhistory.org and scroll down to “Upcoming Events.” SYCAMORE – The February hybrid Brown Bag Lunch and Local Lore series at Brown Bag Lunch and Local Lore is funded in part by the Mary E. Stevens the DeKalb County History Center will Concert and Lecture Fund. feature a presentation on the center’s For information, call 815-895-5762 or Arts in Action project. visit dekalbcountyhistory.org. The free program will begin at noon Thursday, Feb. 1, at the center, 1730 N. Help make cards for veterans Main St. in Sycamore. Attendees will learn about the project’s in VA hospitals at DeKalb event DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will upcoming programs and initiatives. The partner with Jackson’s Outstanding program also includes achievements Young (JOY) Volunteers to host an event such as oral history clips uploaded to for patrons to make cards for veterans in createchange.today and its partner VA hospitals. project app. The event will be held at noon Jan. 27 in Arts in Action began in June 2020. An the Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio online exhibit was launched with a Healing Illinois grant on March 31, 2022. of the library, 309 Oak St. The event is free and intended for ages The project was expanded with the DeKalb County Mental Health Board, the 12 to 18. No registration is required. JOY is a youth-led volunteer group in DeKalb County Community Foundation, DeKalb County. Illinois Humanities and Juday family funds. The project’s goal is to unearth and For information, email stevenm@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3400. share lesser-known DeKalb County stories and history. DeKalb County soliciting bids The Arts in Action presentation is part for senior tax levy funds of Brown Bag Lunch/Local Lore, a free DeKalb County is soliciting bids from lecture series offered in collaboration providers of services to DeKalb County between the DeKalb County History Center and the Ellwood House Museum. seniors for the use of grant year 2025
The Wizard of Oz Sunday, January 28th at 1:00 and 7:00 Mon, Jan 29 and Wed, Jan 31 at 7:00 Times and Movies subject to change Sycamorestatetheater.com • 815-991-5112
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senior tax levy funds. The DeKalb County Board has restricted the use of the funds to prevent the premature institutionalization of seniors. Keeping seniors out of expensive nursing homes and hospitals results in aggregate cost savings for taxpayers, according to a news release. The request for bids application is available online and can be obtained through the DeKalb County website under the “Invitation to Bid” section at dekalbcounty.org/government/invita-
tion-to-bid. Requests for bids are due by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 26. The voters of DeKalb County approved a 0.025% tax levy by referendum in 1997. The county government expects to collect and distribute about $479,000 generated by this levy. For information, contact DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board Executive Director Deanna Cada at 815-8994960 or dcada@dekalbcounty.org. – Shaw Local News Network
SALE ENDS FEB 10th!
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LOOKING BACK
9 south of DeKalb AgResearch and east toward Somonauk Road. The line would have variations to allow some farms to be entirely included in either one city or the other.
According to all reports, there is considerable frost in the ground at this time, and those people who are compelled to do any digging have said that frost is running as deep as 14 inches in many places. Reports from other sections, however, state that the frost is leaving the ground rapidly at this time and within a week or 10 days, unless another cold wave comes along, there will be little hard ground.
Testing is still going on at the Falls Products Inc. plant in Genoa, where 18 women were sent home last week after complaining of dizziness, nausea and headaches. A spokesman for the lawn mower producing company said this morning they hope to have the problem corrected by Monday. Some modifications are being made in the duct system and the paint is being changed.
Chief Butzow had the Sycamore city fire truck out again this morning flooding the skating pond being constructed through the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce. A large spot was flooded near the Great Western depot last Monday and it affords Sycamore skaters a large sheet of ice on which to try their skill. Water has been pumped from the river and the pumper has made short work of the flooding job.
The DeKalb Five-School Elementary Bank will present its first performance of the year tonight. John D. Smith is the director. Participating are fifth grade instrumentalists from five elementary schools: Tyler, Haish, Ellwood, Cortland and Littlejohn.
1999 – 25 YEARS AGO
G. K. Milton and Veder Peterson of Cortland motored to Chicago on Sunday. After automobile repairs, they report the road not very good and had a narrow escape several times. They witnessed the big fire at Genoa. Mrs. Immaculate housewife of today, it is believed, wraps all crumbs from the table neatly in the garbage package and then burns it or throws it into the receptacle. How many women of DeKalb give thought to the birds that are still in this locality and have no means of getting bits of food? Instead of throwing the crumbs into the furnace fire, throw them onto the snow and within a short time, the birds will become accustomed to stopping there each day for a meal. All sleeping rooms should air for at least an hour daily, even in the coldest weather. Malta people have missed the faithful horse of Ben Stone, which died Sunday night. High winds yesterday caused the roads to become drifted with snow and several autos were reported stuck on the road to Genoa. The high wind whipped the snow into all the hollows and some drivers had difficulties in making the trip to Genoa. The large highway maintenance truck was used yesterday to scrape the road between DeKalb and Sycamore. Nearly all the snow was pushed to one side and the
Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center
DeKalb’s City Hall building on South Second Street, located just south of the current City Hall, is seen circa 1900.
roadway at the present time offers drivers nearly equal to the summer months.
1949 – 75 YEARS AGO
When an open house was declared at the Fourth Street Motors and the Farmers Implement Company, it was expected there would be a good attendance. But when Saturday arrived, even the most optimistic were surprised and pleased with the tremendous response that the invitation achieved. There were several reasons for holding the open house, and evidently the public liked the idea, because estimates made late Saturday night indicated that about 10,000 had been in the building during the course of the day. It was known that a tremendous supply of doughnuts disappeared by late in the afternoon and gallons of coffee were consumed. Harry S. Truman of Missouri humbly took the President’s path today and made his inaugural address a smashing challenge to Soviet Russia. He pledged the United States to undertake new projects to protect free countries against armed attack.
Faster and more improved telephone service between DeKalb and Sycamore was inaugurated this week when the new cable between the cities was cut into use. The manager of the DeKalb-Ogle Telephone Company announced today that the newly installed cable had been placed in operation for toll calls. It would be cut into local service in both DeKalb and Sycamore as rapidly as possible. Darrel Carls of the Kishwaukee Airport will be the guest speaker in Sycamore and he has chosen for his topic “Aviation From a Pilot’s Viewpoint.”
1974 – 50 YEARS AGO
Committees representing DeKalb and Sycamore city governments came close to an agreement on a boundary line between the two communities Wednesday night. Each city now has presented a boundary proposal and there is very little difference in the suggestions. The line generally would run about 200 to 300 feet south of Bethany Road, between DeKalb’s North First Street and Illinois 23. From Illinois 23, the line would run
Genoa hopes to break the cycle of training law enforcement officers for other towns. An immediate 4.5 percent increase has been approved for police personnel following months of discussion at the council level over what pay levels should be established for law enforcement in the growing community. “We train them and other people use them,” Mayor Dave Rood told the Chronicle. “It’s been totally frustrating.” Sometimes text in a large point size looks funny, but you don’t know why. A likely explanation is that the kerning between the letters is too loose. Kerning? Yes, kerning. The space between characters is called kerning and you can tighten it (remove space) or loosen it (add more space) to your heart’s content, even making the characters run over each other. Adjusting the kerning is effective also when using italicized text because it creates more of a handwritten effect. Eighty-four cents a month can add up after a while. Members of the DeKalb Police Department hope it adds up to a $600,000 state-of-the-art computer aided dispatch system. Almost all the money will come from the 911 fund, which is supported by an 84-cent charge that appears on residents’ phone bills every month. DeKalb has $473,000 in the fund now. – Compiled by Sue Breese
MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024
1924 – 100 YEARS AGO
The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024 MIDWEEK
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DeKalb Church opens overnight warming center By KELSEY RETTKE
krettke@shawmedia.com DeKALB – A DeKalb church opened a free overnight warming center Jan. 11 ahead of the weekend’s expected winter storm and cold snap, offering those in need a chance to get a good night’s sleep out of the frigid snow. Marreen Buntaine, director of the community empowerment campaign, and Dan Kenney, a member of the Universalist Unitarian Congregation of DeKalb, said the overnight shelter is a needed resource in the community. “I just had noticed there was a gap in the warming center schedule, where there was no one open overnight and everyone had to be out by 9 p.m. I think that’s the latest the library was open,” Kenney said. “Then I had also heard Hope Haven is full quite often.” The church’s board approved the warming center plan, Kenney said. DeKalb County offers a number of warming centers across DeKalb, Sycamore and Genoa to name a few. Often they’re places such as public libraries or police departments. None of the DeKalb locations offer overnight hours, however. Hope Haven, 1145 Rushmoore Drive, DeKalb, is the area’s only shelter for
Kelsey Rettke
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St., blocks from downtown DeKalb, is offering a daily and free overnight warming center for all in need, open from 8:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. daily until temperatures are above freezing. people experiencing homelessness. The shelter’s tireless and admirable effort to serve locals are often overburdened, Kenney said, because of capacity limits. Enter the church at 158 N. Fourth St., blocks from downtown DeKalb. Hours will be 8:30 p.m. through 8:30 a.m. daily until temperatures get above 32 degrees. Kenney said he knows himself the impact of not having a place to stay. “I’ve always been kind of ser-
vice-oriented,” Kenney said. “I’ve been homeless myself in the past, so I know what it’s like when you’re kind of just living in the world, so to speak. So I just felt that there’s no reason somebody should be out at night when it’s so cold and to not have any shelter.” The DeKalb church’s warming center also will provide food at night and in the morning and a place to sleep. It might not seem like much, Kenney said – some sleep on mats on the floor, bed-
ding and blankets – but he hopes it will help. “Anyone who is homeless that doesn’t have a place to get into shelter at night is welcome to come here to the church,” Buntaine said. “We do have water.” Butaine also has organized it so people can get a hot meal and breakfast in the morning before they leave, Kenney said. The pair compared the church’s overnight offering with a program called PADS that used to operate in the county. The Public Action to Deliver Shelter program is a nonprofit that operates across the region. When it was in DeKalb, area churches rotated overnight shelters in shifts so that no one church or volunteer group had to handle the efforts alone, especially overnight, when temperatures and windchills tend to be the coldest. An overnight shelter hasn’t been offered in DeKalb for a while, however, Buntaine said. “I’m calling for a reinstatement of PADS if the churches could reconsider that or perhaps city officials could consider that,” Buntaine said. For now, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb is an option.
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OBITUARY WILLIS HEIDE
also active in many Agricultural groups in the area. He is self taught organ player and loved music. Willis had an ability to fix things and loved to learn new things. He is survived by his children, Carl (LeAnn) Willis Heide, 96 of DeKalb, Illinois passed Heide of DeKalb, Sheila (Don) Kyle of Princeton and Gina (Pat) Deutsch of Sycamore; away at his home on grandchildren, Ava Kyle, Samantha Heide, Sunday January 14, Lydia Kyle, Allison Deutsch, Julia Heide and 2024. Ben Deutsch; He was born in He was preceded in death by his beloved Schaumburg, Illinois wife Donna in 2022; his parents; infant sister on October 22, 1927, and sister Frances Heide. the son of Arthur and The funeral services will be held at Amalia (Volkening) 10:00a.m. Saturday January 20,2024 at St. Heide. Willis married Donna John’s Lutheran Church, 26555 Brickville Rd, Ropte on August 17th, Sycamore, with Rev. Paul Mumme officiating. Burial will follow at Malta Cemetery, Malta. 1968 in DeKalb, IL. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 Willis was baptized p.m. Friday January 19, 2024, at St. John’s and confirmed at St Peters Lutheran Church Lutheran Church, Sycamore. in Schaumburg, He was a 1945 graduate of In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made Palatine High School, After high school he to the St John Lutheran Church in care of served in the US Army. In 1962 the family Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 farm in Schaumburg was sold and they South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115. relocated to DeKalb. He worked on the family farm daily until the last couple of years For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022. helping out wherever was needed. He was Born: October 22, 1927 in Schaumburg, IL Died: January 14, 2024 in DeKalb
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HOW TO SUBMIT: Send obituary information to obits@MidWeekNews.com. or call 815-526-4438. Notices are accepted until 3 p.m. Thursday for the next Wednesday edition. Obituaries also appear online at legacy.com/obituaries/MidWeekNews.
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11 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024
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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024 MIDWEEK
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AMUSEMENTS
SUDOKU AND SUPER CROSSWORD ANSWERS ON PAGE 2
Craft a memorial pillow for your loved one at DeKalb program
By AIMEE BARROWS
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will partner with Northern Illinois Hospice to host a workshop for patrons to create pillows out of a loved one’s shirt. The free workshop will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, in the lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room of the library, 309 Oak St. Attendees can create up to two pillows out of a T-shirt or button-down shirt. Sewers will be available to assist. Participants should not bring denim, jackets or thick fabrics. Bereavement information and support will be provided. Due to limited supplies, registration is required; visit dkpl.org.
abarrows@shawmedia.com Find your new favorite dining destination in Sycamore during Discover Sycamore’s sixth annual Eat Week from Jan. 21 to 27. About 18 restaurants in Sycamore are participating, including Pizza. Beer.Whiskey, The Village, Pub 64, Nat’s on Maple, PJ’s Courthouse Tavern and more. Shelby Crackel, events and marketing director at the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, said the goal is for people to support local eateries while enjoying a chance to try something new. “After the holidays, we know that business for any small business tends to slow down, especially at our restaurants,” she said. “But we think that this is the perfect time to get out and support these local restaurants. These are the restaurants that donate to local fundraisers, sponsor local youth events. Now is the perfect time to turn around and support them.” Crackel said some of the specials will include 10% off appetizers and special Eat Week menus, as well as other discounts. “Restaurants want to participate
Learn about Medicare insurance at upcoming library workshops Shaw Local file photo
Eat Week is this month in historic downtown Sycamore. because not only does it bring business in, but it also brings familiar and new faces into their restaurants,” she said. “This is a great way for restaurants to welcome in patrons
that have maybe been wanting to try [them], or haven’t heard of their business yet.” For more information about Eat Week, visit discoversycamore.com.
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host two workshops for patrons to learn about Medicare insurance options. The workshops will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 25 and Jan. 27 in the lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room of the library, 309 Oak St. No registration is required. – Shaw Local News Network
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13 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Sycamore’s Eat Week going on now LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024 MIDWEEK
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Sycamore Public Library no longer charging fines SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK SYCAMORE – You won’t have to pay late fines anymore at the Sycamore Public Library, which announced last week it’s going fine-free, effective immediately. The responsibility for returning a book in reasonable time, however, still falls on the patrons, according to the library’s announcement. “This bold step aligns with our core belief that everyone should have equal
access to our library’s vast collection and services without the burden of financial penalties,” library staff wrote on the library’s website. “By eliminating fines, we aim to remove barriers that may have prevented some community members from fully benefiting from the wealth of knowledge we offer.” The move is to ensure the library, 103 E. State St., continues its mission to provide the community with equitable access to knowledge and resources, according to the announcement.
“We still encourage timely returns so that others can enjoy the materials,” the new guidelines state on the library’s website. “You will receive reminders about due dates, and we kindly request that you return items when you’ve finished with them.”
• Materials with one-week loan period: Binge Bags, DVDs, video games, Launchpad tablets, hot spots, magazines. • Interlibrary loan times vary. • The library will automatically renew your items one time, as long as another library patron has not reserved How it works the item. • Materials with three-week loan • Patrons are still responsible for period: books, audiobooks, music, CDs, returning borrowed items, and are learning games and puzzles, S.T.E.A.M. responsible for replacement costs if an Kits. item is damaged or lost.
Extension’s online ‘Nurturing Foundations’ series begins Feb. 8 cation. The sessions are intended for community health workers, health care URBANA – The University of Illinois providers, outreach professionals, and Extension Integrated Health Disparities anyone interested in prenatal, postparteam will partner with Carle Illinois Col- tum and early childhood health. Registration is required to attend; lege of Medicine and Avicenna to host a visit go.illinois.edu/NurturingFoundaNurturing Foundations series online. tions. The free series will be held from noon The series sessions include: to 1 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 8 through June • Feb. 8: Eating Healthy During Preg13. nancy: What To Do When Eating for The programs will promote chil- Two dren’s health during the first two years, • Feb. 22: Disparities in Maternal raise maternal health disparity aware- Care: Good Care for All During Pregness, and provide maternal health edu- nancy
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK
• March 7: Breastfeeding in the First Six Months: Myths, Benefits and Barriers • March 21: Responsive Care: Supporting Caregivers As They Care for Their Baby or Toddler • April 4: How Soon Is Too Soon for Solid Foods? The Right Foods Introduced to Babies at the Right Time • April 18: Guiding Little Palates to Healthy Eating: A Healthy and Nutritious Diet for Babies and Toddlers • May 2: The Importance of Water: Quenching Toddlers’ Thirst Healthily • May 16: Nutrition Guidelines for
Babies and Toddlers: Decoding Mixed Messages About How To Feed Young Children • May 30: Putting Healthy Food on the Table: Addressing Food Access Challenges for Families With Young Children • June 13: Social Investment in Every Child: Securing the Future and Well-Being of All Babies and Toddlers Early accommodation requests for access needs are encouraged. To make a request, email es6@illinois.edu. For information, email es6@illinois. edu.
By CAMDEN LAZENBY
clazenby@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – The cost required to build a new fire station in Sycamore was reduced last week when a local business donated 6 acres of land for the cause. In 2023, city officials began publicly mulling the future Sycamore Fire Station No. 1., 535 DeKalb Ave., after the six-decade-old boiler heating the building went down three times last winter. When the City Council voted to hire Oak Brook-based FGM Architects for a preliminary design and concept plan of a new Fire Station 1 in August, City Manager Michael Hall said Ideal Industries Inc., 1375 Park Ave., agreed to donate the land needed for the project. Ideal Industries’ Nicole Juday on Jan. 16 said the city approached the business about acquiring some of its land in the Prairie Business Park. “When the city approached Ideal last year in 2023 about the potential acquisition of a piece of land that was owned by Ideal and on the Prairie Business campus, it was at a time that we were already having conversations internally about a project that we could undertake that would commemorate Ideal’s 100th anniversary in the city of
Camden Lazenby
Nicole Juday of Ideal industries told Sycamore City Council the corporation was already looking into ways to give back to the community when, last summer, the city approached the business about donating land for the construction of a new Sycamore Fire Station 1. Sycamore, which is this year in 2024,” Juday said. In 1929, the Sycamore-based business said it began producing wire connectors and has made products that have contributed to people’s ability to reach the moon and South Pole. Juday said Ideal also hopes to
reimagine an existing retaining pond at the corner of Borden Road and Prairie Drive. The business proposal – which will have to be approved by the city engineer – envisions a 10-foot-wide walking and bike path surrounded by an ecological landscape of native plants and trees around the pond.
“It seemed fitting and it seemed timely, and it seemed like a great way for Ideal to demonstrate its commitment to Sycamore, and also its appreciation to this community,” Juday said. “Not many companies make it 100 years. “We’re very pleased. I’m really pleased to be here today and to represent the company in the conveyance of this land from Ideal to the city – and for a purpose that is only going to improve the well-being and the safety of the residents of Sycamore.” Ted Strack, the Sycamore Park District board’s representative on the Sycamore Planning and Zoning Commission, publicly criticized the idea of building a new fire station in front of a large group of residents he said he spoke on behalf of during a City Council meeting in November. However, Bill Davey, chairman of the Sycamore Planning and Zoning Commission, spoke in support of the proposal Jan. 16 and said he was happy to see the land donated. “[The donated land] is much needed, much appreciated,” Davey said. “It’s a perfect location, and since I’m here, I wanted to say that, too. You might hear the contrary from other people, but it is very much needed, and it’s a great place for it.”
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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Ideal Industries donates land for new fire station 15
The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024 MIDWEEK
16 DeKalb chamber welcomes Foundation
Photo provided by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Foundation to its membership. Chamber staff, board and community members and ambassadors celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting Nov. 2. Foundation, 1265 DeKalb Ave., Unit A, Sycamore, is a vitamins and sports nutrition supplements retail store. For information, call 815-991-1560 or visit foundationsycamore.com.
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DeKalb County, nursing center union workers close to new labor contract By CAMDEN LAZENBY
clazenby@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – DeKalb County government is poised to enter into a new contract agreement with the labor union that represents employees at the DeKalb County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. The DeKalb County Executive Committee last week unanimously voted to send a new contract between American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 Local No. 3537 and DeKalb County government to a vote by the full DeKalb County Board. Erik Thorson, a staff representative for the union, said AFSCME Council 31 Local No. 3537 had scheduled a ratification meeting for the proposed contract, but winter weather got in the way. “Unfortunately we had to make the decision to postpone them due to the inclement weather but we’re in the process of scheduling something for next week, ahead of the County Board meeting,” Thorson said. The agreement will cover the period from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026, and is in line with a Jordan Healthcare business plan approved by the DeKalb County Board in fall 2023, according to DeKalb County documents. Thorson said he’s unable to discuss details of the proposed contract until
both parties ratify it. DeKalb County Administrator Brian Gregory said he’s still spending time telling residents in the county the nursing center did not end up being sold to a private buyer. That saga took a twist when the buyers sought to leave the sale contract nine months after the initially anticipated closing date. In November, DeKalb County filed a lawsuit against the buyers. The union and DeKalb County last reached an agreement in fall 2022, but at the time a pending $8.1 million contract to sell the facility was the focus of the negotiations. This go-around, from the county’s point of view, the contract negotiations hinged on the creation of conditions that will set up the facility for fiscal success in the years to come, Gregory said. “There was several sessions back and forth and I think in the end we reached a fair contract that was bargained in good faith,” Gregory said. “It’ll position the county to make sure it will help us attract and retain employees of the bargaining group, and I think it shows that we value our employees and that we continue to want to add more of our staff. And so I think this is a good example of when we talk about collect bargaining, working together and achieving an outcome that’s fair for all.”
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17 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024
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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024 MIDWEEK
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Publisher's in this newsp Act which m preference, li on race, colo status or nat make any s Familial statu with parents people securi will not kno which is in informed tha are available To complain Hearin
MOTORCYCLES WANTED
All Makes, Cash Paid, Reasonable. Will Pick-Up. 630-660-0571
d r a
assifieds. ore!
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Publisher's Notice: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise "any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation of discrimination." Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD 1-800-669-9777 Hearing impaired number is 1-800-927-9275
50
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Picture it
S LD est. 1851
In Print & Online
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS HEARTLAND BANK & TRUST COMPANY, Plaintiff, v. HOTOPP PROPERTIES, INC., Illinois corporation; an WILLIAM L. HOTOPP.; "UNKNOWN OWNERS" and "NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS," Defendants. Case No. 2024FC000001 Property Address 218 N. Eddy Street Sandwich, Illinois 60548 315 S. Wolfe Street Sandwich, Illinois 60548 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION The requisite Affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to HOTOPP PROPERTIES, INC., an Illinois corporation; L. HOTOPP; WILLIAM "UNKNOWN OWNERS" and "NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS," Defendants in the aboveentitled suit, that said suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of DeKalb County, Illinois, by Plaintiff, HEARTLAND BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, against you and other defendants praying for foreclosure of a Mortgage covering the described as premises follows to wit: PARCEL ONE: LOT 3 BLOCK 11 IN EDDY'S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF SANDWICH ACCORDING TO THE PLAT RECORDED IN BOOK "A" OF PLATS, PAGE 7 ON MAY 14, 1855, IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Common Address: 218 N. Eddy Street Sandwich, Illinois 60548 Permanent Index No: 19-35-239-006-0000 PARCEL TWO: LOT 3 AND SO MUCH OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE VACATED ALLEY LYING WEST OF THE ADJOINING SAID LOT 3 BETWEEN THE WESTERLY EXTENSIONS OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH LINES OF SAID LOT, ALL IN BLOCK 7 IN HALL'S ADDITION TO SANDWICH, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK "A" OF PLATS PAGE 40, ON OCTOBER 13, 1882, IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS Common Address: 315 S. Wolfe Street Sandwich, Illinois 60548 Permanent Index No: 19-25-355-002-0000 which Mortgage was made by Hotopp Properties, Inc., as Mortgagor, in favor of Heartland Bank & Trust Company, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb County, Illinois, on December 10, 2019, as Document No. 2019011393. NOW THEREFORE, unless you, the above-named Defendants, file your answer to the Complaint in said suit, or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of DeKalb County, Illinois, on or before February 9, 2024, default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in
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(Published in The MidWeek, January 10, 17, 24, 2024)
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice KM Storage located at 706 West Railroad Street (RT 72) Kingston IL 60145 intends to hold an auction of the goods stored in the following units in default for non payment of rent. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions. com beginning on February 3, 2024 10:00 am and ending at 10:00am on February 8, 2024. Unless stated otherwise the description of the storage unit contents are household goods and furnishings. David Busby 651 S State St., Hampshire IL 60140 Unit 36 All property is being stored at the above self storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. (Published in The Midweek Jan. 24, 31, 2024) 2136697
PUBLIC NOTICE
PURSUANT TO 10 ILCS 5/12-1, THIS NOTICE IS INTENDED TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL VOTING ACCESIBILITY ACT. ON MARCH 19, 2024 GENERAL PRIMARY A ELECTION WILL BE HELD AT ALL NORMAL POLLING PLACES IN AND FOR DEKALB COUNTY. SHOULD VOTERS REQUIRE SPECIAL ACCOMODATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEKALB COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE AT 815.895.7147 TO REGISTER TO BE A DISABLED VOTER AND/OR RECEIVE INFORMATION REGARDING ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS AT EACH POLLING LOCATION. /s/ TASHA SIMS DEKALB COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER (Published in the Daily Chronicle & the Midweek January 24, 2024) 2137440
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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOW THEREFORE, unless you, the above-named Defendants, file your answer to the Complaint in said suit, or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of DeKalb County, Illinois, on or before February 9, 2024, default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint. Tina M. Jacobs, Esq. ARDC 6190255 Joy Pinta, Esq. ARDC 6278250 JACOBS & PINTA 77 West Washington Street, Suite 1005 Chicago, Illinois 60602 (312) 263-1005 officeadmin@ jacobsandpinta.com I3236037
The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024 MIDWEEK
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