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ON THE COVER
Brent Olson (right) has served as a chef for 50 Men Who Cook for 17 years. The brother of CASA DeKalb County’s executive director said he enjoys the sense of friendly competition between chefs.
See story, page 6.
Sycamore School District 427 board grapples with absent president
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Sycamore school board officials are grappling with what to do since their board president has been absent from most meetings for months.
Officials last week cited a significant “personal matter” but did not go into detail about why Jim Dombek has been unable to conduct Sycamore School District 427 board business as president.
Dombek was last present at a board meeting May 28. Officials said this week they believe his absence is not intentional as he faces personal issues.
School board Vice President Michael DeVito has run board meetings in Dombek’s absence.
“I don’t have answers for this board on what is going to happen, and where things lie with our board president,” DeVito said. “I’ve tried to get those answers, I haven’t been able to.”
The board’s vice president doesn’t have the authority to set the agenda. During the July 30 meeting, DeVito said the agenda the board had before them was approved by Dombek.
“He’s not here right now, yet this agenda exists,” DeVito said. “The agenda sets the tone and direction of our district. This board has the control and authority as a unit of one to decide that, so you guys need to give me some direction here on how we’re going to move forward.”
DeVito said he’s not heard from Dombek in over a month, and is unsure how to proceed.
Section 2:110 of Sycamore School District 427’s policy manual gives more than a dozen responsibilities to the board president and stipulates that the vice president can perform the duties of
Sycamore School District 427 Board President Jim Dombek (right) listens during a board meeting April 25, 2023. Dombek has not attended a board meeting since May 28 for what school officials are calling “personal” reasons.
I don’t have answers for this board on what is going to happen, and where things lie with our board president. I’ve tried to get those answers, I haven’t been able to.”
Michael DeVito, Sycamore School District 427 board vice president
the president if the office of the president is vacant, absent or if the president is unable to perform the office’s duties.
Sycamore Superintendent Steve Wilder said he’s never encountered a situation like the one district is facing. He told board members he’d speak with the district’s legal team after board members sought clarification.
“In all honesty, this is a very unique
situation,” Wilder said. “In my 15 years I’ve never seen an extended absence like this, and for circumstances that are beyond Jim’s control he isn’t able to be here. Very out of the ordinary, but it has really left Michael in a tough spot, and Michael is willing to step in.”
On July 30, DeVito said he worries the board is falling behind on conducting its responsibilities, and sought his colleague’s opinions on changing the board’s meeting schedule and structure.
Board members debated how best to structure business to ensure operations continue in Dombek’s absence. DeVito said he wants to ensure he feels confident about heading the meetings moving forward.
“We have to come to peace with the fact that there are things this board needs to do, and if like you said, I’m going to sit here in this seat again next month I got to feel good knowing we’re doing those things,” DeVito said.
DOING?
Accuracy is important to The MidWeek. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411 or email at readit@midweeknews.com.
Photo provided by CASA DeKalb County
Camden Lazenby file photo
Sycamore greenlights $100K for paving, road repairs
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Contracts for two construction projects, each worth more than $100,000, recently were approved by the Sycamore City Council, according to city documents.
One project will focus on concrete spot repairs in and around the city, while the other is for road paving.
Sycamore City Manager Michael Hall said the city received a bid for the 2024 concrete spot repair project that was $23,463 under the city’s project estimate.
“The bids ranged from [$104,000] approximately to [$160,000] approximately. The engineer’s estimate was $127,680.65,” Hall said.
The council unanimously approved a contract to the lowest bidder, Davis Concrete Construction Co., for $104,217 on July 15.
The Monee-based construction company will be responsible for the replacement of curbs, gutters, sidewalks and
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host its annual author fair for local authors to showcase their work. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 10 in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St.
Admission is free.
Patrons can meet local authors, learn about recent publications, ask questions, and listen to book excerpts. A presentation will be led by eight authors in the lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room. Book copies also will be available to buy.
The presentations schedule and booth locations include:
• 10 a.m.: “Cross Examination, Closing Argument, and Credibility: How to Write Compelling Crime Fiction” Donna Kathryn Kelly, Booth 1
• 10:30 a.m.: “Add Author Spots to Your Marketing Plan” Victoria Hyla Maldonado, Booth 2
landscaping at various locations in the city, according to city documents.
The spot replacement project is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, but the paving of a city boulevard could take until Oct. 11 to be completed, according to city documents.
In the same meeting the City Council approved the concrete project, officials also unanimously approved awarding a $105,489 contract to Crystal Lake-based Curran Contracting for the 2024 Bill Johnson Boulevard paving project.
The project will include the milling, paving and restriping of Bill Johnson Boulevard between California and Maple streets.
In a July 9 email to Hall, Sycamore engineer Mark Bushnell wrote that the boulevard provides public and private parking as well as loading areas for businesses along Route 64.
“This project is small in scope and has a tight timeframe and needs to be coordinated with local businesses,” Bushnell wrote.
• 12:30 p.m.: “Writing an Interactive Novel” Lea Anne Stoughton, Booth 8
• 1 p.m.: “Touring World War II Battlefields in Europe” Robert Mueller, Booth 9
• 1:30 p.m.: “Why Do So Many People Hate Poetry These days?” and “Poems I Guarantee You Will Like” Sven Hansen, Booth 5
• Bambi Harris, Booth 7
• Gloria Alter, Ed.D., Booth 10
• 10 a.m. to noon: Doug Fisher; noon to 2 p.m. Terry Soltow, Booth 11
• 10 a.m. to noon: Liz Botts; noon to 2 p.m.: Trevor Murrey, Booth 12
For information, email samanthah@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
Plans to reopen Hopkins Pool by next summer uncertain
DeKalb
District
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Citing the many layers involved in the project, the DeKalb Park District’s top executive said it would be premature to say renovations to Hopkins Pool will be completed in time for summer 2025 as originally expected.
The pool has outdated parts and has exceeded its lifespan amid declining attendance and revenue over the past several years, Park District officials have said, leading to plans to demolish and then replace the structure.
“We’re moving forward with the demolition phase, and then we’re working toward the new construction phase, as well,” Executive Director Paul Zepezauer said. “Timelines have yet to be really established and where those timelines might fall, it’s too early to tell where exactly that might fall.”
At a recent Park District board meeting, several residents turned out in protest of the district’s proposed plans for Hopkins Pool, which would see the number of swimmers it could accommodate shrink by 25%.
DeKalb resident Emily McKee said that downsizing the pool does no one in the community any good.
“We’re doing a disservice to the community,” McKee said. “And in particular, we’re doing a disservice and we’re sending a message to the families that use the pool that they’re not as important.”
In an interview July 26 with Shaw Local News Network, Zepezauer tried to address residents’ concerns about the proposed pool’s capacity.
The existing pool can accommodate 1,000 swimmers while the new pool could hold 750, Zepezauer said. That
number is calculated by looking at the pool’s surface area.
“We have looked at our historical attendance and we feel like we can still provide the service with a bather load of 750,” Zepezauer said. “It won’t be the same capacity, but we feel like with what the historical attendance has been, there have been very few days where we needed more capacity than 750.”
DeKalb resident Alexis Ball said she believes the proposed pool renovation plan aims to shut out area teens and young adults.
“When I think of the idea that a community that has grown in the way DeKalb has grown, and we are thinking of reducing the size of the community pool, it is very counterintuitive,” Ball said. “I work with teens and young adults who need a place to be.”
Zepezauer said the board already has consensus on the new pool renderings.
The Park District previously said the renovation was estimated to cost $8.5 million and include work on the existing locker rooms, 25-meter lap lanes, new lifeguard offices and stor -
age rooms, a new separate entrance to the pool, a new zero-depth entry pool with spray features and more.
The Park District board, however, has yet to formally authorize any construction bids.
Zepezauer said the pool renovation remains in the early stages.
“The project won’t really be official until the board approves construction bids,” Zepezauer said.
Demolishing the old pool, which officials have said has been around since the 1930s, would be at the top of the to-do list.
“The first step is to get the old pool out of the way,” Zepezauer said. “We’ll come back with the new construction. We’re really trying to separate the project into two phases right now.”
Also during the meeting, the board authorized Park District staff to apply for a demolition permit from the city of DeKalb.
“That’ll happen in the next couple weeks,” Zepezauer said. “After that, we’ll go out to bid for the demolition itself. We’ll award those bid. While all that’s happening, the architect is working on all the documents needed to go out to bid for the new construction.”
DeKalb resident Michelle McGill, acknowledging that Hopkins Pool may not open next season, urged the Park District board to do its due diligence. McGill was a member of the district’s pool committee in 2022.
“Why not take a bit more time to change the design and obtain more funding to give the community a new pool that has the same capacity or larger and holds the best benefits for everyone in the community?” McGill said.
Mark Busch file photo
Hopkins Pool in DeKalb, pictured in July 2023, was closed this summer as DeKalb Park District officials move forward with its demolition and replacement.
Sycamore revs up for Turning Back Time Car Show
SYCAMORE – Vintage Ford and Chevrolet model vehicles drove into downtown Sycamore on July 28, attracting a crowd and a little light rain for the 24th annual Fizz Ehrler Memorial Turning Back Time Car Show. The annual showcase offers car buffs a chance to view hundreds of models and award Best of Show.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photos by David Toney
ABOVE: A 1924 Ford T Coupe was one of many cars on display July 28 during the Turning Back Time Car Show. LEFT: Greg Olson of Sycamore takes a picture of a 1956 Ford T-Bird sitting outside the DeKalb County Courthouse during the car show.
A CLOSER LOOK Serving the community
Annual CASA DeKalb County fundraiser marks two decades on Aug. 10
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – An organization known for advocating for children who have experienced abuse or neglect in DeKalb County is poised to host the 20th rendition of its signature fundraising event Saturday in DeKalb.
That fundraiser, 50 Men Who Cook, was first held in 2005, after board members of the nonprofit organization that champions children going through difficult situations at home came up with the idea.
Jill Olson, executive director for Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in DeKalb County, commonly known as CASA DeKalb County, has seen the unique fundraiser go from an idea to an anticipated community event. She said board members had heard about a cooking competition fundraiser, and tweaked the concept to fit their vision.
“It just kind of evolved, and we came up with the concept of 50 Men Who Cook. And we invited our friends and family members, and people that we knew, guys that like to cook and said, ‘OK, we’re going to have this competition, it’s going to be a fundraising event for [CASA DeKalb County]. What do you think?’ From the very beginning people just loved it,” Olson said. “The first year we held the event at the Kishwaukee Country Club, which was lovely, but we realized we were going to outgrow that space, so we started the second year at the Barsema Visitor Center and we’ve been there ever since.”
From 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Northern Illinois University Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, 231 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb, at least 50 local men will serve a dish of their choosing to hundreds of hungry patrons.
Toward the end of the event, diners will be asked to vote for their favorite dishes. The chefs who receive the most votes in their chosen category are rewarded with a special chef’s jacket.
Single tickets to the event cost $45, but buying two or more tickets reduces the individual ticket price to $40. Tickets can be bought online at casadekalb. org/50menwhocook.
Ted Rosenow, an 18-year member of the organization’s board, said his favorite memory from the fundraiser
is when he won first place in the dessert category. Hosting a virtual version of the event in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic was a close sec -
ond, he said.
“Being a cook is a commitment, but it is very rewarding when someone comes back for seconds and thirds of
your dish,” Rosenow wrote in an email to Shaw Local News Network. “It is great to reconnect with the chefs each year and see people enjoying themselves!”
Ray Hernandez has been a CASA DeKalb County board member for 3½ years, and on Saturday he’ll make his fourth appearance as a chef.
In 2021, his first year competing, he won first place in the side dish category for his Mexican street corn.
“It was completely unexpected and I simply wanted to make a dish that everyone would enjoy. Winning my category earned my very own personalized chef jacket which I proudly wear every year,” Hernandez wrote an email.
Olson, Rosenow and Hernandez said they’re all proud to be a part of 50 Men Who Cook, and are thankful for the support the fundraiser has received.
Saturday’s event will be the 20th rendition of the fundraiser – a fact not lost to Olson.
Photo provided by CASA DeKalb County
Conni Villella, Joe Villella and Grace Ingersoll stand with Dylan Ingersoll during the 2023 50 Men Who Cook fundraiser.
See MEN WHO COOK, page 8
Ray Hernandez and Mat Wantland prepare food during the 2022 50 Men Who Cook fundraiser.
Sycamore OKs school tax referendum for Nov. ballot
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – A referendum proposing a countywide 1% sales tax benefitting DeKalb County school districts was approved by the Sycamore school board July 30, although more district approval still is needed before it gets on the November ballot.
Board of educators from school districts representing 50% of DeKalb County students have to approve the referendum in order for voters to find the question on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.
Vice President of Sycamore School District 427’s board Michael DeVito ran the meeting in the absence of president Jim Dombek. He stressed that the board does not have the authority to levy the tax without voter approval.
“This is not to impose the sales tax, this is a vote to decide if this should go on the November ballot for voters to decide,” DeVito said.
Sycamore joined Somonauk, Sandwich and Hiawatha school districts in approving the referendum. The initiative does not yet have enough support from DeKalb County school districts
to make it on to the ballot for the next election.
Unless the DeKalb School District 428 board authorizes the referendum, nearly every other school district in DeKalb County would need to join the four supportive school districts before Aug. 18, officials have previously said.
Sycamore Superintendent Steve Wilder said July 30 he doesn’t like the idea of a new tax but recommended the board authorize the referendum because if voters approve a new sales tax, it could generate revenue for facilities he said the district needs to tend to.
Sycamore officials previously estimated the tax could create $10 million in revenue for area schools.
“I didn’t necessarily know this when we started this conversation, but the majority of the tax would be paid by people who do not own property in DeKalb County,” Wilder said. “Forty-two percent of purchases made in DeKalb County are made by people who live outside of DeKalb County altogether. Of the 58 remaining percent, not all of those people own property, so the majority of this sales tax would be paid for by people who are not currently paying property taxes.”
August 14, 2024 • 4 – 7 pm
DEKALB PUBLIC LIBRARY
309 Oak St., DeKalb, IL 60115
ComEd will host an Open House in DeKalb 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.
I have a lot of issues. Obviously with our current tax situation I don’t think that there’s anybody in the county that would come forth and say ‘We need more taxes.’ ”
Eric
Jones, Sycamore School District 427 board member
Each school district with students residing in DeKalb County would receive revenue from the tax weighted proportionally to the respective district’s share of DeKalb County students, according to Sycamore district estimates.
The sales tax would tax everything municipal and county sales taxes apply to except cars, trucks, boats, mobile homes, farm equipment and various services.
The Sycamore school board approved the sales tax referendum in a 3-2 vote. Board members Alex Grados, Beth Marie Evans and James Chyllo voted in favor, while DeVito and Eric Jones voted against.
Before the vote, Jones said he’d done a lot of thinking about the sales tax and found it difficult for him to be supportive.
“I have a lot of issues. Obviously with our current tax situation I don’t think that there’s anybody in the county that would come forth and say ‘We need more taxes,’ ” said Jones, before recanting other taxes that impact areas residents. “[There are] real estate taxes that are through the roof, and then I’ve received some letters from concerned constituents today, so I have my doubts that this would even pass if it got on there. But just as a board member and representative of the community, I struggle to support adding additional taxation to our district.”
If the sales tax proposal isn’t authorized for the Nov. 5 general election, officials from DeKalb County school districts could choose to put it on the ballot in a future election.
Jones said he thinks funding issues should be resolved in Springfield.
“I think the initiative that we as a community need to take on is really with our downstate representatives and Illinois state board of education,” Jones said.
City of Sandwich receives economic development grant
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The city of Sandwich was awarded a $29,245 Community Economic Development Implementation Grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
This grant is a catalyst for multiple downtown improvement projects aimed at enhancing the city, attracting tourism and more.
Funding will help facilitate projects like a downtown business kiosk, holiday and city banners, the creation of three murals, historical markers and activities. In addition, an inventory of future sites for economic opportunity will be explored.
The Community Foundation developed the grant program to provide additional opportunities for DeKalb County communities to support their
• MEN WHO COOK
Continued from page 6
“In the world of fundraising events that’s pretty unusual, so we’re very proud of the fact this event was started by our organization back in 2005, and it’s just grown and now it’s been a successful event year after year,” Olson said.
economic development plan.
“It is wonderful to see the City of Sandwich maximize the impact of this grant to fund multiple projects and improvements in their community,” Foundation Community Engagement Director Teri Spartz said in a news release.
A generous total of $300,000 has been committed to the grant program through donor support. Remaining eligible communities are encouraged to apply for an implementation grant by the end of 2024, as the program will come to completion. Grant applications must reference a recently completed economic development plan and connect to implementation projects within the plan or to support continued planning.
For questions or additional information, contact Teri Spartz at 815-7485383 or t.spartz@dekalbccf.org.
Professional chefs, including Tapa La Luna Chef Jacob Breen, Faranda’s Chef Anthony McMahon and others will compete in a professional category, while amateurs will compete separately.
Hernandez thinks the fundraiser has done well because of the host organization’s connection to the community.
“It’s a direct reflection of the strong community ties and support CASA has garnered over the past two decades,” Hernandez wrote. “Each year, 50 Men Who Cook grows in popularity and with that, the awareness of CASA’s mission expands. We are making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children while also bringing the community together with thoughtful dishes and tasty food.”
Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation
City of Sandwich Mayor Todd Latham (left) and DeKalb County Community Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin pose for a picture.
LOOKING BACK
1924 – 100 YEARS AGO
Annie’s Woods, known throughout the stretch of the Lincoln Highway from coast to coast as one of the most pleasing and comfortable of the many camping grounds, has ceased to be the haven of rest and comfort. The woods on the north and western sides are completely under water, and part of the driveway has been submerged. Reports from the shack at the woods this afternoon state that the water is rapidly receding and that it will only be a few days before the woods will again be safe and dry.
Several complaints coming from residents on South Second Street in the neighborhood of Roosevelt Street are that motorists have been causing considerable noise in that neighborhood. At the present time there are several residents who are ill and the noises have been very bothersome. It is stated that the greatest trouble is experienced after midnight. Autoists finding it necessary to drive in this neighborhood at this hour are being asked to consider those who do not wish to be awakened at that time.
Work on the various building operations in Sycamore was continued today after the rain yesterday. Contractors have started on the actual construction of the Johnson building and already the place is beginning to loom into view, with a force of brick layers on the job. The work on the Pierce bank was also started again today, with the excavation and building up of the basement. Carpenters in the city also kept on the job and the 29 new houses in the city are fast nearing completion.
Interior decorators are at present engaged in refinishing the new store that will be opened in the space made vacant by the moving of the P. S. Corey Tire Shop to the oil station on West Lincoln Highway. The store will be known as the Holmes Hat Shop, and will be operated by two DeKalb women. When completed, the store will be very pleasing in appearance. The outside has also been given attention. It is not known as yet when the official opening will take place.
Following the completion of the task of painting the several fire alarm boxes and hydrants in this city, one of the painters yesterday was given the work of painting all of the turtle-back traffic regulators at the First, Second, Third and Fourth street
intersections on the Lincoln Highway. The iron covers are being repainted white.
A haystack on the Stafford farm in Ohio Grove was struck by lightning on Tuesday evening and burned to the ground.
1949– 75 YEARS AGO
It was on Aug. 6, 1923, that the funeral train of President Harding went through DeKalb. It traveled over the Chicago and North Western between Clinton and Chicago.
Work is being finished on the removing of the steeple on the building that was once the St. Michaels Mission Church in Clare. The building is now used as a community center. A small truckload of hay was removed from the loft, where it had been carried and stored by birds through the years. The building was erected in 1921 after fire had destroyed the new church on the same site in November of 1920. When paved roads became common and transportation much simpler the mission was closed. The property was sold and has been used as a Red Cross center and community center.
We don’t know where the sheep were, but the cows were in the corn on a couple of farms in the north end of the county last week end. Approximately 18 steers belonging to John F. Wall got lost in about 260 acres of corn on the Wall
Sanitarium, located at 2331 Sycamore Road, would be phased out. Williams proposed that the sanitarium building, which also houses the County Health Department and the Family Service Agency, be sold for frontage property and that the wooded area in the back of the building be sold to the DeKalb Park District at a minimal price.
Fannie Sims got permission for her restaurant-tavern at last night’s Sycamore City Council meeting, then push came to shove. The council itself had no trouble granting Mrs. Sims’ request for a special use permit allowing her to reconstruct the Dixie Inn which was destroyed by fire on July 24, 1972, after she promised to provide the off-street parking required by the Sycamore Plan Commission’s favorable recommendation.
1999 – 25 YEARS AGO
and Frank Hunter farms and they couldn’t find them among the tall stalks. Mr. Wall promptly chartered an airplane and the search was on. They didn’t find them all on Saturday so they continued their search on Sunday.
The DeKalb County draft office in the Sycamore Armory will be closed, press association dispatches said today, as an economy measure. The DeKalb County office will be consolidated with those of DuPage and Kane counties and the office will be in Wheaton.
For the past several months the Greyhound buses have been using their parking lot on North Fourth Street to the rear of the bank but at present are forced to park on the street as the parking area undergoes improvement.
1974 – 50 YEARS AGO
The 18th annual Northern Illinois Steam Power Club’s show gets underway tomorrow. Fourteen steam engines are expected for the show which runs through Sunday at the Taylor Marshall Farm, northeast of Sycamore.
Appearing more alone than ever, President Nixon told his cabinet Tuesday he does not plan to resign and feels he has not committed an impeachable offense.
DeKalb County Board of Health member Ivan Williams last night predicted the county’s Tuberculosis
Training and planning kept local school bus contractor Laidlaw Transit Inc. busy during the summer months. DeKalb Branch Manager Andrew Lord and his staff are in the final stages of preparation for the beginning of the 1999-2000 academic year. Drivers have been hired and trained. New buses have been purchased. Bus routes have been designed for efficiency.
A proposal to resurface parts of Route 34 on the west end of Sandwich and widen parts of it on the east end of town is expected to be approved by the Illinois Department of Transpiration next spring.
With the summer heat in full effect, the owner of YaDa Dada’s Ice Cream parlor provided complementary scoops of premium homemade ice cream to the Meals on Wheels and Med/Vac volunteers.
Nearby residents of the Humane Manufacturing plant blamed everything from severe asthma attacks and headaches to decreased property values on the plant’s escaping odors. The Genoa plant, located in the southern half of a manufacturing building at 538 S. Sycamore St., molds matting from tire retreading materials. In the later part of May, Humane began installing air filtration and deodorizing equipment in its Genoa plant to remove airborne particles believed to be the cause of the odors.
– Compiled by Sue
Breese
Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center Archives
The funeral train of President Warren Harding when it passed through DeKalb County Aug. 6, 1923. President Harding died in office having served a little over two years.
DeKalb Wreckroom looks to be smash hit
Aug. 22 soft opening planned for new business in Village Commons
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – A DeKalb native said he’s excited to soon offer the community a new spot in Village Commons: Wreckroom, where patrons can smash inanimate objects to let off steam, or just for fun.
The establishment, located at 901 Lucinda Ave., Unit G, is planning a soft opening Aug. 22, so long as city approval of a special use permit is granted.
Miles Mapes, managing partner for Wreckroom DeKalb, said he’s looking forward to growing a business in his hometown.
“I’m born and raised in DeKalb,” Mapes said. “My family’s been in DeKalb for three generations now. I’m the third [generation] and I previously booked live music in this town prior to COVID through the House Cafe and Fatty’s Pub and Grille. I’ve always had a heart for entertainment and for things that are beneficial to our com-
munity. To me, it made sense to put this business in DeKalb.”
A wreckroom is a contained secure space for people to smash items such as cups, bowls, small electronics and even TVs. Those who venture into the new space can also try their hand at retro video gaming and partake in rage splatter.
“A lot of people find it in some ways a little therapeutic,” Mapes said. “Most people find it a really fun kind of alter-
native activity.”
Mapes said a special use permit from the city is required under municipal code because the business will operate as an amusement establishment.
His permit request is expected to appear before the DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission Aug. 5. City Council approval also is required, with a vote expected Aug. 12.
Mapes said that working with the city of DeKalb has gone smoothly.
“They’ve been really great to work with through this process,” Mapes said. “They’ve guided us a lot in the different buildings that they feel would be the best fit for this business and for the community.”
Mapes said wreckroom fans generally have positive things to share about their experiences.
“A lot of people find it in some ways a little therapeutic,” Mapes said. “Most people find it a really fun kind of alternative activity.”
Mapes said it’s clear that wreckrooms have become all the rage in today’s world.
“Me and my partner had talked about this pre-COVID and, naturally, that kind of ruined [the] entertainment business for a while,” he said. “They blew up for a little bit and then they lost their steam and they they’ve been popping up more post-COVID. I think it’s really people in this day and age, if you look, statistically are looking for more alcohol-free and unique activities.”
Wreckroom DeKalb has projected hours of operation from 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. The establishment will be closed Monday through Wednesday, except by appointment.
Megann Horstead
Wreckroom DeKalb, shown here July 8 confirmed via a social media post that its owners have signed a lease for 901 Lucinda Ave., Unit G, DeKalb, and plans to hold a soft opening Aug. 22.
DCCF names DCNP manager
Northern Illinois University and is expected to graduate this year.
SYCAMORE – Danielle Hoske has rejoined the staff at the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
As the new DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership manager, she will work part-time with the DCNP Director to support DCNP programs, training and communications efforts.
“I am thrilled to be with DCNP again, supporting their mission to strengthen local nonprofit organizations,” Hoske said in a news release. “In 2017, I participated in the DCNP Internship Program where I was later hired on by my host employer, CASA DeKalb County. Not long after I began my career, I was hired as the DCNP program assistant at the Community Foundation. It was a great opportunity to immerse myself in the sector and build incredible connections with some of the most inspirational leaders in DeKalb County. Returning to DCNP, I look forward to reconnecting and collaborating with the amazing organizations serving our county.”
Hoske is completing her master’s in education research and evaluation at
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Tausch to sing with DeKalb Municipal Band Aug. 13
DeKALB – Vocalist Deanna Tausch will perform with the DeKalb Municipal Band, conducted by Kirk Lundbeck, at its next concert on Aug. 13.
The free concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Dee Palmer Band Shell in Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road in DeKalb.
Tausch will sing “All the Things You Are,” “Cry Me a River” and “When You’re Smiling.”
Other musical numbers on the program include “Gaucho Carnival,” “On the Mall” and “The Syncopated Clock.”
Tausch, a native of Waterman, earned bachelor’s degrees in music education and vocal performance and a master’s degree in education from Northern Illinois University. She performed with the NIU Opera Theatre Chorus, NIU Chamber Choir and NIU Concert Choir. Tausch founded the Musical Moments Early Childhood Music Class. She is a member of Cor Cantiamo and Young Naperville Singers and a church guest soloist. Tausch teaches early childhood
She has enjoyed various career opportunities in Chicago and the East Coast. She is a former director for a Chicago workforce agency and advocated in DC with other Chicago workforce officers on behalf of the National Skill Coalition. Hoske is the development and communication manager for Foster Progress, a Chicago-based organization that provides mentorship and college access support to teens aging out of foster care.
In her free time, she stays busy consulting with nonprofit organizations on program evaluations, kayaking on the Kishwaukee River and cuddling her fur babies, Odin, Sass and Olaf.
Serving the community since 1993, the DeKalb County Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that enhances the quality of life in DeKalb County through endowments and donor services, stewardship, grantmaking and community initiatives. The foundation awards grants in the areas of arts and culture, community development, environment and animal welfare, education, health and human services and nonprofit capacity building. The foundation manages more than 450 funds that, collectively, provide more than $4 million in annual support for needs today and in the future, according to the release. Learn more at dekalbccf.org.
and elementary school music for the Kaneland school district.
For information, visit dekalbmunicipalband.com.
Jubilee Artisans to host
open
house Aug. 15 in DeKalb
DeKALB – Jubilee Artisans art gallery will host an open house Aug. 15 featuring local art pieces. The community is invited.
The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jubilee Artisans, 128 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb.
Attendees can meet local artists and learn how to incorporate art into workspaces to increase productivity. Artwork includes photography, paintings, mixed media and sculptures. Light refreshments will be provided.
“We believe that art has the power to create a strong emotional connection,”
Jubilee Artisans owner Christy Andrews said in a news release. “By bringing local art into your office, you can create a space that reflects your brand and inspires your team.” – Shaw Local News Network
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An Aqua Illinois customer brought a used water filter to a hearing July 29 at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake. The private water utility company is asking the Illinois Commerce Commission to approve a rate increase that customers said will add $30 a month to
NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Aqua Illinois customers slam proposed water rate increase
They say private utility does not deserve rate hike until problems solved
By JANELLE WALKER jwalker@shawmedia.com
Northern Illinois residents spanning from Rochelle to Hawthorn Woods traveled to McHenry County College on July 29 to share their comments on private water and sewer utility Aqua Illinois’ request for a rate increase.
Aqua Illinois customers, advocacy groups and lawmakers appealed to encourage the Illinois Commerce Commission to ultimately turn down that request.
Company President David Carter, who spoke at the hearing July 29 at the Crystal Lake community college, said this is Aqua’s first rate increase request in six-plus years. In that time, the company has completed $280 million in infrastructure improvements in Illinois, “and operating costs have risen,” Carter said.
Jim Chilsen, communications director for the Citizens Utility Board, cited a weeklong water outage in 2023 followed by a recent boil order in Hawthorn Woods, as well as previously reported lead in water tests, as reasons the Illinois Commerce Commission should turn down the request.
“While customers suffer high bills and poor service, Aqua laughs all the way to the bank,” Chilsen said.
Almost two dozen customers who spoke July 29 said they want to see the
problems they have experienced, or continue to experience, fixed before the company is allowed to increase those rates. Customers said the proposal would add about $30 a month to their bills.
Stephanie Tesmer, an Eastwood Manor resident, has been in constant contact with the utility to complain about water quality since her family bought a home in the subdivision in 2021. The company said in August 2023 that it plans to add iron filtration at Eastwood Manor in 2025.
Other residents pointed out that they’ve lost water service for a week, been under boil orders or experienced poor-quality and useable water.
“My clothes are not white,” Eastwood Manor resident John Gacek said, adding that he often wears black because the water to his home will change the color of anything else.
“The only time we wash white clothes” is when Aqua adds bleach to the water system, he said.
Several residents of Lake County recounted the weeklong water line break in July 2023. One resident, Stella Senning of Kildeer, said that when the company started giving residents bottled water during that incident, they were allowed only 3 gallons a day.
“It took you all three days to start providing us water,” Senning said.
James Kenney of Rochelle said residents “can’t afford what you are doing” as other costs, including food and insurance, continue to rise. Neither, Kenney said, were residents informed of the public hearings. He said he
Janelle Walker
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Lightbeam Players to perform ‘The Show Must Go Wrong’ DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a performance of the Lightbeam Players production of “The Show Must Go Wrong.”
The free performance will begin 3 p.m. Aug. 10 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. “The Show Must Go Wrong” tells the
story of the Gold Note Awards, the biggest night in the music industry. The audience is eager to learn about the winners, but things go wrong when the night descends into mayhem and mishaps.
No registration is required. For information, email theresaw@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
– Shaw Local News Network
An Aqua Illinois customer brought photos of her water to a hearing held July 29 at McHenry County College. The private water utility company is asking the Illinois Commerce Commission to approve a rate hike customers say will add $30 a month to their water bills.
• AQUA ILLINOIS
Continued from page 12
learned of it “because I am on the township board,” adding that he asked other neighbors if they had heard about public hearings and was told no.
AARP Illinois requested the public forums, Chilsen said, and sent out a release, as did CUB.
McHenry County Board member Pam Althoff said she’s been following private utilities throughout her 40 years in local government.
“Like any other utility, Aqua can raise rates and there is no guarantee” that improvements will be made, she said, adding that residents do not receive value for the higher cost they pay.
To even consider the rate hike, Althoff said, Aqua should have to show “what improvements these peo-
ple can expect and in what time frame.”
The company is doing things to improve water, Carter said, noting that all of its customers across the state pay into the same pool for infrastructure improvements. Although some funds might not be going into one system, it is going into another, Carter said.
“There are a lot of costs that go into managing a community,” he said.
A private utility, Aqua Illinois provides water and in some cases sewer services to 280,000 customers across 14 Illinois counties, including Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Lake, McHenry, Ogle, Will and Winnebago, according to the company’s website, aquawater.com.
Customers can provide written comments to the Illinois Commerce Commission online at icc.illinois.gov/ docket using case number 24-0044.
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Janelle Walker
DeKalb High students receive essential skills certification
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The partnership between the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and the DeKalb County Community Foundation has empowered over 45 students from DeKalb High School to achieve an Essential Skills Certificate of Employability.
This marks the second successful year of the program in Scott Schumacher’s leadership classes at the school.
Developed to align with the foundation’s Workforce Development committee’s mission of enhancing essential skills (soft skills) among middle and high school students, the program serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts driving positive change in our community.
“Essential skills encompass a range of key abilities, from social and personal awareness to cultural and employment skills, crucial for effective communications and interpersonal relations,” Teri Spartz, Community Engagement director, said in a news release. To equip DeKalb County schools and organizations serving middle and high school youth, the foundation developed the Essential Skills Video Series, and accompanying teacher resource guides offered as social and emotional learning resources at no cost to users.
“The video series is an important step, but we aimed to elevate its impact by fostering wider adoption within schools to benefit more students. Through collaboration with
the DeKalb Chamber, we created the Essential Skills Certificate of Employability,” Spartz said in the release.
Recognizing the importance of involving employers in youth workforce development, Matt Duffy, executive director of the DeKalb Chamber, highlighted the initiative’s aim to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
“Focusing time specifically on these essential skills and providing the opportunity for these students to practice the skills in hands-on activities will help these students be better prepared for the requirements of entering the workforce,” Duffy said in the release.
Students actively engage in practical exercises, refining their handshakes, crafting personal elevator pitches, and improvising eye contact. The program seeks to build skills and instill confidence.
At the end of the sessions, students showcased their newly acquired skills during mini mock interviews with local employers. Tia Anderson of Heartland Bank was one of the employers who presented the importance of essential skills in the workplace.
“I was honored to be invited to participate in Essential Skills Presentation Day at DeKalb High School. These young women and men were engaging, passionate, articulate and inspiring,” she said in the release. “The students were put in a spot to interact with adults, were professional, and shared visions of their future. I went into the day ready to
teach them a little something and left feeling like they taught me a little something.”
For more details on the Essential
Skills Video Series or Certificate of Employability Program, contact Teri Spartz at t.spartz@dekalbccf.org or Matt Duffy at matt.duffy@dekalb.org.
Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation
DeKalb Chamber welcomes Exclusive Heat Inc.
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of Exclusive Heat Inc. and welcomed the business to its membership. Chamber staff, board and community members and ambassadors celebrated with a ribbon-cutting July 19. Exclusive Heat Inc., 2211 Sycamore Road in DeKalb, offers the newest sneakers and latest streetwear fashion. For information, call 708-359-5298 or visit exclusiveheatinc.com.
Photo provided by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
Kaneland student receives Deja Family Foundation scholarship
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
MAPLE PARK – Abby Grams of Kaneland High School was named one of the recipients of the 2024 Deja Family Memorial Scholarship.
The $750 scholarship was presented May 16 during the Kaneland High School senior honors night.
Grams was a National Honor Society, Madrigals and Educators Rising member. She participated in the school’s varsity tennis, basketball and soccer teams. She volunteers at the National Food Bank, Tiny Voice Therapy and Marklund.
She will major in communications and sciences disorders at Waubonsee Community College.
“I am incredibly grateful to the Deja Family Foundation for their generous scholarship, which will help me pursue my college dreams of becoming a speech
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Financial Fitness workshop set for Aug. 13 in DeKalb DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a workshop for patrons to learn about credit scores as part of its Financial Fitness series.
The workshop will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 13 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. The workshop is free and intended for adults.
Attendees can learn how to access and
pathologist,” Grams said in a news release. “Through my work as a speech pathologist, I hope to build children’s self-esteem, independence and help them find a sense of belonging in their community.”
“We hope to continue changing lives in our community and this scholarship aids a student who embodies the Deja family’s example in life: Family-centered, community-driven and aspiring to have a positive impact on the lives of others,” Gayle Deja-Schultz said in the release.
The Deja Family Foundation provides community assistance and scholarships in memory of the Deja family.
The scholarship is awarded to a high school senior who exhibits service, leadership and kindness and serves as an example to the community.
For information, visit dejaschultzhomes.com/deja-family-foundation or call 630-708-2424.
understand credit reports, what it says about credit health, what a good credit score is, how to open and close credit accounts and how collections and late payments affect credit scores. The workshop will be led by Old National Bank experts.
Snacks will be provided. No registration is required.
For information, email samanthah@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
– Shaw Local News Network
CALLING ALL CHICAGO BEARS FANS! ENTER A FAN PHOTO FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!
Chicago Bears fans across the region will have a chance to show off their best Chicago Bears fan photos. Fans dressed up in their favorite Chicago Bears gear, fans displaying their terrific tailgating set-up and fans showing off their at-home Chicago Bears fan caves will all be showcased!
The fan that receives the most votes on their photo will win two tickets to the Chicago Bears home game October 6, 2024 at 12pm vs. Carolina Panthers.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
Title: Supporting:
Photo provided by Gayle Deja-Schultz
Deja Family Foundation member Gayle Deja-Schultz (left), Kaneland High School student Abby Grams (center) and foundation member Katelyn Schultz pose for a photo.
DeKalb High School grad awarded music scholarship
Daniel Clements named 2024 Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship recipient
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Daniel Clements has been named the 2024 Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship recipient, the DeKalb County Community Foundation announced.
Clements is a 2024 DeKalb High School graduate who is pursuing a degree in music education at Northern Illinois University, according to a news release.
He has played various instruments, including flute, piccolo, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone, and steel drums. His accomplishments include performing in and leading the DeKalb High School marching band, Crosswinds Flute Choir and NIU Sinfonia, as well as serving as an Illinois Music Education Association flute all-state musician.
For questions or additional scholarship information, contact Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships
Manager Sara Nickels at 815-748-5383 or scholarships@dekalbccf.org.
The Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund was established by the DeKalb County Community Foundation in 2009 by Dee Palmer and his supporters to award a scholarship to a high school graduate from DeKalb County who plans to pursue a music career. Palmer was director of the DeKalb Municipal Band up to his death in November 2011. Palmer and his family have contributed to the musical pleasure of thousands of people in DeKalb County for more than 160 years.
Photos provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation DeKalb County Community Foundation grants and scholarship manager Sara Nickels (from left), Daniel Clements and DeKalb Municipal Band conductor Kirk Lundbeck pose for a picture.
Daniel Clements receives a scholarship award certificate from DeKalb County Community Foundation grants and scholarship manager Sara Nickels.
History center to remodel outdoor seating, event spaces
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County History Center recently was awarded a $100,000 grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Community Needs Grant program.
The grant will support the history center’s campus expansion project.
The project includes repurposing the history center’s corn crib to feature event space for speakers and performers.
The remodel also features outdoor seating, a pavilion area and a walking path with agricultural history interactive panels.
The center will create additional visitors parking. The project is expected to begin late this year and be completed in 2025.
“We are thrilled with the DeKalb
DEKALB PUBLIC LIBRARY AUGUST EVENTS
DeKALB – Here’s what’s happening at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., in August. Programming is free but sometimes requires preregistration.
Stories at Huntley Park: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 7 at Huntley Park, 200 Prospect St., DeKalb. Patrons can sing songs, play on the playground, and read stories. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on. For information, email johna@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
PS4 Sports Tournament (6th through 12th grade): 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 7 in the Teen Room. Attendees can play various Playstation 4 sports games. Pizza will be provided. The winner will receive a candy prize. Due to limited space, registration is required. For information, email yooneks@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2450.
Art Attack (8 and older): Perler Beads: 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 7 in the Story and Activity Room. Patrons can create with perler beads. Materials will be provided. Due to limited supplies, the event is first-come, first-served. For information, email amandah@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3301.
3D Design a Keychain (teens and adults): 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 in the 309 Creative room. Participants can 3D print keychains with Tinkercad, a 3D-modeling software. The keychains may be printed after the program. Patrons will receive a phone call or email to pick up their keychain. Due to limited space, the program is first-come, first-served. For information, email penn@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851.
Play and Learn with 4-C (newborns to age 5): 10 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 8 in the Story and Activity Room. Attendees can
develop children’s language development, early literacy, listening skills, concentration, and fine and gross motor skills through songs, rhymes, and parent-child interactions. For information, email theresaw@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
Bookworm Barbs (kindergarten through second grade): “Charlie & Mouse, Book One:” 3 to 3:45 p.m. Aug. 8 in the Story and Activity Room. Patrons can discuss “Charlie & Mouse, Book One.” Book copies are available at the children’s department desk while supplies last. Snacks and a craft will be provided. Due to limited space, registration is required. To register, visit dkpl.org. For information, email lauraw@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
BARB Book Club: “Frindle:” 4 to 4:45 p.m. Aug. 8 in the Story and Activity Room. The children’s club will discuss “Frindle.” Book copies and a bookmark are available at the children’s department desk. Due to limited space, registration is required. To register, visit dkpl.org. For information, email lauraw@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
English Conversation Club (teens and adults): 5 to 6 p.m. Aug. 8 in the Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio for people to practice speaking English. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For information, email chelsear@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1700.
Coloring Club: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 in the 309 Creative room. Attendees can color in books or pages. Gel pens, paper, markers, coloring books and colored pencils provided. Due to limited space, the club is first-come, first-served. For information, email elizabethh@dkpl.org
County Community Foundation’s generous support of the project,” Michelle
or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2110.
General Book Club (adults): “The Bullet Swallower” by Elizabeth Gonzalez James: 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 8 in the Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio. The audiobook and book copies are available. For information, email susang@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2114.
Toddler Time (18-36 months): 10 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 9 in the Story and Activity Room. The event includes books, songs and activities to help toddlers expand learning abilities. Siblings are welcome. For information, email johna@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
3D Design an Amulet (teens and adults): 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 9 in the 309 Creative room. Patrons will design a custom amulet with Tinkercad, a 3D-modeling software. 3D modeling experience is encouraged. A limited amount of computers offered. For information, email patrickc@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2115.
From Seed to Harvest at the DeKalb County Community Gardens: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Aug. 10 at the DeKalb County Community Gardens, 2475 Bethany Road, Sycamore. Volunteers sought to harvest vegetables. Participants must wear closed-toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty. In the event if inclement weather, the program will be canceled. For information, email chelsear@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1700.
Author Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 10 in the library’s main lobby and lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room. Patrons can meet local authors, listen to book excerpts, ask questions, and learn about recent publications. Eight of the authors also will hold a presentation. Book
Donahoe, DeKalb County History Center executive director, said in a news release. “Having both the State of Illinois and the Community Foundation behind our vision gives us increased credibility as we continue our fundraising efforts. The History Center truly sees this vision as a way to promote DeKalb County’s agricultural history, share local history using innovative ideas, and attract tourists to our area.”
The project was developed in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity-Office of Tourism. The history center also received a $500,000 Festivals and Attractions COVID-19 Tourism Grant contribution.
For information, call 815-895-5762 or email info@dekalbcountyhistory.org.
copies are available to buy. For information, email samanthah@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
Dungeons and Dragons (adults): 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 10 in the lower-level Bilder Family Meeting Room. Participants can play long-form role-playing games to build character, cooperation and leadership skills. Materials will be provided. Due to limited space, the event is first-come, first-served. For information, email brittak@dkpl.org or email 815-756-9568, ext. 2100.
Open Poetry Reading (teens and adults): 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 10 in the lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room. Attendees can read or share a poem. For information, email brittak@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2100.
Lightbeam Players present “The Show Must Go Wrong:” 3 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 10 in the lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room. “The Show Must Go Wrong” tells the story of the Gold Note Awards, the music industry’s biggest night. The audience is eager to learn who the winners are, but when things go wrong the night descends into mayhem and mishaps. For information, email theresaw@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
Line Dance Surprise: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 11 in the lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room. Patrons can learn how to dance Latin fusion, hip-hop, or something new from Becca Steger, a Ballroom Blitz dance instructor. Drinks and breaks provided. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Due to limited space, the event is first-come, first-served. For information, email stormye@dkp.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3310.
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center
The DeKalb County Community Foundation Grant Committee and Executive Director Dan Templin (left) present a $100,000 check to the DeKalb County History Center.
DeKalb city manager earns community service award
Kishwaukee College names John C. Roberts Community Service Award recipient
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
MALTA – Kishwaukee College recently named DeKalb City Manager Bill Nicklas as the recipient of the John C. Roberts Community Service Award.
The award was presented during the college’s spring 2024 commencement ceremony May 18.
Nicklas, who previously worked for Kishwaukee College before he was appointed as DeKalb city manager in 2019, received the award from Kishwaukee College board of trustees secretary Kathleen Spears, according to a news release.
“With unwavering dedication to improving our region, Dr. Nicklas has provided long-term influence to create a better future for our community. His work embodies the spirit John Roberts showed when establishing Kishwaukee College, making Dr. Nicklas a deserving recipient of the 2024 John C. Roberts Community Service Award,” Spears said in a news release.
Nicklas earned master’s and doctoral degrees from Northern Illinois University. He served as DeKalb’s city
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
DeKalb library to host ‘Line Dance Surprise’ event Aug. 11
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a “Line Dance Surprise” event for patrons to learn various dance styles.
The event will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 11 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Admission is free.
Participants can learn Latin fusion and hip-hop inspired dance moves. The event will be led by Becca Steger, a ballroom blitz dance instructor.
Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Scheduled breaks and cold drinks will be provided.
No registration is required to attend. Because of limited space, the event is first-come, first-served.
For information, email stormye@ dkp.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3310.
– Shaw Local News Network
manager from 1992 to 1998 and Sycamore’s city manager from 1998 to 2011. Nicklas also worked in NIU vice presidential roles from 2011 to 2014 and as Kishwaukee College’s special assistant to the president from 2016 to 2018. He resumed work as DeKalb’s city manager in January 2019.
Nicklas assisted with Kishwaukee College district’s economic growth for more than 40 years, including NIU
OBITUARIES
LORI JASPER
Born: May 2, 1963 in San Diego, CA
Died: July 26, 2024 in Rockford, IL
Lori Scott Jasper of Polo, passed away July 26, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. The daughter of Wilbur & Jone Scott, Lori was born May 2, 1963, in San Diego, California.
More than anything, Lori loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She lived a lifetime of service and was committed to helping others. Lori was a retired 911 dispatcher and went on to become the co-owner of Northern Illinois CPR, which she began with her son Zach. She was a huge Chicago Bears Fan & a lover of Bon Jovi. Lori also enjoyed traveling, palm trees and anything to do with the beach. In her spare time you could
infrastructure improvements and the economic development of local companies, according to the release. He also built Kishwaukee College as a community resource and local business relationships.
Nicklas served as Fairdale’s longterm recovery coordinator after a tornado in April 2015. He also is a member of local organizations and foundations, such as the Kishwaukee
College Foundation. Nicklas created a foundation scholarship to support Kishwaukee College nursing student scholarships in honor his late wife, Joyce A. Nicklas.
The John C. Roberts Community Service Award has recognized community members important in Kishwaukee College’s success since 2009. For information, visit kish.edu/ johnroberts.
find her tasting wine, sipping on her Smokey Mountain Moonshine and most frequently you’d see her soaking up the warm summer sunshine on her Jeep rides. Her fur-babies Payton, Jersey, Briggs, Corporal and Boo brought her so much joy.
Survivors include husband, Rob Jasper, father, Wilbur Scott, daughters Amber DeVries (Timm) and Kealie Wilcox (Wayde Reimer), son Zachary Oltmanns (Erika), sister Julie Watson (John), brothers Steven Scott (Ana) and Michael Scott, grandchildren, Jace, Remington, Kinley, Cooper, Asher, Oliver, Ryker, and many nieces & nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Jone Scott and sister, Joyce Scott. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Crossroads Community Church of Polo from 4:00 to 7:00PM. Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 AM on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Crossroads. Graveside service will follow at Fairmount Cemetery.
To send condolences, please visit www. polofamilyfuneralhome.com.
EUGENE RAYMOND FINN
Died: July 16, 2024
Eugene Raymond Finn died on July 16, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Gene was the owner of the fine men’s clothing store- Finn’s Ltd. in DeKalb for 34 years. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Faranda’s Banquets, 302 Grove Street in DeKalb, IL.
Arrangements were completed by the Butala Funeral Home and Crematory in Sycamore.
To sign the online guest book, go to http:// www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com
Photo provided by Kishwaukee College
Kishwaukee College President Laurie Borowicz (left), DeKalb City Manager Bill Nicklas, Frank Roberts and Kishwaukee College board of trustees chair Bob Johnson are seen at the college’s spring 2024 commencement ceremony May 18.
AMUSEMENTS
y e, on the 11th day of September, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafte r as this cause may be heard, a hearing will be held upon the Petition to Appoint Co-Guardians of the Person of the Mi nor. To appear vi a Zoom, the meeting ID is 634 979 0734 and the password is 12345. Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the Petition, the Petition may be taken for confessed as against you and an Order, Judgment or Decree entered.
Dated at Rockford, Illinois this 1st day of August, 2024
Lori Grubbs Clerk of the Circuit Court
bid. Failure to submit an acceptable bid bond with the bid will result in the rejection of the bi d. Attention is called to the provisions for Equal Employment Opportunity and payment of not less than the minimum salaries and wages set fort h in the bid documents. All Contractors who are awarded construction related contracts must document Affirmative Acti on to ensure Equal Opportunity in Employment
ERIN L. NASH #6304953
Nash Law Office, P.C. 4615 East State Street Suite 201 Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 397-7500
(Published in The Midweek August 7, 14, 21, 2024) 2183141 Deer Hunters Wanted, to share hunting
PUBLIC NOT ICE
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
In the Interest of:
JEREMIAH ALEXANDER HERNANDEZ, A Minor
CASE NO: 2024 GR 62 TO WHOM IT MAY
CONCERN:
Take notice that on the 30th day of July, 2024, a Peti tion to Appoint Co-Guardians of the Person of the Minor was filed in the Circuit Court of DeKalb County, Illinois, 23rd Judicial Circuit, and that in Courtroom 300 of the DeKalb County Courthouse, on the 11th day of September, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafte r as this cause may be heard, a hearing will be held upon the Petition to Appoint Co-Guardians of the Person of the Mi nor. To appear vi a Zoom, the meeting ID is 634 979 0734 and the password is 12345. Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the Petition, the Petition may be taken for confessed as against you and an Order, Judgment or Decree entered.
Dated at Rockford, Illinois this 1st day of August, 2024
Lori Grubbs Clerk of the Circuit Court
ERIN L. NASH #6304953
Nash Law Office, P.C. 4615 East State Street, Suite 201 Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 397-7500
(Published in The Midweek August 7, 14, 21, 2024) 2183141
PUBLIC NOT ICE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF DEKALB NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb will receive sealed bids for Project named Lewis Court Sidewalk Replacement. 720802 14th Street and 1428 Lewis Street DeKalb Ill inois
Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. local time on the 29th day of August, 2024, at the offices of Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb located at 310 North 6th Street, DeKa lb, Illinoi s 60115. At that time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.
A pre-bi d meeting shall take place on the 21st day, of August 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb (Lewis Court) located at 720-802 14th Street and 1428 Lewis Street DeKalb, Illinois. Bi ds must be based on electronic bid documents obtained from 1919 Architects, P.C. Hard copies may be obtained upon a deposit of $50 (in the form of cash or check) per set and bidders will be limited to (3) sets Deposits will be refunded upon return of the Bidding Documents in good condition, without markings, notations or other defacing, within (5) days af ter bid opening. Contractors that do not submit a bi d will not be refunded their deposit. Checks should be made payable to 1919 Architects, P.C. If it is desired for bid packets to be shipped to bidder, a separate non-ref undable check shal l be made payable to 1919 Architects, P.C. in the amount of $25 or a valid UPS or FedEx account number shall be provided Bids received must be enclosed in a sealed envelope and clearly marked "Lewis Court Sidewalk Replacement” Bid Bond executed by the bidder and acceptable sureties in an amount of not less than 5% of the base bid shall be submitted with each bid. Failure to submit an acceptable bid bond with the bid will result in the rejection of the bi d. Attention is called to the provisions for Equal Employment Opportunity and payment of not less than the minimum salaries and wages set fort h in the bid documents. All Contractors who are awarded construction related contracts must document Affirmative Acti on to ensure Equal Opportunity in Employment This documentation is subject to review by the Regional Office of the Department of Labor As a part of normal contract administration, Housing Au th ority of the County of DeKalb is responsible for determining the Contractor's compliance with
Authority ty DeKalb located at 310 North 6th Street, DeKa lb, Illinoi s 60115. At that time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. A pre-bi d meeting shall take place on the 21st day, of August 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb (Lewis Court) located at 720-802 14th Street and 1428 Lewis Street DeKalb, Illinois. Bi ds must be based on electronic bid documents obtained from 1919 Architects, P.C. Hard copies may be obtained upon a deposit of $50 (in the form of cash or check) per set and bidders will be limited to (3) sets Deposits will be refunded upon return of the Bidding Documents in good condition, without markings, notations or other defacing within (5) days af ter bid opening. Contractors that do not submit a bi d will not be refunded their deposit. Checks should be made payable to 1919 Architects, P.C. If it is desired for bid packets to be shipped to bidder, a separate non-ref undable check shal l be made payable to 1919 Architects, P.C. in the amount of $25 or a valid UPS or FedEx account number shall be provided Bids received must be enclosed in a sealed envelope and clearly marked "L ewis Court Sidewalk Replacement” Bid Bond executed by the bidder and acceptable sureties in an amount of not less than 5% of the base bid shall be submitted with each bid. Failure to submit an acceptable bid bond with the bid will result in the rejection of the bi d. Attention is called to the provisions for Equal Employment Opportunity and payment of not less than the minimum salaries and wages set fort h in the bid documents. All Contractors who are awarded construction related contracts must document Affirmative Acti on to ensure Equal Opportunity in Employment This documentation is subject to review by the Regional Office of the Department of Labor As a part of normal contract administration, Housing Au th ority of the County of DeKalb is responsible for determining the Contractor's compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Clause and Affirmative Acti on Requirements as well as the Co ntractor's performance in executing those requirements All MBE/DBE/WBE Contractors, Subcontractors and Suppliers are encouraged to participate on Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb projects Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids and to waive any and all technicalities. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of (90) calendar days subsequent to the opening of the bi ds without the written consent of Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF DEKALB
This documentation is subject to review by the Regional Office of the Department of Labor As a part of normal contract administration, Housing Au th ority of the County of DeKalb is responsible for determining the Contractor's compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Clause and Affirmative Acti on Requirements as well as the Co ntractor's performance in executing those requirements All MBE/DBE/WBE Contractors, Subcontractors and Suppliers are encouraged to participate on Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb projects Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids and to waive any and all technicalities. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of (90) calendar days subsequent to the opening of the bi ds without the written consent of Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF DEKALB
(Published in the Daily Chronicle July 31, 2024 & The Midweek Aug. 7, 2024
(Published in the Daily Chronicle July 31, 2024 & The Midweek Aug. 7, 2024
