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ON THE COVER

Lyle Hinsch, 8, throws a tennis ball to his dad, Peter Hinsch of DeKalb, as they wait July 4, 2022, for fireworks to take place at Hopkins Park in DeKalb.

See story, page 6.

Shaw Local News Network file phot

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Beat the heat at free cooling centers in DeKalb County

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

Individuals needing a respite from the summer heat have a handful of options to pick from, as city officials from DeKalb and Sycamore announced five separate cooling centers available for free to those in need.

DeKalb

• Hopkins Park Community Center, 1403 Sycamore Road: Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.: Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Sycamore

• Sycamore Center, 308 W. State St.: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

• Sycamore Public Library, 103 E. State St.: Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday

• Sycamore Police Department, 535 DeKalb Ave.: Open seven days a week, primarily as an after-businesshours cooling center

Area officials also provided information on how to stay alert to one’s health and safety when out and about in the heat.

“We get a lot of humidity,” DeKalb Deputy Fire Chief Don Faulhaber said. “Usually when you get your dry [weather] your perspiration can cool you off when the humidity is not too high, but when the humidity gets too high, you don’t cool off with your perspiration like you normally do.”

Cooling centers also can be available for those without air conditioning or a place to stay in the shade.

PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzlesonpage14

“With the extended heat outlook, we know a lot of people don’t have air conditioning, or nonfunctioning air conditioning,” Sycamore Fire Chief Bart Gilmore said. “We don’t want them stuck in their residences with no relief.”

Authorities also encourage residents to check on their elderly family members and neighbors to ensure they are safe and as comfortable as possible during periods of prolonged heat, and to know the signs of heat-induced illness.

Faulhaber said feeling cold and clammy when you should be hot, no longer sweating when you normally would, lethargy and weak knees are often the first signs of heat-related illness.

“We always say if you’re hot and

you’re not sweating anymore, that’s pretty much a dangerous place to be in,” Faulhaber said.

Officials from both departments say the cooling centers are meant to provide a safe haven for those without anywhere to cool off.

Individuals needing urgent help, however should immediately contact emergency medical services by dialing 911. The centers are meant to serve as a place to get out of the heat, not as a water drinking station, but some locations may have access to water fountains.

“We want to be able to take care of people, that’s our role in the community, and we just want to let everybody know what their options are,” Gilmore said.

WHERE IT’S AT

Mark Busch file photo – mbusch@shawmedia.com

Grace Holtz, 8, of DeKalb gets some help staying cool in the 90-degree heat from her grandma Cindy Bagby of Paw Paw, who helps fan her June 21, 2022, in DeKalb.

Kishwaukee Valley Art League sets July events

SYCAMORE – The Kishwaukee Valley Art League will host several events and workshops in July at Gallery on State, 322 W. State St., Sycamore.

KVAL will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. July 6 at Gallery on State, according to a news release. League members are encouraged to bring an art piece with their favorite colors.

The Gallery on State’s next rotation of artwork is set for July 10 and will run for three months. The art can be viewed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays.

Sycamore Public Library staff will hold a recycled book art event from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 14. Participants can make recycled book art, a hidden storage book box or a folded book design. Admission is free. Supplies will be provided.

KVAL will participate in the Turning Back Time Car Show set for July 30 in downtown Sycamore. Attendees can visit the gallery during the car

INBODEN’S MARKET

show. Artwork will be created live by league members.

This month’s gallery features watercolor artist Larry Bond at Gallery on State and KVAL member Andy Hongisto at OC Creative.

For information, visit kval-nfp.org or scan the QR code.

Shaw Local News Network

Photos provided by Kishwaukee Valley Art League “Bone Yard” by Larry Bond.

ShawLocal.com/ games

The work of watercolor artist Larry Bond will be featured this month at Gallery on State, 322 W. State St. in Sycamore.

‘Love is love’ to residents at DeKalb Pride Fest

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – David Delatorra was seated on a bench with a friend in Van Buer Plaza June 22 at the third annual DeKalb Pride Fest and March after getting a henna tattoo of Hello Kitty on their arm.

The Aurora resident said they believe more ways exist for people to improve upon allyship with the LGBTQ community.

“I feel like they should keep an open mind,” Delatorra said. “Love is love. We were born this way.”

Organizers of the DeKalb Pride Fest and March emphasized that the event is not only a resource fair but a celebration by bringing in artisans, food trucks and more. The event also featured a downtown DeKalb march and a free showing of the 2017 comedy drama movie “Freak Show” at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

New this time around was the expansion of festivities into Van Buer Plaza downtown.

Jeanine Holcomb, marketing and communications director for the Egyptian Theatre, said organizers wanted to try something different.

“Spilling out into Van Buer Plaza is

very new for us,” Holcomb said. “The first year, we had a couple of nonprofits that we partnered with that really had those resources for those maybe in this community or allies that want to have some extra information. Last year, we brought that up to be a little bit more and then it got so big last year that we were like, ‘We have to shut down the street. Like this is fantastic.’ ”

Holcomb said that knowing the event continues to grow and expand in its third year is wonderful to see. More than 70 vendors participated in the resource fair, which shared local services available to area residents.

“To us, it’s fantastic to see our community come out and support the Pride movement to show their love and sense of belonging,” Holcomb said. “I feel that’s really been a theme in our community lately is wanting to be belonging. [Northern Illinois University]’s really kicked that initiative off.”

Aurora resident Katie Patrick was seated on a curb enjoying bites of assorted fruit between conversation with a member of her roller derby team. She said it means a lot to be able to show her pride at the event.

See PRIDE, page 5

David Toney for Shaw Local News Network Beth Ganion speaks June 22 while holding her

son James Ganion during DeKalb Pride Fest held outside the Egyptian Theater, 135 N. Second St. in DeKalb.

To us, it’s fantastic to see our community come out and support the Pride movement to show their love and sense of belonging.”

Jeanine Holcomb, marketing and communications director for the Egyptian Theatre

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• PRIDE

Continued from page 4

“It’s good to be seen doing normal everyday things and kind of get over the history of queer life in America and just let people see that it’s accessible,” Patrick said. “We’re here. There’s a critical mass of us. So, you’re going to have to deal with us. You know what I mean? Let’s do it together.”

Patrick said her favorite part of the event was how “they shut the freaking streets down” to create a festival.

“We can actually party a little bit,” she said.

Holcomb said organizers had assessed the potential for risks to safety as they prepared to host the event, but decided to move forward as planned. She said fear doesn’t stop the community from gathering to be loud and proud.

“We monitor not only our social chatter of just what’s going on and we’re pretty much hand-in-hand talking with the chief of police,” Holcomb said. “We do have security on site just to make sure. We always do that with the Egyptian Theatre anyway, so it’s kind of in our purview. But we always want to make sure. We’d rather be safe than sorry, monitor all that we can.”

DeKalb resident Greg Finnigan was perusing one of the booths in the resource fair. He said that for him, Pride means not being afraid to represent and show who you are.

“Honestly, it goes back to Stonewall where they were just so tired of being pushed down and repressed and not being themselves that they fought back,” Finnigan said. “This is proof that we were hiding in the shadows for a while.”

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Finnigan said recent legislation that’s made headlines across the country targeting transgender people is worrisome in his view. At least 17 states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, The Associated Press reported.

“I’ve never been afraid to hide who I was but with the legislation, it’s just terrifying,” Finnigan said. “I have trans family and friends and just the amount of stress and pressure that they have on them is just terrifying. To actually be able to be out there to support them is just hopefully showing the world that we can help.”

Delatorra said they do not worry about Illinois facing the same predicament that some states are facing over legislation and bans targeting transgender people. In February, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law a bill meant to remove barriers for Illinoisans to access gender-affirming care, including updating birth certificates to a person’s perferred gender.

“It’s a blue state,” Delatorra said. “I feel like there are things in place to protect us. I don’t see that happening.”

Delatorra said they believe DeKalb as a city is a fairly inclusive community, but DeKalb County as a whole leaves them less certain.

“DeKalb, the town itself, I feel would be,” Delatorra said. “We have NIU here. There’s a giant voice for LGBTQ here. As far as the county, I know there’s like a lot of rural areas and Republican-leaning people and what-not. … I would hope so.”

Campton Hills resident Dirk Flansburg said he felt motivated to come out to the event in search for like-minded folks.

See PRIDE, page 19

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David Toney for Shaw Local News Network Elizabeth Jensen of DeKalb gets her face painted June 22 during DeKalb Pride Fest held outside the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St. in Van Buer Plaza in downtown DeKalb.

Celebrate July 4 at these upcoming events

Shaw Local News Network

July 4 for many might hold memories of a family gathering with hot dogs on the grill, cold drink in hand, a lazy pool day or followed up by fireworks lighting up the night sky from a lawn chair.

Independence Day is almost upon us in DeKalb County, a chance to gather with loved ones or celebrate the American holiday.

We’ve gathered a roundup of events slated for the holiday weekend across DeKalb County. Check them out:

DeKalb Fourth of July celebration and fireworks

When: July 4

Where: Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb

The DeKalb Park District will host its annual Fourth of July Celebration July 4. The event is free and open to the public.

The day’s festivities will begin at 8 a.m. with an annual Independence Day Run and Walk. Attendees can run or walk a 5K or 10K. Participants are encouraged to dress in red, white and blue. Attendees will receive a race bag, bib, T-shirt and participation medal.

The Early Bird 5K registration fee is $30 or $40 for the 10K. Day-of-race registration is $45. The Early Bird fee is available through June 28. Check-in and registration are from 7 to 7:30 a.m.

A family-friendly magic show will be held from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Games, relay races, food vendors and strolling entertainers are available from 2 to 6 p.m.

Live music will include Final Say from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The DeKalb Municipal Band will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Glowsticks can be bought for $5 or two for $8.

Fireworks begin 30 minutes after sunset. Dogs are not allowed in the park after noon.

Food vendor spaces are available. To reserve a space, email ctluczek@ dekalbparkdistrict.com. The park district also is accepting sponsorships. To sponsor the event, email marketing@dekalbparkdistrict.com.

For information, visit dekalbparkdistrict.com or call 815-758-6663.

Kirkland Lions 75th annual Fourth of July celebration

When: July 1 to 4

Where: Franklin Township Park, 200 Park St., Kirkland

The 75th annual Kirkland Lion Fourth of July celebration is scheduled to begin July 1 and will continue until sundown on July 4 with a fireworks display and a 50/50 raffle drawing.

The festival kicks. off at 2 p.m. July

1 with daily vendors, bingo, a carnival, a beer tent, food stands featuring pork chops, burgers, brats and more. Live music will begin at 4 p.m. with Nashville Electric Company, 7:30 p.m. with Wayland and a Hinder show from 10 to 11 p.m.

July 2 festivities will begin at 10 a.m. and feature a 1 p.m. Bags Tournament, and music at 5 p.m. by Snap Shot followed by an 8:30 to 11 p.m. live music show by Sunset Strip.

A Car Show and Tractor Show will begin July 3 at 10 a.m., followed by ongoing festivities, One Night Only performance on the large stage at 5 p.m. and a Back Country Roads performing from 8 p.m. to midnight.

On July 4, an Independence Day parade will commence at 11 a.m. Live music performances will be featured throughout the day, including Dale Rhode & The Crossroads at 11:30 a.m. and Blind Eye Willis and The Blue Notes at 6 p.m. A Bags tournament will be held from 2 to 6 p.m.

Fireworks will blast off at nightfall on July 4.

For information, visit www.kirklandfourthofjuly.com.

Sandwich

Freedom

Days

parade and fireworks

When: July 1

Where: Downtown Sandwich Sandwich Freedom Days will kick off with a parade from downtown Sandwich at 10 a.m. that leads to the Sandwich Fairgrounds. The parade route will start on Lisbon Street to Ash Street, turn right onto South to Center streets, turn left onto East Street and head to Main Street, then left on North Street and end on Lisbon Street west to the fairgrounds, according to the event website.

Fairgrounds open at 3 p.m. for family-friendly events including food trucks and vendors, live entertainment and music, games and fireworks.

Admission is $5 – cash only – per vehicle. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.

Fireworks are expected to commence at dark. In the event of rain, the fireworks display will be rescheduled for July 2.

For information. visit www.sandwichparkdistrict.org/freedom-days.

Shabbona Fourth of July events

When: July 4

Where: Various locations around Shabbona

A pancake breakfast will start the day from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Shabbona Fire Department, 103 E. Navaho Ave. in Shabbona.

A Craft/Vendor Fair is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Purdy Park, 205 E. Navaho Ave. in Shabbona, featuring locally made goods.

Kid-friendly activities and games also will be featured at the park starting at 9 a.m. Purdy Park events also include a Cornhole Tournament from 2 to 5 p.m., and bingo from 2 to 5 p.m.

The Shabbona-Lee-Rollo Museum, 119 W. Comanche Ave., will be open from 10 a.m. to noon. All are invited to check out the museum’s displays and buy memorabilia items for sale.

Members of the museum’s Board of Directors also will be available to answer questions or help find information on family history for those interested, according to the event website.

See 4TH OF JULY, page 8

Shaw Local News Network file photo

Kirk Lundbeck conducts the DeKalb Municipal Band as they perform July 4, 2022, during the Independence Day concert in Hopkins Park in DeKalb to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Large Stage

Saturday - $10 Cover Charge

4pm-7pm: Nashville Electric Company

7:30pm-9:30pm: Wayland

10pm-11:30pm: Hinder

Sunday - $5 Cover Charge

1pm-5pm: Bags Tournament 5pm-8pm: Snap Shot

8:30pm-11pm: Sunset Strip

Monday - $5 Cover Charge

5pm-8pm: One Night Only

8pm-12pm: Back Country Roads

Tuesday - No Cover

11:30am-2pm: Dale Rhode & The Crossroads

2pm-6pm: Bags Tournament

6pm-9:30pm: Blind Eye Willis and The Blue Notes

Daily Schedule

Saturday, July 1: 2pm-Close

Sunday, July 2: 10am-Close

Monday, July 3: 4pm-Close

Tuesday, July 4: Parade-Close

- Vendors - Carnival - Beer Tent -

Food Stand with Pork Chops, Burgers, Brats, and More!

Franklin Township Park

200 Park Street

Kirkland, IL 60146

Methodist Breakfast

Saturday: See Additional Flyer

Small Stage

See Small Stage Schedule

Carnival Wristband Night

Saturday: 6pm-10pm

Monday: 6pm-10pm

Car Show and Tractor Show

Sunday: 10am

Parade

Tuesday: 11am

Bingo

Same Daily Hours

Facebook/Instagram

Stage Coach Players to open ‘Bright Star’ July 6

Shaw Local News Network

DeKALB – The Stage Coach Players is set to open its next production, the bluegrass musical “Bright Star,” July 6.

The musical is scheduled to run for two weeks, according to a news release.

“Bright Star,” inspired by a true story, tells the tale of Alice Murphy during the 1920s and 1940s in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Murphy meets a young World War II soldier, Billy Crane. For unknown reasons, the meeting awakens her desire for her lost child. Murphy announces that she will tell her own story. She begins a journey to understand her past. While doing so, Murphy realizes she can change both her and Billy’s lives.

Her story is told in flashbacks to when she was 16. Murphy recalls flirting and falling in love with a boy named Jimmy Ray Dobbs. She later learns she is pregnant, and they both can’t wait to be parents. Unfortunately, their parents secretly put the baby up for adoption.

The cast includes Morgan Prentiss as Alice Murphy, Matt Weaver as Jimmy Ray Dobbs, Eli Oleson as Billy Cane,

4TH OF JULY

Continued from page 6

A pork chop dinner will be offered from 4:30 p.m. until meals run out at the Shabbona Lions Depot at Navaho and Illini streets.

Fireworks will start at dusk, about 9:15 p.m., at Shabbona Lake State Park off U.S. Route 30.

Joleigh Reiss as Margo, Bernie Schuneman as Mayor Dobbs, Brooke Montavon as Lucy and Patrick Murphy as Daryl. Other cast members include Greg Anderson, Brock Demeter, David Dobes, Leigh Foulk, Dorcas Keating, Joel Ledbetter, Aaliyah McCormick, Maddie Mormino, Jackson Neilsen, Rachel Schneider, Brad Shortridge, Aljuwan Smith and Emelie Walton.

“Bright Star” is based on the 2014 musical of the same name written by Steve Martin. The Stage Coach production will be directed by Steven Meerdink, who previously directed “The Drowsy Chaperone” in 2022. Musical direction is provided by Sandra Jozef.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. July 6 through July 8, and July 13 through 15, at the Stage Coach Theatre, 126 S. Fifth St., DeKalb. There are also matinee performances at 2 p.m. July 9 and 16.

Tickets cost $18 for seniors and children ages 13 and younger and $20 for everyone else.

Tickets are on sale at stagecoachplayers.com or through the box office at 815-758-1940. The box office will open July 2.

For information, visit www.shabbona-il.com/4thofjuly.

An Independence Day parade will take place at noon. To view the parade map, visit ww.static1.squarespace. com.

Editor’s Note: Is your July 4 event not on this list? Send an email to news@daily-chronicle.com before July 1 to be added.

Photo provided by the Stage Coach Players Stage Coach Players cast members rehearse a scene from their upcoming production of “Bright Star.”

LOOKING BACK

1923 – 100 YEARS AGO

Canada thistles are a serious menace to land values in many parts of the United States because of the fact that the farmers are unable to sell their seed or hay to advantage. This pest seems to be showing up more in recent years in this country, due, no doubt, to the laxity in Canada thistle control. It is the duty of every farmer to himself, to his neighbor, and to his children to report any patches of Canada thistles that he may find, either on his own farm or on an adjoining farm. The man who allows thistles to go to seed, is looking to the small profit he may make today and overlooking the tremendous loss in crop and time of tomorrow.

Taxi cabs have a waiting list at the state college. Taxi drivers in this city will have more than their hands full during all hours of tomorrow with the closing of the first term of summer school at the state college. With the closing of the first term of summer school at the state college and about 700 students wishing to make a train in “nothing flat,” the taxi cabs will be about the busiest in the history of any one concern’s business. One concern in DeKalb had enough reserve calls booked yesterday morning to take care of 12 hours of continuous service. It is expected that several more cars will be placed in use for the day’s business.

Every year at this time the usual cherry picking force starts out on the season’s job of cleaning the cherry trees in this vicinity. This year, according to farmers and others who have several trees, there seems to be a large supply of the fruit, which is getting to the ripe turn at this time. Small boys scout the city looking for the job of picking the cherries and one may see a string of pails in the trees as he goes along the street or passes an orchard in the country.

Surrounded by the most modern of conveniences, the Bresnahan Brothers taxi cab concern has now moved into new quarters in the Ballou garage to the rear of the Bell restaurant. The garage was built for the express use of the taxi cab people, and will accommodate several cars nicely. The Standard Oil people of DeKalb have also installed a gasoline tank and pump for the use of the boys. The pump will be open day and night for the use of patrons.

1948 – 75 YEARS AGO

They were making hay while the sun was shining up in the Genoa vicinity recently. This was being done on the Ernest Peterson farm, just west of Genoa on Route 72. The tractor pulled the self-powered hay baler that packs the hay and ties it with a couple of sturdy strands of rope.

About 11:30 o’clock Saturday evening the DeKalb fire department was called to the airport on Pleasant Street, where a blaze had developed in the hangar. The fire had been extinguished by watchmen at the hangar before the fire trucks arrived. One wing of a plane had been damaged by the blaze but damage is not expected to run over a few hundred dollars. Cause of the fire is being investigated, the blaze having been started when

a phosphorus flare was released from one of the planes housed in the hangar and an investigation is being conducted to determine how the flare was released. What could have been a serious fire was nipped before it had a chance to spread.

The summer doldrums are about to settle down on the Courthouse in Sycamore. County Judge Latham Castle of Sandwich is away on a vacation in the west which will last about a month and only the necessary routine business of that office is being conducted by Arthur G. Larson, Kendall County judge from Yorkville. The jury in Circuit Court has been dismissed, subject to recall because none of the attorneys wish to start involved trials during the hot summer months, many of them hope to get away on vacations within the next few weeks.

A big crane loaded on a semi-truck was turning west off of South Maple Street in Sycamore to West Elm Street on Friday morning and managed to clip off four telephone wires. It then went one block and made a turn north onto Somonauk Street and some difficulty was had in front of the Elks Club. A small crowd gathered to watch the procedure which entailed the moving of the crane while the truck remained stationary.

1973 – 50 YEARS AGO

A group of youths invented a new cooling game for themselves during an outing at Huber Park this week –racing across the Kishwaukee River. If you stumble, you not only get wet, you probably will come in last.

Vandals hit this northwestern DeKalb County community last night in Esmond. Mrs. K reported someone punched a hole in the bottom of a children’s swimming pool and bent down the fence around a play area. S.G. reported that snow tires were stolen from his garage; Mrs. R reported that two fence posts were pulled out of the ground and her flower garden disturbed. J.W. reported eight window panes broken out of his garage

and four lines cut down. Stolen from his property were a girl’s 20-inch Schwinn bike and a bright yellow Schwinn tricycle.

Agnes Jean Herrmann, valedictorian of the 1973 graduate class, at Shabbona High School, has been given the Annual Award of The Reader’s Digest Association for students who by their successful school work give promise of attaining leadership in the community, it was announced today by Florence A. Cook, principal.

1998 – 25 YEARS AGO

Sheriff’s deputies arrested four people for allegedly trespassing and possessing fireworks in an abandoned building Friday night. Police became involved after receiving a complaint about fireworks at a building on Lovell Road near Sycamore. Upon arriving on the scene around 10:45 p.m., deputies reportedly saw four subjects inside the building with flashlights. As deputies went to pull into the driveway, a vehicle allegedly attempted to pull out of the drive, in reverse, at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was stopped by police.

Customers beware. The latest telephone scams to hit phone wires are aimed at your wallet. GTE officials have issued a warning to area residents about a new scam which may be operating in northern Illinois. According to GTE, con artists are calling businesses with multi-line telephone systems and obtaining access to outside long distance lines. Once access is gained, illegal, and often costly, calls are made.

When Frank Saliu approached the Sandwich City Council some time ago, he had a simple proposal. He would repair a dilapidated building if the city would grant him a liquor license. Now, almost five months after he started work on the old roller rink along Route 34, Saliu’s license request is stirring discussion among bar owners worried the town can’t support another establishment.

Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center Work on the Annie Glidden extension project in April 1971 is seen looking north toward West Lincoln Highway. The road was completed in July 1971.

Cannabis craft growers a step closer to operating in DeKalb

City officials look to open up industry in addition to dispensaries

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – With two marijuana dispensaries set to open this year, the city of DeKalb soon could welcome a second type of cannabis business: craft growers.

A petition for the idea received an initial green light last week as DeKalb’s Planning and Zoning Commission, without opposition, gave its preliminary support to allow cannabis craft growers to operate in town. The code amendment still requires DeKalb City Council approval.

The city of DeKalb had received some inquiries on this matter in the past, officials said.

City Planner Dan Olson said the city is looking to expand the list of uses in city code to accommodate a petitioner, who he did not name publicly.

Cannabis craft growers are facilities licensed by the state to cultivate, dry, cure and package cannabis. Olson said cannabis craft growers are allowed to transport cannabis directly to dispensaries if they are within 15 miles.

“If one came into the city, they’d be able to make deliveries to the two pending dispensaries, which we’ve approved,” Olson said.

A DeKalb City Council vote is expected at the Council’s next meeting.

Cannabis growers already are allowed to operate under Illinois law, however, DeKalb city code does not issue permits to such requests currently. Code does allow for marijuana dispensaries, and city officials have in the past been publicly vocal about their support of such initiatives.

Two marijuana dispensaries are set to open later this year.

The city had already approved two special use permits enabling cannabis dispensaries to do business in town. In February, the DeKalb City Council approved a dispensary permit for 305 E. Locust St. The majority women-led business, Canndid Spirit Too LLC, already has a state permit and is expected to be open in time for Corn Fest in August.

Since 2019 when the City Council first amended municipal code to allow medicinal and recreational cannabis

Dr. Z has been in the area for

dispensaries, DeKalb city leaders have been publicly adamant about the city considering other types of cannabis businesses in the future.

In April 2020, the Council approved a local permit for a dispensary at 818 W. Lincoln Highway, formerly the home of Book World. Since then, NuMed Partners LLC have successfully petitioned the city to approve extensions to its operational permit as they met continued stalls at the state level to obtain Illinois licensing.

A majority of the cannabis craft grower requirements mirror the state’s requirements for cannabis dispensaries, which Olson said is quite restrictive.

Chairman Max Maxwell said he supports the petitioner’s request.

“To me, I agree. I think it’s the next logical step,” Maxwell said. “Since all the security measures are in place by the state, I think it’s a good idea.”

See CANNABIS, page 12

Minutes West of Somo nauk

29 years

Mark Busch file photo – mbusch@shawmedia.com

The building at 305 E. Locust St. in DeKalb is the location of DeKalb County’s first medicinal and recreational marijuana dispensary.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Children’s Community Theatre accepting camp registration

DeKALB – Children’s Community Theatre is accepting registration for its Advanced Camp: Pippin and Royal Theatre summer camps.

The camps will be held from July 10 through July 21 at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb, according to a news release.

Advanced Camp: Pippin is open to students entering eighth grade through high school graduates. Attendees will perform the musical “Pippin.” Performances will be at 3 and 7:30 p.m. July 22 and 2 p.m. July 23.

The Royal Theatre Camp will hold two performances at 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. July 22. The camp is open to students entering first through seventh grades. Tickets for the show are available now. To buy tickets, visit egyptiantheatre.org or the Egyptian Theatre.

The camps cost $200 per camper. There is a $15 family membership fee. To register, visit http://childrens-community-theatre.ticketleap.com/2023-advanced-camp---pippin/ or childrens-community-theatre.ticketleap. com/2023---ccts-royal-theatre-camp.

CCT is an Illinois nonprofit organization dedicated to the appreciation and development of the performing arts. For information, email cctdekalb@ gmail.com or visit the group’s Facebook page.

DeKalb Police increasing traffic enforcement for July 4

DeKALB – The DeKalb Police Department announced it will increase traffic enforcement for Independence Day through the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High Get a DUI” campaigns.

The campaigns will run from now through July 5, according to a news release.

Law enforcement will increase efforts to stop impaired and unbuckled drivers during the campaigns. The campaigns encourage drivers not to drink or use drugs before and after Independence Day.

Tips for drivers to remember include:

Designate a sober driver; don’t let friends or family members drive impaired; if you are impaired or drunk, call a friend or family member or use a ride-sharing app; report drunk drivers to the police; buckle up.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are funded by federal highway safety funds provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Cricut cutter workshops begin July 3 at DeKalb Library

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host three workshops for patrons to use the library’s Cricut cutter.

The workshops will be held at 6 p.m. July 3, 4 p.m. July 13, and 3 p.m. July 27 in the library’s 309 Creative room, according to a news release.

The workshops are free and intended for teens and adults.

Attendees can create canvas bags, stickers and greeting cards. Beginners are welcome to attend. Because of limited space, the workshops are first come, first served.

No registration is required. For information, email techdesk@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9578, ext. 2851.

DeKalb Library story time event set for

July 2

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host the second of its summer “Annie’s Storytime” events with the Glidden Homestead.

Story time will be held at 11 a.m. July 2 on the front lawn of the Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, according to a news release. The event features interactive stories with movement and songs. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair. Parking is available at Glidden Florist.

No registration is required to attend.

The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center is a nonprofit organization working to preserve the home and barn while providing educational opportunities to the public.

For information, email stormye@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

D-428 superintendent recognized at national summit

DeKALB – DeKalb School District 428

Superintendent Minerva Garcia-Sanchez was one of nine school leaders from across the nation named recipients of the Equity Warrior Award, meant to recognize dedication to promoting equity for students, families and women education leaders.

Garcia-Sanchez was honored last week at the school board meeting and at the When Women Lead Summit in Vancouver, Washington, a national summit for education leaders by women, for women. She also was expected to be among the featured presenters at the summit. Garcia-Sanchez did not attend the school board meeting.

In a statement, Garcia-Sanchez said she “is honored and humbled by this recognition.”

The school board also took time last week to recognize Garcia-Sanchez for the honor.

“We congratulate her for this honor, and we miss her absence,” Board President Samantha McDavid said.

–MegannHorstead

• CANNABIS

Continued from page 10

The amended city code would limit potential future cannabis craft growers from locating within 1,500 feet of the property line of another cannabis craft grower or cultivation center, city documents show.

The proposed amendment to city code stipulates that all cannabis business establishments are required to submit a security plan to the city that includes an enclosed, locked facility

DeKalb Township to host mobile DMV unit Aug. 2

DeKALB – The DeKalb Township will host a Department of Motor Vehicles mobile unit for residents to complete certain services.

The township, 2323 S. Fourth St., will hold the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 2, according to a news release.

The mobile unit offers driver’s license, Real ID and State Identification Card issuance, vehicle registration stickers, organ and tissue donation, and voter registration. Road tests and written exams will not be held.

Proof of identification is required. A state-mandated documentation list is available at the township. Accepted payment methods include personal checks, money orders, debit cards and AMEX, Discover, Matercard and Visa credit cards.

Residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins may be accepted first come, first serve.

To schedule an appointment or for more informaiton, call 815-758-8282 or email Admin@dekalbtownship.org.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

and will provide and maintain adequate security on the premises, including lighting, video surveillance and alarms.

Cannabis business establishments also would be prohibited from allowing the consumption, inhalation or smoking of cannabis on site, city documents show. It also stipulates that loitering on the cannabis business establishment’s property would not be permitted.

Once the DeKalb recreational marijuana dispensaries are open, the business will mark the first of its kind in DeKalb County.

Take a breath

Megann Horstead file photo – mhorstead@shawmedia.com

Superintendent Minerva Garcia-Sanchez is seen Jan. 17 at the DeKalb School District 428 board meeting.

Sycamore Troop 2810 Boy Scout earns Eagle Award

Shaw Local News Network

SYCAMORE – Milton, Wisconsin, resident William Hentschel, a member of Boy Scout Troop 2810 chartered at Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore, recently earned his Eagle Scout Award.

The Eagle Scout Award is the highest achievable rank in scouting, according to a news release.

Hentschel, the son of Bill and the late Candice Hentschel of Milton, Wisconsin, began scouting in first grade with Pack 82 out of Hiawatha School. He earned all of the Cub Scout ranks, including an Arrow of Light award.

Hentschel joined the Boy Scouts and Troop 2810 in fifth grade.

He earned 31 merit badges and two palms. Hentschel held several leadership positions, including senior patrol

leader, webmaster, patrol leader, and Leave No Trace guide. He attended six summer camps at Canyon Camp and two high-adventure trips to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Hentschel’s Eagle project benefited Oaken Acres Wildlife Center. He built squirrel houses to be used for animal rehabilitation. The houses can be moved to the woods to release animals after they are rehabilitated.

Hentschel is a Milton High School graduate and was involved in the FFA and environmental club. He also was vice president of the National Honor Society and a member of the wrestling team. Hentschel plans to attend the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point in the fall.

For information, email 2810scoutmaster@gmail.com

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Photo provided by Boy Scouts of America Troop 2810

Boy Scout Troop 2810 member William Hentschel is pictured with the Eagle Scout Award.

Paul’s

Church in DeKalb

DeKalb church donates $2,000 to Youth Services Bureau

DeKALB – Youth Services Bureau recently received a $2,000 donation from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The check was presented to the organization on June 12, according to a news release.

The donation will support the Family Service Agency’s Little Campers Summer Program, which focuses on life skills, leadership, social-emotional learning, creative expression, anger management, empowerment and bullying prevention. The check was given to Youth Services Bureau director Shatoya Jackson. The donation was presented by St. Paul’s assistant treasurer Pat Brown, and church member Lucinda Brunner.

For information, visit stpaulsdekalb.org, call 815-756-4888, or email stpaulsdekalb@gmail.com.

NIU association accepting New York City trip reservations

DeKALB – The Northern Illinois University Annuitants Association is accepting reservations for the group’s upcoming trip to New York City.

The trip will run from Nov. 16 through Nov. 22, according to a news release.

Live life to the FULLEST.

Photo provided by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

donated $2,000 to Youth Services Bureau.

Highlights include touring Central Park, Wall Street, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the 9/11 memorial, and the One World observatory.

The trip includes six nights of lodging, six breakfasts, four dinners and all tours of New York City. Transportation will be provided. Pricing begins at $945 per person. The deadline to reserve a spot is Sept. 9.

For information, call 815-756-1547.

Shadow puppet shows set for June 29 at DeKalb Library

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host three “A Wild Goose Chase” shadow puppet shows by shadow puppeteer Matthew Sandbank.

The free shows will be at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. June 29 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St., according to a news release. The puppet shows will help promote creativity, a love of languages and the Dewey library section 811. Patrons are encouraged to attend only one show. No registration is required to attend. For information, email theresaw@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

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Pictured (from left) are YSB director Shatoya Jackson, St. Paul’s assistant treasurer Pat Brown and church member Lucinda Brunner.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Data on student reading, suspensions, attendance focus of state of district

Reading, according to school board documents.

Nall said the district wants every student to be able to grow.

The school board also was briefed on student suspension data for the district.

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – Students in DeKalb schools have shown some growth postCOVID-19 but school officials say there’s still a ways to go before matters return to normal.

Leaders in DeKalb School District 428 schools were given end-of-year data as part of the State of the District presentation at a recent board meeting.

Jessica Nall, DeKalb School District 428’s coordinator of assessments, said data from the Measures of Academic Progress Growth, which is the benchmarking assessment the district gives three times a year to all students, is not the only tool the district relies on to measure student growth.

“We do not believe as a district that increasing MAP scores is the goal of public education. We don’t,” Nall said. “But we also know that this is our benchmarking assessment. It is giving us some measure of where students

are and where we want them to be.”

According to school board documents, about 26% of students in first grade districtwide fall between the 76th and 99th percentiles for MAP Reading. Roughly 28% of students in second grade districtwide fall between the 76th and 99th percentiles for MAP Reading, according to school board documents.

According to school board docu -

ments, about 31% of students in third grade districtwide fall between the 76th and 99th percentiles for MAP Reading.

About 34% of students in fourth grade districtwide fall between the 76th and 99th percentiles for MAP Reading, according to school board documents. About 32% of students in fifth grade districtwide fall between the 76th and 99th percentiles for MAP

During the 2022-23 school year, 238 students were suspended in elementary school buildings, while 2,690 had never been suspended through May 19, school board documents show. Around this same time frame, there were 375 students suspended in middle school buildings, while 1,174 had never been suspended.

During the 2022-23 school year, 479 student were suspended at the high school, while 1,437 students had never been suspended through May 19, school board documents show.

One such thing, Nall said, the district is working hard to do is keep students in the district’s school buildings where administration and staff have some measure of control over what they’re doing.

“Even if they’re not able to be in class because of behavior and other things like that, we can still provide instructional materials and have staff available to answer questions and

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Presentation highlights where DeKalb schools have been over the past year, where the district is headed

Megann Horstead – mhorstead@shawmedia.com

Amonaquenette Parker (left) and Jessica Nall speak at the June 7 at the DeKalb School District 428 board meeting.

See DISTRICT 428, page 17

Continued from page 16

things like that,” Nall said. “That’s certainly, I would say, that’s an improvement if we’re going to have students not in class at least they’re under our roof, so hopefully we can keep moving them forward.”

During the 2022-23 school year, there were 163 out-of-school suspensions and 75 in-school suspensions in the elementary school buildings, school board documents show. Around this same time frame, there were 153 out-of-school suspensions and 222 in-school suspensions in the middle school buildings.

During the 2022-23 school year, there were 150 out-of-school suspensions and 329 in-school suspensions at the high school, school board documents show.

“One thing that’s interesting is if you look at our elementary school

data, most of those suspensions are out-of-school,” Nall said. “That’s not necessarily because of the severity of the infraction, although certainly that can be the case but because there is no physical space in most elementary school buildings where in-school suspensions makes any sense.”

Also at the meeting, the school board took a close look at student attendance data for the district.

The district has amassed an attendance rate of 87% for its student populations during the 2022-23 school year, according to school board documents.

Nall pointed to some factors contributing to the district’s attendance rate.

“I don’t think it’s particularly surprising that at the bookend, we have lower attendance rates as students have a bit more autonomy when they’re in high school whether they show up or are not able to,” Nall said. “At the [Early Learning Development Center], young kids get sick kind of a lot.”

One thing that’s interesting is if you look at our elementary school data, most of those suspensions are out-of-school. That’s not necessarily because of the severity of the infraction, although certainly that can be the case but because there is no physical space in most elementary school buildings where in-school suspensions makes any sense.”

Jessica Nall, DeKalb School District 428’s

coordinator

of assessments

‘We’re celebrating each other’

Organizers behind Juneteenth celebration in DeKalb declare the event a success in wake of Willowbrook mass shooting

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – DeKalb resident Karen Wilkerson said she refused to let what transpired in Willowbrook prevent her from enjoying her time at the third annual Juneteenth celebration June 18 at Hopkins Park in DeKalb. Wilkerson was perusing a food truck’s menu with her son, looking for something good to eat. She said her favorite part of the event was seeing everybody in the community.

“You see people of different shades, different backgrounds, different groups,” Wilkerson said. “They’re having a good time. We’re communing

with each other, and we are supporting each other, and we’re celebrating each other.”

Authorities said a mass shooting in Willowbrook left 23 wounded and one dead about 12:30 a.m. June 18 during a gathering in a parking lot to celebrate Juneteenth. Officials have said numerous victims were taken from the scene for hospital treatment and that others walked in to area hospitals seeking aid, The Associated Press reported.

“In today’s society, you can be crossing the street,” Wilkerson said. “I’m not going to live in fear. I have a God. If he wants me, I only go where he takes me. It’s disappointing to hear that, see that. All the stuff that’s hap-

pened this past weekend has been tragic. That’s why celebrations like this are important.”

Organizers behind the Juneteenth Community Celebration say the event can be viewed as a success.

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Senior Pastor Rev. Joe Mitchell said no extra safety measures were imposed for the Juneteenth celebration held at Hopkins Park in DeKalb because of what transpired in Willowbrook.

“We weren’t going that late. … I don’t know too many Juneteenth celebrations that go until 12:30 in the morning,” Mitchell said. “We didn’t have any concerns. Our event has

always been extremely peaceful, extremely welcoming and loving. No, we did not take any additional safety precautions.”

Both Juneteenth events sought to recognize the federal holiday commencing June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed, which came two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

Mitchell said the church’s end goal with the DeKalb event was simple.

“At the end of the day, it’s really an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate freedom and

Mark Busch – mbusch@shawmedia.com

Versa Sheko, 4, of DeKalb plays with bubbles June 18 at the Cortland booth during the Juneteenth Community Celebration at Hopkins Park in DeKalb. The event featured vendors, food, music and games, among other festivities.

• PRIDE

Continued from page 4

“I’m looking for a local queer community,” Flansburg said. “I just moved here. Online all the Facebook groups are just so empty, so I just have to

show up and talk to people.”

Flansburg said his favorite part of the event is easy to pinpoint.

“I’m seeing so many independent queer creators and stuff in Illinois, which I feel like I didn’t see much of in Oklahoma,” he said. “There’s like so much more of a network for that here.”

• JUNETEENTH

Continued from page 18

liberation for those who may not know and for them to have an opportunity to learn about it and then be in community with people that do and don’t look like them, and really learn in the words of Dr. [Martin Luther] King to be the beloved community and honor all the rich history that makes up the United States of America,” Mitchell said.

Rochelle resident Andrea Kromwell was stationed at a table selling jewelry and accessories in the vendor fair. She said this was her first time participating in the Juneteenth celebration.

“I like it,” Kromwell said. “I told my husband it feels like a family reunion.”

Kromwell said customers had been responding well to what she had to offer.

“They like it,” Kromwell said. “They like all the colors. They like that it’s handmade. We made a lot of jewelry, a lot of the bracelets and this keychain. My husband, he like designs them. I paint them.”

DeKalb resident Bonnie Deagon stood in line with Jackie Rogers, also of DeKalb, waiting to grab a bite to eat from a food truck.

She said she enjoys coming out to the Juneteenth event, so much that it’s become a tradition. Deagon said that as a white woman, she’s long felt that racism is a moral issue.

“It’s opened my eyes to struggles that other people have because of the color of their skin,” Deagon said. “I knew that there were struggles, but it’s really opened my eyes.”

Rogers said she felt compelled to drop in for the event because her daughter identifies as mixed race.

“I make sure as she’s growing, I make sure to teach her things,” Rogers said. “I remind her that she’s magical.”

Deagon shared that sentiment.

“We celebrate both sides of their world – white and black,” Deagon said. Mitchell said it looked like the event drew in larger crowds this time around. He attributed the growth of the celebration to a few different factors.

“Juneteenth now is a federal holiday,” Mitchell said. “A lot of people now have [Monday] off. If you don’t know, it’s an opportunity to come out and learn what it’s about. I also think a majority of people really do want to learn more about America’s rich history, which is a very inclusive history. This is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of American history.”

Mark Busch – mbusch@shawmedia.com

Northern Illinois University basketball players Nas Muhammad (left) of Brooklyn, New York, and Zion Russell of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, paint some Juneteenth-themed art June 18 during the Juneteenth Community Celebration.

This is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of American history.”

Rev. Joe Mitchell, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church senior pastor

Alec Zack of DeKalb stops June 22 to look at the different venders while hanging out with friends during DeKalb Pride Fest held in downtown DeKalb.

David Toney for Shaw Local News Network Ezekiel Alexander, a Northern Illinois University student, speaks June 22 during DeKalb Pride Fest held outside the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St. in DeKalb.

DCCF awards $129,600 in music education grants

SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Community Foundation awarded $129,600 in Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund grants to support musical education.

The grants will support 25 nonprofit and public sector organizations in DeKalb County and the greater Chicago area, according to a news release.

The Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grant recipients include:

DeKalb County:

• Cor Cantiamo – $1,500

• Children’s Community Theatre –

$6,000

• Just Make It Happen – $7,500

• Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra – $12,500

• Northern Illinois University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts –

$4,000

• Northern Illinois University’s School of Music – $5,000

• Sycamore Music Boosters – $2,100

Greater Chicago area:

• Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education – $7,500

• Chicago Center for Music Education – $4,000

• Chicago Human Rhythm Project –$5,000

• Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras – $4,000

• Child’s Voice – $2,000

• Wheaton College’s Community School of the Arts – $5,000

• Elgin Master Chorale Inc. – $6,000

• Holy Family Ministries – $3,000

• Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra –$5,000

• JCC Chicago – $10,000

• Lawrence Hall Youth Services –$5,000

• Music Will – $3,000

• Music of the Baroque – $5,000

• Orion Ensemble – $5,000

• Special Gifts Theater – $3,500

• St. Charles Singers – $2,500

• VanderCook College – $10,500

• Walther Christian Academy –$5,000

The Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation was established in the 1940s.

The foundation became a DCCF fund in 2012.

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

For information, email grants@ dekalbccf.org or george@dekalbccf.org.

Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation

Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund 2023 grant recipient Just Make it Happen.

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S haw Media publ ishes over 150 tit les in I lli nois and Iowa Its hol di ngs include webs ites, newspa pers, magazin es and a di gi tal market ing services divi sion Fo unded in Di xo n, I lli noi s, S haw Medi a ha s been privat el y owned by th e S haw fa mily since its incept ion in 1851.

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