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ON THE COVER
Fireworks go off at Hopkins Park in DeKalb July 4, 2023, during the annual Independence Day celebration.
See a list of this year’s events on page 6.
DCCF veterans fund awarded $5K
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The family of late Naval Lt. Jeffrey Trail recently donated $5,000 to the DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund, an endowment fund held at the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
Jeffrey valued his years at the Academy and in June 1991, he graduated and was commissioned Ensign in the U.S. Navy, according to the release.
region, and former DeKalb Mayor Jerry Smith, a U.S. Army veteran.
“This is the largest contribution to date made to the Veterans Recognition Fund,” Embrey said in the release. “We have had several families inquire about adding the DeKalb Veteran’s Fund in their ‘will’ and estate planning package.”
Trail, a DeKalb native and graduate of DeKalb High School and the U.S. Naval Academy, died suddenly in 1997 at age 28, according to a news release. The donation came from the Jeffrey A. Trail Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation. The contribution to the Veterans Recognition Fund was made by the Trail family to honor their son and brother’s service and accomplishments.
Trail entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987 having been formally appointed by U.S. Sen. Paul Simon. In his last year, he was the Fourth Battalion Adjutant.
Trail continued his professional military education at the Surface Warfare Officers School Pacific in San Diego, California. Upon completion he was assigned to the USS Gridley, CG 21, which was deployed to the Persian Gulf during the First Gulf War. While on the Gridley, he qualified and was designated as Surface Warfare Officer. He was promoted to Lieutenant, Junior Grade in May 1993.
After his experience on the Gridley, Trail joined Assault Craft Unit One at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado, California. He became a department head there and was promoted to Lieutenant. In June 1995, after serving his commitment, he moved on from active duty with the Navy.
The DeKalb County Veterans Fund was created in 2023 by two local veterans, Michael Embrey, who served in the U.S. Air Force Band and champions various veteran activities throughout the
“The fund’s distributions over the years will assist in the establishment and upkeep of veteran memorials of various kinds throughout DeKalb County,” Embrey said.
In a statement, Smith said that one attraction of the fund would be to serve as a beneficiary of donations from individuals and families who have strong empathy for veterans, either those presently serving or those who may have previously been military veterans.
More information on either the Jeffrey A. Trail Memorial Fund or the DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund can be found online at dekalbccf. org. Embrey can also be reached at M. Embrey@FunMEevents.com or Smith at jerryfordekalb@gmail.com.
Stage Coach Players’ ‘Cabaret’ to open July 11
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Stage Coach Players will open its next production, the musical “Cabaret,” on July 11. The musical is scheduled to run for two weeks.
“Cabaret” tells the story of Clifford Bradshaw, an American writer who arrives in Berlin to work on a new novel.
Bradshaw receives black market work from Ernst Ludwig, a German smuggler, and stays at a boarding house run by Fraulein Schneider. He visits the Kit Kat Club and meets and befriends Sally
Bowles, an English cabaret chanteuse. Bowles visits Bradshaw the next day after being fired and convinces him to let her live in his room. Schneider also begins a romance with Herr Schultz, an elderly Jewish fruit shop owner.
The cast includes Isaiah Panke as Clifford Bradshaw, Morgan Prentiss as Sally Bowles, Eli Oleson as the Emcee, Brad Shortridge as Ernst Ludwig, Mindy Kaplan as Fraulein Schneider and Greg Anderson as Herr Schultz.
The cast also features Summer Arwood, Darielle Culver Balika, Taylor Dobes, Zach Eckhardt, Anaya Evans,
Joel Ledbetter, Aaliyah McCormick, Maddie Mormino, Kasey Pennington, Joleigh Reiss, Melissa Roseberg, Aljuwan Smith and Emelie Walton.
Performances of “Cabaret” will begin at 7:30 p.m. July 11-13 and July 18-20 and 2 p.m. July 14 and 21 at the Stage Coach Theatre, 126 S. Fifth St., DeKalb. Tickets cost $23 for seniors and children ages 12 and younger and $25 for everyone else.
“Cabaret” contains mature subject matter.
For information, visit stagecoachplayers.com.
Accuracy is important to The MidWeek. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411 or email at readit@midweeknews.com. PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzlesonpage16
CORRECTIONS
Jeffrey A. Trail
Wildlife rescue service celebrates 40 years
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Coyotes, owls, an orphaned beaver and others are being given a second chance at life thanks to a wildlife rescue service that has called DeKalb County home since 1984.
Kathy Stelford founded Oaken Acres Wildlife Center, 12140 Aldrich Road, Sycamore, 40 years ago because she believes every life matters, no matter how they’re classified in the animal kingdom. Now, she’s celebrating helping nearly 30,000 animals over the past four decades.
Stelford said the wildlife refuge expanded in 2019 into a two-story, about 3,000-square-foot rehabilitation center that was partially funded through a board member’s bequest, community fundraising and a grant for equipment from the DeKalb County Community Foundation. That expansion and other additions have made the refuge the third-largest wildlife rehab center in Illinois, but Stelford said she didn’t plan that when she started the nonprofit.
“[The expansion was] not by design but by demand for these services,” she said. “Its started in 1984 with 20 patients and we expect to admit almost 2,000 this year. Sometimes I can’t even believe it.”
Various species of birds, deer and raccoons are all cared for at Oaken Acres. Many of them come from Chicago suburbs.
Director of Operations Sandy Woltman said the 2019 expansion has allowed the wildlife center to grow in a variety of ways.
“We’ve been able to increase our intake significantly, from about 450 animals to over 1,700 last year, which we would not be able to do in the old building,” Woltman said. “It also allowed us to increase the number of interns and volunteers.”
Megan Renwick, who started at Oaken Acres as an intern three years ago and has since become a supervisor
at the wildlife center, said she loves her job.
“I started volunteering just because I knew I was interested in animal stuff, but I didn’t really know exactly what I wanted to do,” Renwick said while holding a raccoon. ”I started volunteering here, and when I got the internship, I just fell in love with it. It’s very rewarding.”
Seeking to accommodate and care for all types of animals, the wildlife center recently expanded again by adding new, separate spaces for owls and coyotes. A year-round beaver pond is under construction on the property for Wally, the center’s resident beaver.
Orphaned Wally is being cared for by the refuge’s staff until summer 2025, when she’s old enough to be released into the wild, Woltman said.
“They’re very aquatic and in their water all the time, and they’re also very dirty because they defecate and all that in their water,” Woltman said. “There’s a large concrete pond being built for her. It’ll have a filtration system, and we’ll be able to keep it open for the win-
ter. Last year, she was housed in a smaller space with a smaller water source. This year, she’ll be able to maintain in the pond. It’ll be better for her, better for us, because cleaning is a nightmare with these guys.”
The organization has expanded to 33 acres over the past four decades and has fostered a passionate basis of support-
I started volunteering here, and when I got the internship, I don’t know I just fell in love with it. It’s very rewarding.”
ers and donors.
Out of all of the organizations that participated in 2024 Give DeKalb County – an annual DeKalb County Community Foundation fundraising event – Oaken Acres raised the fifth most, $82,847, from 325 donors, according to the event’s leaderboard.
“We don’t have media, we don’t have marketing, we don’t have an accounting department or anything like that, so it makes me really proud when I see things like that Give DeKalb County,” Stelford said. “OK, we finished fifth. We didn’t finish first. Every organization above us, though, has staff that do all that. So our donors are really invested in our success, and that makes us really happy.”
Mark Busch
Megan Renwick, with Oaken Acres Wildlife Center, holds a young raccoon June 18 that is receiving care at the facility in Sycamore. Oaken Acres is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Megan Renwick, Oaken Acres Wildlife Center supervisor
3-way stop sign coming to DeKalb’s Knolls subdivision
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – DeKalb city leaders this week approved a plan to install a threeway stop sign in the Knolls subdivision.
Council action in an unanimous vote was prompted June 24 after some concerned residents requested that the city look into what they called “Wild West” conditions where Knolls West intersects with Knolls Avenue South, according to council documents.
City Manager Bill Nicklas said that given the conditions at this intersection, a three-way stop sign is in order.
“Knolls Avenue South, as you know, winds through,” Nicklas said. “It’s a prominent collector in the Knolls subdivision. Along comes Knolls Avenue West with people coming off of West Taylor and making a left turn or right turn at that modified tee without yielding or even slowing down sometimes. On the other hand, there is also in this winding Knolls Avenue South some speeding that occurs. So it’s a recipe, in this particular instance, for mishaps and near misses, which we are aware of.”
Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Verbic commended the work of city staff along
with residents who approached the city about the intersection and its potential for danger.
“City Engineer Zac Gill, outstanding work through and through,” Ver-
bic said. “All the way back to January with our Ward 6 meeting. Many thanks to the observations by over two dozen nearby residents who signed the petition regarding the
awareness of this intersection.”
Also at the meeting, council action paved the way for the installation of a yield sign on Birchwood Lane.
Residents in the Tilton Park neighborhood brought the matter to the city’s attention after noting some issues with traffic conditions on Birchwood Lane at each of its intersections.
Traffic on the two-block stretch of Birchwood Lane intersects with three larger collector streets, which city staff said makes the recommendation of a yield sign deemed necessary to restrict traffic on the more minor roadway.
Nicklas made a pitch to the council to support city staff’s recommendation.
“What’s called for here is some yields because people traveling on Regal [Drive], East Dresser [Road] and Ilehamwood [Drive], don’t always recognize the need to slow down and stop,” Nicklas said. “But this forces people to be thinking twice when approaching any of those three intersections.”
Seventh Ward Alderman John Walker said he supports city staff’s recommendation to install a yield sign on Birchwood Lane.
“I think that’s going to be a great place to put a sign,” Walker said.
Megann Horstead
The sign outside the Knolls At Prairie Creek subdivision is seen June 24 in DeKalb.
DeKalb accepting Paint-A-Plug public art project applications
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The City of DeKalb and the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission is accepting applications for its 2024 Paint-A-Plug projects.
The Paint-A-Plug program encourages artists to create fire hydrant artwork, according to a news release.
The fire hydrants do not need a specific theme. Artists are encouraged to submit designs that promote a welcoming community and incorporate different city or neighborhood elements.
“Paint-A-Plug is truly a public art initiative in that everyone in the community and beyond has the opportunity to participate,” Commission Chairman Brad Hoey said in a news release. “The
program’s popularity continues to grow, and the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission is looking forward to seeing the creativity and artistry of our neighbors on display throughout the City.”
The program is open to DeKalb residents, Northern Illinois University alumni and students, area artists, DeKalb business employees, and DeKalb School District 428 faculty and students. Participants will be responsible for their own painting materials.
Applications are available at cityofdekalb.com/paintaplug. The applications will be reviewed by the CCEC. Artists must have their hydrants painted by Nov. 1.
For information, email paintaplug@ cityofdekalb.com.
Dan Gogh’s Magic & Art Show
Photo provided by the City of DeKalb
This fire hydrant was painted by Megan Flack as part of the 2023 DeKalb Paint-A-Plug project. Applications are being accepted for 2024 projects.
WHERE CAN I WATCH JULY 4 FIREWORKS IN DeKALB COUNTY?
DeKALB – The Fourth of July is Thursday, and area residents are expected to gather to celebrate Independence Day.
Here’s where you can find fireworks this week in DeKalb County:
DeKalb Fourth of July celebration and fireworks
When: July 4
Where: Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb
What: The city of DeKalb’s Independence Day festivities begin at 8 a.m. with the annual Independence Day Run and Walk. A free animal show runs from 2 to 3 p.m. Family-friendly games and activities run from 2 to 6 p.m., with food
vendors offering fare from 2 to 8 p.m. Feel Good Party Band will perform from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., followed by the DeKalb Municipal Band at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks begin 30 minutes after sunset. For information, visit dekalbparkdistrict. com/calendar/events/.
Kirkland Lions 76th annual Fourth of July Festival
When: July 3 to 6
Where: Franklin Township Park, 250 W. South St., Kirkland
What: The four-day festival runs until sundown July 6 with a fireworks display. According to the Kirkland Lions, it’s the largest fireworks display in northern Illinois. The festival features nightly live music, a carnival and a food stand with a
variety of American and Midwest food staples. For information, visit kirklandfourthofjuly.com.
Village of Shabbona’s Fourth of July Parade and Festival
When: 7 a.m. to dusk July 4
Where: Shabbona Lake State Park, 4201 Shabbona Grove Road, Shabbona What: The village of Shabbona’s annual Independence Day festivities will begin with a pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Shabbona Fire Department, followed by vendors at Purdy Park at 8 a.m. Festival activities begin at 10 a.m., followed by a parade at noon. Shabbona Lions Club will host a pork chop dinner at 4:30 p.m. at the Lions Depot. Fireworks begin at dusk. For more informa-
What: The Sandwich Park District will kick off its annual Freedom Days parade at 10 a.m. at Lisbon and Ash streets, ending at the Sandwich Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds open at 3 p.m. for live music, vendors, food and games. Admission is $10 per vehicle cash only. Fireworks begin at dark. Participants are asked to bring their own blankets and chairs. For information, visit sandwichparkdistrict. org/freedom-days.
– Camden Lazenby
Shaw Local News Network file photos
Doug Olson of DeKalb watches fireworks go off over the Dee Palmer Band Shell at Hopkins Park in DeKalb on July 4, 2023, during DeKalb’s annual Fourth of July celebration.
Mark Busch
The city of DeKalb shut down the calzone establishment D.P. Dough, alleging the business violated municipal code by failing to pay its local restaurant taxes. The business at 215 W. Lincoln Highway is seen June 26.
City orders D.P. Dough closed over failure to pay local taxes
Business has 35 days to appeal, according to order
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The city of DeKalb this week shut down the calzone establishment D.P. Dough, alleging the business violated municipal code by failing to pay its local restaurant taxes.
The business, 215 W. Lincoln Highway, was ordered to cease and desist from operations as of June 25, according to a closure order that could be seen on the front door of the business June 26. The business has 35 days to appeal, according to the closure order.
City Manager Bill Nicklas said D.P. Dough still has an opportunity to right a situation that has been wronged.
“The restaurant/bar tax, the 2% tax had not been paid going on four months,” Nicklas said. “There is no exception. … Every restaurant annually has to be re-inspected for life/safety.
There are some sanitary and health checkpoints and also some fire prevention checkpoints. They just passed that, but they had not paid up on the past due restaurant/bar taxes.”
D.P. Dough first opened its doors for business in September 2023. The restaurant is known for its freshly oven-baked calzones.
Nicklas declined to say what, if any, code violations D.P. Dough had. Attempts to reach D.P. Dough representatives for comment were unsuccessful.
Nicklas did not give a set timeline for when the business must tender the money owed to the city in order to reopen the establishment.
A document posted from the city’s hearing office showed a hearing officer entered a default June 10 for D.P. Dough after business representatives did not appear at a hearing for a closure order.
“They failed to appear in court to answer for the back due taxes,” Nicklas said. “They were fined by the administrative hearing officer, and they have to pay those fines as well.”
SYCAMORE – A business that recently donated land for a proposed new fire station has gained city approval to build a public walking path around a retention pond near its campus in southeast Sycamore.
September will mark 100 years of business in Sycamore for Ideal Industries Inc., 1375 Park Ave. For the occasion, the business’ representatives have sought to substantially invest in the community.
Earlier this year, Ideal – a fabricated metals and products manufacturer –donated land near Borden Avenue and south Prairie Drive for a still-being-con-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Glidden Homestead to hold ‘Built by Barbed Wire’ program
DeKALB – The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will partner with the DeKalb Public Library to hold a “Built by Barbed Wire” program about the history of Jacob Haish’s donation for the library building.
The free program will be held at 3 p.m.
sidered building that would replace Sycamore Fire Station No. 1, which is located at 535 DeKalb Ave.
The company last week was approved to build a public walking path on cityowned land across the street from the proposed new fire station, on the east side of south Prairie Drive.
City Manager Michael Hall said city staff were in favor of Ideal’s special permit request before Sycamore City Council unanimously approved the request on June 18.
In a letter addressed to Hall, Sycamore Community Development Director John Sauter wrote that the walkway will be 10 feet wide and connect to Borden and Thornwood avenues.
Ideal will pay the cost of the design,
July 6 at the library, 309 Oak St. Attendees will learn about DeKalb’s barbed wire story and Haish’s library donation. The program will be led by Jessi Haish LaRue, the homestead’s executive director.
Participants also will receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the library’s older and newer sections. The tour
engineering and construction – including labor and materials – for the walkway project, according to city documents.
While the project is funded by Ideal, Hall said the city will be required to maintain the space once it’s built.
“The yearly cost, it’s hard to say, the walking path may need some maintenance,” Hall said. “Maybe in five or six years maybe we have some work done and then eventually rebuilding in maybe in 25 years or so.”
A maintenance agreement pertaining to the walkway also was unanimously approved by the City Council. As part of the agreement, the city will be responsible for the repair and maintenance of the walkway path, and the
highlights include historic plaques, new additions and the original architecture. The tour will be led by Emily Faulker, library executive director.
The Haish Memorial Library Building was dedicated Feb. 15, 1931. It was built on land provided by the city and financed by a $150,000 donation from Jacob Haish, a barbed wire millionaire.
mowing of grass adjacent to the pathway upon dedication of the project, according to city documents.
Ideal will be responsible for maintaining the landscaping surrounding the walkway for three years from the date of the walkway’s dedication, but when that provision expires the landscaping will be maintained by the city.
“The park district currently has an arborist that kind of takes care of this, and they go out to bid for a company that takes care of these types of things around the city, so we’ll just probably tag on to that one in three years. I’m not exactly sure how much that’ll be, but its really to make sure that the native grasses are continuing to do what they’re supposed to,” Hall said.
The building received national attention from an article in Architecture magazine. The library also received a Gustaf Dahlstrom mural from the Works Progress Administration Federal Art Project in 1934.
For information, call 815-756-7904 or email jessi@gliddenhomestead.org. – Shaw Local News Network
LOOKING BACK
1924 – 100 YEARS AGO
One of the big topics of conversation heard upon the streets of DeKalb at the present time concerns the proposed ordinance suggested by Alderman Roy Hunt at the council meeting Tuesday evening which would make it an offense for any physician to write a prescription or any druggist to fill a prescription for alcoholic liquor within the city limits. Nearly every group of persons that discusses the question contains some people who are either in favor of such an ordinance or absolutely set against the proposition.
A. L. Baker this morning received a letter from his son O. W. Baker of Salt Lake City, Utah, which was sent by airplane mail. The envelope carried a message stating that the letter was sent by the first air mail service which entailed night flying. The 16-cent special airplane stamp was on the envelope. The letter was carried to Chicago by airplane and then sent to DeKalb by fast train.
Work was started on California street in Sycamore today and a gang of men and horses were busy tearing up the street and getting forms in place for the laying of the concrete curbing. Three other streets in the city will be paved this summer also, including High, Ottawa and Waterman streets. In most cases the curbs have been already laid, and all that remains is to level off the road bed and get ready for the concrete. It is estimated the last work will not be completed until the latter part of next month.
Sycamore is well represented at the DeKalb swimming pool where several of the younger set of the city enjoy the big pool to the fullest extent. Most of the youngsters spend an entire afternoon at the pool and even the older people find it an enjoyable place in the early evening. The “old swimming hole,” west of the city seems to be a thing of the past and although a possible pool has been suggested by several of the business men, it seems that the plan will have to wait until a more favorable time.
One of the newest and most modern of methods of preserving ice cream is now being used in the Ben Hur confectionery store, which is owned and operated by Ben Bielfuss. The new machine, a Frigidaire, has just been installed in the Bielfuss store and according to the owner is very satisfactory. Eight cans of cream may be stored here and kept cool by electricity which is connected with a small motor, no ice being required at all.
1949– 75 YEARS AGO
As of today, at least 104 women who wish to become students at Northern Illinois State Teachers College next fall have no prospect of a place to live and consequently will have to be denied admission.
Corn crop prospects in DeKalb County are so good at the traditional Fourth of July date as to be almost frightening. There isn’t any doubt that the corn in this country will be knee high by the Fourth of July, there is much of it that will be even higher.
The annual Yenerich reunion of Paw Paw was held Sunday, June 26, at Memorial Park in Rochelle. A scramble dinner was served and the remainder of the afternoon was spent visiting. Plans for the 1950 get-together are to meet at Hopkins Park in DeKalb.
Sycamore’s new street lights have been delayed unexpectedly, but they will be ready before fall. Understand a big celebration is planned. DeKalb set the pace, but Sycamore folks say they will have an even better show.
Sycamore Community Unit School District 427 officially became alive at one minute past midnight last night. As a result, today the schools of Sycamore and Sycamore township, Mayfield township, and parts of Cortland township all came into one big district and under the supervision of a single seven-man board of education.
The Meisel house on Washington Place has been sold to LeVerne Frost, who will occupy it within the coming fortnight. Mr. Frost is employed as projectionist for a DeKalb theater.
Women with experience in group recreational work are urgently needed to staff army service clubs in the Pacific Theatre. The service clubs have been established in overseas theatres to give the GI’s a place to gather after working hours. Activities include parties,
handicraft work, planned entertainment, soldier shows, song fests and games.
R. D. Townsend wishes people sometimes wouldn’t be so helpful. While trying to get into a parking spot, Townsend stopped his car to let other automobiles get past. A motorist behind him mistook his waving motion and began to push his car. Townsend slammed on his brakes and waved furiously for the other to stop. But the other motorists still thought Townsend was in trouble and kept on pushing. “So,” Townsend said, “I finally gave up and let him do his good deed, then drove around the block and parked in the same spot.”
1974 – 50 YEARS AGO
A controversial plan for the new Northwest School on Normal Road was approved by the DeKalb Planning Commission last night despite city staff requests for changes. The school already is under construction. It is scheduled to open this fall. The city staff recommended extension of Garden Road north along the east side of the school site. Garden currently ends on the south edge of the school property.
A vigorous floor fight could erupt Monday night when the City Council examines a proposal to create seven beer and wine licenses for restaurants. The two sides of the issue were clearly demonstrated last night during a special council workshop. Those against the ordinance argue it is foolish, will cause a police problem and will promote drinking among high school students. Backers of the bill dispute those statements and say pizza eaters should be allowed to drink beer.
1999 – 25 YEARS AGO
No decision has been made between two separate plans to flatten the dangerous curve at Plank and Moose Range roads. Both plans were presented at a meeting of the DeKalb County Public Infrastructure and Development Committee Thursday night. The first plan would cost between $600,000 and $800,000 and will take approximately 17 acres of farmland out of production. The second plan would cost between $300,000 and $400,000 and will directly impact two homes.
Despite the demise of its traditional organizer, the Corn Fest soundstage will carry on this year, according to festival officials. In the past, FM radio station WDEK had sponsored the soundstage, organized bands and broadcast live from Corn Fest all weekend. WDEK was eliminated when Big City Radio purchased the station and did away with local programming, instead retransmitting a Chicago signal.
TCI Cable is here. Or at least they were. TCI Cable took over Time Warner’s local cable franchise last month as part of a nationwide trade between the cable giants. But TCI no longer exists. It is now AT&T Broadband & Internet Services. Cable customers should not expect to see any major changes in their service for at least six months. AT&T is in the process of finishing a technology upgrade to the local cable system started by Time Warner. – Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center
The gargoyle near Altgeld Hall on the campus of Northern Illinois University is decorated for the celebration of Independence Day in 1997.
Majority of tax refund checks cashed after overtaxation
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The majority of the almost $120,000 that Sycamore residents were overtaxed on their 2022 city property tax bills has been refunded, officials said.
Tax rebate checks were sent out to Sycamore residents this spring after a December 2023 Sycamore City Council vote.
The vote came about a month after a Daily Chronicle review of tax records found that the city had taxed Sycamore residents at a higher rate than what the City Council approved for 2022 property tax bills.
Sycamore City Manager Michael Hall said the majority of property taxpayers should have received their refunds by now.
“I just wanted to report on the levy checks,” Hall said during a recent City Council meeting. “Eighty percent of them have been cashed, totaling $101,021.”
The 2022 property tax levy that the council approved in December 2022
was not the same levy that went out to taxpayers for 2022 bills payable in 2023, according to multiple government documents including DeKalb County tax records from the DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, city and Sycamore City Council minutes.
Sycamore officials initially called the issue a “clerical error” in a November statement released after the Daily Chronicle began asking about its findings.
Weeks later, after talking to lawyers representing the city, Hall said the overtaxation was an administrative issue and the city would mail checks to all land owners who paid the 2022 property tax.
Hall said checks that for one reason or another can’t be mailed to a 2022 property taxpayer are being given over to state officials.
“There are 52 that have been remitted to the state because it was uncollectible, so they’ll go down there in collections services,” Hall said. “We have a total checks remaining about $17,094 that haven’t been cashed yet.”
DeKalb rallies for reproductive rights
A crowd gathered June 22 in downtown DeKalb for a Rally for Reproductive Rights. Organizers said the event was held to mark two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal protections for abortion access, and to help mobilize voters to support candidates who support abortion rights ahead of the November election. While abortion remains legal and accessible in Illinois, some attendees said they fear politicians soon could enact restrictions on other forms of reproductive care. More than 50 people – mostly women –gathered at Peace Corner at First Street and Lincoln Highway for what organizers called a Rally for Reproductive Rights. The demonstration was organized by Responsive Engagement Activating Civic Talent, and cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County, Safe Passage and the DeKalb Area Women’s Center.
Mark Your Calendar!
ComEd will host an Open House in Sycamore to provide information on a new transmission project, the Kishwaukee Area Reliability Expansion in DeKalb County, Illinois (KARE Project).
The KARE Project is an approximately six-mile, double circuit 345kV line. It will connect ComEd’s existing East-West 345kV line north to a new ComEd substation located along Keslinger Road, potentially utilizing an existing ComEd right-ofway in DeKalb County. The KARE Project will enhance reliability of the ComEd electric system, the resiliency of the power grid and service to our customers while supporting economic development in the area.
At the Open House, you will learn more about the need for this project and its features. ComEd representatives will be on hand to answer your questions. By sharing your thoughts with us, you can help us determine the best possible route for the KARE Project.
Kelsey Rettke
Photo provided by the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce
History Center campus, community center among 25 nonprofits awarded grants
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – From public safety and education to arts and community development, local projects addressing community needs received support through the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Community Needs Grant program this spring.
A total of 25 area nonprofits and community organizations benefited from $159,799 in grants, according to a news release.
The Community Foundation also supported two larger-scale capital building and expansion projects with a multi-year commitment of $100,000 each.
“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the grants committee and Foundation as a whole,” Project HOPE Executive Director Joe Mitchell said in the release. “It’s assuring that the Foundation believes in the need for this transformative space in the North Annie Glidden community. The support and reputation of the Foundation puts Project HOPE in an advantageous position when talking with other potential large donors.”
Project HOPE – which stands for health, opportunity, purpose, empowerment and education – is expected to be a community center, a multi-year endeavor made possible by the congregation from New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in DeKalb.
Community Needs Grants are distributed to eligible organizations in DeKalb County each year in the spring and fall. Applications align with five grant-making interest areas: arts and culture; education; community development; environment and animal welfare; and health and human services.
Spring Community Needs Grants:
• Ellwood House Association Inc., DeKalb – $2,600 to develop an inclusive, accessible digital tour experience.
• Greater Family Health, Sycamore – $5,300 to buy vaccine management system for the Sycamore location.
• Kishwaukee Valley Art League, Sycamore – $1,467 to buy an artwork display infrastructure.
• Northwestern Memorial Foundation, Ben Gordon Center, DeKalb –$5,000 to buy furniture for The Living Room program.
• Open Door Rehabilitation Center, Sandwich – $4,200 to buy appliances and flooring for the new Life Skills program.
• Preservation of Egyptian Theatre Inc., DeKalb – $2,500 to upgrade the theater’s sound system.
• Safe Passage Inc., DeKalb – $5,000 to buy a facility van.
• United Kids After School, Sandwich – $1,000 to provide playground equipment and after school curriculum materials.
• Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois, Sycamore – $2,500 to acquire an awning for the Meals on Wheels entryway.
• Flewellin Memorial Library, Shabbona – $25,000 to support building renovations.
• Kishwaukee College Foundation, Malta – $15,000 to buy sunshades for the Early Learning Center playground.
• DeKalb County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, DeKalb – $4,000 to buy security cameras.
• DeKalb Park District, DeKalb –
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Singer Katie Kostner to perform July 6 in DeKalb DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a concert featuring cover singer and songwriter Katie Kostner. The free concert will begin at 2 p.m. July 6 in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St.
Kostner will perform cover music by artists including Adele, One Republic, Billy Joel, P!NK, Motley Crüe, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Alanis Morissette and the Rolling Stones. No registration is required. For information, email samanthah@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
$4,000 to support inclusive playground remodeling at Hopkins Park.
• Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD 429, Hinckley – $1,000 to fund books and materials for the Community Reads Initiative.
• Indian Valley Vocational Center, Sandwich – $1,859 to acquire emergency airway equipment for student training.
• Kirkland Tree Commission, Kirkland – $1,140 to buy tree boulevard equipment.
• Maple Park and Countryside Fire Protection District, Maple Park – $3,000 to buy a battery-powered ram.
• Sandwich Police Department, Sandwich – $7,800 to buy AEDs for squad cars and the police station.
• Shabbona Community Fire Protection District, Shabbona – $4,000 to acquire Rapid Intervention Team equipment.
• Sycamore Police Department, Sycamore – $4,000 to buy AEDs for the Patrol Division.
• Project HOPE, DeKalb – $ 100,000 multi-year pledge to support construction of an Annie Glidden North neighborhood community center.
• DeKalb County History Center, Sycamore – $100,000 multi-year pledge to support the History Center campus expansion.
One of several grant-making programs at the Community Foundation, community needs grants receive funding through community impact funds, field of interest funds and donor advised funds, according to a news release.
Donations to any fund at the foundation can be made online at dekalbccf. org/donate or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore. For questions or more information, email grants@ dekalbccf.org.
Bug repellent workshop set for July 6 in DeKalb DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a workshop for patrons to create their own natural bug repellent.
The workshop will be held at 2 p.m. July 6 in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, 309 Oak St. The workshop is free and intended for adults and teens.
Participants can create bug repellent out of natural ingredients including vinegar and essential oils. Because of limited supplies, the workshop is first-come, first-served. For information, email leahh@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2112.
DeKalb library to host Financial Fitness workshop July 9
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will partner with Habitat for Humanity to host a Financial Fitness workshop for patrons to improve their financial well-being.
The workshop will be held at 10 a.m. July 9 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
The workshop is free and intended for adults.
Attendees can learn about topics including saving and spending, CDs, traditional and high-yield savings accounts, credit and debt. The workshop also will be modified to meet attendees specific needs.
Snacks will be provided.
No registration is required to attend.
For information, email samanthah@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation
DeKalb County Community Foundation staff and board members present a Community Needs Grant to Project HOPE representatives.
DAR honors local community service champions
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Gen. John Stark Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution based in Sycamore recently honored Marreen Buntaine, Edgar Arias and Daisy Arias with Community Service Awards.
The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their community through voluntary acts of heroism, civic engagement, benevolent service, or by spearheading and participating in community initiatives, according to a news release.
“Marreen Buntaine is a beacon of compassion and service, relentless in her dedication to uplifting the lives of others,” the Chapter wrote in a news release. “With a heart full of empathy, Marreen reaches out to the homeless individuals she encounters on the streets, offering not just food but also a listening ear. Through heartfelt conversations, she seeks to understand their unique circumstances, striving to address their immediate needs.”
Buntaine connects homeless veterans with AMVETS Post No. 90 in DeKalb, and homeless seniors with Elder Care Services. She also helps find furniture for those in need. This past winter, Buntaine was an instrumental part of helping open an overnight warming shelter at the Unitarian Universality Congregation of DeKalb church, according to the release. Buntaine also established the Community Empowerment Campaign, which collaborates among others with the Kishwaukee Family YMCA to help provide
showers for those in need, transportation to the Elgin Social Security Office, job opportunities and Medicaid insurance, according to the release.
Sycamore husband and wife Edgar Arias and Daisy Arias founded the area organization Creating Blessings, which helps provide household items, clothing, food, essentials and more to residents in need.
The couple has used their own background and experience with homelessness for six months in the winter of 2016, where their slept in their car’s trunk, as inspiration to give back to others, according to the release. During that time of hardship, the couple said they met many resilient people who continued to maintain their sense of dignity. What started as a garage sale where everything was free, no questions asked, no judgements passed, has turned into Creating Blessings. They couple has moved their organization to a commercial space as it grows.
“Through “Creating Blessings,” Edgar and Daisy have transformed their hardships into a beacon of hope, proving that love and compassion can make a world of difference,” the Chapter wrote in the release.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, is a lineage-based membership organization for women who are descendants of individuals involved in the American Revolution. Founded in 1890, the organization is dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. Membership in the DAR is open to any woman older than the age of 18 who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution.
The organization boasts a rich history of service and philanthropy, with chapters throughout the U.S. and internationally.
For more information, visit DAR. org or contact the Gen. John Stark Chapter directly at generaljohnstarkdar@gmail.com.
Photos provided by Dawn Wexell
LEFT: Edgar Arias (from left) and Daisy Arias received a community service award from Donna Willrett, chapter regent of the Gen. John Stark Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution during a meeting in April. RIGHT: Marreen Buntaine (left) also received a community service award.
The DeKalb Park District and City of DeKalb Proudly Presents
4 4
TH TH
OF JULY CELEBRATION OF JULY CELEBRATION & FIREWORKS SHOW & FIREWORKS SHOW
Enjoy a day of family fun in Hopkins Park as we celebrate our nation's independence! 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL 60115
INDEPENDENCE DAY RUN/WALK
INDEPENDENCE DAY RUN/WALK
8:00 AM SHARP! 8:00 AM SHARP!
ANIMAL SHOW ANIMAL SHOW
2:00-3:00 PM 2:00-3:00 PM
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PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS GULF HARBOUR INVESTMENTS CORPORATION, PLAINTIFF, VS. ANDREW C JAROG; BRENDA S CARUSO N/K/A BRENDA S JAROG; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, DEFENDANTS.
NO. 24 FC 000028 111 SOUTH SYCAMORE STREET GENOA, IL 60135 JUDGE PRESIDING JUDGE NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO YOU, Brenda S Caruso n/k/a Brenda S Jarog Unknown Owners and Non-Record Cl aimants defendants, th at this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, asking for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows to wit: LOT 7 OF THE CENTRAL SUBDIVISION TO THE VILLAGE (NOW CITY) OF GENOA, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED FEBRUARY 3RD, 1908, IN BOOK "D" OF PLATS, PAGE 27, IN DEKALB COUNTY ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 111 South Sycamore Street Geno a, IL 60135 and which said Mortgage was made by Andrew C Jaro g and Brenda S Caruso n/k/a Brenda S Jarog Mortgagor(s), to National City Bank Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb Co unty, Illinois, as Document No 2006016150; and for ot her relief.
UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case, on or before July 26 2024 A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT.
THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED FEBRUARY 3RD, 1908 IN BOOK "D" OF PLATS, PAGE 27, IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 111 South Sycamore Street Geno a, IL 60135 and which said Mortgage was made by, Andrew C Jaro g and Brenda S Caruso n/k/a Brenda S Jarog Mortgagor(s), to National City Bank Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb Co unty, Illinois, as Document No 2006016150; and for ot her relief.
UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case, on or before July 26, 2024, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT.
You have been sued To participate in the case you MUST file an official document with the court within the time stated on this Notice called an "Appearance" and a document called an "Answer/ Response" The Answer/ Response is not required in small claims or eviction cases unless ordered by the court. If you do not file an Appearance and Answer/ Response on time, the court may decide the case without hearing from you, and you could be held in default and lose the case After you fill out the necessary documents, you need to el ectronically file (e-file) them with the court. To e-file you must create an account with an e-filing service provider For more information, go to ilcourts.info/ ef iling. If you cannot e-fi le, you can get an exemption that allows you to file inperson or by mail. You may be charged filing fees but if you cannot pay them, you can file an Appli cati on for Waiver of Court Fees It is possible that the court will allow you to attend the first court date in this case inperson or remotely by video or phone. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office or visi t the Court's website to find out whether this is possible and, if so how to do this Need help? Call or text Illinois Court Help at 833-411-1121 or go to ilcourthelp.gov for information abo ut going to court, incl uding how to fill out and file documents. You can also get free legal information and legal referrals at illinoislegalaid.org. All documents referred to in this Notice can be found at ilcourts.info/forms Other documents may be available from your local Circuit Court Clerk's offi ce or website. ¿Necesita ayuda? Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto a Illinoi s Court Help al 833-411- 1121, o visite ilcourthelp.gov para obtener información sobre los casos de la corte y cómo completar y presentar formularios PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
you must create an account with an e-filing service provider For more information, go to ilcourts.info/ ef iling. If you cannot e-fi le, you can get an exemption that allows you to file inperson or by mail. You may be charged filing fees but if you cannot pay them, you can file an Appli cati on for Waiver of Court Fees It is possible that the court will allow you to attend the first court date in this case inperson or remotely by video or phone. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office or visi t the Court's website to find out whether this is possible and, if so, how to do this Need help? Call or text Illinois Court Help at 833-411-1121 or go to ilcourthelp.gov for information abo ut going to court, incl uding how to fill out and file documents. You can also get free legal information and legal referrals at illinoislegalaid.org. All documents referred to in this Notice can be found at ilcourts.info/forms Other documents may be available from your local Circuit Court Clerk's offi ce or website.
¿Necesita ayuda? Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto a Illinoi s Court Help al 833-411- 1121, o visite ilcourthelp.gov para obtener información sobre los casos de la corte y cómo completar y presentar formularios PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1 N. Dearborn St Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 Ph (312) 346-9088 Fi le No 22-11665IL-992223
I3246862
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney for Plaintiff
1 N. Dearborn St Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60602
Ph (312) 346-9088
Fi le No 22-11665IL-992223
I3246862
(Published in The MidWeek, June 26, 2024 July 3, 10, 2024)
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DEKALB COUNTYSYCAMORE, ILLINOIS Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans Inc. PLAINTIFF Vs John Kubus; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants
DEFENDANTS No. 2024FC000044
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: John Kubus
Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants
You have been sued To participate in the case, you MUST file an official document with the court within the time stated on this Notice called an "Appearance" and a document called an "Answer/ Response" The Answer/ Response is not required in small claims or eviction cases unless ordered by the court. If you do not file an Appearance and Answer/ Response on time, the court may decide the case without hearing from you, and you could be held in default and lose the case After you fill out the necessary documents, you need to el ectronically file (e-file) them with the court. To e-file, you must create an account with an e-filing service provider For more information, go to ilcourts.info/ ef iling. If you cannot e-fi le, you can get an exemption that allows you to file inperson or by mail. You may
Attorney for Plaintiff 1 N. Dearborn St Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 Ph (312) 346-9088
Fi le No
(Published in The MidWeek, June 26, 2024 July 3, 10 2024)
That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows to-wit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 14934 Somonauk Rd Dekalb, IL 60115 and which said Mortgage was made by: John Kubus the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as mortgagee, as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc., as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb County, Illinois, as Document No 2016000497; and for ot her relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Lori Grubbs Clerk of the Circuit Court 133 W. State Street Sycamore, IL 60178 on or before July 26, 2024, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN A CCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300
DuPage # 15170 Winnebago # 531 Our File No 14-24-03002
NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3246683
(Published in The MidWeek, June 26, 2024 July 3, 10, 2024)
