DC_Midweek_041923

GOODBYE, MR. CARLSON

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ON THE COVER

Tim Carlson, 59, of Sycamore, sits at his desk in Sycamore High School on Friday, April 14. Carlson has worked a variety of jobs for Sycamore School District for the past 31 years but will retire this summer.

See story, page 6.

Photo by Camden Lazenby – clazenby@shawmedia.cojm

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.

City points to inflation as DeKalb residents set for 3.5% water bill increase come July

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – The average DeKalb resident will find their water bill has increased by 3.5% come July when their bill is issued, a move city officials said was needed to keep up with the rising cost of water maintenance products.

The DeKalb City Council last week decided to move ahead with adopting increases to the city’s water rates and water service fee.

City Manager Bill Nicklas said it’s clear that a water rate increase is necessary but to base it on the consumer price index, or the rate of inflation, is too extreme.

“We feel that would be excessive,” Nicklas said.

NEWS BRIEFS

DeKalb library groups spring book sale begins April 21

DeKALB – The Friends of the DeKalb Public Library will host a spring book sale to help support the library.

The sale will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. April 21 and 22, and 1 to 4:45 p.m. April 23 in the lower level of the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., DeKalb, according to a news release. Proceeds will support library programs and the purchase of materials and books. Books for sale include science, history, children’s and teen’s, film, fiction, art, gardening, science fiction, biographies, mysteries and cookbooks. DVDs, LPs, audiobooks, CDs and jigsaw puzzles also will be for sale.

Gently used books, LPs, DVDs, puzzles and CDs are being accepted for the sale.

PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzlesonpage20

The city’s water rates and water service fee are subject to yearly adjustment in line with the consumer price index, or the rate of inflation.

Sycamore city officials last month approved a fee increase for water bills, also blaming inflation.

Sycamore residents will see that new increase beginning in May.

It’s the second year in a row DeKalb City Council has increased residents’ water bills by 3.5%.

Nicklas said with inflated costs of the various chemicals and additives the city pays for to keep municipal water clean and purified, something has to give.

“Just the chemical costs alone and the salt are extraordinary in terms of increases and electrical costs are right up

Magazines, textbooks and videotapes will not be accepted. A $5-a-bag sale will be held April 23. For information, email friends@dkpl.org or call 815- 756-9568, ext. 1030.

Medicare workshop offered April 22 at DeKalb library

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host a Medicare workshop at 11 a.m. April 22 in the library’s Story and Activity Room.

The workshop is free and intended for adults and seniors.

Licensed sales representative Carol Cherry will discuss Medicare insurance options, how to make the right choice, how to find the right plan and the different parts of Medicare.

No registration is required to attend.

there with the highest spikes that we’ve seen,” Nicklas said. “We feel this is only fair. We’d be losing ground otherwise. We’d still be putting a lot of money into infrastructure repair, but we’re losing ground. So, we can’t afford to do that right now. … This is the cost of our Enterprise Fund, which is supposed to pay for these types of things.”

The city’s approved average monthly bill will amount to $40.97, according to city documents.

City officials said that DeKalb’s monthly water cost positions itself to cost less than Elburn residents pay at $41.90, St. Charles at $43.02 and Rochelle at $43.03, but more than Malta at $40.80, Batavia at $38.64 and Waterman at $33.02, city documents show.

For information, email samanthah@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.

Genealogy workshop planned April 25 at DeKalb library

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host a genealogy workshop for beginners at 11 a.m. April 25 in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio. The workshop is free and intended for adults.

The workshop will cover paper records, how to structure a basic family tree and basic searching of online sources. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop.

No registration is required to attend. For information, email brittak@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2100.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

NEWS BRIEFS

Sycamore Lions Club to host trail cleanup April 22

SYCAMORE – The Sycamore Lions Club will host a cleanup of the Great Western Trail on April 22. Participants can pick up trash and help clean up the trail.

For information, email Lions@sycamorelions.org.

NatureFest returns to Genoa forest preserve April 22

DeKALB – The University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest

Preserve and the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District will host its second outdoor NatureFest to celebrate Earth Day.

NatureFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22, at Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 Route 72, Genoa, according to a news release. Admission is free and open to the public.

NatureFest will feature multiple activity tables located throughout the preserve. Attendees can participate in a short, hands-on learning activity at each table. A volunteer will be available at each activity table to guide the experience and stamp participants’ passports.

Check-in for NatureFest is located under the preserve’s open-air shelter or at the Natural Resource Education Center. A NatureFest passport and map will be available at the registration table. In the event of rain, the activities will be held inside the center and cabins. Early accommodation requests to participate in the event are encouraged. To make a request, call 815-784-2000 or email mariantt@illinois.edu.

BETTER MEDICINE STARTS WITH BETTER LISTENING.

Community Solar event planned for April 22 in DeKalb

DeKALB – Northern Illinois University environmental class students will partner with the the League of Women Voters DeKalb County and 350Kishwaukee to host a Community Solar event for Earth Day.

The event will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., DeKalb,

according to a news release. The event is free and open to the public.

Participants can learn more about Community Solar and sign up to be subscribers. The event also will share information about Illinois’ Solar-For-All Program, which offers income-eligible people a special rate of half off electricity supply costs.

Families, businesses, churches, schools, nonprofits and individuals with an electric utility account are eligible to sign up. To sign up, bring a driver’s license or Illinois ID, an electricity bill copy, and, for income-eligible people, proof of income or eligibility. There also will be a cash bonus for those who sign up.

Community Solar uses solar energy for electricity without needing to put up solar panels. The solar panels allow electric companies to reduce their use of fossil fuels to produce electricity.

Community Solar companies place solar panels on pieces of land called solar gardens that feed solar voltaic energy into the electrical grid.

For information, email merylkgd@ gmail.com or call 815-758-4827.

– ShawLocalNewsNetwork

Sometimes, life’s circumstances can feel overwhelming. The Living Room, located within Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center, is a comfortable, calm, nonclinical space where DeKalb County residents age 18 and older can get help to resolve or better manage crises. No appointment is necessary.

You’ll be welcomed by a recovery support specialist who will listen to your concerns, and help you find options. If you need additional support, we can connect you with community resources for services such as housing, health care or food, or make appropriate referrals to other agencies to get the help you need.

You are not alone. There is a place for you in the Living Room. For more information including hours, visit nm.org/dekalblivingroom or call 815.756.4875.

TTY for the hearing impaired, 815.748.9459.

BETTER

Shaw Local News Network file photo

The Sycamore Lions Club will host a cleanup of the Great Western Trail on April 22.

NEWS BRIEFS

DeKalb church to host chamber music concert April 23

DeKALB – DeKalb’s Westminster Presbyterian Church will host a chamber music concert featuring the Jan Sobieski String Quartet.

The concert will be at 3 p.m. April 23, at the church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb, according to a news release.

Admission is free. Freewill offerings will be accepted.

The quartet will perform music including Mozart’s “Clarinet Quintet in A Major” with guest clarinetist Ember Miller and “String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor” by Dmitri Shostakovitch.

The Jan Sobieski String Quartet is a Chicago-based music group that has performed since 2007.

Apollo Strings Quartet to perform April 22 at library

DeKALB – The Apollo Strings Quartet will perform its final show at an after-hours concert April 22 at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.

The free concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s main lobby, according to a news release.

The quartet will perform various songs, including pop music, movie themes, jazz standards and a traditional classical masterpiece selection.

The Apollo Strings Quartet is a

student-formed and directed string ensemble comprised of musicians from Sycamore and Sugar Grove. The doors to the library open at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided

while supplies last. No registration is required to attend. For information, email samanthah@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701. –ShawLocalNewsNetwork

April 14-16 and 20-22

Big Love

by Charles Mee

Directed by Bethany Mangum-Oles

Sally Stevens Players Theatre Stevens Building

Content suitable for ages 18+

April 16 NIU Steelband 50th Anniversary Concert, 3 p.m.

April 18 NIU Jazz Ensemble, 7 p.m.

April 20 NIU Jazz Orchestra, 7 p.m.

April 22 NIU Banda & Mariachi Concert, 7 p.m.

April 23 Electronic Music Concert #2, 11 a.m.

April 23 NIU Percussion Ensemble, 3 p.m.

April 23 Alumni Organ Recital, 7 p.m.

April 24 NIU Wind Symphony, 7 p.m.

April 26 NIU Philharmonic, 7 p.m.

April 27 International Guitar Concert Series: Dragos Ilie

April 27 NIU Wind Ensemble, 7 p.m.

NIU Art Museum

Americans in Burma: The Art of Collecting Local Visions II

Both exhibits run March 30 - May 13 niu.edu/artmuseum

NIU School of Art and Design

Annual Juried Blick Art Materials

Ars Nova Exhibition

April 3-20

Jack Olson Gallery

Jack Arends Hall

Photo provided by Westminster Presbyterian Church

The Jan Sobieski String Quartet will perform April 23 at DeKalb’s Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Longtime District 427 administrator, athletic director to retire ‘I’m very fortunate’

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

SYCAMORE – After 31 years working in Sycamore School District 427, including 15 as Sycamore High School Principal and for a time as a storied basketball coach, Tim Carlson will retire this summer.

Almost four decades ago at age 23, Carlson began substitute teaching for the Sycamore school district while studying for his master’s degree in sport management at Northern Illinois University.

Even back then, Sycamore High School was his favorite building to work in, Carlson, now 59, said.

“I always said, of all the schools I subbed in the county, of all the schools I subbed in California, that this was the best school,” Carlson said. “This was where I think there’s such a connection with people, a connection with the community, which makes it unique.”

Sycamore High School Assistant Principal Brian Swanson will become the school’s new principal July 1, when Carlson retires.

Despite substituting throughout DeKalb County while finishing his graduate degree, Carlson’s lifelong career in Sycamore wasn’t always a sure thing. After graduating from NIU, Carlson moved to California and, while substitute teaching, worked part-time coaching basketball at community colleges.

Carlson spent three years in California before returning to northern Illinois to work as Sycamore High School’s Head Basketball coach. The first year he was back he worked as an adaptive physical education teacher and a paraprofessional, then later on began teaching driver’s education classes.

Carlson, who has yet to decide on any big retirement plans, said he’s going to remember the student athletes he coached during the 1993-94 basketball season.

“They started my coaching career, so those five kids are really important to me. They bought in to what I was trying to do, and that set us off on a good trajectory for basketball,” Carlson said.

In 2003, Carlson became the athletic director for the Sycamore school district. He held the role for six years and said it ranks as his favorite job he’s undertaken for District 427.

“I think athletic director’s probably the job where you work the most hours in the district of anybody but also probably one of the most rewarding jobs because you’re watching kids compete, you’re watching fun, positive events,” Carlson said. “I think the principal job is a little bit more challenging than that, just because it’s all encompassing. You’re overseeing everything and everybody and it’s not always in a positive light because of the challenges kids and family, and teachers sometimes have.”

Carlson said as a young adult, his dream job was to become an athletic director. Working as a high school principal was not on his list of goals while substituting in 1987.

When the opportunity to become

Sycamore High School’s principal came, however, he took it, and eventually found some parallels to help.

As principal, Carlson said he’s focused his day-to-day on trying to help people solve problems. He credits who he is as an administrator, however, to what he learned as a coach.

“It’s a lot of the same thing. It’s a lot of conflict resolution, and team concepts, and setting goals you’re trying to achieve and trying to motivate people, it’s helping get people through the good and bad times,” Carlson said. “So I think a lot of what I’ve learned structurally, how to be a principal, came from my days as a coach.”

Superintendent Steve Wilder believes Carlson’s career decisions have made his name synonymous with

Sycamore High School.

“I’ve often heard people say that when you think of Sycamore High School, you immediately think of Mr. Carlson,” Wilder said. “He’s worked here for so long, but it’s been more than work for Tim. It’s truly been a vocation because of his passion for having a positive impact on students’ lives and providing them with opportunities to pursue their dream.”

Carlson said for his first few years as principal, he leaned on the school’s faculty he’d already created relationships with while working in the building for the past two decades. That relational philosophy helped later in his career, too.

See CARLSON on page 7

Camden Lazenby – clazenby@shawmedia.com

Sycamore High School receptionist Heidi Phelps hands Sycamore High School Principal Tim Carlson a note Friday, April 14, after he returned from a meeting.

Health Dept.: Syphilis on the rise in DeKalb County

testing and treatment which is available for little to no cost.”

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, is on the rise in DeKalb County, the DeKalb County Health Department reported April 13.

According to the announcement, those especially at risk are men who have sex with other men, people between 20 and 34 years old and Black Americans.

The disease does not just impact same-sex couples but is on the rise among heterosexual men and women, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the CDC, syphilis can cause serious health effects without adequate treatment.

In 2022, 10 cases of syphilis were reported in DeKalb County, according to the health department. In the first four months of 2023, 17 cases have been reported in the county.

“You and your partner[s] may have syphilis and not know it,” a health department post reads. “Syphilis is easy to diagnose and cure with early

• CARLSON

Continued from page 6

“We have an excellent staff and I’m very, very lucky,” Carlson said. “I always tell the staff, I say ‘The school is not the four walls, the school is the people within the four walls and the impact they have on kids.’ And our staff does a really, really good job of working with kids. They have a high expectation for themselves as teachers, they have high expectations for kids and we get a very good result.”

After spending a career in his favorite building, Carlson said he’s fortunate he started a career in a district that let him grow and learn from mistakes.

The longtime administrator credits his colleagues – from assistant principals, previous superintendents, all of the school’s administrative staff, and

Women who are pregnant can pass along congenital syphilis to their unborn baby. In 2021, the CDC reported more than 2,800 cases of congenital syphilis.

Syphilis case reports reached historic lows in 2000 and 2001, according to the CDC, but have been increasing since. In 2021, the CDC reported 176,7113 cases of syphilis.

Syphilis spreads from person to person through direct contact with a syphilitic sore, which can be found around a person’s genitals, anus, lips or mouth, according to the CDC. The average time between exposure and the start of the first symptoms is 21 days, although the time frame can range from 10 to 90 days.

Other symptoms can include a fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches and fatigue.

For information, or to schedule an appointment for STD testing, call the health department at 815-748-2420.

the teachers – as the reason for his success.

“You’re not going to be successful in this job without really good teachers and teachers who trust you and then to have good relationships,” Carlson said. “I have such a good staff ... I am really, really fortunate, honestly.”

Wilder also gave credit to Carlson, however, praising him for fostering relationships that have positively impacted the greater Sycamore community.

“While Sycamore High School will move forward I think it’s fair to say that it truly won’t be the same,” Winters said. “I’ve met few people in my career that have such a focus on students, and Mr. Carlson is one of them. I’m privileged to have worked alongside him and to call him a personal friend. We wish him the absolute best in his retirement.”

Tim Carlson Sycamore High School Principal

“We have an excellent staff and I’m very, very lucky. I always tell the staff, I say ‘The school is not the four walls, the school is the people within the four walls and the impact they have on kids.’ And our staff does a really, really good job of working with kids. They have a high expectation for themselves as teachers, they have high expectations for kids and we get a very good result.”

Just Make it Happen Inc. lists upcoming programs

DeKALB – Just Make It Happen

Inc. announced several spring Artist in Residence programs and community performing arts events in DeKalb County.

The events will be held at six preschools, one elementary school and one middle school across DeKalb County, according to a news release.

The events are open to all DeKalb County residents.

“A Brass Birthday Bash” will be held at 7 p.m. April 20 in the Vista Room of the Oak Crest Retirement Center, 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive in DeKalb. The DeKalb Brass Quintet will perform a number of selections, including a “Happy Birthday” variation set.

DeKalb Brass Quintet will perform three Artist in Residence programs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. April 28 at Hinckley Elementary School, 600 W. Lincoln Highway in Hinckley.

The 17th annual Let’s Dance Big

Band Weekend is planned for July 7 through July 9 at the Duke Ellington Ballroom at Northern Illinois University’s Holmes Student Center. Early bird discount registration is available through May 1. Regular registration will continue from May 2 to July 7.

Three levels of ballroom dance lessons are available. Balcony seating is open to nonprofits for 50% off sales at the dances.

The series will end with two “New Orleans Jazz Worship” services on May 28 at Christ United Methodist Church, 509 Highcrest Road in Rockford. The Wing and a Prayer Dixieland Orchestra will transplant a 5-year-old DeKalb First United Methodist Church to worship at the services.

JMIH’s mission is to create affordable cultural events and unique “Artist in Residence” grant programs to benefit student music education and the community’s cultural life.

For more information, visit justmakeithappen-dekalb.com.

Give DeKalb County makes it easy to support local nonprofits and every dollar donated is boosted by the Bonus Pool.

- Giving Options -

1) Online: May 4

Donate at GiveDeKalbCounty.org from midnight to midnight.

2) Mail-in: April 20 - May 4

Donate by check mailed with donation form to the DeKalb County Community Foundation. Visit GiveDeKalbCounty.org in April for the form and details.

Continuum of Care Campus

LOOKING BACK

1923 – 100 YEARS AGO

Excavators are busy on the property recently purchased by Sawyer & Sons of this city, who plan to erect a garage on the premises. Wagons are seen hauling the dirt away while a good force of men are digging for the foundation. The DeKalb businessmen have made a wonderful success since starting in the game in DeKalb, and as they have built up a splendid business so far it is anticipated that their future business will be larger.

Following a meeting of the Glidden Memorial hospital board, it has been decided to place the order for the bronze plates to be placed on the door of every room at the institution, showing who furnished the rooms, individuals or clubs. The order is being held up until next week to give those people who have not yet carried out their promise to furnish rooms an opportunity to do this work that all plates may be ordered at the same time. At this time, according to an announcement by the board there are four rooms yet to be completed. Two of these are single rooms and can be equipped for $300 each while the other two are double bed wards, costing $375 to furnish.

Owing to the great demand for dictionaries in our recent sale, we are continuing this sale for one more week. Every home needs a dictionary and every home can afford this large, complete, well printed work, containing all the latest words and several illustrations, at the price we ask. By an immense quantity purchase we are now offering for this week a regular $4.00 value dictionary for only $1.50. Come early as our supplies and stock is moving rapidly.

H. E. Secor.

City of DeKalb department heads had a force of men at work on Huntley Park yesterday and today raking and cleaning the park for the spring and summer months. Several large bonfires were burning during the day and considerable debris was removed. Residents of the city too are busy at this time of the year cleaning their yards and arranging flower beds and gardens. Planting time is not far off for many of the early risers who are already at work.

Somonauk Reveille – Henry White, noted breeder of Big Type Poland China swine, has been studying for some years

how to raise hogs just a little bigger than the other fellow. According to the nature of a pig born on his farm north of Somonauk Wednesday, he is destined to become the breeder of an unusually large type. The pig, while it lived but a short time, actually had the resemblance of a baby elephant. It had ears twice the size of a normal pig, a trunk where the nose should be and a tough hairless hide, resembling that of a baby elephant.

1948 – 75 YEARS AGO

Sycamore fire department had one call over the weekend. This was on Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock in the 400 block of North Cross Street. A two-wheel trainer, owned by Walter Clarner, was damaged slightly. The trailer was carrying rubbish and apparently hot ashes had been dumped on some paper.

Announcement has been made that the service of dedication for the new organ, chimes and tower music system, recently installed in the Malta Methodist Church is to be held on Sunday.

Officials of the State Department of Conservation, as well as leaders of the Sportsmen’s Clubs of this vicinity, congregated about Kirkland, Kingston and Genoa Saturday afternoon and Sunday, where the surface of the Kishwaukee was covered with dead fish. The fish were first noted floating on the surface on Saturday morning, and followers of Ike Walton, who had been looking forward to an active and interesting summer as the stream gave signs of

becoming good fishing territory, were highly incensed.

Proceeds from the cookie sale given by the Kirkland Brownie Scouts were $34. They will buy caps and uniform with the money.

Starting on April 25, Hinckley will be one of the “isolated” towns with train service being discontinued for any commuters in this vicinity. Bus service is planned but it will probably be some time before it goes into effect what with the closing of Route 30 while it is being rebuilt.

DeKalb may find itself right in the center of a hot bed of midget auto racing this summer, if the plans and contracts of Marvin Prather, sports luminary of DeKalb, are carried through to completion. Prather, last year developed a piece of pasture land out at Clark and Fourteenth Street into a ball park that pulled thousands through a busy and active season. Improvements have been made at the park, which is scheduled to open about the middle of May, but he announced late yesterday that the track will start to become an actuality during the coming week and should be in operations this summer.

1973 – 50 YEARS AGO

DeKalb County has a new forest preserve – its fourth and its largest. The County Board last night approved the purchase of the 240-acre tract for $216,000 by a 20-3 vote after narrowly

defeating a motion to postpone the vote to the May 16 meeting, 13-10. Although the tallest thing growing on the land located 6 miles south of DeKalb at the northeast corner of McGirr and Crego roads, will be the corn that its tenant farmer will plant for one last year, its proponents hope that it will become a “people’s park” with area citizens participating in the reforestation of the land, which soils experts say once held a lush stand of trees.

For the first time in the history of the DeKalb City Council, two students were elected. The seven aldermen elected Tuesday are students David Jaffe and Charles Stowe, and incumbents Harold Rissman, Allyn Davenport, Harlan Cain, Michael McDermott and Willis Wiesz. Rhys Prall, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Prall of Malta received the Eagle award, the highest in Scouting.

Evelyn Morse, librarian at the Somonauk Public Library, was among 700 other librarians and library officials from the state to attend “Library Legislation Day” in Springfield Wednesday. She and her husband Ralph, drove there and they were accompanied by three librarians from the Ottawa area.

1998 – 25 YEARS AGO

There is a new and unique DeKalb Park District employee. He is a specialist in the humane removal of geese from large areas, like golf courses. He endured a grueling six months of intensive out-of-state training to prepare for his job. And he works cheap too. All he asks in exchange for clearing out the unwanted waterfowl is to have his ears scratched or maybe his belly rubbed. Jiggs, a black and gray 3-year-old border collie, was bought by the park district to harass the multitudes of geese on the River Heights Golf Course into leaving.

Monroe Center – Former Rockford resident Bruce Morrall is visibly proud of the work that has been done on the property he owns along Route 72. On his property stands a building that used to be a place cows and horses called home. Now Morrall and his wife, Velma, call it their home. The structure was built in 1941 by Warren Hildebrant and his father as a barn. After one month of hard work by several construction crews, Morrall said the conversion into a house is nearly 90 percent complete.

–CompiledbySueBreese

Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center

East Works of the American Steel & Wire Company on 10th Street, between Oak Street and the railroad tracks in DeKalb, 1905.

Dozen of DeKalb-area nonprofits, schools named recipients of Meta’s community grants program

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – A dozen nonprofits and schools serving the DeKalb area recently were named recipients of Meta’s Data Center Community Action Center Grants program.

This year marks the first year the DeKalb Data Center is able to participate in the program and provide funding to benefit the community.

Chris Suel, community development manager at Meta, said it means a lot to the DeKalb Data Center to be able to help extend assistance to local nonprofits and schools.

“For Meta, it’s huge,” Suel said. “I think it shows our commitment in being a good community partner.”

Suel said each of the recipients is deserving of the program’s grant funding.

This year’s recipients of Meta’s Data Center Community Action Center Grants include Barb Food Mart, Building Leaders Advocating for Change, Clinton Township Public Library, DeKalb School District 428, DeKalb

County History Center, Elder Care Services, Hinckley Historical Society, Indian Creek Elementary School, Kishwaukee Family YMCA, Northern Illinois University, Stage Coach Players

and Sycamore Middle School.

Suel said the program is used to support a “diverse” range of initiatives in the community.

“Each one is different,” Suel said.

“Each one consistently impacts technology in that community.”

Suel pointed to Elder Care Services as an example, saying the local nonprofit’s plan is to help bridge the digital divide for seniors and disabled persons using the assistance provided by the program.

“Our grants highlight the diversity and our commitment in bridging the gap,” Suel said. “We support local school districts, nonprofits and businesses committed to impacting this amazing community.”

Suel said Meta’s Data Center Community Action Center Grants program awards millions of dollars to support communities with data centers across the nation every year.

For Meta, it’s huge. I think it shows our commitment in being a good community partner.”

Chris Suel, community development manager at Meta

Scott Anderson file photo – sanderson@shawmedia.com

An aerial view of Facebook’s DeKalb Data Center site shows the progress of the 500-acre project July 26, 2022, in DeKalb.

LaHood to host DeSantis at Lincoln Day Dinner

Blueprint” recently with trips to Pennsylvania, New York and Michigan and has a stop scheduled later this month in South Carolina.

By EMILY K. COLEMAN ecoleman@shawmedia.com

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood will host Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who the congressman called “one of the preeminent conservative voices in our country,” as keynote speaker at a Republican dinner in Peoria next month.

DeSantis, who has been anticipated as a likely candidate to seek the GOP nomination for president next year, has drawn supporters and critics for his policies on a range of topics such as COVID-19 and gay and transgender rights.

“Governor Ron DeSantis is one of the preeminent conservative voices in our country, fighting back against the radical left,” LaHood said. “As governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis has enabled his state to thrive because he leads with fiscal responsibility, family values and Constitutional principles.” LaHood’s district includes 21 counties across central and northwestern Illinois, including all or parts of McHenry, DeKalb, Ogle, Lee, La Salle and Grundy counties.

Planned for May 12, the Peoria-Tazewell Lincoln Day Dinner is one of the largest events in Illinois Republican politics.

Ron DeSantis

DeSantis, who last visited Illinois in February with a trip to Elmhurst, will “share his Florida Blueprint” at the joint 2023 Lincoln Day Dinner hosted by the Peoria and Tazewell County Republican Central Committees, LaHood said in a statement. DeSantis has touted his “Florida

Speakers have included Vice President Mike Pence last year, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, former Secretary of Energy and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Republican National Committee National Finance Chairman Todd Ricketts, and former Secretary of the Interior and Congressman Ryan Zinke, according to a news release.

•TheAssociatedPresscontributed tothisarticle.

LaHood: DeSantis will ‘share his Florida Blueprint’

Scott Anderson file photo – sanderson@shawmedia.com

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-16th District, tours the Streator Fire Department on Feb. 14 in Streator.

NEWS BRIEFS

Hinckley church to serve lasagna dinner April 26

HINCKLEY – St. Paul’s United Church of Christ will host a lasagna dinner to raise funds for local missions.

The church, 324 W. McKinley Ave., Hinckley, will host the dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, according to a news release.

The menu includes lasagna with meat sauce, salad, garlic bread, and dessert. There also is a vegetarian lasagna option available. The dinner is available for carryout only.

The dinner costs $15. Attendees should use the church’s View Street entrance to pick up their meal.

For information, call 815-742-7258. Family fun science event April 22 features musical instruments

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will hold a family fun science event featuring musical instruments. The library, 309 Oak St., DeKalb, will host the event at 9:30 a.m. April 22 in the library’s Story and Activity Room,

according to a news release. The event is free and open to the public.

Participants will learn about how sound waves work, how to make different pitches and how we use our ears to sense from Northern Illinois University Audiology. Attendees can make their own instrument out of rubber bands and boxes. Since the event is limited to 12 families, registration is required; visit dkpl.org/events.

Free hearing tests will be provided by NIU Audiology from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Youth Services Study Rooms. The hearing tests are first come, first served. For information or help with registration, email lauraw@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.

DeKalb church to host drive-thru turkey dinner for area nonprofits

DeKALB – First Lutheran Church will partner with Lincoln Inn at Faranda’s to host a drive-thru turkey dinner fundraiser to benefit area nonprofits.

The fundraiser will be from 4:30 to 6

p.m. Thursday, April 27, at Faranda’s, 320 Grove St., DeKalb, according to a news release.

The meal will include turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, cranberries and a roll.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to Hope Haven, Safe Passage, the Salvation Army Food Pantry and Love INC.

The dinner costs $17. To buy a dinner, go to lincolninntogo.com or First Lutheran Church, 324 N. Third St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays or 9 a.m. to noon Fridays. For information, call 815-758-0643.

NIU STEAM accepting Huskies Belong program applications

DeKALB – Northern Illinois University STEAM is accepting applications for its new Huskies Belong program. The program will help applicants succeed in college and enter the workforce after graduation, according to a news release.

The program includes a one-week

residential camp at NIU. Attendees can interact with current NIU students with disabilities and NIU Disability Resource Center staff. Participants can have one-on-one discussions with NIU faculty and instructors about undergraduate majors, minors and careers. The camp also features hands-on STEAM-related activities, role-playing scenarios and social and leisure activities.

Program staff will begin an assistive technology evaluation for applicants in the spring. The staff is staying in touch with students to help them identify colleges and navigate the admissions, financial aid and university support services processes. Participants also will be invited to participate in NIU STEM Fest.

Applicants must be high school students graduating in 2024 with a disability impacting their education, plan on attending college and are interested in STEAM careers. To apply, visit go.niu. edu/huskiesbelong.

For information, visit go.niu.edu/ huskiesbelong.

– Shaw Local News Network

THE LINCOLN INN AT

Faranda’s

Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 14, 2023

Seatings from 9:30am- 2:00pm

$37.99 per Adult l $26.99 Children 4-12 l Children 3- under Free Reservations

Required. Visit thelincolnn.com or call 815-756-2345 to reserve your table today.

Charcuterie Boards, Smoked Salmon, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Fresh Fruit Salad, Caesar Salad, Garden Salad, Homemade Soup, Fresh Baked Breads

Applewood Smoked Bacon, Sausage, Links, Breakfast Potatoes, Scrambled Eggs, Homemade Quiche, Fresh Baked Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, Avocado Toast French Toast with traditional toppings

Ham, Sausage, Onions, Green Peppers, Tomatoes, Spinach, Cheddar Cheese New York Strip Roast, Baked Ham, Mediterranean Baked Cod, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Grilled Mixed Vegetables

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce, Mini Cheesecakes, Macarons, Ice Cream Station, Assorted Cakes and Cookies, Gourmet Chocolate Fountain with toppings

All stations are unlimited. Non-alcoholic beverages (Coffee, Tea, Soda, Juice, Milk, Lemonade, Iced Tea) are included in pricing. Tax and gratuity are not included in above pricing

Full bar available featuring these signature drinks:

Loaded Blood Mary with Draft Beer Chaser $14 | Bloody Mary $9 | Draft Beer Chaser $2

Bottomless Mimosa $18 per person l Single Mimosa $7

302 Grove Street, DeKalb, 815-756-2345

If

Dear Neighbor:

I have great news for your wallet if your furnace is over 12 years old. Allow me to explain...Every year, the months of January, February & March can be slow for my business. I employ great people and want to keep them working during these long, slow months. That is why I’ve come up with a Win Win Situation for both of us.

Every year, the big manufacturers of furnaces & air conditioners guess how many to build to meet the demand. Of course, they’re never exactly right. So, they always have some inventory that they must hold over until the next summer season. I went to one of these companies and contracted for the purchase of sixteen Deluxe furnaces and air conditioners in the four most

popular sizes used in Kane County. And, because of the quantity and time of year, I was able to buy them at drastically reduced prices.

They are brand-new Deluxe Models. They are NOT the seconds or “blems” or standard “builder” models. They are factory-fresh furnaces and air conditioners and have a full 10-year factory warranty.

How To Get A Furnace For Peanuts

If you are interested in a new heating/cooling system (but only if one of the four sizes I have will fit your house, of course), I am “giving” you the furnace and all I ask for is the $941 in labor & material costs for installation along with the purchase of your air conditioner.

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COMMUITY SOLAR allows a person to sign up for a subscription to a solar field. You will still receive your electricity from ComEd; however, by signing up you allow a portion of the electricity on the grid to be produced by solar panels rather than by a fossil fuel or nuclear power plant. This program is available to individuals, businesses, non-profits, and churches. People whose income is less than $77,000 pay 50% less on their electric supply costs. Everyone who signs up earns a $50 sign-up bonus.

The LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS and 350KISHWAUKEE invite you to find out more at an EARTH DAY EVENT, APRIL 22 between 2:00 and 5:00 PM.

This FREE event will be held at the DEKALB PUBLIC LIBRARY 309 Oak Street in DeKalb.

PRESENTATIONS will be at 2:00, 3:00, and 3:30.

There will also be time for questions and to sign-up.

To sign up on 22th Bring your utility bill, IL Drivers License or State ID, and SNAP or other proof of income.

More info in DeKalb call 815.758-4827 or contact IL Solar For All Program (888)970-4732.

Community Solar has a presence in DeKalb County. Community Solar starts with a developer who builds a field full of solar panels.

On Saturday, April 22 people will have the opportunity to learn about community solar and to sign up Community Solar allows people to utilize the sun’s energy without having solar panels on their roof or in their yard. It is Community Solar will be the topic of

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I will come out and measure your home (and determine the availability of the proper size). Don’t forget, I only have 16 matched Deluxe Systems in four sizes. When they are gone, this remarkable offer ends also. Just call 815-758-8484.

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After I completely explain the installation, there is absolutely no obligation. If you decide you don’t want to take advantage of the spectacular savings... That’s OK.

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I’m so confident that you will save at least 25% on your heating and cooling bills (I’m projecting more like 30%), that I will pay you the difference for a year if you don’t! I’ll show you exactly how this works. If these heating and air conditioning systems were not among the best on the market, I couldn’t afford to make such a promise.

Why This Offer Can’t Last

I only have a few of each of the four sizes. When all of the air conditioners are sold and all the furnaces are “given” away, that’s it. There are no more at this price. Call Bre now at 815-758-8484 to set up an appointment for your no-obligation survey.

Warmly,

IVVC receives steel donation from Henderson Engineering Co.

Shaw Local News Network

SANDWICH – The Indian Valley Vocational Center’s welding and fabrication program recently received a donation of steel pipes, steel plates and I-beams from Henderson Engineering Co.

The donated steel will be used to enhance students’ hands-on learning experiences in welding processes and types, according to a news release.

Henderson Engineering also provides students opportunities to visit and study their process of taking steel to complete a Ford or Tesla dryer system from start to finish. Henderson Engineering has employed over 12 welding and fabrication program students as assemblers, pressure vessel welders, and certified structural welders.

IVVC is a center for surrounding school districts to send students looking to hone their technical skills by providing classes on practical skills so they can enter the workforce or prepare for college.

For information, visit ivvc.net.

Indian Valley Vocational Center welding and fabrication students pose for a picture with donated steel from Henderson Engineering Co.

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DeKalb-area Muslims observe holy month of Ramadan

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – For Abu Baakarr Bah, his devotion to the Islamic faith intensifies during Islam’s holiest month, Ramadan.

So much so that the DeKalb resident said what usually is a weekly visit to the Islamic Center of DeKalb now makes for daily trips to the mosque for prayer.

“It’s a way of actually fulfilling the command of Allah,” Bah said. “That’s the primary goal of fasting.”

Bah was among many who recently trekked to the Islamic Center of DeKalb for Friday afternoon prayer in observance of Ramadan.

Ramadan follows the lunar cycle prompting its dates to change and is observed this year from March 22 to April 20, said Mohammed Labadi, president of the Islamic Center of DeKalb. The month also marks the time when Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad. More than 1.8 billion Muslims, who account for about a quarter of the world’s population, are expected to observe Ramadan, The Associated Press reported.

Labadi said that observing the holy

month of Ramadan is all about sacrifice for him.

“All Muslims are asked to fast in the month of Ramadan, which is usually 28 to 30 days,” Labadi said. “We fast from sunrise to sunset. We give up the things that we love – food, all that kind of stuff – for the one that we love the most in appreciation of what he has given us.

That’s what the month of Ramadan is in a nutshell to us.”

Bah pointed to fasting as one such way that Muslims come together as a faith to observe Ramadan.

“Fasting is a form of worship,” Bah said. “It’s a form of worship that Allah, that my God has ordained unto the Allah of people before Muslims. All

Muslims do the same.”

Labadi said that during Ramadan, the Islamic Center of DeKalb is known to host breakfasts at night.

“They provide food for everybody that comes to the mosque,” Labadi said. “We’ll have like 80 to 100 people here.”

Ramadan isn’t just about fasting. It’s about charity, too.

Labadi said a lot of people will be volunteering locally, providing food, sending money to support causes.

Charity is one of the five pillars

See RAMADAN on page 19

Mark Busch photo – mbusch@shawmedia.com

People assemble April 7 to pray in the prayer hall or musalla at the Islamic Center of DeKalb. Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramadan.

We give up the things that we love –food, all that kind of stuff –for the one that we love the most in appreciation of what he has given us. That’s what the month of Ramadan is in a nutshell to us.”

Mohammed Labadi, president of the Islamic Center of DeKalb

Continued from page 18

making up the core beliefs and practices of Islam.

“The month of Ramadan is the month that we want to overdo the good things that we normally do,” Labadi said.

Prayer is another way that Muslims come together to worship during Ramadan.

Labadi said people are known to visit the Islamic Center of DeKalb four times a day during the holy month. At the center, leaders of the mosque also host marathon prayers for people to take part in, he said.

“During the prayers, we recite verses of the Quran,” Labadi said. “Our Quran is about 604 pages. During the month of Ramadan, our prayers include that we read all 604 pages. We do that in 27 nights. The participation is very high on this. People like to come in for this.”

Labadi said that during Ramadan, the mosque may be better attended by some people than other parts of the year.

“People that may not even make it during the year normally, in the month of Ramadan, they will come,” Labadi said.

Northern Illinois University student Inam Rab sat down awaiting the start of prayer at the Islamic Center of DeKalb. He said that observing the holy month of Ramadan has great meaning for him.

“It means staying away from sins and purifying yourself as a human being,” Rab said.

Rab said he is taking the observance of Ramadan seriously by increasing how often he visits the mosque for prayer.

“I do come once every day, but in Ramadan, I do come three or four times a day,” Rab said.

Labadi said the mosque plans to cap off the holy month in a special way later this month.

“The end of the month is a huge celebration,” Labadi said. “Eid al-Fitr is celebrating the end of Ramadan where everyone dresses so nice. They come to the mosque, and people see each other. It’s the biggest single attended day of the year for us.”

Rab said he is looking forward to celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy month and the end of fasting. He said his favorite part tends to be the free food, activities and having time to visit with family.

•TheAssociatedPresscontributed tothisreport.

OBITUARIES

MARYBETH HUTCHISON

Born: March 31, 1945 in Sycamore, IL

Died: April 4, 2023 in Dekalb, IL

Marybeth Hutchison, 78, of DeKalb Illinois passed away Tuesday April 4, 2023 in DeKalb Illinois at Aperion Care (previously Pine Acres) where she had lived for almost 6 years during her debilitating journey with Alzheimers. Born Mary Elizabeth Ehrler in Sycamore Illinois to Donald and Ruth (McPherson) Ehrler. She married Gregory J. Hutchison on September 4, 1971. Marybeth was a 1963 graduate of Sycamore High School. While in high school she was employed at the local car hop Sip-N-Dip. After graduating high school she attended beauty school and worked as a hairdresser for several years. She then began working at Lehan Drug store in DeKalb Illinois until the death of her husband. In order to care for and support her 2 young children Marybeth began doing in-home childcare. Once her children were older, Marybeth returned to her job at Lehan Drug store, where she continued to work for a total of 35 years before she retired in 2013. Marybeth was a long time member of the Sycamore United Methodist Church. Marybeth was very involved in the church both near and far.

She went on many mission trips to Louisiana with her daughter in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Marybeths’s grandchildren, including her honorary grandchildren, were the light of her life. Spending time with them baking, playing board games, going to lunch, bowling, and having sleepovers filled her heart with joy.. She was so excited watching her oldest granddaughter transform into an amazing young woman. Marybeth is survived by her children, Ryan “Hutch” Hutchison and Kari (Hutchison) Pietrarosso; three granddaughters Isabella, Kendall, and Claire; one brother Donald (Bob) Ehrler; sister-in-law June Ehrler; and many “honorary” grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband, both her parents, her twin brother Glenn T. (‘Fizz”) Ehrler, and her grandson Gregory Cash Hutchison. Marybeth’s daughter would like to send a special thanks to the staff at Barb City Manor, where Marybeth lived for 3 years, and also to Aperion Care for the amazing care they gave Marybeth for so many years. Also a huge thank you to Promedica Hospice for the exceptional healthcare and support that gave not only Marybeth but her daughter through some of the toughest days. A Celebration of Life for Marybeth will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Stateline Cremations, but addressed to Kari Pietrarosso, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, Illinois 61111, where they will be then forwarded to the family.

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