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ON THE COVER
WLBK Radio host TD Ryan (left) and former DeKalb alderman Bill Finucane put more food in the donations trailer Dec. 5 during Freezin’ For Food in the Hy-Vee parking lot off of DeKalb Avenue in Sycamore. See story, page 6.
Photo by Mark Busch
City of DeKalb announces warming centers list
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The city of DeKalb recently announced a list of available warming centers to help residents during the winter months.
Residents are encouraged to contact the facilities before traveling to ensure room is available, especially during severe weather events and holidays. The city also is accepting additional facilities to add to the warming centers list. To be added to the list, call 815-7488460.
The warming centers include:
• DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St. Call 815-756-956. Weekly hours include 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St. Call 815-2178235. Hours include 5:30 p.m. to 8:15 a.m. Sunday through Saturday. Warming center is available from Jan. 11 through March 11.
• DeKalb Salvation Army Community Center, 830 Grove St. Call 815-756-4308. Weekly hours include 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, closed Friday through Sunday.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St., blocks from downtown DeKalb, is seen Jan. 11. The church is offering a daily and free overnight warming center for all in need, open from 5:30 p.m. to 8:15 a.m. from Jan. 11 through March 11.
• Christ Community Church, 2350 Pride Ave. Call 815-787-6161. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, closed Friday through Sunday. Only open when temperatures are 20 degrees or lower.
Under city of DeKalb Municipal Code, landlords must provide residential buildings heat to maintain a room temperature of at least 68 degrees between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., and at least 62 degrees at other times.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
DeKalb library to host health department info booth Dec. 17
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will partner with the DeKalb County Health Department to host a monthly information booth about DeKalb County services.
The booth will run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 17 in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St. The booth includes information on programs such as immunizations, WIC and health care enrollment for special enroll-
To request a well-being check for someone who may be suffering from extreme weather, call 815-748-8400.
To report inadequate heat in a residential building, call 815-748-2070 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. After hours, call 815-739-0745.
ment periods. The booth also will feature new services and focus on nationally recognized observances.
For information, email samanthah@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
– Shaw Local News Network
Accuracy is important to The MidWeek. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411 or email at readit@midweeknews.com. PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzlesonpage17
Amusements 17 Classified 18-19 Cover Story 6 Looking Back
Kelsey Rettke file photo
DeKalb church to host winter farmers market Dec. 14
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb will host the first of its two winter farmers market fundraisers to finance two new furnaces.
The market will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the church, 158 N. Fourth St., DeKalb.
Admission is $1 for adults and free for children.
“UUCD winter markets have long been an annual DeKalb tradition that people in our community look forward to for their holiday shopping,” Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb market coordinator Dorothy Coleman said in a news release. The fundraiser features humanely
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Sycamore church’s Nativity and chili supper set for Dec. 14
SYCAMORE – The Lutheran Church of St. John will host a live drive-thru Nativity and chili supper on Dec. 14. The free event will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the church, 26555 Brickville Road, Sycamore.
raised, hormone-free pork, lamb and poultry, grass-fed beef, organic eggs, sausage and cheese from the Hasselmann Family Farm, honey products from Charter Grove Honey and Ihm Family Farm, organic French pastries from St. Roger’s Abbey, and soup, baked goods, and beverages from church cooks.
Locally made artisan crafts will be for sale. The market also will feature a used book sale. The book prices range from 50 cents to $1. Live music will be performed by local musicians.
“It is important to shop local,” Coleman said in the release, “because when you buy directly from a local artist or farmer, the money you spend multiplies throughout the community instead of leaving the county.”
Participants can drive around the church to view the Nativity, which features scenes from the Old Testament prophecies and the wise men’s visit. A chili supper will be served inside the church. Visit stjohnsycamore.org. – Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Local artists bring life to DeKalb utility boxes
Eight utility boxes adorned with murals across downtown
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Utility box murals created with artwork by community members have popped up across downtown DeKalb.
The city of DeKalb and its Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission have completed installation of eight utility box murals this year, according to a news release. The murals were created by using photos of paintings or digital designs to make vinyl wraps, and installing them on the utility boxes.
The artwork used to create the wraps was submitted by community members.
“I want to thank the talented artists who allowed us to use their original creations to make a more vibrant downtown,” Mayor Cohen Barnes said in a news release. “Their artwork is an excellent example of the creative people that can be found in DeKalb, and we plan to continue to tap into this creativity to make the city a fun and beautiful place to live, work and visit.”
With this year’s installations, the city has now completed 11 utility box
murals. They are located throughout downtown between First and Seventh streets and the Vaughn parking lot to Van Buer Plaza. The selected artwork was recommended by the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission, according to the release.
“The utility box and Paint-a-Plug public art initiatives are great opportunities for community members to showcase their artistic talent,” Commission Chair Brad Hoey said in the release. “On behalf of the CCEC, I wish to thank all the artists for their contributions, and I know the commission will do its part to sustain these public art projects for the foreseeable future.”
The artists for this year’s utility box murals are Zach and Melissa Beck, Elisa Boughner, Julia Fauci, Rudy Galindo, Tammy Judkins, Brian Livingston, Aaliyah Steele and Trent Taylor.
The utility box murals were funded by a T-Mobile Hometown Grant awarded to the city for public art, according to the release.
Over the past three years, the city and CCEC have put the grant to work to take the city’s public arts initiatives to a new level. The grant-funded projects also included a two-story Belonging Mural on the side of City Hall, a 500-foot Huskie Pride Mural in the Annie Glidden Road underpass and the DeKalb Veterans Memorial Mural overlooking Van Buer Plaza.
Photo provided by the City of DeKalb
The utility box mural in the Vaughn parking lot in DeKalb was created using a painting by Julia Fauci.
Sycamore to auction former Kindred Hospital building
Closed Kindred Hospital property to go up for auction in early 2025
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The city of Sycamore will auction off the Kindred Hospital building, which is expected to close by spring 2025, in an effort to redevelop the property, according to a social media announcement.
The Louisville, Kentucky-based operator of Kindred Hospital, 223 Edward St., confirmed to Shaw Local News Network in October that they intend to close the long-term acute care facility by no later than April 30. The closure also is pending state approval, said hospital officials.
The City of Sycamore’s Facebook page on Nov. 26 announced plans for a forthcoming auction.
“This property offers immense potential for redevelopment – though, keep in mind: rezoning will likely be required for residential and nonresidential uses,” according to the city’s announcement.
The city was notified of the decision
by Kindred Hospital, which is part of Scion Health, to close the facility on Oct. 15, according to city documents.
Officials at the time cited dwindling patient numbers as a reason for the impending closure.
The 64-bed hospital had fewer than 20 beds filled when the city was notified in October. The hospital also saw a 25% decline in patients between 2018 and 2023, according to a letter officials sent
to the city of Sycamore.
Patients are expected to be transferred to a different long-term acute care facility or discharged by the time Kindred closes.
The hospital operator is expected to consolidate its facilities into two within the greater Chicago area.
Sycamore city leaders, calling it “an incredible opportunity,” said they have a plan for the aging building in the
meantime: auction it off to an interested developer. The hospital building is 67,585 square feet on a nearly 3-acre lot, according to the city.
“With a rich history and unmatched location, this property is ideal for developers, investors, or anyone with a vision to transform,” according to the city’s announcement. “Don’t miss your chance to acquire a piece of the past and create something extraordinary!”
Sycamore city officials also included details on the building’s property taxes, which came in at $119,059 in 2024, according to the announcement.
The auction, which will include the hospital building, two ancillary buildings and a parking lot, is expected to begin in early 2025. The property is mostly zoned for schools, public parks, institutional and public uses, but also includes a section that is zoned for residential use, according to a document by Jones Land LaSalle Americas commercial real estate firm.
The property includes 101 parking spaces.
The initial building was erected in 1949, and added to in 1980 and 1993, according to the firm’s executive summary. The hospital can accommodate 36 rooms and 69 beds, according to the commercial real estate firm.
Kelsey Rettke
Kindred Hospital, 225 Edward St. in Sycamore is expected to close in 2025, officials confirmed to Shaw Local News Network.
Freezin’ for Food collects for area families in need
By MARK BUSCH mbusch@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The annual food drive benefiting area families during the holiday season was hosted by local radio personality TD Ryan. It kicked off Dec. 5.
The 24th annual Freezin’ For Food began at 6 a.m. Dec. 5 and ran through Dec. 7 in the Hy-Vee parking lot, 2700
DeKalb Ave., Sycamore.
Freezin’ For Food collects nonperishable food items and monetary donations to help restock The Salvation Army’s food pantries in DeKalb County.
As part of a creative way to encourage donations, Ryan stood outside in the cold and did live broadcasts throughout the three-day fundraiser to grow participation efforts.
Photos by Mark Busch
TOP LEFT: WLBK Radio host TD Ryan broadcasts Dec. 5 during Freezin’ For Food in the Hy-Vee parking lot off of DeKalb Avenue in Sycamore. WLBK’s Freezin’ For Food collects nonperishable food items and monetary donations to help restock The Salvation Army’s food pantries in DeKalb County. TOP RIGHT: Some of the food collected during WLBK’s Freezin’ For Food in the Hy-Vee parking lot off of DeKalb Avenue in Sycamore. LEFT: Ryan puts more food in the donations trailer Dec. 5. ABOVE: Ryan updates the donation totals Dec. 5.
Sandwich sculpture soon could be in downtown Sandwich
Convention and Visitors Bureau apply for grant for proposed art installation
By ERIC SCHELKOPF eschelkopf@shawmedia.com
A much larger-than-life-sized sandwich art piece may soon be coming to downtown Sandwich.
The DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau is proposing the idea as a tourist attraction.
“We are very excited about this opportunity,” DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau marketing director Katherine McLaughlin said during the Dec. 2 Sandwich City Council Committee-of-the-Whole meeting. “It’s something we have been looking into for the last three years really.”
The project would be funded in part by the Illinois Office of Tourism. The DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau plans to apply for about a $20,000 matching grant to help pay for the project.
Sycamore-based EggToy Studios would create the sandwich art installation, which would be approximately 4 feet high.
“They have done art installations
all over the U.S.,” McLaughlin said. “It would be two big slices of bread. On one of the slices of bread would be lettuce and tomato and ‘Sandwich, Illinois,’ would be written across it.”
People would be able to step inside the sandwich art installation. She thinks the project would help bring more people to Sandwich.
“They’re getting out of their cars and taking a picture of a sandwich in Sandwich and hopefully grabbing a sandwich,” McLaughlin said.
As proposed, the art installation would be located on Railroad Street where the annual Taste of Sandwich is held. Sandwich Mayor Todd Latham said the city might have to do some infrastructure improvements to accommodate the project.
The DCCVB will apply for the grant this month. The bureau should know in two or three months if it has been approved, she said.
If the bureau does not receive the grant, it still plans to move ahead with the project.
“We would love to still be able to create the sandwich, but would seek a large donor or multiple sponsorships,” McLaughlin said. “We are very invested and excited about this piece, but we will need financial assistance.”
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Steve Carpenter, his daughter Chloe, 11, and friends Rosie, 8, and Ciara, 11, enjoy food during the Taste of Sandwich Sept. 25 in downtown Sandwich. Sandwich is leaning into its name again with a proposed sandwich-themed art installation in the works.
LOOKING BACK
1924 – 100 YEARS AGO
Henry Beard, DeKalb’s only colored Civil War veteran, was struck by an east bound passenger train about 2:30 o’clock this afternoon, while crossing the tracks at South First Street. It is not known whether the gates at the crossing were down or not. Mr. Beard was rushed to the office of a physician, where it was stated that he did not complain of being seriously injured.
Sherman B. Letts yesterday sold the Winsor Apartments at Whitman and North Main Street to John MacQueen, wealthy Kirkland resident for a consideration reaching near the $500,000 mark. Winsor apartments were constructed in 1916, by Mr. Letts and George M. Bennett, then partners in the real estate promotion firm of Letts & Bennett. In February 1917, and while the building was still in the process of construction, Mr. Letts purchased Mr. Bennett’s share in the structure and since that time has been sole owner of the building. It was first occupied in March 1917.
Workmen today began the task of dismantling the Star theatre, and half of the seats, those on the east side of the building were disposed of to the Genoa opera house management. A couple of men came over from Genoa during the forenoon and started to remove the chairs, expecting to be able to get them over to the north end of the county some time tomorrow. It is said the work of dismantling the former movie house will go forward rapidly now, that the work of the DeKalb Trust & Savings bank can go along unhampered.
Monday, December 15, has been set as the day when the work of remodeling the Pierce Trust & Savings bank will be completed. One of the workmen today stated that the first floor will be ready for occupancy the first of the week, following which the workmen will start to rebuild the basement.
1949 – 75 YEARS AGO
The state Highway Department has refused Sycamore’s request for a traffic signal at West State and California Streets on the grounds that there is not sufficient traffic across the intersection.
Snow which turned to a freezing rain covered the community with an icy glaze during the night and motorists and pedestrians found travel a slippery
proposition. It starting snowing early last evening but before midnight a freezing mist started falling making streets, walks and highways one big sheet of ice.
Two fires, one last evening and the other this morning, caused damage to a home in the Galt addition and at the Dietz Forge Company on Pleasant Street. The DeKalb fire department was summoned to the Todd home on East Harvey Street about 11:30 o’clock last evening where a fire of undetermined origin caused considerable damage. An old street car, which was converted into a home, was damaged by the flames, both the building and contents. This morning the department went to the Dietz Forge at 7:40 o’clock where an oil furnace was responsible for a blaze. Several holes were burned in the roof.
Supervisor Dayton Ward of Sycamore has the county board roaring with laughter the other morning when he arose and said he didn’t want to distract their attention so early in the morning, but has they noticed the bright tie that County Clerk Earle W. Joiner was wearing? Everybody chuckled and Earle’s face reddened a little. His ties usually are on the quiet side.
Seventy-eight new lockers have been secured and placed in the hallways of the Genoa-Kingston High School. They are 15 by 15 by 36 inches. The lockers which have been in the hallway are now being used in the athletic activities, and
now a locker and padlock is available for each student in grades seven through 12, both in the main building and dressing room for physical education equipment.
The Ellwood School jack tournament is still in progress. The semifinalists for the seventh and eighth grades are Annette Donguas, Pat Sohne, Cleo Blackmore and Carolyn Nieminen.
Reports of deer in the area in the north part of DeKalb County are rather common, but this morning comes word that a young buck was sighted south of Route 30. The deer was following the creek that passes near the Wood farm and apparently was unafraid as it worked its way north. It cleared two fences while being watched and experienced no trouble making the jumps.
1974 – 50 YEARS AGO
General Electric Co., DeKalb, Tuesday announced more employes will be put on indefinite layoff in January. Richard Hardesty, director of employe relations, said the company action involved a “work force reduction and work schedule adjustment.” Hardesty declined to specify the number of workers affected, but private sources said 100 workers would lose jobs.
Reaction was favorable to a renovation plan for the unused portion of the DeKalb County Nursing Home for office space for the County Health Department. An architect and an engineer yesterday
unveiled plans to renovate much of the interior of the unused portion of the nursing home, which fronts on Sycamore Road, and to beautify and preserve the building’s exterior. The two experts stuck a $323,000 price tag on the total project.
The W. T. Grant store, 1714 Sycamore Road, will honor credit purchases made with Master Charge or Bank Americard. The Grant Company has offered customers its own credit facility since 1946. But with more than 61 million American families holding bank cards, they felt they couldn’t overlook those customers who want to use the cards as a convenience method of shopping.
1999 – 25 YEARS AGO
Non-resident users of the DeKalb Park District swimming pool at Hopkins Park next summer will pay nearly double what they paid this year for a season pass. For residents, the season pass fee increase will be $2. Daily passes should rise for both groups, with non-residents again taking the hardest hit. The increases are designed to alleviate overcrowding at the pool.
A variety of retail stores and restaurants may soon occupy the site of the old DeKalb County Nursing Home. A conceptual site plan shows 100,001 square feet divided into three stores of 25,000 to 35,000 square feet and a number of spaces for smaller stores.
– Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center
The east side of North Fourth Street in DeKalb, just north of Lincoln Highway, is pictured circa 1952.
D-428 faculty, staff victorious in charity basketball game
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The annual charity basketball game showcasing the rivalry between the Guns and Hoses versus DeKalb School District 428 employees, featuring police officers, firefighters, district faculty and staff, took to center court once again Dec. 2 for a good cause.
The action got underway at 7 p.m. sharp in the Huntley Middle School gymnasium, 1515 S. Fourth St., DeKalb. Benefits from the night’s rivalry went to the DeKalb County Marines toy drive for local children.
Treveda Shah, team captain for DeKalb School District 428 faculty and staff and Huntley Middle School principal, described the event as a success.
“This is the biggest crowd that we’ve had in the three years that I’ve been here,” Shah said.
Ray Hernandez, team captain for Guns and Hoses and a DeKalb police sergeant, echoed that sentiment.
“The community really showed up this time,” Hernandez said. “This time, we had someone from the school singing the national anthem and we also had a halftime performance. ... They did a very good job.”
See BASKETBALL GAME, page 12
Megann Horstead
Marcus Jones shoots from the charity stripe Dec. 2 at the annual charity basketball game held at Huntley Middle School in DeKalb.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Federated Church cookie sale benefits preschool
SYCAMORE – The Federated Church of Sycamore will hold its annual cookie sale Dec. 13 to benefit preschool programming.
The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at the church, 612 W. State St. All are welcome.
Once in the door, visitors can make their cookie selections and will pay by pound. Additional donations welcomed.
The money raised from cookie sales will go to Federated Church Preschool, which has offered full-time and parttime programming for more than 50 years.
Sycamore Chamber’s Winter Chocolate Walk set for Dec. 12 SYCAMORE – The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual
OBITUARIES
KELSEY ELIZABETH JOHNSTON
Born: January 30, 1998
Died: September 17, 2024
Kelsey Elizabeth Johnston, 26, passed away at IU Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by her family on September 17, 2024. She was born in DeKalb, Illinois on January 30, 1998, the daughter of Heather McDowell and Jason Johnston.
Kelsey spent most of her life in Sycamore, surrounded and supported by her extended family. She was active in youth bowling leagues at Four Seasons, continuing her bowling with Sycamore’s Lady Spartans. In 2016, her senior year, the team qualified
Sycamore Winter Chocolate Walk to celebrate the holidays on Dec. 12.
The event will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Sycamore.
Attendees can visit downtown businesses and sample hot chocolate, chocolate-covered pretzels and candy canes and chocolate wine.
Participants can pick up a chocolate walk entry card and souvenir mug at Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St., Sycamore.
Attendees can leave the cards with their name and phone number at their final locations. Four participants will be selected to win prizes valued at more than $600.
Tickets cost $12 and are limited to 500 people. The remaining tickets also will be available for $15 at the event. For information, call 815-895-3456.
– Shaw Local News Network
for state finals. After graduation, Kelsey moved to Indiana for college, making new friends, but deciding college was not for her. She spent the last several years trying to find where she would put down roots for good. Working for Jimmy John’s as a store manager, she lived in Georgia, Virginia, and finally Indiana.
She lost a courageous, painful, eight-month battle with melanoma cancer, losing her unborn son, Jiraiya, in the battle.
Kelsey is survived by her mother, Heather Cary (McDowell) and stepfather, Brian Cary; father, Jason Johnston (Jen); her half brother, Trevor Johnston; her old English bulldog, Remington; her “G G,” Gayle’ McDowell; grandparents, Bernice and Jesse Jacobs and Frank McDowell; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her boyfriend, Ryland Steward. She was preceded by her son, Jiraiya; and her great-grandparents.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Hygge Winter Happiness series begins Dec. 11 in DeKalb DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a hygge program as part of its Hygge Winter Happiness series.
The free program for adults will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, 309 Oak St.
Hygge is a Danish word used to describe the creation of a cozy, warm and inviting atmosphere.
This session will celebrate gift wrapping and personal gift-giving joy.
No registration is required to attend. For information, email susang@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2114.
Gingerbread house STEM event set for Dec. 14 in DeKalb DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host its sixth annual STEM Gingerbread House Family Fun Science event on Dec. 14.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. in the library’s Story and Activity Room, 309 Oak St.
Attendees can build gingerbread houses with graham crackers, candy and frosting. Supplies will be provided. There will be a Best House competition. The winner will receive a $5 Target gift card.
The event is limited to 30 children. Registration is required. To register, visit the library’s children’s desk one hour before the event.
• BASKETBALL GAME
Continued from page 10
New this time around, a singing group named Fade-Out performed a musical number to entertain the crowd during halftime.
Shah said she is proud to have helped introduce this new element to the charity event.
She credits the success of the event to community outreach.
“We had our Fade-Out a cappella group, so we tried to get as much community involvement and student and District 428 involvement in this event,” Shah said.
Shah said her favorite part of the charity game is seeing how the team’s chemistry comes together in real time.
“That was my favorite part but also just being able to hang out with everybody on the team and just the camaraderie, just everyone putting in work to get us to the final score,” Shah said.
Hernandez said he is most proud
For information, email lauraw@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.
Arcomusical to perform Dec. 13
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host an after-hours holiday concert featuring Arcomusical.
The free concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Children can hold and play the group’s instruments after the concert.
Light refreshments will be provided. “Sweater Weather” mocktails will be available while supplies last. No registration is required.
For information, email samanthah@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.
Winter light-up bottles program set for Dec. 13 in DeKalb
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a program for adults, teens and tweens to create winter light-up bottles. The free program will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 13 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
Attendees can create a custom bottle from winter vinyl designs and different colored lights. Participants also can bring a glass bottle if it fits a cork. Materials will be provided.
Due to limited space and supplies, the program is first-come, first-served.
For information, email hadleyo@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851. – Shaw Local News Network
The community really showed up this time.”
Ray Hernandez, team captain for Guns and Hoses and a DeKalb police sergeant
of how the event enabled both teams to make a difference.
“I think we accomplished coming together bringing the community together and getting some good support,” he said.
The night’s festivities culminated in a 56-52 win in favor of District 428 employees.
DeKalb police and fire were victorious in last year’s charity basketball game against school district employees.
Shah said she is satisfied with how the night went for the district’s team.
“I think it was amazing,” Shah said. “Everybody got to get in and play. It felt good, of course, winning this year. So, we’re excited being able to get back to the community.”
AS THE HOLIDAYS DRAW NEAR, DON’T FORGET THE GIFT CARDS
Santa comes to town
Claus and Coraline Reed, 5, of DeKalb, visit Dec. 5 in his house near the Egyptian Theatre during the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce’s Lights on Lincoln and Santa Comes to Town. DeKalb was treated to a special visit by Santa Claus and some of his elves as the holiday season winds up. Santa was the star of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce’s annual Lights on Lincoln and Santa Comes to Town holiday parade event. The family-friendly fun won’t end Thursday. Santa will welcome visitors to his house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 at the corner of Second and Locust streets in downtown DeKalb.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Kishwaukee College to hold fall 2024 commencement ceremony Dec. 14
MALTA – Kishwaukee College will host a commencement ceremony for its fall 2024 semester graduates on Dec. 14.
The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in the college’s gymnasium, 21193 Malta Road in Malta.
The ceremony honors graduates receiving arts, science, general studies, applied science, fine arts and engineering science degrees.
The ceremony also will honor Illinois high school diploma, certificate of completion and Fast-Track program credential recipients.
Attendees can enter the gymnasium through doors 6 or 58. Parking is available in Lot B.
For information, call 815-825-9447 or email khamel@kish.edu.
DeKalb library to offer study sessions Dec. 16 and 17
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host two sessions for teens to study for final exams.
The sessions will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17 in the library’s Teen
Room, 309 Oak St.
TV, table games and video games will not be available.
Snacks will be provided.
No registration is required.
For information, email stevenm@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3400.
Waterman Heritage Society to host Christmas drawing Dec. 14
WATERMAN – The Waterman Area Heritage Society will host its annual Christmas Drawing on Dec. 14.
The drawing will begin at 7 a.m. at Indian Creek Middle School, 335 E. Garfield St. in Waterman.
The drawing is free and intended for people ages 18 and older.
Prize drawings will be held at 8, 9, 10 and 11 a.m. Drawing registration begins at 7 a.m.
The winners will be notified to return to the school to claim a prize.
The drawing is being held in conjunction with the Waterman Lions Club’s pancake breakfast.
The Waterman Area Heritage Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
– Shaw Local News Network
Mark Busch
Santa
Meta Data Center left off Park District tax rolls
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The DeKalb Park District didn’t annex the Meta DeKalb Data Center for two tax years, likely causing the district to miss out on more than $1 million in tax revenue, officials said.
The 2.3 million-square-foot development was left off the park district’s tax rolls for the 2022 and 2023 tax years as a taxable property, according to city documents. DeKalb city officials and taxing bodies have for years touted the data center – owned by the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram – as a significant tax revenue generator, bringing in needed money to fund city services. The center went online in November 2023, investing more than $1 billion in the city, Meta representatives said.
Park District Executive Director Paul Zepezauer said he’s not sure how what he called an error on the district’s tax rolls went unnoticed for years.
The board originally went through the annexation process for the DeKalb Meta Data Center in July 2020. Zepezauer was hired four years later.
“I wasn’t here, and most of the people I work with weren’t a part of this process,” Zepezauer said. “For whatever reason, the annexation ordinance was never filed at the county.”
The Park District, like other government entities, taxes properties through an annual levy voted on by its Board of Commissioners. The levy brings in revenue based on residents’ property tax bills.
It’s not clear exactly how much money exactly was left on the table by the district for not annexing the Meta Dekalb Data Center.
“You would have to go back and assume that the board would have
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
KSO to perform Holiday Pops Concerts Dec. 13 and 15
DeKALB – The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra will perform two Holiday Pops Concerts: “Winter Wonderland” to celebrate the holiday season.
The concerts will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Northern Illinois University Music Building, 550 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb.
The orchestra, conducted by music
elected to levy the maximum,” Zepezauer said. “Now have they done that? Theoretically, they would have left a little in excess of a million dollars on the table for the park district.
“Again, that’s assuming that they would have taken those same steps with that information. I think that’s a little hard to say with certainty. All we can do is look forward,” he said.
When asked if this issue could impact how much the district will need to levy in future years to make up for what it lost, Zepezauer said he doesn’t expect it.
“This is in the past,” he said. “There’s no recapturing that money. All that will happen on the district side of things is we’ll have to push out our projects out to future years.
“I’d say the district currently has a backlog of projects. A lot of our facilities have some pretty significant needs. We just have to budget appropriately and be wise with our choices and make sure we tackle one project at a time,
director Linc Smelser, will perform classic holiday music. The concerts will feature the Celebration Chorale, directed by Christine Monteiro.
The Kishwaukee Brass Quintet, NIU Suzuki Strings and Crosswinds Flute Concert also will perform during intermission and before and after the concerts in the concert hall lobby. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for people ages 62 and older, and $8 for students with a valid school ID and
make the best decisions we can and we move forward,” he said.
The park district in November passed its 2024 property tax levy, which shows the district expects to collect about $6.6 million in tax revenue, up from $5.3 million in 2023.
When asked how much money the district anticipates receiving from Meta in 2025 with the adoption of its property tax levy, Zepezauer said it’s hard to say. He said some of Meta’s buildings are partially assessed and do not have abatements applied this year.
“However, looking at previous years’ data for the other taxing districts, I would feel comfortable saying that it appears that Meta’s 2025 park district tax will be in excess of a million dollars,” he said.
The amount taxing bodies received from 2022 and 2023 property tax bills ranged from $107,523 for DeKalb County Forest Preserve to $9.5 million for DeKalb School District 428, according to city documents.
children ages 12 and younger. Tickets are available at the concert or kishorchestra. org.
For information, visit kishorchestra. org or the orchestra’s social media pages.
DeKalb library to host seasonal depression workshop Dec. 12
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will partner with Home Instead to host the first of three workshops on various
The DeKalb library received $639,867 in total.
Zepezauer credits the park district’s board president for spotting the error so it could be corrected.
“Our president Dag Grada discovered that in the spring of 2024,” he said. “At that point, he notified staff. The staff that was here at that time, the previous director filed the ordinance and got everything in line. In the summer of 2025, we’ll start to receive the Meta value there.”
Zepezauer said the district is doing its best to move forward.
“It’s been corrected,” Zepezauer said. “The board took the appropriate steps. ... That is certainly a staff responsibility and not a board responsibility to do the actual filing.
“So, it was a breakdown at the staff level. It’s been corrected, and now we’re moving forward. That money has been added to our EAV for this year. It will be received starting next year, and we look forward to it.”
healthy aging topics.
The workshop will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 12 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. The workshop is free and intended for adults and seniors.
Patrons can learn about seasonal depression and how to treat it.
No registration is required to attend.
For information, email chelsear@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1700.
– Shaw Local News Network
Scott Anderson file photo
An aerial view of the Facebook’s DeKalb Data Center site shows the progress of the 500-acre project on July 26, 2022, in DeKalb. Facebook’s parent company, Meta, announced earlier this year that the DeKalb Data Center expanded into three buildings, bringing with it a community investment that now totals more than $1 billion.
Paul Zepezauer
DeKalb Youth cheerleading squad heads to nationals
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – The DeKalb Youth Football League Jr. Barb Junior Varsity Cheerleading Squad is headed for warmer temperatures in sunny Florida.
After winning in regional competition, the team has qualified to compete at the next level in the Pop Warner National Championship from Dec. 7 to Dec. 14 in Orlando.
DeKalb resident Aaliyah Randle, 11, said the team trip out of state will be a first for her, as she’s never traveled that far aside from with family.
“It’s really exciting,” Aaliyah said. “We get to be together, all together.”
Connie Storey, the team’s cheer director, said she is excited to see how the team’s hard work has paid off.
“We’ve been continuously building every year,” Storey said. “This year, we have 70 girls in cheer. Our varsity team has been small the last few years. We started the season with 14. We ended up with 12 that are going to nationals. It’s very exciting that for the first time we went to regionals, we qualified to go to nationals. This is the biggest competition we’ve ever gone to.”
Storey credits the team’s success over the course of the past season to allaround effort.
“We have had amazing coaches, and the families of all these girls have been super supportive and ready to help out, do whatever is asked this year,” Storey said. “We’ve definitely given them more work and challenged them more than, I think, we ever had because we had new coaches coming that had really high hopes for them, and they set the bar saying we’re going to nationals this year. That’s our goal the whole season. Then, they made it. So, the girls are just thrilled.”
One highlight for the team this season has been its performance of “Can’t Stop Us,” which Storey said encapsulates the essence of the team.
“This year, we’ve really made a lot
of changes,” Storey said. “Over half the team is either brand-new to this level or brand-new to our league in general. Only half our team was actually returning girls. That’s amazing that we’ve done as well. That’s really been their motto is ‘out with the old, in with the new.’”
Allyssa Randle, 11, also of DeKalb, said her favorite part about being on the cheerleading team is doing stunts with her friends.
“It’s very fun with my teammates because they’re funny and they’re my best friends,” Allyssa said.
When asked if she finds any challenge in directing a team that is a mixture of both new and returning cheerleaders, Storey said she’s had some help with managing it.
“My returners love stepping up, being leaders and teaching the new girls,” she said. “They’re always fighting over, ‘Can I lead today?’ ‘Can I be in charge?’ They love helping out.”
Storey said she’s proud of everything the team has accomplished. She said she doesn’t want to put too much pressure on the team as they prepare to compete in nationals.
“I don’t care if we place,” Storey
This year, we’ve really made a lot of changes. Over half the team is either brand-new to this level or brand-new to our league in general. Only half our team was actually returning girls. That’s amazing that we’ve done as well. That’s really been their motto is ‘out with the old, in with the new.’ ”
said. “I mean, that would be amazing if we could place to get a trophy, but I want them to do their best. That is every competition. That is all we’ve said is, ‘We just hope you all do your
best’ – that they hit all their stunts, nobody falls, nobody makes any silly mistakes, and everybody just does their best so that we represent ourselves the full of our ability.”
Photo provided by Connie Storey
The DeKalb Youth Football League cheerleading squad poses for a photo.
Connie Storey,
DeKalb Youth Football League Jr. Barb Junior Varsity Cheerleading Squad cheer director
recently
the
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Photo provided by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
celebrated
opening of Cynthia’s Wedding and Event Decor LLC. Chamber staff, community and board members, and ambassadors marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting on Nov. 8. Cynthia’s Wedding and Event Decor LLC, 302 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, provides balloon decor and wedding, corporate event, birthday and celebration event
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COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
PIN 08-28-201-001
Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS:
825 Quail Run
Dekalb, IL 60115
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
DEKALB COUNTYSYCAMORE, ILLINOIS
Old Second Nati onal Bank
PLAINTIFF Vs Jerry Isham; et al DEFENDANTS
No 2024FC000025
NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 11/14/2024, the Sheriff of DeKalb County, Illinois will on January 9, 2025 at the hour of 1:00 PM at Publ ic Safety Building, 150 North Main Sycamore, IL 60178, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of DeKalb and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: PIN 08-28-201-001
Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 825 Quail Run
Dekalb, IL 60115
Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bi d by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, incl uding the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300 in certified funds is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxe s, special assessments, or special taxes levi ed against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure take s place after 1/1/2007 purchasers ot her than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4)
If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mort gagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney Upon payment in full of the amount bi d, the purchaser shal l receive a Certif icate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other indivi duals presently in possession of the subject premises
Mortgagee's attorney Upon payment in full of the amount bi d, the purchaser shal l receive a Certif icate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other indivi duals presently in possession of the subject premises The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information.
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF PO SSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MO RTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For informati on: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-24-00954. I3256173
Published in The MidWeek , December 4, 11, 18, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DEKALB COUNTYSYCAMORE, ILLINOIS Old Second Nati onal Bank PLAINTIFF Vs Jerry Isham; et al DEFENDANTS No. 2024FC000025 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 11/14/2024, the Sheriff of DeKalb County, Illinois will on January 9, 2025 at the hour of 1:00 PM at Publ ic Safety Building, 150 North Main Sycamore IL 60178, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of DeKalb and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT 100 IN OVERLOOK POINTE P.U.D. PHASE 4, A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE EAST HALF OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 28, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 4, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCI PAL MERIDIAN ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED MARCH 30 1998, IN PLAT BOOK "Z", PAGE 322, AS DOCUMENT NO. 98004923, ALL IN THE CITY OF DEKALB, DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
PIN 08-28-201-001
Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 825 Quail Run Dekalb, IL 60115
Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bi d by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, incl uding the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property
Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bi d by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, incl uding the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxe s, special assessments, or special taxes levi ed against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure takes place after 1/1/2007, purchasers ot her than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4)
If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mort gagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney
Upon payment in full of the amount bi d, the purchaser shal l receive a Certif icate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other indivi duals presently in possession of the subject premises
The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information.
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF PO SSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MO RTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-24-00954. I3256173
