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ON THE COVER
Sabrina Nicholson (left), director of Behavioral Health Sycamore and the Ben Gordon Center, talks with Bridgette Maurino, the center’s manager of the crisis continuum of care, on Dec. 19. See story, page 6.
St. Paul’s Church dedicates little free library
‘We want to encourage reading’: Ceremony featured prayer, special guests
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – A little free library has found a home at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road.
It is all credit to Patricia Brown, who came up with the plan. The new Dr. Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School, part of DeKalb School District 428, is under construction down the road. It’s tentatively scheduled to open for the
PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzlesonpage13
2025-26 school year.
A nearby resource for reading seemed like just the right touch, Brown said.
“I thought it might be a good idea [for] us to put one to help the people in the neighborhood,” Brown said. “There’s a new school opening in the fall. So, I thought maybe some of those students might come by.”
On Dec. 15, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church marked the occasion by holding a dedication ceremony.
Among those in attendance were DeKalb Police Patrol Cmdr. Steve Lekkas and 2nd Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson.
The ceremony featured prayer and readings followed by light refreshments.
Brown said it means a lot to her to see the way the church has taken the lead on this initiative.
A DeKalb resident, Brown also serves as a member of the vestry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
“I’m very pleased that we all agreed to do it,” Brown said.
The idea has since taken off, she said.
“We started it sort of with our Episcopal Church women and then decided the whole church ought to sponsor it and be part of it,” Brown said. “Some other people have helped bring books. Sycamore library just had its books sale a couple weeks ago, so we got some books from them. So, it’s open to everybody and we want to encourage reading.”
Megann Horstead
A little free library is dedicated Dec. 15 by members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in DeKalb, with special guests.
Kishwaukee College holds fall 2024 commencement
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
MALTA – Kishwaukee College recently celebrated 103 graduating students during its fall 2024 commencement ceremony.
The ceremony was held Dec. 14 in the college’s gymnasium, 21193 Malta Road, Malta.
The ceremony included remarks from Kishwaukee College President Laurie Borowicz; Vice President of Instruction Barbara Leach; Board of Trustees Chair Bob Johnson, and Assistant Professor of Mathematics Nicole Rempfer. Destiny McKinnie served as student speaker.
“I encourage each of you to remember this – challenges will come,” McKinnie said in a news release. “Life will test you in unexpected ways. But allow every setback to become a step up. Every obstacle a stepping stone. Success is not about the accomplishments. It is about the perseverance that brought us there.”
The ceremony celebrated students graduating with associate degrees, Fast-Track program credentials, certificates of completion and Illinois high school diploma credentials. The college had 250 students complete
Kishwaukee College fall 2024 semester graduates are seen Dec. 14.
program or certificate requirements for the fall 2024 semester.
“Your path in life doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s,” Rempfer said in the news release. “What mat -
ters is that it aligns with who you are and what you stand for. As you leave here today, remember that challenges will come, but your values will guide you.”
The ceremony also was livestreamed on the college’s website and social media pages. To view the ceremony, visit kish.edu/commencement.
Photo provided by Kishwaukee College
Barb City Manor launches fundraising campaign
DeKALB – Barb City Manor recently launched its Light Up the Manor fundraising campaign to support its Project Fund and the Resident Assistance Fund.
The campaign will run through Feb. 15.
The Project Fund supports renovations and essential upgrades, according to a news release. The Resident Assistance Fund provides residents stability and support during financial hardships. The campaign also will prioritize funding the manor’s Safety and Security Wiring Infrastructure Project. The project’s goal is to modernize and secure the manor’s electrical and safety systems to safeguard residents and staff.
“Light Up the Manor isn’t just about improving facilities; it’s about investing in people, their safety and their future,” Barb City Manor Executive Director Sarah Davis said in a news release. “It’s an opportunity for our entire community to come
together and invest in the people and place we hold dear. Your support for our seniors will make all the difference.”
Donations and sponsorships are
being accepted to support the campaign. To donate, visit barbcitymanor. org or send via mail to Barb City Manor, 680 Haish Blvd., DeKalb. Barb City Manor is a nonprofit retirement home that serves low-income to moderate-income individuals ages 62 and older. For information, visit barbcitymanor.org or call 815-756-8444.
Noon Year’s Eve celebration set for Dec. 31 in DeKalb
DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a Noon Year’s Eve event to celebrate the new year.
The family-friendly program will be at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 31 in the library’s Story and Activity Room, 309 Oak St.
Attendees can create confetti-tossers and hats, march around the department with noisemakers, and return to the room for a countdown.
No registration is required.
For information, email theresaw@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350. – Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by Anne Cheladyn
Barb City Manor, 680 Haish Blvd., DeKalb, is alight for the holidays and through Feb. 15, 2025. As part of the “Light Up the Manor” fundraiser, the lights on the building are meant to invite donations to aid the senior living community’s resident services.
DeKalb County’s new program to fund infrastructure needs
submit a letter of intent by April 1. Feedback will be provided within two weeks.
SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Community Foundation has launched a new program meant to fund facility expansion and construction projects that serve DeKalb County residents.
The Build the Future Grant Program will serve the charitable needs of residents in DeKalb County, according to a news release. With grants of up to $100,000 available, the program will support nonprofit organizations and public sector entities to build infrastructure needed to expand their community impact.
The new grant program will replace the large request section of the foundation’s existing Community Needs Grant program.
All requests for construction and expansion from eligible organizations will funnel through the Build the Future Grant program.
Organizations interested in applying must follow a multi-step process:
• Initial contact – After Jan. 1, applicants should contact the Community Foundation’s grants staff to discuss their project and timeline. Email grants@dekalbccf.org or call 815-748-5383
• Letter of intent – Applicants must
• Full application – Based on the letter feedback, invited applicants may submit a full application by May 15. This step requires detailed information, including a project budget and timeline.
Site visits may be conducted as part of the review process, and applicants may be asked to present their projects to the Foundation’s Grants Committee, according to the release.
Applications are reviewed in June, with final decisions announced by Aug. 1. Grants are awarded via ACH transfer.
“The Build the Future Grant Program represents a significant investment in the long-term success of DeKalb County’s nonprofit and public sector organizations,” Jolene Willis, foundation grants and community initiatives director, said in a news release. “We look forward to supporting innovative and impactful projects that will enhance the growth and vitality of our county’s diverse nonprofit and public institutions.”
For more information on eligibility and the application process, or to schedule an appointment with the grants staff, visit dekalbccf.org/build-the-future-grants/ or email grants@dekalbccf.org.
YMCA donation to fund scholarships
The Kishwaukee Family YMCA recently received a $2,015 donation from the NAPA AutoCare Centers of DeKalb County to fund youth financial assistance scholarships. The check was presented to Kishwaukee Family YMCA Sept. 19, according to a news release. The NAPA AutoCare group donates a portion of oil change proceeds to charities every month. Participating shops include Barb City Automotive, Bockman’s AutoCare Center and Bockman’s Truck and Fleet, 3-D Auto Repair, NAPA AutoCare of DeKalb County, Archer Alignment and Motor Works. For information, visit napaautocaredekalb.com or kishymca.org. Pictured (from left) are Bockman’s AutoCare Center and Bockman’s Truck and Fleet owner Jon Bockman; 3-D Auto Repair owner Dan Doty; Barb City Automotive owner John Volkert; Kishwaukee Family YMCA CEO Brian Bickner; Archer Alignment owner Jacob Schneider; and NAPA AutoCare of DeKalb County member George Laidlaw.
DeKalb center offers help to those struggling through the holiday season
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – While the end-ofyear holidays are known for bringing communities together, expert counselors say the season can be especially difficult for people who recently experienced trauma, or are going through grief or isolation.
Licensed counselor Suzanne Degges-White, a professor and chair of Northern Illinois University’s Department of Counseling and Higher Education, said people without the financial means to celebrate, those who are not celebrating family or friends or are dealing with loss or trauma may find the final weeks difficult.
“If they’re dealing with grief, they may feel very much alone, and feel additional suffering from complicated grief or trauma,” Degges-White said.
Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center Behavioral Health Services Director Sabrina Nicholson said people often face personal challenges during the holidays, and are impacted by financial stresses, grief and Seasonal Affective Disorder.
“So all of that really can contribute to just what anyone would expect to experience, which is that increase in anxiety and depression,” Nicholson said. “At times, sometimes that can escalate during crisis where we need a little bit of help.”
Northwestern Medicine’s Ben Gordon Center, 12 Health Services Drive, DeKalb, is a credible and growing resource for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis over the holidays, or at any other time of year.
Inside the Ben Gordon Center’s Living Room, clients – called guests by staff – can walk in at any hour of the day or night, any day of the week, every day of the year if they’re experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises and want help. Guests must be 18 or older and a DeKalb County resident, but do not need to make an appointment or be a registered client of the Ben Gordon Center.
Katie Sherman, the lead recovery support specialist for the center’s Living Room said they’ve seen significant growth since expanding to 24/7 services in early 2024.
As of Dec. 19, the Living Room has had 115 encounters with guests this month, whereas there were only 96 for all of December 2023.
In August 2023, 72 guests sought the Living Room’s services, this year there
were 350, Sherman said.
“We’ve hit a kind of growth spurt here, and we’ll only surpass that as our numbers keep going for each day,” Sherman said. “Usually we’re over 200 for people coming in to talk to us in person.”
Sherman said it’s OK for people with not-so-merry feelings to feel how they feel, and that it’s not an uncommon thing.
“I think that entering this season a lot of people have similar feelings, however everyone’s feelings are unique to that person,” Sherman said. “No one really has to go through that alone. And it’s totally OK to struggle with the holidays.”
DeKalb County residents can call or text 988, to reach out to the county’s crisis line, or 866-242-0111, which also
is connected to the center’s mobile crisis response team.
Nicholson said people who are seeking help are able to stay at the center’s Living Room for up to 23 hours at a given time, and receive peer support from people who have gone through grief, trauma, addiction and other difficult aspects of life.
“These are trained peers, but they also have that ability to connect on that different level,” Nicholson said. “Sometimes, especially in this kind of season that’s exactly what we need.”
Nicholson, Sherman and Degges-White all agree that friends and family should look out for one another, and not be afraid to suggest seeking help when someone they know is experiencing isolation, grief, trauma or a mental health crisis.
While that help can often be found through medical practices, Degges-White said communities built by religion often bring people out of isolation. She also said helping others could be the key to finding internal happiness.
“We need to realize that the best way to bring joy to ourselves, or kind of help deal with depression, grief, is to help bring joy to others,” Degges-White said.
She says it’s who we are as a society.
“Human civilization is built on the good that we feel when we make other people feel good,” Degges-White said. “Finding ways to volunteer at the holidays is an amazing chance to put your own suffering to the side, and easing the suffering of others.”
Photo provided by Northwestern Medicine
Ben Gordon Center Living Room Certified Support Specialist Christene Shank-Gunterman talks with Katie Sherman on Dec. 19 on a Living Room couch at the center in DeKalb.
Agency supporting DeKalb veterans celebrates 10 years
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
GLEN ELLYN – 1776 Senior Care, which provides services to veterans in DeKalb, DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary as a veteran-friendly home care provider.
1776 Senior Care was founded in 2014 by Nat Truitt, according to a news release. The agency was certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans home health aides and respite services in 2019.
“As a veteran, it is an honor to be part of an organization that focuses on serving those individuals who have honorably served our country,” regional operations manager Mackensie Barone said in a news release. “It is our mission to provide veterans, seniors and their families with services tailored to meet their changing needs while maintaining dignity, safety and independence in their own homes.”
The agency features caregivers and services tailored to client needs. The services include companion, personal, live-in and four-to-24-hour and daily care. For information or to schedule an assessment, visit 1776seniorcare. com or call 630-469-4515.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Kishwaukee College to hold Discover Kish event Jan. 9
MALTA – Kishwaukee College will host a Discover Kish information event on Jan. 9 for new students and their families.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the college, 21193 Malta Road, Malta.
The event will feature guided tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., college swag, textbook purchases or rentals, and student ID photos.
A resource fair will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 2 p.m.
“Discover Kish is a great way to get a preview of campus and all the opportunities Kishwaukee College offers,” Dual Credit & K-12 Partnerships director Colleen Tumminaro said in a news release.
Check-in will be in the college’s student center. Parking is available in lot A. Registration is encouraged. For information or to register, visit kish.edu/visit. – Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by 1776 Senior Care
1776 Senior Care founder Nat Truitt (from left), member Laarni Ramos, regional operations manager Mackensie Barone, member Angelina McMahon and member Kim Saaby pose for a photo.
Officials: Don’t bring sick geese to Oaken Acres
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Public health officials and wildlife rescuers are warning residents to be wary of birds who may seem ill amid suspected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in migratory waterfowl.
DeKalb County-based Oaken Acres Wildlife Center announced Dec. 18 that it no longer will accept geese that appear to exhibit symptoms in order to protect their staff and other birds in-house.
Oaken Acres Executive Director
Kathy Stelford said her staff has kept geese outside of the center’s main building, which houses an array of animals and birds that are susceptible to the virus. The center often takes in injured or sick wild animals to care for and then rehabilitate them.
“The rate of infection is just too risky for us to subject our animals, our birds to having these birds here,” Stelford said. “It feels bad because we’re a rehab center.”
This month, area residents have called the center to report at least a dozen unresponsive geese, Stelford said. The center initially instructed people to bring the geese to Oaken
Acres, thinking the birds were hit by a car or attacked by another animal. But Stelford said she now believes the geese have avian flu.
“Some of them [geese], even by the time people had [driven] them here, had died,” Stelford said. “So it’s a very fast-acting virus that can be contracted from one goose to another within 24-hour exposure.”
The geese have not be confirmed to have avian flu, but Stelford said officials from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on Dec. 17 took a dead goose for testing.
The test results were not yet known. Stelford said she’s confident in her assessment based on her observations,
however.
“Usually within a day or two after they show symptoms, they die,” Stelford said. “So the ones that are getting here are either almost dead, dying or probably just beginning to show symptoms, and they are going to die very quickly.”
What is avian flu?
Avian flu, also called H5N1 bird flu or highly pathogenic avian influenza, is transmittable to humans. Since Feb. 25, officials said 61 cases in eight states have been reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to the center’s data. Infected animals shed the virus
through saliva, mucus, feces and other bodily fluids, such as cow’s milk. Human infections occur when the virus is suspended in the air through droplets or possibly dust and is inhaled by a person, according to the CDC. A person also can become infected by touching their mouth, eyes or nose after touching a surface contaminated with the virus.
What to watch for
The IDNR urged the public this month to be alert for any sightings of mass deaths of geese or other waterfowl.
See AVIAN FLU, page 10
Mark Busch file photos
A gaggle of geese stop traffic, taking their time to cross the street July 12 on Gurler Road in DeKalb.
LOOKING BACK
1924 – 100 YEARS AGO
Station Agent W. E. Allen is reported to be one of the latest victims of the slippery pavements, receiving several bruises and a badly sprained ankle as the results of a fall last evening near North Seventh Street and Fisk Avenue. Mr. Allen is reported today as resting comfortably, but the injury will cause him to remain at home for the Christmas holidays at least. Several people have received minor injuries due to their failure to remain standing on the slippery ice but very few injuries have been reported. In many neighborhoods ashes have been sprinkled on the walks.
Although the new Rods chassis ordered by the city of DeKalb for use of the fire department was delivered but two weeks ago, the truck today stands on the floor of the fire station ready for use in an emergency. The only equipment to be placed on the machine that has not yet arrived, includes two ladders, one extension and one roof ladder.
That the librarian and her assistants may enjoy the Christmas holiday to the fullest extent, it is announced today that the pubic library will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Patrons of the library are asked to remember that it will be closed on the holiday and to refrain from leaving books in the lobby. The place will be opened as usual on Friday, Dec. 26.
1949 – 75 YEARS AGO
Christmas dinner at the county jail this year will, as usual, be the traditional American meal. Mrs. Arthur E. Anderson, wife of the sheriff, will serve turkey and all the trimmings to 15 men and one woman who are incarcerated there for various offenses against the laws of society. The menu will include turkey, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, fruit salad, dressing, relish, fresh string beans, cranberry sauce, coffee and pumpkin pie.
All the somber business which is a part of the daily routine was forgotten at the courthouse Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock when the annual party of county workers and the DeKalb County Abstract office was held in the second-floor lobby. Around the big Christmas tree, the group gathered for the annual affair, sang carols with Janette Joiner, daughter of deputy county clerk Ralph Joiner, playing them on a portable organ, exchanged
gifts, and enjoyed coffee, doughnuts and candy. Considerable merriment was caused by a slight disarrangement of Santa’s costume in which his little round tummy became slightly askew.
Lt. Eleanor Pasquale and her assistant, Lt. Norma Hunter, fled from their quarters in sub-zero weather at 2 o’clock this morning when fire broke out at the Salvation Army headquarters at 713 E. Lincoln Highway. The fire started over the furnace and raced up the partition in the center of the building and then mushroomed through partitions between the first and second floors. The blaze continued up through the partition to the attic of the two-story frame
the service, notify the fire station so that a complete record of the chairs in the service may be installed. Tastad emphasized that those now using chairs are welcome to keep them as long as they are needed but that he would like to have the number of the chairs for the record. The chairs in the service are loaned, without charge, to anyone in the community needing them.
1974 – 50 YEARS AGO
The DeKalb City Council delayed action Monday on an additional 1 percent sales tax imposed on personal property purchased outside Illinois. Alderman Harold Rissman, arguing “people are taxed to death,” sought to have the council reject the ordinance.
Curt Weaver of Curt Weaver Harvestore Inc., 504 N. Main St., Sycamore, is giving away Christmas tree to those persons who cannot afford to purchase them. Weaver, who maintained a tree sales lot during the current Christmas season, said it is his belief no family should be without a tree simply because they cannot afford to buy one. He said such persons may pick up a tree at his sales lot.
Illinois Secretary of State Mike Howlett went through the contents of a metal box found by workmen dismantling the flag pole and base atop the state capitol. The box, apparently meant as a time capsule, contained letters, cards and newspapers from 1906. One letter from a woman said she promised not to get married until the box was opened.
1999 – 25 YEARS AGO
building but the fire was halted before it caused damage to the attic or reached the roof.
Those planning trips over Christmas are being warned to take it easy as most of the highways are very slippery and travel should be at reduced speeds. DeKalb street and walks also have a coating of ice and walking and driving are a bit precarious. The zero cold wave has also added to the difficulties and many were not able to start their cars this morning.
Fire Chief Stanley Tastad, who is custodian of the wheelchair service, has requested that those having chairs from
Driving through Southmoor Estates at night during the Christmas season is only half the fun. For eight years, the manufactured-home community, one block east of Seventh Street and just south of Taylor Street, has demonstrated its residents’ holiday spirit by welcoming people to drive through and enjoy a variety of Christmas lights on display in the neighborhood.
For students from Clinton Rosette Middle School, celebrating the new year doesn’t involve just a party, it also means reaching out to those in need. Approximately 40 fifth and sixth graders helped Voluntary Action Center staff assemble 250 emergency meal kits this holiday season.
– Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives
The DeKalb County Courthouse is decorated for Christmas in December 1993.
Sycamore police chief Jim Winters to retire
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Whenever Sycamore Police Chief Jim Winters needs a pickme-up while on the job as the city’s top cop, he looks out his second-floor office window inside the Police Department on DeKalb Avenue and searches for a three-legged dog named Luigi.
Winters, who announced recently his plans to retire in the spring, said Luigi’s owner walks the dog up and down the block regularly. One day as they passed, he ran outside to greet the owner and meet the dog. Seeing Luigi living fully despite life’s challenges always boosts Winters’ spirits, he said.
Making connections is what Winters calls the core of good police work.
“I don’t consider myself to be an extrovert by any means but I do enjoy learning about people,” Winters said in his office during a recent interview with Shaw Local News Network.
He said he plans to remain in the Sycamore area with his wife, Lisa, who works as an instructional math coach for Sycamore School District 427. They’re almost empty nesters, with three adult children: son Josh who works as an attorney; son Jake, also at District 427 as a fourth grade teacher; and daughter Emma at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Winters said he’s ready to retire. He’ll be sticking around until about March while the city of Sycamore undertakes a nationwide search for his successor. The city has hired the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police to assist in the search.
Winters, who will begin his 37th year in law enforcement in 2025, said he told Sycamore City Manager Michael Hall in 2023 that he was planning to retire.
“I think there’s a time when we all know that, personally when you’re like ‘OK’ you’re ready personally to retire,” Winters said. “So I think not only personally am I ready but I think the department’s ready too which to me,
• AVIAN FLU
Continued from page 8
Department officials believe several dozen water birds, primarily snow geese, recently died after being infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza at Baldwin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Randolph County, according to a news release.
Stelford said another mortality event could be occurring in Sycamore, which she said is where the majority of the sickly geese taken to Oaken Acres were from.
“The concentrations we’ve been get-
that’s the big issue.”
Winters was first hired with Sycamore as a deputy chief in June 2016. He was promoted to chief in late 2017 after his predecessor Chief Glenn Theriault resigned. Theriault’s resignation came two months after an incident where an Elgin police officer, who Theriault knew, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and then released without charges after Theriault was alerted.
Although he’s lived in Sycamore since 1993, Winters came to the Sycamore Police Department after an already full career at Illinois State Police which began in 1989. He retired from ISP as a lieutenant colonel, having worked with policing agencies statewide. He planted roots in Sycamore while at ISP, and worked on a regional narcotics task force with colleagues from DeKalb and Northern Illinois University police and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.
Since he’s taken up the chief mantle, Winters has overseen many evolutions of the department. Police added body cameras to their repertoire on Jan. 11, 2021. They installed license plate reader cameras at various intersections across
ting are mostly in Sycamore, kind of like the southern end of Sycamore over by Bethany [Road] and Somonauk Street,” Stelford said.
The CDC also announced Dec. 18 the first confirmed severe case in the U.S. of bird flu.
Common symptoms of the virus in humans include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, eye redness and shortness of breath. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are less common symptoms, according to the CDC.
The public is urged to stay alert and use caution, although the CDC hasn’t called for restricted travel. The CDC
the city. Squad car computers were upgraded. The department does electronic scheduling for their officers now instead of paper.
They’ve hired more officers. They’ve expanded partnerships with social workers and underwent 40-hour Crisis Intervention Training.
“We’re fully staffed right now, and we’ve got some great people working here,” Winters said. “The City Council, the community’s super supportive. So I think the next chief will be ready to take the department to the next level as far as what service we can provide, the public safety that is given to the citizens of Sycamore.”
City Manager Michael Hall told the City Council that he has been talking with the police chief on a transition plan for about a year.
A job posting for the next police chief is live and accepting applications until Jan. 3. Hall said the city hopes to have the search wrapped by Feb. 13, which also will allow Winters to work briefly with his replacement to ease the transition.
“And then we will have interviews, questionnaires the candidates will be
advised against visiting poultry farms, bird markets or dairy farms with sick cows. Of the 61 human cases reported so far in the U.S., 37 are linked to cattle exposure, according to the CDC.
What if I find a bird that looks sick?
The IDNR also offered tips on what to do if you encounter what appear to be ill birds.
Those who happen upon groups of five or more dead birds in one location are encouraged to report it to their local IDNR wildlife biologist. For DeKalb, Ogle, Lee, Bureau and Putnam counties, that’s Jared Trickey.
Anyone handling the dead birds
filling out, each time narrowing down the selection process,” Hall said in a Dec. 2 meeting. “We’re going to have an assessment center. The finalists will have final interviews with community leaders, law enforcement.”
When Winters set out to be chief, did he have goals in mind for his department and does he think he’s achieved them? He said yes, particularly as the department’s brought in new technology.
“At the end of the day technology is something that, it’s a great tool but you have to have good people,“ Winters said. ”Because police work at its core, it’s talking to people, decision making, problem solving and having relationships with people.”
Whether suspects, victims or witnesses, he said he believes his officers have the training and tools needed to adjust to calls as they come in.
Would he do it all over again? Go back to 1989 but with all the knowledge he has now? Yes, Winters said. But first he’d buy some Apple stock, he said jokingly.
He said he was one of those people who knew when he was young what he wanted to do when he grew up.
He credited cop TV shows like “CHiPS” or “S.W.A.T.” as an influence, and some specific moments he recalled.
“Where I grew up there was an interstate by, and I remember seeing state troopers and I was always impressed by that,” Winters said. “Then I got hurt in a high school baseball game, and the local cop who was watching the game, he was like ‘Come on, I’ll give you a ride to the hospital.’ And I had a conversation with him.”
As he got older, the adrenaline-rushing excitement of the job enticed him, too. He wanted to drive a fast car and chase people down the street.
“But also I felt like I wanted to be one of the good guys chasing one of the bad guys,” Winters said. “My appreciation for it has only grown in Sycamore.”
should wear gloves and a mask, and double bag any dead birds in sealed plastic bags. Officials wrote that those bags should be buried away from scavengers or disposed of by notifying a local waste service provider.
Anyone who disposes or touches the birds should wash their hands, clothes and any tools used with soap and water after the job is done, according to the IDNR.
Regarding the geese that appear sick but are still alive, Stelford said it’s better if people leave them be.
“There is nothing that we know of that can be done to stop the virus or cure the animal,” Stelford said.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Sycamore Police Chief Jim Winters is pinned during his promotion ceremony in 2017. He was promoted to chief after his predecessor Chief Glenn Theriault resigned.
DeKalb man inspired to curate exhibit on Black military service members
Traveling exhibit to continue in February for Black History Month
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Veteran Daniel “Doc” Habeel said he’s long felt that stories of the nation’s Black military service members go untold far too often.
One day, Habeel, who used to own and operate the RTW Veterans Center in Chicago, decided to do something about it.
Whether it be to serve up a communal meal or provide space for fellowship, the center was an institution established in 2000 that many people turned to in times of need.
As a DeKalb resident, Habeel said it’s clear that morale was at issue in retrospect.
“We began to notice that the spirit of patriotism was real low among the people,” Habeel said. “When we dug into it, it’s because they didn’t feel they were citizens of the country.”
The idea of a traveling photo exhibit grew from there, said Habeel, a U.S. Army veteran.
He named it “A Picture Exhibit of African American Patriots.” The exhibit ran throughout November at DeKalb First United Methodist Church, the DeKalb Public Library, Northern Illinois University and the Sycamore Public Library.
Habeel’s exhibit showcases images from 10 wars and one conflict, spanning Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War to 2024.
Habeel said he doesn’t believe public schools have done their job to educate students about African American history as they should.
He said he believes his exhibit allowed him to step in and become part of the solution for area students.
“This is American history,” Habeel said. “When we did this, we wanted to show African Americans that you’ve already paid the price for citizenship.”
In the exhibit, Habeel includes photos of his uncle, Kenneth Glover, and his father, Lt. William George II. Habeel said both men fought in World War II because of the Double V Campaign.
Launched in 1942, the Double V Campaign was an initiative meant to recruit more Black Americans to fight in the war.
Habeel’s exhibit also features notable figures such as former President Barack Obama and former Secretary
This is American history. When we did this, we wanted to show African Americans that you’ve already paid the price for citizenship.”
Daniel “Doc” Habeel, U.S. Army veteran
of State Colin Powell.
Habeel said people who frequented the exhibit have had positive things to share about their experiences.
“We got over 60 reviews positive,” Habeel said. “They were excited. The people are excited to learn this about history.”
Habeel said it’s clear that the country has made strides with promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in his lifetime.
“Most of the defense is on us now,”
Habeel said. “It’s in our hands, nobody else’s hands.”
Habeel said the exhibit is expected to start making the rounds again in
February, just in time for Black History Month.
Reopen dates still are pending for the exhibit.
Photos provided by Daniel Habeel
ABOVE, BELOW: DeKalb resident Daniel “Doc” Habeel (left) speaks to patrons at the Sycamore Public Library in November. People came to view Habeel’s “A Picture Exhibit of African American Patriots,” a traveling photo exhibit he curated to share Black military history. The exhibit will begin traveling again in February in time for Black History Month.
College’s fall 2024 nursing program graduates.
Kishwaukee College recognizes 27 nursing graduates
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
MALTA – Kishwaukee College recently recognized 27 students for their completion of the college’s registered nursing program during a pinning ceremony.
The ceremony was held Dec. 11 at the college, 21193 Malta Road, Malta, according to a news release.
The ceremony featured an address from the college’s Director of Nursing Angela Delmont and Vice President of Instruction Barbara Leach. The gradu-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Women’s group raises money for Sycamore Food Pantry
SYCAMORE – On Dec. 7, local women’s philanthropic education organization PEO Chapter DX hosted Jazz in Progress at Sycamore United Methodist Church, featuring a holiday concert and food drive. The event was a success, with more than 80 people in attendance and $520 raised, along with three boxes of food donations for the Sycamore Food Pantry,
OBITUARIES
MARY JANE GREEN
Mary Jane Green, 75, of Ottawa, passed on December 16th, 2024.
Arrangements entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home, Ottawa, IL. Please refer to ottawafuneralhome.com for the visitation details.
ates were pinned by a family member or friend who supported them or acted as their mentor during the program.
“The Kishwaukee College Nursing program is like no other. Every single one of our instructors teaches us with love, support and compassion. They will do everything in their power to help us succeed in the real world,” Olivia Arias said in a news release.
The graduating nursing class of fall 2024 includes Jacinta Allen, Kendal Ansteth, Olivia Arias, Vanessa Avolio, Bridget Babb, Kiley Bryer, Emily Corbin, David Doherty, Emma Dold,
according to a news release. Amounts raised surpassed the 2023 totals.
Jazz in Progress performed a set of holiday classics with a funky tone that included an unexpected Louis Armstrong impression.
Yoscelyn Escamilla, Kevin Farlinger, Tiffany Hardcastle, Matt Holuj, Leyah Langley, Sarah Lowery, Delaney McKay, Alyssa Miller, Lindsay Moser, Jessica Rhodes, Mary Sanchez, Bridget Stewart, Brianna Stover, Laura Valdez, Yessica Valdez, Melcah Van Oosten, Devyn Williams and Rachel Yalley. Allen, Ansteth, Arias, Avolio, Babb, Bryer, Corbin, Doherty, Dold, Farlinger, Holuj, Langley, Valdez, Van Oosten and Yalley were recognized as Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honors Society members. Arias also was named the fall 2024 class nominee for the nursing program’s Out-
Winter Reading Challenge begins Dec. 20 in Sycamore
SYCAMORE – The Sycamore Public Library will host a Winter Reading Challenge from Dec. 20 through Feb. 28.
Patrons can track their reading and
standing Student.
“It is an honor to stand before you today for this special occasion – a moment that signifies the culmination of hard work, dedication and an unyielding commitment,” Delmont said in a news release. “Pinning is a ceremony that holds a special place in the hearts of nurses worldwide. It is a rite of passage symbolizing the transition from nursing student to a practicing nurse.”
The Kishwaukee College registered nursing program prepares students to become fully licensed registered nurses in Illinois.
participate in activities for prizes.
No registration is required to participate.
For information, visit sycamorelibrary. org or call 815-895-2500.
