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ON THE COVER
Ax-In-Hand Guitars owner Damon Henrickson (left) and daughter and store manager
Anna Henrikson pose Sept. 14 at the shop at 817 W. Lincoln Highway, Suite B, DeKalb. AxIn-Hand, owned and operated since 1964 by multiple generations of the Henrikson family, is celebrating 60 years. See story, page 6.
Photo by Kelsey Rettke
New DeKalb elementary school names monarch mascot
Principal announces ‘Mitchell Monarchs’
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – DeKalb’s newest elementary school has its mascot, and it’s got a royal ring to it.
Leadership at Dr. Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School, which is being built at 1240 Normal Road in DeKalb, announced this week that the school’s mascot will be the Monarchs.
The selection came in an announcement during the DeKalb School District 428
board meeting Sept. 17.
Principal Maurice McDavid said there were four finalists – the Mallards, Manta Rays, Mad Dogs and Monarchs –that were brought forward to a recent community conversation for voting among those in attendance.
McDavid
“By far away, our winner was the Monarchs,” McDavid said. “We want to be Mitchell Monarchs. We’re really excited about that.”
The selected mascot entry was submitted by Anaiya Hilgen, a Littlejohn Elementary School fifth grader.
Officials had engaged students districtwide from Aug. 19 through Aug. 30, encouraging students to propose a mascot, draw it and explain why it would be a good mascot for the building.
“We got over 200 entries from across the districts – lots and lots of different cute pictures,” McDavid said.
McDavid said the district was able to narrow down the entries to some finalists from across the district.
“I did, as a good teacher does, use a rubric,” he said. “We wanted to make sure that we were being fair and just.”
The next community conversation is expected to take place Oct. 17 at Westminster Lutheran Church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.
Kishwaukee Concert Band to open 23rd concert season Oct. 6 in DeKalb
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The Kishwaukee Concert Band will open its 23rd concert season with a concert to honor band member William “Bill” Schulze.
The concert will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Boutell Concert Hall in the Northern Illinois University Music Building, 550 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb. The concert is free and seating is wheelchair-accessible.
Music on the program includes “Appalachian Journey,” by Brant Kerrick, which is based on four fiddle tunes.
PUZZLE
“American Riversongs,” arranged by Pierre La Plante, is a tribute to an earlier time when rivers and waterways were the nation’s lifeline. Leroy Anderson’s “Clarinet Candy” and Richard Maltby’s “Ballad for Clarinet” are showpieces for differing clarinet styles.
“Ascension,” by Richard D. Standridge, combines hymns into a mortality and beauty meditation. “Lincoln Center Overture,” arranged by Ralph Hermann, is a lively music selection. Jacques Offenbach’s “Ballet Parisien” is a spirited, rhythmic and melodious piece featuring four of his most popular operas.
“Sophisticated Ladies,” by John Edmondson, is a cross-generational celebration of Duke Ellington’s music. “When the Start Began to Fall,” arranged by Fred J. Allen, is based on the song “My Lord, What Morning” by Marian Anderson. T.H. Guild’s “Illinois Loyalty” is the University of Illinois fight song and includes chimes.
The Kishwaukee Concert Band is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization composed of volunteer players older than 18 who have played an instrument in the past.
For information, visit kishconcertband.org or the band’s Facebook page.
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Maurice
Thousands raised for Genoa cheerleader with brain tumor
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
GENOA – More than $3,000 so far has been raised for a Genoa-Kingston High School cheerleader with an inoperable brain tumor, athletic director Philip Jerbi said.
Jerbi has spearheaded Genoa School District 424’s effort to support Kalista Breda, a freshman cheerleader who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor as an eighth grader.
On Sept. 6, a fundraiser and brain cancer awareness event was held in conjunction with the Cogs’ varsity football game against North Boone High School.
“I just had a check cut for them today for just around $3,200,” Jerbi said. “So we’ve already brought in that much here through the school, through shirt sales, wristband sales and the 50/50 proceeds from last Friday night. And I know that there are others as well that went straight directly to the family.”
Jerbi said he’s “truly appreciative of everyone who has reached out” and helped them fundraise, including North Boone High School staff who supported Breda’s cause with their own monetary contributions.
Although the Cogs won the football
They wanted to know what they could do to help support the cause, which was rather mind-blowing that we had received that much correspondence from people outside of our community and throughout the county willing to help.”
Philip Jerbi, Genoa-Kingston High School athletic director
game 34-0, people on both sides of the field were wearing shirts they’d purchased to support Breda.
Since the fundraiser, Jerbi said, he’s been struck by how many people have reached out to offer well wishes or more for Breda.
“They wanted to know what they could do to help support the cause, which was rather mind-blowing that we had received that much correspondence from people outside of our community and throughout the county willing to help,” Jerbi said.
Photo provided by Jess Evertsen
A brain cancer awareness fundraiser was held Sept. 6 during a Genoa-Kingston High School home football game. The proceeds will go to the family of Kalista Breda, a high school freshman diagnosed with brain cancer.
Kishwaukee Valley Art League sets events for October
SYCAMORE – The Kishwaukee Valley Art League has scheduled several events and programs in October at Gallery on State, 322 W. State St., Sycamore.
The league’s next general meeting is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 3. The meeting includes a watercolors demonstration by artist and teacher Daniel Danielson. Admission to the meeting is free.
“My greatest achievement is whenever I get a chance to help a beginner to discover the fascinating medium of watercolor. Art is meant to be shared,” Danielson said in a news release.
On Oct. 10, KVAL will participate in the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce “Witches Night Out” event from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Sycamore.
The Second Saturday series this month will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 14. KVAL artist Rick Borret will host the class. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own art supplies. The theme is “My Favorite Color.”
The gallery’s next art rotation will begin Oct. 14. The artwork will be available through mid-January.
The league’s Business After Hours event will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 17. KVAL members and patrons and Sycamore Chamber of Commerce
members can meet artists and view art pieces. Refreshments will be provided.
Gallery on State will be open during the 63rd annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Oct. 26 and 27. Visitors can watch KVAL artists create their work. Members also will enter the festival’s float parade. This year’s theme is “Pumpkins Around the World.”
The KVAL “Young Picasso’s” art program will be held through Oct. 31 at the gallery. Participants can color fall and Halloween-themed art. Art supplies and drawing sheets will be provided. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
The featured artist of the month at Gallery on State for October is Sharon Saponari. She is the KVAL treasurer and a member of the Rock River Valley Painters Guild and The Next Picture Show. Her work will be on display in the gallery’s east window and adjoining wall.
“Painting is my happy place. I spend hours in my studio or outdoors with my easel, sliding pigmented medium across canvas or boards” Saponari said in the news release.
For more information about Kishwaukee Valley Art League, visit kvalnfp.org.
Photo provided by the Kishwaukee Valley Art League
A watercolor by artist Daniel Danielson (left) and a landscape by Kishwaukee Valley Art League member Sharon Saponari are pictured.
DeKALB – Tails Humane Society will hold its annual Mutt Strut 5K Run and Walk fundraiser to benefit its homeless animals adoption services on Sept. 28.
The fundraiser will begin at 9 a.m. at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb.
Attendees can walk or run the race. A 1-mile option will be available.
Participants also can bring their pets.
Registration is required. The registration fee is $35 or $40 for virtual runners and includes a participant packet.
The packet will be available at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 27 or at 8 a.m. Sept. 28 at the park.
To register, visit tailshumanesociety.org/mutt-strut-2024/.
For information, email marketing@tailshumanesociety.org or visit tailshumanesociety.org.
Still strumming along
DeKalb family reflects on 60 years as Ax-In-Hand Guitars
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Ax-In-Hand Guitars in DeKalb hopes to celebrate its 60th anniversary in a big way this year and is in the process of expanding into the unit next door.
In doing so, the establishment, 817 W. Lincoln Highway, Suite B, will have added space for live entertainment, open mic nights and more.
Owner Damon Henrikson, the second generation in his family to run the store, said the milestone is huge for him. He’s worked in the shop under the tutelage of his father, the late Larry Henrikson, since the 1980s. As a youth, Damon said he tended to the store often after school at Clinton Rosette Middle and DeKalb High.
“It’s hard to believe,” Henrikson said. “Now I work at the store and didn’t even think about the store’s history or that it would last as long as it has, but it’s obviously a great feeling to
know that it still stays in town, that it’s still supporting DeKalb, the town that I care very much about and that I’ve been a part of my whole life.”
Henrikson history apparent at shop
There are two generations of the family working from the store these days with Damon Henrikson’s daughter, Anna Henrikson, on board as one of the managers. Both father and daughter are musicians themselves.
Anna Henrikson said her favorite part of the job is helping patrons achieve their music goals.
“Being surrounded by music and the community, I really enjoy it,”
Anna Henrikson said. “I really enjoy helping people, too. Being able to fix their instruments, especially beginners. They’ll come in with their guitars and it’s not set up correctly or it was never set up at all, and I get them started. That’s kind of like I’m getting them started on their journey of music.”
Damon Henrikson took possession of the music store in 2003 from the estate of his father, who founded the establishment in 1964.
Larry Henrikson died in 2000.
Damon Henrikson said carrying on the family legacy means everything to the Henriksons.
He bought Ax-In-Hand Guitars from his father’s estate to continue the legacy, a tale that goes back further than his dad.
“Our great-aunt opened up a guitar store in Ottawa, Illinois, back in 1940,”
Damon Henrikson said. “[It’s] quite possibly one of the first female-owned guitar stores in the country. There’s been a guitar store in our family now for almost 85 years.”
Damon Henrikson said his father was someone who should be revered.
A portrait of Larry Henrikson hangs behind the checkout counter at Ax-In-Hand, a prime spot on the wall for all to see. The photo’s red background is emblazoned behind Larry,
sweater clad and bearded, as he holds two guitars.
Photos by Kelsey Rettke
The exterior of Ax-In-Hand Guitars is seen Sept. 14 at 817 W. Lincoln Highway, Suite B, DeKalb. The guitar shop, owned and operated since 1964 by multiple generations of the Henrikson family, is celebrating 60 years in 2024. An expansion also is underway which will offer live entertainment and open mic nights.
A vintage Gibson guitar is on display for sale at Ax-In-Hand Guitars on Sept. 14.
Continued from page 6
“He was quite an energetic, wonderful musician,” Damon Henrikson said. “He had such a great knowledge of music and the guitar industry, of the vintage guitars. He should have written a book, he had so much knowledge. People would call him just to pick his brain on the history.”
Damon Henrikson remembers his father as having a great knack for the technical aspects of guitar.
Popular guitar company Fender, based in California, leaned on Larry to help bring back one of their guitar lines in the 1970s, Damon said. The company was bought by CBS from founder Leo Fender in 1965. Company employees, citing lowered instrument quality, bought back the corporation in 1985 and renamed it Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Co.
Damon said it was then that Fender’s employees reached out to his father for his knowledge on playability to help improve guitar quality.
“He was like a test subject, almost like a lab rat with these guitars,” Damon Henrikson said. “They’d send it to them. He would critique it, send back his notes and they’d keep modifying it until he felt and they felt that they were making guitars like they were in the ’50s and ’60s.”
Anna Henrikson said a large part of
It’s part of the family, the store. We want to make sure that it stays in DeKalb. We want to make sure that it’s always supporting DeKalb because I feel it’s important that there’s a music store in town that is helping people find good instruments ...”
Damon Henrikson, Ax-In-Hand Guitars owner
what she knows about Larry Henrikson is from what’s shared by other people who drop into the store.
She said she doesn’t have memories of her grandfather because he died when she was a toddler. Still, his legacy lives on.
“But I feel like I know him because of all the stories,” Anna Henrikson said. “It’s kind of cool because people come in talking about how he had all these insanely rare instruments like in the old space and how they would just be like in awe of the musicians that he dealt with.”
The DeKalb shop’s no stranger to big names either.
Damon Henrikson said the likes of The Beatles lead singer and bassist Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger were among those who have visited Ax-InHand Guitars in the past. He said while his dad wouldn’t often tell anyone the music legends were coming by, there’s pictures to prove it.
He pulled out a photo of his father sitting next to a casually dressed McCartney.
What’s next
At Ax-In-Hand Guitars, patrons will find not only new, used and vintage instruments for sale but private music lessons and a repair shop.
Damon Henrikson said the store takes great pride in making private music lessons available to patrons. Often, they’re educated in their craft or local music students.
“We take great pride in that we’re teaching theory, but as well, helping them learn something that they’re interested in,” he said. “So, we do teach the style of music and the actual songs that they love.”
Among those who teach private music lessons is Wesley Carr, one of the managers and a self-proclaimed Ax-In-Hand super fan. He said he’s long felt compelled to become part of the store’s family.
Carr familiarized himself with the shop first as a customer. When he became a student at Northern Illinois University, he joked that the store’s manager got tired of his frequent visits and wanted to put him to work.
“So, the person managing it basically came up to me and basically was like, ‘If you’re just going to be here, you can at least teach some lessons,’” Carr said.
Soon there will be more room for private lessons and more. An expansion is underway which will extend the shop into the space next door. Staff said the space will be used for live events, performances, open mic nights and group activities.
Ax-In-Hand Guitars also is planning a 60th anniversary celebration in the fall. More store signage and updates on the shop’s Facebook page are expected.
Damon Henrikson said he wants the store’s longstanding commitment to serving DeKalb to continue for many more years.
“It’s part of the family, the store,” he said. “We want to make sure that it stays in DeKalb. We want to make sure that it’s always supporting DeKalb because I feel it’s important that there’s a music store in town that is helping people find good instruments and helping people learning how to play the guitar, bass or the violin. I love that we can support the community in that aspect.”
DCCF accepting Excellence in Education Award nominations
Applications due Oct. 31
SYCAMORE – DeKalb County residents are invited to nominate a deserving education professional for an Excellence in Education Award before the Oct. 31 deadline.
Award winners receive $1,000 and public recognition during an awards ceremony planned for spring 2025, according to a news release.
Visit dekalbccf.org/eie to submit a nomination and for additional details.
Given annually, the Excellence in Education Awards honor outstanding teachers, administrators and support staff in DeKalb County schools. Every public school district and private school in DeKalb County is eligible to nominate a person for each of the following areas:
• Pre-K through fifth grade teacher.
• Sixth through eighth grade teacher.
• Ninth through 12th grade teacher.
• Administration.
• Support staff (e.g., secretaries, classroom aides, custodians, food service, bus drivers, and maintenance).
To qualify for an award, nominees
must be employed by their respective school district for at least five years and plan to continue active employment in the upcoming year.
They also should hold the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues and be actively involved in voluntary, nonpaid community activities.
Past nominees who did not win the
award are eligible for renomination, while past recipients are ineligible for future nominations. A list of past recipients is available on the Community Foundation website.
The awards are made possible through the generosity of Yvonne Johnson, a retired elementary school teacher from the Sycamore School District. Johnson established the
DeKalb County Excellence in Education Award Fund in 1999 at the DeKalb County Community Foundation
Nominations are sent to the nominee’s school district for review by the school’s nomination committee. For information, contact Community Foundation Grants Director Jolene Willis at 815-748-5383 or j.willis@ dekalbccf.org.
Photo provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation
2024 Excellence in Education Award presenter Amanda Christensen (left) poses for a picture with Katherine Katz, Caitlin Benes, Katie Claypool, Susan Clark, Susan Hughes and award presenter Jolene Willis.
LOOKING BACK
1924 – 100 YEARS AGO
Seriously wounded and unable to continue its journey across the skies, a carrier pigeon, thought to have been on its way to Chicago, was found a few days ago by Gus Wilson of 319 Locust St. Mr. Wilson tried to give the bird first aid but found that its injuries were too serious, and steps finally had to be taken to place the bird out of its misery.
Illinois crashed over the 900-mile mark in the construction of state roads when 57.37 miles of pavement were completed during the week ending Sept. 18. This makes a total for the year of 914.4 miles which is approximately 140 miles in excess of the amount which had been completed on the same date last year.
Judging from a report given at this office yesterday by a resident of East Prospect Street, several young men of this city are to be in trouble unless they discontinue the practice of stealing her grapes. The resident states that the thieves are from 18 to 25 years of age, and the work is not that of some of the youngsters of the neighborhood. A report will be made at the police station in the hopes that the young men will be kept away from the grape arbor.
Sheriff E. E. Crawford this morning received in the mail literature sent out by the government offering rewards for the apprehension of various criminals. Included in the list was the name, picture and description of John Moran alias John Hickey, who escaped Sept. 9. It will be remembered that Hickey was being taken from the Sycamore County jail to Chicago in the custody of a United States Marshall, Mr. Capps. The car in which they were riding was held up and the Marshall handcuffed to a post, while the prisoner escaped.
Work on the new building to be occupied by Emil Johnson’s furniture store and undertaking parlor is progressing rapidly in Sycamore. For the last few days, the bricklayers have been erecting the front of the building and it presents a most pleasing appearance. The brick being used is deep maroon in color and in contrast with the white building stone that effect is one that is delightful.
1949– 75 YEARS AGO
The Genoa Quality Hatchery has installed a new mill with a triple reduction grinding process that produc-
es a granular grind. The granular grind is high in feeding value, because the feed is mealy and more easily digested and also eliminates flour and silvered hulls and mixes more uniformly with supplements.
Butterflies, said to be the most far-sighted of all insects, can distinguish movements only about six feet away.
Shortly after 3 o’clock this morning the DeKalb Fire Department was called to North Tenth Street near the railroad tracks where a shed was ablaze. The shed, which had been used as a hose house, is located south of the John Deere Implement firm and the fire had a good start when the department arrived. The building was badly damaged by the fire.
Anniversary Sunday for the Pierce Evangelical United Brethren Church is Sept. 25. On that day it will have two services in observance of 100 years of the founding of the Evangelical Society in Pierce Township.
Chief of Police John Ramsey calls attention to the fact that youngsters are riding their bicycles in a careless manner and unless greater caution is taken, serious accidents are certain to result. In the past month three accidents have occurred involving autos and children on bikes. Fortunately, no serious injuries have resulted from these incidents but unless greater care is taken some child is going to be badly hurt or possibly killed.
administration center, on Fisk Avene. Opportunity House donors have counted out more than $100 in coins which were deposited at the store as donations to the Sycamore facility. The fund-raising project was undertaken by local Montgomery Ward store officials as part of its community services program.
Construction is expected to begin this month on Shabbona Lake near Shabbona, the first state lake facility to be built in four years. A $1,412,925 contract for construction of a dam and spillway at Shabbona State Park, 13 miles southwest of DeKalb, has been awarded. Construction is expected to be completed by late 1975.
1999 – 25 YEARS AGO
Electricians for Central Illinois Light company started wiring the newly installed poles today so that when the last load of poles is received and installed, the lights may be turned on shortly afterwards. The wiring crew, using the new aerial ladder designed to service the outflung lights in both DeKalb and Sycamore, started near the post office and worked westward. The wiring is a much shorter job than the installation of the poles.
Much activity has already been going on in the grade school in Hinckley since the start of the school year. The seventh grade is reading stories in their literature class about hobbies so they decided to have a hobby exhibit of their own. They now have many interesting collections and scrapbooks on display in the back hall.
1974 – 50 YEARS AGO
DeKalb Public Hospital should end 53 years of operation as an acute care hospital next fall when the Kishwaukee Community Health Services Center opens.
DeKalb’s former fire station on North Fourth Street will not be converted to a city young services bureau center. The city council voted unanimously last night against the remodeling project, which was estimated to cost $100,000. The YSB is operating out of the basement of McAuley Hall, the school district
Disengagement talks will continue Tuesday for residents of two subdivisions seeking to join the DeKalb School District. The Tradewinds and Donneybrook housing units, located between the Village of Malta and the City of DeKalb, are located in the Malta School District. Residents there have grown concerned about educational opportunities and resources available at Malta’s school.
Illinois Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks read some of her poetry to Brooks Elementary School students Friday. Brooks is in town for the formal dedication of the school, which is named after her.
A merger involving Commonwealth Edison’s parent company is not expected to impact electric rates or eliminate any DeKalb-area jobs. Unicom Corp and Philadelphia based PECO Energy announced the merger plan. The combined companies would form the nation’s largest electric utility.
The DeKalb City Council is considering using the money generated by the Littlejohn TIF District for one last project before decertifying it. At a council workshop City Planner said the Littlejohn TIF District was created in 1997 to finance improvements at Littlejohn School, rehabilitate housing and replace sidewalks. Since then, School District 428 passed a $12 million bond referendum to pay for improvements to the elementary school, and the neighborhood seems to have improved on its own.
– Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center
Glidden House Hotel, built and operated by barbed wire inventor Joseph F. Glidden, is seen looking northeast from Second and Main streets (later Lincoln Highway) in DeKalb in 1903. The hotel was home to Glidden from the time he built it in 1876 until his death in 1906.
DeKalb Chamber names Athena Award finalists
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently announced the finalists and honorees for the 35th annual Athena and Women of Accomplishment awards.
The award recipients will be named during the Athena and Women of Accomplishment Award Reception at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb.
The Athena Award finalists include Celine Bennetts, Jeanine Holcomb, Sabrina Nicholson, Cortney Strohacker and Jennifer Yochem, according to a news release. The Women of Accomplishment honoree is Jan VanderMeer.
A cocktail hour will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 through Oct.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
University of Illinois Extension to hold fall nature hikes
SYCAMORE – The University of Illinois Extension has planned hikes for people to enjoy fall nature.
The hikes will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 28, Oct. 26 and Nov. 23. They are intended for people ages 18 and older.
Participants can hike trails and witness fall landscape transformations. They also will receive insight on local fauna and flora. The hikes will be guided by Peggy Anesi, University of Illinois Extension natural resources, environment and energy educator. Registration is required; visit go.illinois.edu/FallNa-
14. The price will increase to $25 Oct. 15. Tickets also will be available at the theater. To buy tickets, call 815-756-6306 or visit dekalb.org.
The Athena Award recognizes women for being a role model, community service, assisting women to meet their full potential, and professional and business accomplishments.
The Women of Accomplishment Award recognizes individuals who meet Athena criteria but are retired or no longer working in DeKalb County.
The DeKalb Chamber provides businesses in the greater DeKalb region with resources, avenues for businesses to connect with each other and the community, and advocates for business needs.
For information, visit dekalb.org or call 815-756-6306.
tureWalks2024.
Hike locations include:
• Sept. 28 at County Farm Woods, 2341 Sycamore Road, DeKalb. People can park in the Michael’s Craft Store lot.
• Oct. 26 at Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 Illinois Route 72, Genoa. Meet at the preserve’s Natural Resource Education Center.
• Nov. 23 at South Branch Prairie, 31966 Pleasant Hill Road, Kingston. Meet at the main Russell Woods.
Early accommodation requests for access needs are encouraged. To make a request, call 815-758-8194. For information, email jsaglier@illinois.edu.
– Shaw Local News Network
NorwayStore
Monday- Saturday 6am - 7pm Sunday 8am- 4pm
3654 N IL Rte 71, Sheridan, Illinois 815-496-2669
SALE DATES: SEPTEMBER 24TH - SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2024 7 DAYS A WEEK
WONDERFUL GROCERY SELECTION,
Mark Busch file photo
Athena Award recipient Michelle Bringas receives her gift for being a finalist during the 2023 Athena and Women of Accomplishment Awards reception hosted by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce at the Egyptian Theatre.
Norway, IL • First Permanent Norwegian Settlement in America
FALL 2024
WHO OUR STUDENTS ARE CREDITS GENERATED BY TYPE
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
Welding Instructor
To support the continued growth of the Welding program, a second full-time welding instructor was hired to offer additional classes.
Fee Elimination
Starting in Summer 2024, the College eliminated student fees. Full-time students taking 15 credit hours will save approximately $345 each semester, with students saving a combined $1.5 million annually.
HOW OUR STUDENTS LEARN
Meeting Space
Rental The College Conference Center has been reopened, offering spaces on campus for groups to rent.
Early College Program
This program, developed in partnership with area high schools, provides an opportunity for students to earn college credit while in high school, including the ability to earn their high school diploma and an associates degree simultaneously.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Facilities
Technology
As the landscape of higher education changes, so does Kish.
The original parts of Kish’s main campus building are approximately 55 years old. The College has developed a comprehensive plan for short- and longterm building needs. This will prepare us for future educational demands.
Program Expansion
Kish recognizes the impactful role technology plays in our classrooms and the workplace. Professional development for staff is focused on emerging technologies, as we plan and prepare for the future.
The College was awarded a $525,000 grant to develop and implement electric vehicle (EV) technology into the Diesel Power Technology program. The project will support our efforts to provide cutting-edge EV and alternative fuel technologies of the future.
NIU Homecoming Coloring Contest
Deadline to drop off at the DeKalb or Sycamore Library is Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. For details: go.niu.edu/homecoming.
Student first and last name, grade and school, and parent/guardian phone number.
Sponsored by State Farm agents Micah Stoddard and Scott Zeimet
DeKalb High grad awarded Anderson scholarship
Matthew Tuszynski exemplified ‘spirit, teamwork, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for soccer’
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – DeKalb High School graduate and former Barbs soccer star Matthew Tuszynski was named the 2024 recipient of the Christopher Anderson Memorial Scholarship.
The $1,700 scholarship is awarded each year by the Anderson family to a senior DeKalb High School soccer player who is a good student and exemplifies the spirit, teamwork, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for soccer that Christopher demonstrated, according to a news release.
“Matthew Tuszynski has been a tremendous ambassador for the boys soccer program throughout his four years at DeKalb High School,” head soccer coach PJ Hamilton said in the release. “Matt has helped elevate the standards for players on and off the field. ... He has the ability to connect with his team -
mates like very few in the game. His approach to soccer made teammates gravitate toward his leadership style and share a strong sense of belonging.”
Tuszynski played soccer for the Barbs all four years of his high school career, including three years on the varsity team. He was varsity team captain, 2023 DeKalb County Male Soccer Player of the Year, two-time Academic All-Conference, and part of the 2023 All-Conference First All Sectional and All State teams, according to the release.
Tuszynski joined the Red Hawks of Ripon College.
“On top of the many accolades he earned throughout his time at DHS, the program will truly miss his leadership,” Hamilton said. “His calm demeanor, commitment and work ethic inspired players at all levels.”
The scholarship was created in 2000 by the Anderson family in memory of their son, Christopher, who at age 16 was killed in a car crash July 18, 1999. The scholarship fund has grown each year through contributions made by his family and people in the DeKalb community. It is managed by the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
Mark Busch file photo
DeKalb’s Matthew Tuszynski controls the ball in front of Sycamore’s Aiden Sears during action Oct. 3, 2023, at Sycamore High School.
Sycamore Chamber welcomes Pure Beauty Co.
The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Pure Beauty Co. to its membership. Chamber staff, board members and community members celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on Sept. 10. Pure Beauty Co., 207 W. State St., Sycamore, offers services that include makeup, waxing, facials, spray tans and lash treatments in a comfortable and relaxing environment. For information, visit pure-beauty-co.com.
Thank you to our presenting sponsors: SHAW MEDIA & META
Photo provided by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce
‘Promising enrollment trends’
NIU blames FAFSA delays for decreased freshman enrollment
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Freshman fall enrollment declined for the second year in a row at Northern Illinois University, although officials last week blamed delays in student federal aid processes and instead touted increased transfer numbers.
NIU’s new freshman class came in at 1,991, compared with 2,202 in 2023 and 2,440 in 2022, according to data provided by NIU 10 days into the fall semester. Overall enrollment stayed fairly steady this year at 11,349 compared with 11,358 in 2023 and 11,429 in 2022, data shows.
Highlights include more transfer students this year than in 2023, according to the latest numbers. Ten days into the fall semester, 1,462 students had transferred to be Huskies, a steady growth compared with 1,325 in 2023 and 1,252 in 2022.
“I’m thrilled that we continue to experience promising enrollment trends in key areas, including in the diversity and academic quality of our students; substantial increases in new transfer and new graduate and law students; and successful reenrollment of continuing students,” NIU President Lisa Freeman said in a news release. “Our focus on removing barriers to a high-quality education continues to attract talented students from all backgrounds who clearly see NIU as a place where they will succeed.”
FAFSA delays felt in DeKalb, NIU officials say
NIU officials said that they believe freshman enrollment would have been higher if not for continued delays in free applications for federal student aid, commonly referred to as FAFSA.
While not a loan itself, FAFSA is a common process used to determine a student’s eligibility for federal financial aid. Once a student’s FAFSA paperwork is complete, they can traditionally use that to then apply for student loans, grants or student employment at various institutions. Often, a student will work an on-campus job during the school year as part of a financial aid package provided by a school.
A delayed FAFSA means students may not have pursued financial aid packages or were not aware of what they may qualify for, thus affecting how they made their decisions on where to attend.
The Associated Press reported in
August that FAFSA application delays had significantly stunted college enrollment plans. Calling it a redesign gone bad, The AP also reported in March that hundreds of thousands of financial aid applications needed to be fixed after a calculation error by the U.S. Education Department.
The number of high school seniors who have completed their FAFSA was down 9% compared with this time last year, according to data from the National College Attainment Network reported by The AP on Aug. 29. That number was as high as 40% in the spring, when students usually must submit their forms to give schools enough time to assemble an aid package.
Although NIU has struggled with declining overall enrollment for decades, recent initiatives by the university, which also has a Rockford campus and students who take online courses, have tried to course correct. That includes the Aim High Huskies Pledge, expanded in February to make more qualifying Illinois high school seniors eligible to attend NIU for the first year without paying tuition.
NIU’s freshman enrollment was trending upward for six consecutive years as recent as 2022.
The DeKalb university’s programs are meant to address the rising cost of higher education and correlating dwindled accessibility and enrollment numbers, trends that institutions across the country have struggled with.
Sol Jensen, NIU vice president for enrollment management, marketing and communications, said NIU disburses a significant amount of financial aid to students.
“NIU has certainly increased our commitment to students,” Jensen said. “We have drastically changed and increased the amount of scholarships that we’re giving out to students [and] institutional aid in general that’s coming from NIU.”
He said even 10 days into the semester, students still are completing financial aid applications.
“So we’ll keep working with them to do that, but we’re still sitting about 9% fewer FAFSA completions than we were last year at this time,” Jensen said. “Probably more importantly, we’re down about 11% on incoming
freshman [FAFSA applications].”
Navigating the student loan application process can be challenging in itself. For students who are the first in their family to attend college, often referred to as first-generation students, that process can be even more daunting, Jensen said. Students from other historically underserved communities including from low-income backgrounds also might struggle to get through the application process.
One in every two freshmen at NIU is a first-generation college student, according to the university. Jensen said more than half of all NIU students are first-generation college students, and they may not always have the support to navigate the aid application process like some of their peers.
Advocates worry FAFSA delays – on top of a Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action in higher education – will affect where and whether many go to college.
Freeman said NIU’s financial staff has helped as best as it can in managing application delays.
Mark Busch
Northern Illinois University students make their way to and from classes Sept. 12 on campus at NIU in DeKalb.
Professor, rep to join lecture series on rebuilding democracy
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The Northern Illinois University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will host a discussion featuring NIU professor Scot Schraufnagel and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, Nebraska-2, as part of its Rebuilding Democracy Lecture Series.
The free lecture will be held at 5 p.m. Sept. 26 online via Zoom. Registration is required before Sept. 26. To register and request an event link, visit go.niu.edu/Rebuilding-Democracy-RSVP.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Discover 4-H Carnival set for Oct. 6 in Sycamore
SYCAMORE – The University of Illinois Extension will hold its annual Discover 4-H Carnival on Oct. 6.
The free event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 350 W. Prairie Drive, Sycamore.
The carnival features activities and games, including giant games, face painting, bucket golf, balloon animals, the big parachute, bubbles, bean bag toss and creating cards for the elderly. Prizes will be available and hot dogs and popcorn will be served.
Attendees can learn about how to join a 4-H club. Leaders and members will be available to answer questions.
4-H is a youth organization for boys and girls ages 8 to 18. The program offers more than 170 projects ranging from wildlife, animals, food, visual arts, rocketry, computers and photography. 4-H emphasizes “learning by doing” by allowing members to select project
• NIU ENROLLMENT
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“I can’t talk about focused efforts related to enrollment without recognizing the commitment and heroism of our financial aid team,” Freeman said in the release. “The team worked day and night to process data that arrived months behind schedule, find workarounds to recurring technical issues, and minimize harm to the university and aspiring Huskies and their families.”
Overall enrollment, demographic breakdown
Still, overall enrollment remains steady at NIU so far this year, officials said. Some programs also saw
The discussion will cover topics such as bipartisanship, the state of democracy, Congress conflict and the 118th Congress’s future. The lecture also includes a moderated question and answer session. It will be moderated by Dean Robert Brinkmann.
Bacon received a political science degree from NIU in 1984. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1985 and served for
almost 30 years. Bacon specialized in electronic warfare and intelligence and earned the rank of brigadier general. He co-founded and chaired the For Country Caucus in Congress. Bacon currently serves on the Agricultural Committee and Armed Services Committee.
Schraufnagel is an NIU professor of political science and former NIU politi-
cal science department chair. His research and teaching specialties include elections, U.S. Congress, political parties and state government with a promoting civil, representative and effective United States governing process emphasis. Schraufnagel also is the author of five books, including “Conflict in Congress: A Call for Moderation.”
The Rebuilding Democracy Lecture Series showcases how the liberal arts and sciences are at the center of a healthy democracy. The series addresses various aspects of building a stronger democracy and bringing together a fractured society.
areas of interest to them.
The organization also offers a Cloverbuds program for youth ages 5 to 7.
Cloverbuds participate in hands-on learning activities to explore animals, art, science, plants, and the environment.
For information, call 815-758-8194.
Sycamore churches to host lectures Oct. 8 and 15
SYCAMORE – The Federated Church of Sycamore, Mayfield Congregational Church in Mayfield and First Congregational United Church of Christ will hold two lectures on Christian Nationalism.
The free lectures will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 8 and 15 at the Federated Church, 612 W. State St., Sycamore.
The featured speaker on Oct. 8 is investigative journalist Fred Clarkson. The event will include a question and answer session.
Clarkson is the Talk2Action founder and contributor, Political Research Associ-
an uptick in interested students, including NIU’s College of Law and those seeking a post-undergraduate degree, data shows.
The total number of NIU students pursuing master’s degrees rose by almost 3%, and new doctoral students rose by 27% compared with this time in 2023. NIU’s overall law school enrollment grew by almost 8%, totaling 338 students, the highest amount in a decade, data shows.
“Students continue to be attracted to our program given the high-quality legal education and affordability,” College of Law Dean Cassandra Hill said in a statement to Shaw Local. “The success of our graduates in practice, whether in government or private practice or as a judge, is becoming more widely and well
ates writer, author of the book “Eternal Hostilities: The Struggle Between Theocracy and Democracy” and a Religious Dispatch contributor.
The Oct. 15 lecture will allow attendees to participate in small and large group discussions. The facilitators include pastor Laurie Allen, pastor John C. Dorhauer and pastor Eric Ogi. Child care will be provided.
Workforce development program set for Sept. 26
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will partner with the DeKalb Workforce Development One Stop Team to host a program to help people update their resumes.
The program will be at 3 p.m. Sept. 26 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. It is intended for teens and adults.
Participants can learn about the latest resume trends, how to highlight achievements and skills, and format-
known as we regularly share our accomplishments and uniqueness. Students are drawn to what we have to offer – a small and supportive community where they are known by their names.”
NIU’s law school also has specialty-focused clinics to offer students hands-on experience in legal fields, including business, health advocacy, civil justice, criminal defense and the Prisoners’ Rights Project, Hill said.
Jensen said other top programs at NIU continue to perform well. NIU’s most popular degree is psychology, followed by health sciences including nursing, computer science, business administration and mechanical engineering.
Of the freshman class, 66% iden -
ting techniques. No registration is required. For information, email brittak@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2100.
DeKalb library to host sound studio intro session Sept. 30
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a session for patrons to learn about the library’s sound studio equipment.
The session will be at 10 a.m. Sept. 30 in the library’s Creative and Sound Studio, 309 Oak St. It is intended for teens and adults.
Attendees can learn about the studio’s equipment and the projects the equipment can create. Participants also will receive hands-on technology experience. The experience will be limited and dependent on the session attendees. No registration is required.
For information, email patrickc@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2115. – Shaw Local News Network
tify as students of color. And of the new transfers, 47% identify the same way, according to NIU, which also is on its way to becoming a fully designated Hispanic-serving institution, officials said. The U.S. Department of Education offers specific grants to institutions that qualify as HSI, meaning they must have an undergraduate population made up of at least 25% students who identify as Hispanic, according to the department.
NIU students who identify as what NIU called Latinx make up more than one-fourth of the total undergraduate population for the second consecutive year in 2024, data shows.
