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All rights reserved. Copyright 2024 ON THE COVER
Location of proposed Sycamore fire station shifts south on donated land
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – A new location has been proposed for a Sycamore fire station, which still requires city approval before it’s built.
A permit required for a proposed new Sycamore fire station was recommended for approval Oct. 14 by the city’s planning and zoning commission, despite deviations from previous concept plans that weren’t mentioned during the meeting.
A new fire station would replace Sycamore Fire Station No. 1, located at 535 DeKalb Ave., which was built more than 70 years ago. For decades, it was the home of the Sycamore Police Department and Sycamore city government, but the Sycamore Fire Department is the only group currently using the building.
City Manager Michael Hall did not note the distinction when explaining the agenda item to the commission.
When asked why the locations of the proposed fire station and training area were switched, Hall wrote that previously presented plans were only concepts.
“The original site plans were not refined several months ago,” Hall wrote. “These site plans are more updated, and we continue to make adjustments to the site plans that best meet the needs of the project.”
In recent years, it has been operated with a smorgasbord of issues, including no building-wide air conditioning; engine bay doors that are too short for modern, standard fire trucks; and a boiler that Sycamore Fire Chief Bart Gilmore has said is about as old as the building.
For those reasons, few have questioned city officials’ desire to construct a
Camden Lazenby
Sycamore City Manager Michael Hall, seen Oct. 14, said the city is seeking a special use permit to build a new fire station at the corner of Borden Avenue and South Prairie Road.
new fire station on land donated to the city by Ideal for the idea. In August, some city residents living near the proposed site said they’d rather see it built elsewhere, however.
Previous concept plans showed a new fire station being built at the corner of Borden Avenue and South Prairie Drive, across the road from single-family homes. The plans put before the city’s planning and zoning commission last week show a new spot for the station, to the south side of the donated land.
Concept plans that were presented to the Sycamore City Council in the spring
showed parking lot access to the fire station along Borden Avenue, and space south of the building would be reserved for what officials have said they hope to turn into a firefighter training area dubbed “safety town.”
The new plans would place the training area north of the fire station, directly at the corner of Borden Avenue and South Prairie Drive.
He said multiple factors – including utility and infrastructure planning, building access and circulation, drainage and stormwater management, and building – that influenced the city’s decision to propose the more southerly location for the fire station.
Hall said a training tower, which would be a part of the fire station and separate from the proposed safety town, also was part of the reasoning.
“The training tower on the south side will have more space and [be] hidden from view,” Hall wrote.
Aside from the land-use permit, several steps remain before the construction of a new Sycamore Fire Station No. 1 can commence, including city approval of a final plan for the building and the funding mechanisms affording its construction.
The special-use permit was the only aspect of the project that was before the planning and zoning commission on Monday, however.
“This is for a special-use permit to put a fire station at the location that you mentioned,” Hall said. “The city has to request a special-use permit to put a fire station there. So, that’s really what this is simply about, is our ordinance requires this. We got this donated land from Ideal, and so we are looking for approval for special use to build this fire station.”
Members of the Northern Illinois University color guard perform Oct. 17 with the marching band in downtown DeKalb during the Huskie Homecoming Block Party. See photos, page 6.
Classified 17-18, 20
Cover story 6 Looking Back 9
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Photo by Mark Busch
Day of the Dead returns to downtown DeKalb Nov. 2 3
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – There’s more to Day of the Dead than meets the eye, with the face paint, sugar skulls and folkloric dance.
In DeKalb, like in Mexico, Day of the Dead is reserved for celebrating the lives of ancestors.
Laura Anderson, owner of Create Health Mobility Clinic, who is organizing the event, said she’s excited to plan Day of the Dead for the second year in a row.
“It is all a celebration,” Anderson said. “It is all to connect with our past, connect with our ancestors, to teach the new generation who they are, where they came from [and] to never forget our past, our aunts, our uncles, our family members.”
The second annual Day of the Dead will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 2 at various locations in downtown DeKalb.
New to the event this time around, the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., will host a dance performance. Founders Memorial Library at Northern Illinois University will bring in spirit animals and the NIU Mariachi Banda Concert also will perform.
“You’re going to see a lot of the same, but a lot of different things happening,” Anderson said.
At the event, there will be a vendor food truck area set up for people to peruse.
A community ofrenda – an altar set up to honor departed loved ones – will be at El Jimador Mexican Grille, 260 E. Lincoln Highway, and the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.
Jubilee Artisans, 128 E. Lincoln Highway, will host a Day of the Dead gallery for people to view.
WNIJ radio will set up shop remotely to invite the public to participate in an oral history.
Anderson said she was pleased with how the event turned out last year.
“It was really cool to see the different people that came from different areas,” Anderson said. “We had people from Chicago, Elgin, Aurora and just people
from our community that talked about the importance of what it meant to them to celebrate this in DeKalb.”
Willrett Flower Company, 230 E. Lincoln Highway, Suite 150, and Create Health Mobility Clinic will invite the public to get creative by making flower crowns and tissue papers.
A ceremony and parade procession will kick off festivities at 1 p.m. on the front steps of the DeKalb library before making its way to the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., for a moment of silence.
Day of the Dead usually is commemorated annually on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, with the first day reserved for children who have died and the second day marked for the full celebration of Day of the Dead.
Anderson said Day of the Dead was not originally intended to be a religious holiday.
“It was always more of a tradition and later as Catholicism swept Mexico, it kind of started switching into a religious holiday,” Anderson said. “Now the cool thing about our generation, we can celebrate it either way.”
Anderson said she hopes people find value in the Day of the Dead event.
“I’m trying to provide a space for Mexican Americans to be proud of being Mexican American and understanding that we do have a contribution,” she said. “I’m also trying to pull in our migrant ancestors, my great aunts and uncles and re-excite them about where they came from and try and get as much tradition from them as well. It’s a lot but it’s a little bit of trying to get everybody together and create this teaching moment.”
Megann Horstead file photo
Paraders fill the streets of downtown DeKalb during a procession in 2023 to kick off the inaugural Day of the Dead “Celebration of Life.” This year’s event will be Nov. 2.
‘Blithe Spirit’ to haunt Stage Coach Theatre
By KATE SANTILLAN ksantillan@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The Stage Coach Players will open its next production, the comedy “Blithe Spirit,” on Oct. 24. It will run for two weeks.
“Blithe Spirit” tells the story of cantankerous novelist Charles Condomine as he prepares for dinner at home with his second wife, Ruth. The dinner guests include Dr. and Mrs. Bradman and Madame Arcati, a medium. Arcati’s attendance is to help Condomine learn about the occult for his new book. He also arranged for an after-dinner séance.
However, the playing of an Irving Berlin song attracts the ghost of Condomine’s first wife. She causes havoc as he is the only person able to hear and see her.
The cast features Steve Challgren as Charles Condomine, Amy Whelan as Ruth, Paula Tsiagalis as Madame Arcati, Brad Shortridge as Dr. Bradman, Darlene Hillman as Mrs. Bradman, Wendry Tritt as Elvira, and Rebekah Guillote as Edith the maid.
Elvira, Condomine’s first wife, “is carefree, full of spirit and passionate,” Tritt said in a news release. “She (Elvira) enjoys teasing Ruth, who cannot see or hear her while taunting Charles with her demure nature and naughty sense of humor.”
“Blithe Spirit” is based on the 1941 play of the same name by Noel Coward. The Stage Coach production will be directed by Bernie Schuneman and Jan Booth. Schuneman previously directed the Stage Coach production of “Funny Money” in 2023.
Stage Coach Players will present “Blithe Spirit,” a play by Noel Coward, on Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in DeKalb.
“Noel Coward was a magician with words and this play is a great example of that,” Schuneman said in the release.
The audience can expect a “funny, entertaining, lighthearted story complete with witty banter and ghostly surprises,” Booth said in the release.
Tickets cost $15 for ages 65 and older and 13 and younger and $17 for everyone else.
Tickets are on sale at stagecoachplayers.com or through the box office at 815-758-1940.
Performances of “Blithe Spirit” will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 31-Nov. 2, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at Stage Coach Theatre, 126 S. Fifth St., DeKalb.
Photo provided by Stage Coach Players
Loose leaf collection starts Oct. 28 in DeKalb
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The city of DeKalb’s annual loose leaf collection will begin Monday, Oct. 28, and continue through Friday, Dec. 6, weather permitting.
Leaves will be collected from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, starting on the south half of DeKalb and working north to Lincoln Highway
to the northern city limits, according to a news release.
Leaves should be raked into a narrow row parallel to the backside of the curb so that vacuum trucks traveling curbside can pick up the leaves. Leaf piles must be free of debris such as large tree branches and rocks. To help prevent street flooding, do not place leaves in the street.
The city expects to complete three to
four collection cycles. To ensure all leaves are picked up by the final cycle, make sure the leaves are raked to the curb by 7 a.m. Dec. 2.
Schedule and locations change to accommodate weather conditions. With city offices closed, there will be no leaf collection on Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11; Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 28, and the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 29.
Loose leaf collection will stop if it snows.
Lakeshore Recycling will pick up leaves curbside on regularly scheduled garbage days, but leaves for that pickup must be placed in biodegradable yardwaste bags or open garbage cans. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be collected.
For more information, call the Public Works Office at 815-748-2040.
‘Dessert and Dialogue’ to feature area’s shared history
By KATE SANTILLAN ksantillan@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County History Center will host the first discussion in its “Dessert and Dialogue” series as part of its Arts in Action project.
The free event will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30 at the history center, 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore.
Led by Jonelle Bailey, Sycamore Park District executive director, the evening will feature storytelling, community-building and racial healing.
Participants will get a better understanding of the community’s shared history. Dessert will be provided.
Arts in Action started in 2020 when the History Center and Ellwood House Museum recognized they had limited information about the Black and Latino experiences in DeKalb County. In their research, they found restrictive covenants governing neighborhoods and cemeteries and details about Ku Klux Klan rallies of more than 12,000 people, but there also were inspiring accounts of hope and perseverance.
Both organizations thought about how to share the contrasting stories and to initiate action. Both recognized they often had portrayed history solely from a white perspective.
The two institutions worked together to develop Arts in Action to convey history meaningfully, support artists and invite analytical discussion. Since 2020, they have hosted two exhibits and numerous programs and launched a website. They see the next step as a community dialogue.
“We are looking forward to this program and see it as a way to learn more
about the people who live in DeKalb County and build relationships with those who have not seen themselves in our exhibits or programs,” DeKalb County History executive director Michelle Donahoe said in a news release. “Ultimately, we hope this experience will demonstrate our commitment to being a place where all DeKalb County residents feel welcome and where their stories can be preserved for the future.”
Registration is encouraged. Visit dekalbcountyhistory.org.
For information, call 815-895-5762.
International Trick-or-Treat
Sat., October 26th, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. T hroughout the librar y, for all ag es
Inboden’s Presents “A WORLD OF WINES” TASTING EVENT FEATURING 60 WINES AVAILABLE FOR TASTING SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3RD, 2024 @ 1pm- 4pm SERVING HORS D’OEUVRES & CHARCUTERIE BOARDS TICKETS AVAILABLE $30.00 PER PERSON OR 2 FOR $25.00 PER PERSON. WALK INS WELCOME Full & Half case discounts
All proceeds go to the DeKalb Rotary Club and Rotary Youth Scholarships. QUESTIONS? CALL INBODEN’S AT 815-756-5852
Block party takes over downtown ahead of NIU homecoming weekend
Northern Illinois University hosted its Homecoming Block Party: Down Home in Downtown DeKalb on Oct.17 as homecoming festivities continued
ahead of Saturday’s football game against Toledo.
NIU celebrated its 117th annual homecoming.
Photos by Mark Busch
TOP LEFT: Northern Illinois University mascot Victor E. Huskie rides through downtown DeKalb in style Thursday during the parade at the Huskie Homecoming Block Party. TOP RIGHT: Marty Gniech paints a Husky on Thursday to be raffled off during the block party.
ABOVE: A member of the NIU marching band plays in downtown DeKalb. LEFT: Members of the NIU Ballet Folklórico Aztlán perform during the parade downtown. MIDDLE LEFT: NIU students have some fun Thursday in downtown DeKalb.
THE ARTS AT NIU
Portrait Suite
Features
Paper lanterns lit in remembrance of people who died stretch the sidewalk in front of Olson Funeral & Cremation Services-Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., during a Luminaria Walk in 2021. This year’s walk will be Nov. 2.
Sycamore funeral home plans Luminaria Walk
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Olson Funeral & Cremation Services-Quiram Sycamore Chapel will host its fourth annual Luminaria Walk on Nov. 2 to honor loved ones who have died in the past year.
The event will be from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the chapel, 1245 Somonauk St. in Sycamore.
Names and pictures of the people cared for by Olson’s since the last Luminaria Walk will be printed on paper bags with candles, decorated
with marigolds. Families can have the paper bags after the event.
While the public is invited to drive past the chapel to see the lines of lanterns, families of the deceased are invited into the parking lot to take a closer look along the sidewalk and share the evening with others around a warming fire. Each family will receive a small gift of remembrance.
“Our staff is honored to host this event for the families we’ve served over the past year,” Scott Olson, Olson Funeral & Cremation Services president, said in a new release.
For information, call 815-895-6589.
Public servant Julián Castro to join NIU lecture series
By KATE SANTILLAN ksantillan@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The Northern Illinois University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will host a discussion featuring former presidential candidate and public servant Julián Castro and Dean Robert Brinkmann as part of its Rebuilding Democracy Lecture Series.
The free lecture will be at 4 p.m. Oct. 29 online via Zoom.
The discussion will cover topics such as leveraging Latinx political power, the race for the White House, building an equitable society, the state of democracy and the American dream. The lecture also includes a moderated question-and-answer session.
Castro was elected as a San Antonio city councilman in 2001. He served as the mayor of San Antonio from 2009 to 2014 and 16th Secretary of Housing and
Urban Development from 2014 to 2017. Castro is the author of “An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up From My American Dream.” He was a Dean’s Distinguished Fellow and Fellow of the Davila Chair in International Trade Policy at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. Castro serves on the LBJ Foundation board of directors as the Latino Community Foundation’s CEO and is an NBC News and MSNBC political analyst.
Registration is required before Oct. 29. Visit go.niu.edu/Rebuilding-Democracy-RSVP.
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.
Photo provided by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services
LOOKING BACK
1924 – 100 YEARS AGO
Sycamore’s hospital at the present time already has accommodated four more patients during this year than were taken care of during the whole of 1923. The hospital is so crowded at the present time that it has been found necessary to take the nurses quarters for the use of patients. Nurses are being quartered in a house about one block down the street. Although this arrangement makes it extremely hard upon the nurses, it enables many more to have hospital care.
At the present time there are between 50 and 60 prisoners in the county jail. Some of these prisoners are charged in the federal government and the remainder are under the care of the county. About a week ago, federal officers escorted 19 of the prisoners to Chicago for trial but other charges of the government soon filled the places made vacant.
Skirts in Paris are now worn from 12 to 14 inches from the ground, but in America we are content with 8 to 10.
The study of language shows the names of men often become a part of common speech. For instance, our word “dunce” comes from Duns Scotus, one of the most illustrious teachers of the Franciscan order. In his time theological controversy waged loud and fierce. His opponents on hearing an argument from one of his schools would say contemptuously, “Oh, you are a Duns man” or more briefly, “You are a Duns.” Finally, the word came to mean a dull, ignorant person and to be spelled “dunce.” We get nicotine, the alkaloid derived from tobacco, from Nicot, a famous French physician, who introduced the tobacco plant into Europe.
Rails, formerly used by the inter urban line between DeKalb and Sycamore, have been removed in some parts of DeKalb and a gang of men has been busy on the city limits taking up the last traces of the old line. The rails are to be removed between the two cities and will be sold for junk. The trolly line has been taken down from one city limit to the other.
1949 – 75 YEARS AGO
Genoa’s most ultra-modern home recently completed will be on display Sunday afternoon when the owner, Lawrence Smith, will hold an open house from 1 until 6 o’clock. The residence features ideas of contemporary planning and detail and fits the requirements of any small family. Two bedrooms with ample closets are placed in the north wing. The master bedroom features built-in birch dressing table and wardrobe. The carpeted living room and expandable dining area are open to the southwest by means of a continuous thermo-pane vista wall with louvers and doors beneath for ventilation.
Kenneth Barshinger of Waterman knows his driving rules. And because he knows the rules, and what is more important how to put them to practical use, he will represent DeKalb County in a district driving contest to be held in Yorkville. He will be joined in the Yorkville contest by Harold Gavin of Leland, who also operates an auto in the safe and prescribed manner,
which he demonstrated yesterday before judges in the Rural Youth driving contest for DeKalb County.
Robbers broke into the concession stand at Prather Field Monday night and escaped with candy and cigarettes valued at about $60. The thieves, apparently familiar with the layout, pushed open a tilting window and got away with 15 boxes of candy and 23 cartons of cigarettes.
Guests and employees of the DeKalb General Electric plant were entertained at Haish Gymnasium last night at the first Family Night program the company has held in this city. With about 500 people present, the program was specifically designed to acquaint workers with the vast scope of GE production.
1974 – 50 YEARS AGO
“Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed” is the motto of Knodle’s Electric, celebrating its 43rd anniversary Oct. 21 through Oct. 26. Owner Hays Knodle expanded the store from a radio and bicycle repair service in the rear of his mother’s home on High Street to its present location at 220 S. California St. In the 42 years, the store was moved four times. Knodle moved into his present location in 1954.
What is a pumpkin festival without lots of homebaked pumpkin pies? This year’s festival will not lack pies. The Rotary Club is sponsoring a pumpkin baking contest for anyone in junior or senior high school.
Once again, the Man-Ran Apartment subdivision problems were raised before the Genoa City Council last night. Council members made it clear that they would deal with no more Man-Ran business until the developers went through proper channels and took their plans before the Genoa Plan Commission.
A mix of tradition with new twists will highlight activities next week as NIU celebrates homecoming. The traditional events include a pep rally, parade, selection of a king and queen and a bonfire. Adding a modern touch will be concerts both Friday and Saturday night.
1999 – 25 YEARS AGO
After months of only heavy construction vehicles, North First Street in DeKalb is again open to the public. The road officially is opened to through traffic Friday. DeKalb County Engineer Bill Lorence said good weather helped construction crews finish much of the work early. The original timetable called for the road to be open to the public by Thanksgiving. The project involved widening the roadway, new curbs, gutters, signals and other improvements.
A concerned group of animal lovers hopes to build a shelter for abandoned, homeless and abused animals in DeKalb County. Kurt Clausen, the county’s animal control officer, has joined the as-of-yet unnamed organization which is being privately funded. The initial organizers’ plan is still in the early stages of development, said Kathy Westfall-Stelford, director of Oaken Acres Wildlife Center in Sycamore.
The city of Genoa will proceed with legal action against Humane Manufacturing LLC for violating the city’s laws governing order nuisances.
People who are careless about putting coins into Sycamore parking meters soon may have to dig deeper into their pockets as a result. The Sycamore City Council discussed increased parking meter fines at Monday night’s meeting. The proposal before the council would increase the fine from 25 cents to $1.
– Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by DeKalb County History Center
Mr. Pumpkin, Wally Thurow, makes his appearance in the Sycamore Pumpkin Parade at State and Somonauk, circa 1995.
Smoothie King open for business in DeKalb
DeKALB – Smoothie King, the popular franchise known for its wide array of blends, smoothie bowls and refreshers, marked its first day in business recently at 1015 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
The establishment joins a plaza that is already home to Starbucks and Baba’s Steak & Lemonade near the campus of Northern Illinois University. According to its website, the Smoothie King menu features more than 110 blends to suit customers.
Smoothie King will operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.
Casino Night fundraiser to support DeKalb Catholic school
DeKALB – St. Mary Catholic School in DeKalb will host its second annual Casino Night fundraiser to support the school. The event will be from 6 to 11 p.m. Nov. 16 at the school, 210 Gurler Road, DeKalb. Participants can play casino games for raffle tickets to win prizes. The fundraiser includes $50 of casino chips, two cash bars, a raffle ticket, music, dancing and a silent auction. Desserts and hors
d’oeuvres will be served.
Attendees also can buy a gold ticket. The ticket can go toward one of two vacation options. The first vacation is intended for a family of four. The second option will be available for an adult couple. The gold tickets cost $100. Tickets cost $50. To buy tickets or raffles, donate or register for the auction, visit smscasino2024.givesmart.com.
St. Mary Catholic School provides education for students in preschool through eighth grade and has focused on academic excellence, personalized attention and Christian values since 1913.
Magician Walter King Jr. to perform Oct. 26 at library
DeKALB – Magician Walter King Jr., aka “The Spellbinder,” will perform at the DeKalb Public Library on Oct. 26. The free show will be at 2 p.m. in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. King incorporates theater, dance, music and comedy with illusions such as transforming a woman into a live leopard or levitating a lady in mid-air. Born and raised on the west side of Chicago, King is a self-taught illusionist/ magician. He has performed at all kinds
of events from corporate trade shows and colleges to the grand stages of the Mirage and the Stratosphere in Las Vegas, according to a news release. The performance is free and intended for teens and adults. Young children must be accompanied by a guardian or parent. No registration is required.
For information, email samanthah@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
DeKALB – Meal company Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating announced in a social media post recently it was opening a new location at 136 S. Second Street, DeKalb.
The establishment, which first opened its doors in September, encourages patrons to stop by and grab their meals every Monday and Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m.
Store operators advise patrons to call 312-999-7743 for information or visit seattlesutton.com for meal and plan details.
Seattle Sutton’s owns and operates several locations in Illinois, including Oswego, Geneva, Wheaton, Naperville and Downers Grove.
DeKalb library Halloween parades begin Oct. 29
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will hold three Halloween parades for children.
The free parades will be at 9:45 and 10:45 a.m. Oct. 29 and 10:30 a.m. Oct. 30 in the children’s department of the library, 309 Oak St.
Participants can wear costumes. The parade will stop for kids to trick-or-treat. No registration is required. For information, email theresaw@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
Wild Blue Ukulele Orchestra to perform after-hours concert
DeKalb – The Wild Blue Ukulele Orchestra will perform an after-hours concert at the DeKalb Public Library on Oct. 26.
The free concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the main lobby, 309 Oak St. The group will perform Halloween music and refreshments will be served. Doors open at 6 p.m. No registration is required.
For information, email samanthah@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
– Shaw Local News Network
Pink Floyd tribute band to perform Nov. 1 at Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb
DeKALB – Think Floyd USA will return to the Egyptian Theatre stage Nov. 1.
The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at the theater, 135 N. Second St. in DeKalb.
Think Floyd USA will perform Pink Floyd songs including “Have a Cigar,” “Great Gig in the Sky,” “In the Flesh” and “Pigs (Three Different Ones).” The performance also features laser lighting and video displays.
The band was founded in 2004 and includes nine musicians and vocalists.
Tickets cost $27. To buy tickets, visit the Egyptian Theatre box office, call 815-758-1225, or visit egyptiantheatre.org.
The Egyptian Theatre is owned and operated by Preservation of Egyptian Theatre Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
For information, visit egyptiantheatre.org.
‘Holiday Dreams, A Spectacular Holiday Cirque’ to perform at NIU Convo Center
DeKALB – The Northern Illinois University Convocation Center will host a performance of “Holiday Dreams, A Spectacular Holiday Cirque.”
The show will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the NIU Convo, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
“Holiday Dreams” tells the story of a mischievous elf who thinks he mailed himself to a tropical island but finds himself delivered to the wrong address. The show features projection mapping, holiday music, holograms,
Ottawa and Oswego, is looking to expand its footprint within Illinois to include DeKalb.
According to its website, Brothers Country Supply is looking to set up shop at 1702 Sycamore Road, the former Eagle shopping center in DeKalb, by the start of 2025.
The store has an array of pet supplies in stock, including treats, chews, farm supplies, toys and grooming items.
Upon the DeKalb establishment’s opening, it will make for the company’s fifth pet supply store in operation in Illinois.
For information, visit brotherscountrysupply.com.
CASA DeKalb County to host Whiskey, Wine and Cheese open house
SYCAMORE – CASA DeKalb County will host its 10th annual Whiskey, Wine and Cheese open house to support its programs and services.
The event will run from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 at Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St., Sycamore.
lasers, cirque performers, acrobats and daredevils. Tickets are available at bit.ly/niuconvospecialevents. For information, visit holidaydreamsshow.com.
Brothers Country Supply coming to DeKalb by early 2025
DeKALB – Brothers Country Supply, a family-owned pet supply company with locations in Plano, Morris,
The Mass Shooter Threat” classes which are designed for every House of Worship, School, Business and Family. Please contact us for further information and/or scheduling dates. These classes can be taught at any location.
Please call or e-mail for further information. See website for detailed description of all classes
The open house will feature a live wreaths auction, hors d’oeuvres, holiday treats, charcuterie, and fine wine and spirits. Donations will be accepted at the open house in lieu of tickets.
CASA DeKalb County provides advocates to children involved in the court system due to parental or guardian abuse or neglect, makes court recommendations, and represents the children as guardian ad litem.
For information, visit casadekalb.org/wwc.
– Shaw Local News Network
Pamela Sage Photography
Think Floyd USA is bringing the ultimate Pink Floyd tribute to the Egyptian Theatre at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1.
History Center offers 2 cooking classes
By KATE SANTILLAN ksantillan@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County History Center will hold “Historic Recipes in Today’s Kitchen” and “Pasta Making Class with Chef Michael Haines” cooking classes in November.
“We love to explore different ways to learn about history,” DeKalb County History Center executive director Michelle Donahoe said in a news release. “These two cooking classes will not only be fun and educational, but they will have a special historic perspective.”
The history center’s exhibit “FOOD: Gathering Around The Table” is all about food and its historic impact in the DeKalb County community.
The cooking classes are:
The exhibit “FOOD: Gathering Around the Table” is open at the DeKalb County History Center in Sycamore. The center will hold two cooking classes in November at the Sycamore Hy-Vee.
• Historic Recipes in Today’s Kitchen: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Hy-Vee, 2700 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore. Attendees will learn about how pork was prepared, cooked and preserved in the 1800s. The class will be led by Mary Gorski, president of American Culinary Federation Chicago Chefs. The class costs $5. Registration is required. To register, visit zeffy.com/en-US/ ticketing.
• Pasta Making Class with Chef Michael Haines: 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at Hy-Vee. Participants will learn how to make, roll out and shape homemade pasta dough. Attendees also can taste homemade pasta sauces. A wine tast-
DeKalb 7th Ward meeting set for Oct. 24
DeKALB – DeKalb 7th Ward residents are invited to a ward meeting led by Alderman John Walker.
The meeting will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Red Roof Inn and Suites business room, 1212 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
The meeting will include discussions on opportunities, concerns and issues in DeKalb. Walker will provide opening remarks. Time also will be allotted for resident comment. Attendees can record or livestream the meeting.
Participants are asked to email discussion topics to john.walker@ cityofdekalb.com.
Graphic novelist Lisa Naffziger to visit DeKalb library
DeKALB – Teens and tweens can meet graphic novelist Lisa Naffziger at the DeKalb Public Library on Oct. 28.
ing will be held after the cooking is completed. The class will be led by chef Michael Haines. The class costs $10. Registration is required. To register, visit zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing. For information, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org or call 815-895-5762.
The program will be at 3:30 p.m. in the Story and Activity Room, 309 Oak St. Naffziger is the author of “Deja Ross Speaks to Freaks.” The program will feature a presentation and hands-on drawing demonstration.
– Shaw Local News Network
Mark Busch file photo
First Baptist Church of DeKalb turns 180
Church members celebrate anniversary with DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Tucked at the corner where Third and Prospect streets cross is First Baptist Church of DeKalb, 349 S. Third St.
It is home to what church leaders said is the oldest church community in town.
On Oct. 16, members of First Baptist Church of DeKalb celebrated their 180th anniversary with the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.
The Rev. G. Christopher Hines, senior pastor at First Baptist, said it means a lot to him that the church has reached this milestone.
“It’s a true honor and privilege knowing the lineage of the church and how long we’ve been together and knowing that God’s providential care has lasted 180 years,” Hines said. “It’s only because of Him that we’re here right now. To be here is so humbling at
180 years. I just can’t even fathom being able to be a pastor of a church this old. It’s such a true honor and blessing.”
The congregation got its humble start when it held its first meeting Sept. 9, 1844, in the home of Dorcus Goodell, historical records show. She and nine other people wanted to start a church in Union Grove, which later became known as DeKalb.
On Oct. 15, 1844, First Baptist Church of DeKalb was incorporated, historical records show. In the initial 10 years, the congregation met in a schoolhouse.
It wasn’t until 1855 that two of DeKalb’s founding members, Lewis and Russell Huntley, donated a plat of land that the church occupies to start the congregation’s first church, historical records show. The first church built on the property was a woodframed structure. In 1885, the present brick sanctuary was built and later saw additions in 1924 adding on a fireside room and the upper rooms and again in 1967 adding on the fellowship hall and education wing, historical records show.
More recently, the church’s sanctuary saw renovations in 1996 that involved painting and special work on
the benches and carpeting.
DeKalb resident Rosalie Williams, a longtime church member and worship leader, said she was eager to celebrate the church’s anniversary with fellow members.
“We’re a really close family, those congregants that are here,” Williams said. “We’re like a large, small group. It’s a close family.”
Williams said being part of First Baptist Church of DeKalb has long played a significant part in her life.
“I’ve been baptized, my husband’s been baptized, my daughters are baptized in there,” Williams said. “I got married right up here in 1971. We’ve been married 53 years. This has been my church for a long, long time.”
It’s a tradition that many congregants of the church share as well, Williams said.
“Joan Mosher, who’s the greatgreat-great granddaughter of Dorcus Goodell – who started this whole thing back on Oct. 29 of 1844 – her granddaughter got married in this church, too,” Williams said.
One such thing, Hines said, that intrigues him about serving as the church’s senior pastor is how fulfilling it is.
“To have people still at our church
who I get to preach to every Sunday, that their family started this church 180 years ago, it gives me goosebumps,” Hines said. “I just love it. The lineage of what we’ve been through, to see the people that have been here that have grown up in the church and the kids that have grown up in the church and to be able to be a part of the family, that’s been one of the greatest honors and privileges as a pastor here.”
Hines acknowledged the pressure that comes as a younger, less experienced pastor who is leading the oldest church in town. He said he’s not letting the magnitude of the moment overwhelm him.
“It’s important that we set the legacy for the next generation,” Hines said. “There is that pressure of the generation that we have now so that they can hand off the church to the next generation. I do have that pressure. The next generation would be people even younger than me. Yes, there is that pressure, but I look it like it’s a great challenge. ... As long as we look to Him first, everything around us will all be taken care of. When we’re in the storm, if we look at the storm, we’re going to drown. But if we look up to God, the storm will be taken care of.”
Megann Horstead
A ribbon-cutting Oct. 16 marks the 180th anniversary of First Baptist Church of DeKalb.
NIU official: Greek life center will
be ‘transformational’
Unanimous vote by DeKalb City Council greenlights plans for center to proceed
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – A Northern Illinois University official told DeKalb city leaders this week that when a new building dedicated to Greek life is built on the city’s north side, it will be “transformational for that neighborhood.”
DeKalb city leaders last week gave their go-ahead to the NIU Real Estate Foundation to rezone land for what officials have said is set to be the “largest privately funded project” in university history behind only Barsema Hall.
The NIU Center for Greek Life is planned for the vacant lot at the intersection of West Hillcrest Drive and Blackhawk Road after a separate proposal by DeKalb County Community Gardens was rescinded. The closing of the property’s sale is set for this week, officials said.
Matt Streb, chief strategy officer at NIU, said he’s ecstatic to have the city’s support.
“We’re very, very excited about this project,” Streb said. “We think it’s going to be transformational for you. I think it’s going to be transformational for that neighborhood.”
It marks the latest step in a plan for the university to purchase and redevelop a north side city-owned lot for a center devoted to Greek life.
In July, a real estate purchase agreement was approved between the City Council and the NIU Foundation
for the lot.
University leaders have said the facility is meant to help drive and maintain student membership in Greek life.
The facility also will serve as a space for students to prepare for exams, complete projects and engage in group discussions related to academics, according to city documents.
University leaders have said some fraternities and sororities do not have a space to call their own, while others do.
The facility, once built, would provide all Greek life students with a space to gather, according to city documents.
The City Council backed the plan in a pair of 7-0 votes Oct. 14. First Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada was absent. The NIU Foundation will be required to submit a final development plan, along with lighting, landscape and engineering plans for consideration, before the start of any construction.
Making the plan into a reality is still a ways off, however. Officials previously have said construction could begin in 2028 after the university hauls out an expected and extensive fundraising campaign.
DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes gave credit to where he believes it is due, saying NIU leaders deserve praise for this.
“It’s been staggering when you start looking at all that we’ve been able to accomplish in a short period of time,” Barnes said. “I know that’s a lot to President [Lisa] Freeman’s leadership, but the leadership of [Streb,] too. So, [I] definitely want to say thank you. [I’m] really excited about moving forward on this project.”
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Matt Streb, chief strategy officer for NIU, gives remarks at the Oct. 14 meeting of the DeKalb City Council.
DeKalb Chamber dedicates Veteran Memorial Mural
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting to dedicate the city’s new Veteran Memorial
members, and ambassadors attended the ceremony. The mural is a re-creation of the painting “What These
veterans. For information, call 815-748-2000 or visit cityofdekalb.com.
November 9th @ 2:00 p.m.
Photo provided by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
The
Mural at 203 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. Chamber staff, board and community
Boots Have Seen,” created by artist Mary Gallagher Stout, which honors military
CLASSIFIED
POLI CE OFFI CER
The Village of She rida n Police Department is seeking a Full Time Po lice Officer
The st andar d requirements, age 21, High Scho ol or GE D, no crimi nal record et c. Starting pay is $56,000, yearly IMRF retirement , medi cal and de nt al insurance.
Appl icatio ns can be picked up at She ridan Police Depa rt ment, 115 N. Robi nson St , She rid an. Inqu ires can be made to Chief Ch uck Bergeron at sheridanpolice@mchsi .com
Buying? Selling? Renting? Hiring?
To place an ad, call 833-584-NEWS MidWeek Classified
IF YOU HAD HIP, KNEE OR HEART VALVE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED A BACTERIAL INFECTION POST-OPERATIVELY and a Bair Hugger (BLUE BLANKET) forced-air warming bl anke t was used during the surgery, between 2020 - present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727
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Publisher's Notice: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housin g Act which makes it il legal to advertise "any preference, li mitation or discrimination based on race color, religion, sex, handic ap, familial stat us or nati onal origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation of discrimination." Familial stat us includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violat io n of the law. Ou r readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD 1- 800-669-9777 Hearing impaired number is 1-800-927-9275
Capital Plan. The hearing will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at our main office located at 310 N 6th St., DeKalb IL, 60115. The draft plans will be available for pu blic viewing starting on October 18 2024, at www.dekcohous ing.com Comments may also be made via email though the website or in writing and submitted to the main office If you are a
at 815-758-2692
(Published in the Daily Chronicle October 18, 19, 22, 2024 & The Midweek October 23, 2024
PUBLIC NOT ICE Drainage District Meeting
Al l members of the Normal Drainage District #13 of Dekalb Township are notified to attend Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 11am to noon at 7491 Twombly Road, Dekalb, IL for the annual meeting for all Normal Drainage District members. Masks optional Commissioners: Scott Drake, Barbara Twombly, Stephen Storey
(Published in The Midweek, Oct. 23 2024) 2199612
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