DC_Midweek_111622

DeKalb wraps up Market Square Shopping Center, Gurler Road projects

DeKALB – The roads are a little smoother these days for residents look ing to shop at Market Square Shopping Center or catch a movie at the AMC the ater, as road resurfacing is now complete.

It’s one of several infrastructure improvement projects the city of DeKalb announced as finished this fall.

The resurfacing along Market Square was paid for by the shopping center own ers, according to a city social media post.

In January 2020, the DeKalb City Council approved the creation of a spe cial service tax district, which at the time included 18 retailers. Concerns had been raised regularly about ongoing road con ditions, including persistent potholes. As a result, the city imposed an annual fall tax on the retailers, meant to pay for reg ular road repair.

“The owners of that had an opportu nity in 2020 to object to the special service area and they did not,” City Engineer Zac Gill said. “I assume that means that they are at least amenable to, if not in favor of, the idea of using it to ensure maintenance of those areas.”

Gill said he doesn’t think the improve ments could have been made possible had it not been for the SSA.

Road resurfacing of the Market Square Shopping Center common areas was made possible at just under $250,000 price tag, officials said.

“I think a lot of people don’t under stand that none of those are city streets in there,” Gill said. “As soon as you turn off of Sycamore Road there at the stoplight,

all that is privately owned.”

South side changes

More construction on the city’s south side was also completed this fall, as new traffic signals were installed at Route 23 and Gurler Road, part of a larger project meant to accommodate a significant increase in truck and other traffic near the Chicago West Business Center. Over the past two years, several big-name companies have put down roots there,

including the $1 billion Meta DeKalb Data Center, Ferrara Candy Co. and Amazon.

Gill said the traffic safety improve ments off Route 23 and Gurler Road have been a long time in the making. This project encompasses not only traffic signal activation but the installa tion of new turn lanes and roadway wid ening.

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ON THE COVER

Emma Fredericks and Eva Peterson pose for a photo. Five years after forming their violins-for-hire group, Eva and Emma: Classical Duettes, the pair are looking forward to finishing what may be their final holiday season of performances together.

See story, page 6.

Photo provided by Eileen Garvin

CORRECTIONS

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ComEd grant adds electric vehicle to driver’s ed

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – An electric vehicle and two charging stations now are a part of DeKalb High School’s driver’s educa tion program, made possible by a $50,000 grant from ComEd.

“DeKalb High School students will now have a unique opportunity to drive an electric vehicle as they learn the rules of safety on the road,” DeKalb High School Principal Donna Larson said in the release.

DeKalb High School’s driver’s edu cation program currently has 140 par ticipants, according to the release. Stu dents also have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of driving and maintaining electric vehicles.

It’s not the first grant ComEd has provided to the DeKalb area to expand area drivers’ access to electric vehicles and charging stations.

Earlier this year, ComEd joined DeKalb city leaders for a ribbon-cut

Photo provided by Lauren Huffman of ComEd

An electric vehicle and two charging stations are now a part of DeKalb High School’s driver’s education program, made possible by a $50,000 grant from ComEd. A new Chevrolet Bolt joined the school’s fleet earlier this year following the grant facilitated through the DeKalb Education Foundation, which was provided by ComEd through its EVs (electric vehicles) for Education program, according to a news release.

ting for a third public charging station located in the city’s downtown district. That project was supported by a Power ing Safe Communities grant. And in 2021, the city installed its first two charging stations, again with ComEd’s support.

DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes said the efforts align with the city’s goal to enhance student access to technology.

“Thank you to ComEd and the

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DeKalb Education Foundation for giv ing our students firsthand experience with green technology as they learn the importance of environmental sustain ability,” Barnes said in the release.

A decal was created for the high school’s electric car, made possible by DeKalb Sycamore Chevrolet Buick GMC; Scott Zeimet of State Farm Insur ance; Banner Up Signs; the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office; the DeKalb

Police Department; the DeKalb Police Benevolent and Protective Association Unit 71; the DeKalb Fire Department; the DeKalb Fire Fighters Local 1236 and Northern Illinois University Police Department.

Including DeKalb, 14 Illinois schools have participated in ComEd’s electric vehicle education program. Illinois school communities with a drivers’ education program interested in applying for the next round of grants for 2023 are invited to apply for a piece of the $250,000 available fund ing through Dec. 31.

Philip Roy, ComEd director of exter nal affairs, said use of electric vehicles can lower emissions and bring cleaner air to communities.

“We are proud to partner with DeKalb High School to integrate a new EV and charging station that will enhance the driver education experi ence and expose more Illinois students to the exciting vehicles that will soon dominate our roadways and that are key to a cleaner, healthier future,” Roy said in the release.

ComEd’s education program was created in 2019 through the Illinois Cli mate and Equitable Jobs Act, with a goal to add 1 million electric vehicles to the roadways by 2030.

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BRIEFS

Applications open for 2023 Kindergarten readiness grants

SYCAMORE – Applications are open for the 2023 Kindergarten Readiness Toolkit Grants available through the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

DeKalb County schools and school districts are encouraged to apply. The deadline is Thursday, Dec. 1, according to a news release.

The grants support kindergarten pro grams, both public and private, located in the county. The toolkits are distrib uted in the spring during kindergarten orientation events leading up to the start of the school year. Applicants can be kin dergarten teachers or other school pro fessionals on behalf of the entire kinder garten program. Applicants will receive notification of grant status following the deadline.

The Kindergarten Readiness Toolkit Program is made possible through donor generosity to Community Works Funds at the DeKalb County Community Foun dation. The program began as part of the DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children, which leads a countywide effort to better prepare children for school and life success.

For information, email t.spartz@ dekalbccf.org or call 815-748-5383.

Kish College plans information sessions on EMSA program

MALTA – Kishwaukee College’s Engi neering, Math and Science Academy will

hold two information sessions for the 2023 to 2024 academic year.

The sessions will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, and Tues day, Dec. 6, via Zoom or in room C1121 at Kishwaukee College, 21193 Malta Road, Malta, according to a news release.

The sessions are open to current high school sophomores and juniors and par ents or guardians. The sessions will overview the program, explain the appli cation process and answer questions for students and their parents.

EMSA offers high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses in STEM-related fields, including physics, mathematics, chemistry, anatomy and physiology and biology, to prepare for various careers. The program offers three unique tracks in engineering, pre-professional and pre-nursing.

Depending on their chosen track, stu dents may need to complete pre-calcu lus or chemistry with a “B” grade or bet ter to be considered eligible for the program. Students can earn up to 23 transferable credit hours through EMSA.

Application materials for the 2023-24 academic year must be turned into the college no later than Sunday, Jan. 31. Guests attending the in-person sessions should park in Lot A and enter through door 6.

For information, visit kish.edu/emsa, email ckarasewski@kish.edu or call 815825-9307.

Burana

Nov. 13 Cor Cantiamo, 3 p.m.

Nov. 13 Illinois Brass Band, 7 p.m.

Nov. 14 NIU Jazz Ensemble, 7 p.m.

Nov. 15 NIU Opera Scenes, 7 p.m.

Nov. 16 Chinese Music Ensemble, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 Thai Music Concert, 5 p.m.

Nov. 17 Jazz Orchestra, 7 p.m.

Nov. 18 Fusion Music Concert, 5 p.m.

Nov. 18 NIU Wind Ensemble, 7 p.m.

Nov. 19 NIU Banda and Mariachi NIU, 7 p.m.

Nov. 20 NIU Steelband, 3 p.m.

ONE LAST PERFORMANCE? COVER STORY

Sycamore violins-for-hire pair look forward to college, future plans

SYCAMORE – Since they were pre teens, Emma Fredericks and Eva Peter son have performed violin at Sycamore businesses during the holidays, and this Friday they’ll return, as high school students, for perhaps the last time.

Their paired performances started early, when they met through private lessons with Northern Illinois Univer sity’s Suzuki Strings program as the girls entered grade school. It’s evolved over the years to become a highlight in downtown Sycamore’s Moonlight Magic event, hosted by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce.

Fredericks, 17, now a Sycamore High School senior, said she’s looking forward to Friday’s performance, and understands the duo won’t last forever. Peterson agreed, saying their paths could diverge after this season as Fred ericks heads off to college next year.

“I mean it would be pretty cool if we could do it as we get older,” said Peter son, 16, a Sycamore High School junior. “But we’re both going to be so busy with our lives – especially since Emma’s going to college and doing all of these great things.”

It’s been years since the girls first met at lessons, but that meeting left an impact.

“My very first lesson that I ever had, Emma played ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ for me, because she was the lesson right before I was,” said Peterson, who’s been playing since she was 6. “And that was like the very first time I’d ever met Emma and that was so cool to me.”

Fast forward five years later to 2017 and a new upscale women’s clothing store called Lizzy’s Pink Boutique had just opened in downtown Sycamore.

Wanting to stand out during Moon light Magic – a holiday shopping event hosted by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce – Lizzy Oparyk of Lizzy’s Pink Boutique asked Peterson to per form at the store as a part of the shop ping event.

A staple feature of Moonlight Magic invites area performers, Santa and

even Mrs. Clause to sit in storefront windows to greet patrons and welcome the holiday season. The magic this year will start at 6 p.m. Friday and run through 8 p.m. It will feature 14 down town businesses.

Peterson, only 11 at the time, was in need of a partner for the performance so she asked Fredericks, then 12, to join her. That November 2017 perfor mance showed the pair what they could do performing together.

“We found that we did duets really well together,” Fredericks said. “And as time went on, we just kind of started doing more and more gigs until we made an actual business and made a Facebook account and business cards and such. So it’s been a solid five or so years.”

The violins-for-hire pair goes by Eva and Emma: Classical Duettes, and are featured in local private and public events.

The girls have played the violin in front of a live audience for most of their lives. Fredericks said her anxiety before performances has gotten easier with time. ”[But] the jitters, the nervousness never really goes away,” she said.

Fredericks said having someone like Peterson beside her helps temper the fear.

“It really helps just like to have someone to relate to and to look over and see her also in the spotlight,” Fredericks said.

Recently, the duet played in Elburn, and this past weekend performed at

the Wonderful World of Christmas craft and vendor show at Genoa-Kings ton High School. As they’ve aged, how ever, the girls said they’ve gotten fewer gigs.

“We’re kind of at that age where we’re not very young anymore. ... We got hired a lot more because we were younger and it was like really cool that they were like such young kids play ing,” Peterson said. “But now that we’re older, it’s kind of like they don’t really want us anymore.”

Nevertheless, the local violinists are looking forward to performances they have scheduled over the next few months.

“We found that we did duets really well together. And as time went on, we just kind of started doing more and more gigs until we made an actual business and made a Facebook account and business cards and such. So it’s been a solid five or so years.”

BRIEFS

NIU names Fierce Gamer

Scholarship winners

DeKALB – Northern Illinois University recently named the recipients of the Fierce Gamer Scholarship.

This past spring, Dr. Levi Harrison announced that he would award a $1,000 scholarship to one NIU student for the 2022-23 school year. Harrison found himself faced with two applica tions so exceptional that he chose to award the scholarships to both students, according to a news release.

The recipients of the Fierce Gamer Scholarship are Angelica Navarrete and James Westlund.

Navarrete began playing video games as a way of connecting with her younger brother. She is a senior majoring in psy chology. Navarrete plans to pursue a career as a college academic adviser after completing her degree in May.

Westlund has been playing video games since the age of 4. He is a senior majoring in management and plays “Overwatch” on the NIU varsity esports team. Westlund is pursuing his profes sional sales certificate in the NIU College of Business. He plans to get a job in sales or marketing after graduating in May.

• VIOLINISTS

Both Navarrete and Westlund applied to the Fierce Gamer Scholarship because it combines academics and video gam ing, showing that the two can go hand in hand and be part of a healthy, balanced approach to college life.

For information about NIU Esports, visit niu.edu/esports.

Fox Valley Community Services receives donation from City Heat Motorcycle Association

SANDWICH – Fox Valley Community Services recently received a $1,500 donation from the City Heat Motorcycle Association.

City Heat, composed of current or retired police offices, donates to a non profit of its choice generated every year by a fundraiser.

FVCS receives donations from multi ple organizations to help hundreds of seniors maintain vital and independent lives.

FVCS serves seniors in DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and LaSalle counties in active adult activities at the Senior Center, adult day service and home services.

For information, call 815-786-9404.

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Fredericks said she’s really enjoy playing duets with Peterson. As a high school senior, however, she’s looking ahead to her life in college and hopes to go to a school in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

“I really enjoyed this duet with Eva but I’m going to be going, I don’t know, pretty far away for college and I feel as

though with my studies I’m probably not going to have time,” Fredericks said. “But I’m certain we’re probably both going to be in orchestras at the very least, like in our colleges, if we go to col lege, so we’re still going to stay in music.”

Peterson also said she understands this chapter in her life could close soon, which makes performing at Liz zy’s Pink Boutique – where it all began – all the more special come Friday.

“I think this is a thing for just right now,” Peterson said.

LOOKING BACK

1922 – 100 YEARS AGO

Architects are busy working on the plans of the new addition to the Syca more Methodist church, which will be built sometime in the near future. Those in charge of the building and on commit tees say the new addition will furnish the much-needed room that has been felt at the church for some time.

Invitations were received this morn ing for the Monday night supper at the Elk’s club. Twenty members have arranged to put on another of the popular feeds and entertainment will also be a feature of the feast Monday night. Due to the small pox scare there has not been the usual feed the last two Mondays, but now that the scare has been quieted, the social parties will start again.

Many houses are being built these days before the heavy months of winter set in for the cold weather. Several houses are being built in the west end of town by the various factories of the city. Two are being built on DeKalb Avenue while more are noticed on Cross Street. These homes are being built by factories and merchants for their employees, who may buy them on the installment plan, of so much taken from their wages. In this manner the work ing man is assured of a nice home in a rea sonable price on the easy terms. Some of the men who are making this possible are Holcomb Brothers, W. M. McAllister, Hero Furnace Company, Illinois Wire & Cable Company, George Dutton and a few highly spirited citizens.

The large coal pile east of the plat of the Illinois Power Company has been ablaze for several days and causing con siderable inconvenience to the people in that vicinity. Yesterday the heat became so great that the outer layer of coal caught fire and blazed during the night. The fire began to consume a quantity of good coal today and the fire chief and a couple of men went over to put an end to it, as far as was in their power.

1947 – 75 YEARS AGO

The recent installation of a Wurlitzer organ in Christendom’s largest church in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, has attracted considerable interest in DeKalb. The organ is not only a Wurlitzer instru ment, from the North Tonawanda plant, but the console and all tone chambers were built in DeKalb and then shipped to North Tonawanda where the electrical and mechanical components were

installed. In a recent story sent to the New York Herald Tribune, a full account of the installation was made. The story states the organ was presented to Pope Pius XII by an American cardinal who was reported to be dissatisfied with the Vati can’s musical facilities.

One of the gaudiest and most deco rated freight trains ever to traverse the rails of the North Western railway pulled quietly through DeKalb early this after noon. It was the “Friendship Train,” which was loaded with carloads of food for hungry Europeans. The 6,000-horse power diesel-electric locomotive was decorated with flags and bunting and each car of the more than 30 in the train carried huge signs, in as many as three or four languages, telling where it origi nated and what it contained. The food all was donated by various cities through which the train has traveled. It started in Los Angeles more than a week ago and is due in New York sometime next week.

An extra gang on the Chicago Great Western railroad has started undoing a job that had all DeKalb excited half a cen tury ago. This gang of 40 men started this week to tear up the Great Western tracks between DeKalb and Sycamore. Starting out at the DeKalb city limits near the Cyclone plant, the gang is working backwards toward Sycamore, pulling up

the “steel” behind them and loading it on flat cars with a big crane. The job will be completed when the “steel” is torn up to Charles Street in Sycamore, a distance of about 5 miles. Operations over the line were discontinued last June after the Interstate Commerce Commission gave permission for the Great Western to operate into DeKalb over tracks of the North Western Railway.

DeKalb’s new radio station WLBK will go on the air about December 1. The transmitter and tower located on North First Street Road has been completed and final activities at the studio are being accomplished at this time prepara tory for the opening day of broadcasting.

1972 – 50 YEARS AGO

A covered wagon is the symbol of Welcome Wagon signifying the way peo ple used to greet each other. The tradi tion established by pioneer women who drove covered wagons out to meet new settlers with fresh water, food and sup plies is still present today. The Sycamore Welcome Wagon hostesses call on new and old friends and neighbors on import ant occasion in family life.

The Kishwaukee Hospital moved a step closer to reality Tuesday evening when the board accepted the hospital

design and $6.34 million base proposal. The proposal is for a 175-bed hospital with room for 25 more beds.

1997 – 25 YEARS AGO

Local internet users have another option this week when it comes to log ging onto cyberspace. AT&T announced that DeKalb residents will be able to con nect to the internet by dialing its local telephone call. Be advised at least three more companies are expected to begin service in the DeKalb area before this spring. This means that consumers and businesses will be able to gain access to the internet through 10 service providers.

“Come along for an exciting ride with the Old Country School!” is the theme of a recently launched fundraising effort by a group from DeKalb. The project is dedi cated to preserving the Milan Township District 83 (Tysdal/Berg) school, located on the corner of Tower and Perry in southwestern DeKalb County. Though the school has lost both its bell tower and chimney, its paint is peeling and the windows are boarded over, the building itself is still reasonably sound. The group is trying to raise the $140,000 needed to move the school to Northern Illinois Uni versity, have it renovated, and make it available to the public.

Explore resources for caregivers

Caregivers are called on to step in for any number of reasons.

Some serve as companions to the elderly, while others assist those with debilitating diseases like cancer. While many caregivers are profession als hired for their services, a good number of caregivers are informal –meaning they are family members or friends assisting loved ones.

Although they are trying to help others, caregivers often must confront a form of stress known as caregiver burnout.

According to he Cleveland Clinic, this stress is marked physical, emo tional and mental exhaustion that occurs in caregivers. This burnout may lead to fatigue, anxiety and depression. While there may not be a way to completely eliminate all care giving stress, there are some ways to prevent burnout. Utilizing various resources can be a start.

Here’s a look at some available caregiver resources.

• Trusted friend: Find someone you trust with whom you can discuss your feelings, including any frustration you may feel. This can be a neighbor or a coworker with whom you feel comfort able sharing personal details.

• Support groups: Support groups can provide safe spaces to vent with others who are in the same boat. Houses of worship may host support groups, or you can find out about meetings through hospitals or from personal doctors. The National Family Care giver Support Program was established in 2000 and provides grants to states and territories to fund a range of sup port that assists family and informal caregivers to care for their loved ones at home for as long as possible. Other groups include Caregiver Action Net work and Family Caregiver Alliance.

• Respite care services: Respite care services provide temporary breaks for caregivers by enabling the sick, elderly or injured to stay in care facili ties for anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days. Some respite care services will provide short-term, in-home care as well.

• Professional therapist: Many thera pists are trained to counsel individu als who have particular issues. Some may specialize in grief or even care giver needs. Use their services if speaking with a confidante is not enough. Caregivers often put the needs of others before their own. But they may need a little help along the way, which is where caregiver resources can come into play.

ELECTION 2022

DeKalb County voters flock to the polls Tuesday

DeKALB – DeKalb County voters flocked to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 8, to cast their ballots for Illinois’ next gov ernor and a newly redistricted DeKalb County Board, among other races. Some election judges said they believe voter turnout was strong.

“Better than expected,” said Terry Heiland, an election judge at the Hop kins Park polling place. “It’s gone well, but we have a better turnout.”

As of 10:15 p.m., DeKalb County voter turnout was reported at 57%, according to unofficial election results from the DeKalb County Clerk’s Office. According to the office, DeKalb County had 60,245 voters registered ahead of the midterms, and 35,561 bal lots were cast, including 11,388 early votes and 23,173 votes cast Tuesday.

Rodger Hartmen, who cast his ballot at Real Connection Church, 1115 S. Malta Road in DeKalb, said he always votes in elections but feels this year’s midterm election is especially important.

“And I know they say they’re

important, you know, each one is the most important, but this I do believe is,” Hartmen said.

Asked why he believes this year’s election is more important than previ ous elections, Hartmen said he thinks “we’re headed to hell in a handbasket.”

Hartmen said inflation, the Southern border, and protection for police offi cers were top issues for him as a voter.

Ron Lieving, a volunteer auxiliary officer for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office who served as an election judge at the Hopkins Park polling place, said

he expected 400 to 500 voters at the site, but 486 votes already had been tabu lated by 3:16 p.m. Tuesday.

Lieving attributed the turnout to the weather.

“I think a lot of it has to do with the weather. It’s nice, it’s sunny, you know, maybe a little breezy, but we don’t have snow on the ground. It’s a better day [than last year’s election],” Lieving said.

Lieving said he believes Tuesday’s turnout was higher than expected.

“It’s been a lot busier than we all expected, which is a great thing,” Lieving said. “You know, a lot of men and women died for this right, and I don’t care what party you vote for, just get out and do it. You know, honor

See VOTER TURNOUT, page 13

It’s been a lot busier than we all expected, which is a great thing.”

Continued from page 12

honor those men and women.”

Tracy Diehl also voted at Real Con nection Church.

“Women’s reproductive rights is very important,” Diehl said. “I really scrutinized the candidates’ platforms to make sure that I understood what their standpoints were on that particu lar issue.”

Early in the day, the Hopkins Park polling place experienced a technical difficulty when a voting machine lost power. Heiland said the issue lasted about five minutes when the battery running the voting machine stopped working. After troubleshooting with the power cord for a few minutes, the machine was back in operation.

“We had a little power outage on that one,” Heiland said. “We took care of it with opening up a different place to put the ballots in. People moved through quickly, and there was no problem.”

When asked what issues on the bal lot mattered to her, Candice Gall, who also voted at Real Connection Church, said there wasn’t one single issue.

“Not anything specific, really, just like some of the amendments ... like the workers’ rights and stuff like that,”

Gall said, referring to the proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution giving workers the right to unionize.

Brief technical issues solved

A different problem affected the Real Connection Church polling place ear lier in the day, election officials said. The tabulator for the voting machine at the Real Connection Church polling place was down for about three hours early in the day, but by 3:40 p.m., that issue had been resolved.

Dave Klenke, an election judge at Real Connection Church, said the tabu lator displayed the wrong time when the day began. He said 44 ballots were cast by voters during the three hours the machine was inoperable. Those ballots were put in a separate compart ment of the voting machine and would be tabulated once the polls closed.

“Well, we had to put the ballots in a separate area on the voting machine at the end of the night, then we’ll run those ballots through the tabulator, and we told the people what was going on,” Klenke said.

As of 3:40 p.m., about 445 votes had been cast at the Real Connection Church polling place, Klenke said.

“Just a regular Election Day that I can tell,” said Klenke, who has been an election judge for the past four years.

Waterman Lions Club holding annual Gobbler Gallop 5K Nov. 19

WATERMAN – The Waterman Lions Club will hold its 16th annual Gobbler Gallop 5K walk/run beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, through the streets of Waterman.

The 5K will begin at Indian Creek Mid dle School, 335 E. Garfield St., Water man. Packet pick-up and same-day reg istration begin at 7:30 a.m.

The pre-registration fee is $30, and same-day registration is $35. The first 150 pre-registered participants will receive an official race T-shirt while sup plies last.

Proceeds from the 5K will be used to help fund various Waterman Lions Club projects and programs.

For information, visit gobblergal lop5K.com.

BLAC to host teen mentoring event for girls Nov. 19

DeKALB – Building Leaders Advocat ing for Change will host a Ladies of Ele gance Tea on the Terrace event begin ning at noon Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Hopkins Park Terrace Room, 1403 Syca more Road.

Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m.

The Waterman Lions Club will hold its 16th annual Gobbler Gallop 5K walk/run beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, through the streets of Waterman.

The event aims to mentor young women to become role models by teach ing proper tea etiquette and discussing topics such as self-worth and confi dence. Young women are matched with inspiring women in DeKalb. The event also will dive into how social media plays a role in youth’s perception of beauty and how they see themselves in this growing tech society.

The program costs $90, including $45 for the mentor and $45 for the men tee. The mentor is asked to cover the cost for the mentee they are paired with. The entrance charge includes the tea, brunch and activities for the afternoon.

For information, visit Blacincunited. org.

Cultural foods event planned Nov. 17 at DeKalb library

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host a cultural foods STEM Cafe at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meet ing Room.

The STEM cafe is open to people of all ages.

Patrons can explore how geography impacts dishes served in a region, chat with food experts, meet fellow teens who are interested in science and tech nology and enjoy free food samples from other cultures. Registration via phone or email is required to attend.

For information, email susang@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3400.

Dimensions Dance Academy sets adult ballroom night

DeKALB – Dimensions Dance Acad emy will host an adult “Ballroom Night” from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the Dimension’s Ballroom, 134 E. Lin coln Highway.

Ballroom dancing will be taught by Becca Steger, owner of Ballroom Blitz. Steger teaches 12 different ballroom dances, but is focusing on one to two styles for the event so participants can practice what they learn. Participants can stay after the event to discuss pri vate dance lessons.

Dimensions has partnered with Tapa La Luna to offer either a compli mentary bruschetta or dessert of your choice for Ballroom Night participants. To make reservations, call 815-2170990.

A child care option also will be avail able for potty-trained children ages 3 to 12 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $20 for the first child and $15 for each additional sibling. Child care includes pizza, snacks and games.

To purchase Ballroom Night tickets or sign up for “Parents Night Out,” visit dimensionsdanceacademy.com. –ShawLocalNewsNetwork

BRIEFS

DeKalb police seeks donations for ‘Heroes and Helpers’ event

DeKALB – The DeKalb Police Benevo lent and Protective Association and DeKalb Target will hold its annual “Heroes and Helpers” event will on Sun day, Dec. 4.

The event helps children in special situations have a good holiday season. Each child is partnered with a DeKalb police officer and will choose $50 to $100 worth of gifts for themselves and members of their family.

All children participating in the event are either DeKalb residents or students of DeKalb School District 428. Partici pants are nominated by the school dis trict or another local agency.

This is an all-volunteer event and donations are needed to fund the pro gram. Donations, made payable to the DeKalb Police Benevolent and Protective Association, can be sent before Friday, Nov. 18, to the DeKalb Police Depart ment, Attn. Heroes and Helpers, 700 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb IL 60115.

Park District sets medieval mother/son event Nov. 18

DeKALB – The DeKalb Park District will host a medieval Mother/Son Knight Out for mothers, ages 18 and older, and their sons, ages 3 to 13.

The Mother/Son Knight Out will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at Haish Gym, 303 S. Ninth St. in DeKalb, according to a news release.

Admission to the event is per couple, $33 for residents and $41 for nonresi dents. The fee for each additional knight or lady is $16 for residents and $20 for nonresidents.

Participants can enjoy medieval themed activities, including music, games, entertainment, light food and refreshments. All sons will be rewarded with a medieval-themed keepsake. Reg istration is required; visit dekalbparkdis trict.com.

For information, visit dekalbparkdis trict.com or call 815-758-6663.

Glidden Homestead and Historical Center offering portrait sessions Nov. 25

DeKALB – The Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will partner with My Saving Grace Photography to offer holiday photography portrait sessions.

The photo sessions will run from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at the Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, according to a news release.

Participants can bring up to six peo

ple for a 15-minute session inside the Glidden Homestead. The outside of the home and barn also can be included in the pictures, weather permitting. Clients will have their choice of five edited images from an online proofing gallery available to them within two weeks of the photo session.

The photo sessions cost $150 per session. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Glidden Homestead to help continue the preservation of the homestead and barn. Because of limited space, reservations are required.

For information, visit mysavinggrace photography.com/christmas-at-thehomestead, email grace@mysavinggra cephotography.com, or call 815-973-9947.

Open art event being held Nov. 19 at the DeKalb Library

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host an open art event from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the library’s lower-level Zimmer man Meeting Room.

The art event is intended for adults and seniors.

Participants can choose from different art mediums to create whatever they can come up with using their imagination during the self-guided programs. Art media available for participants include paint, beans, yarn and magazines. The event is accessible for people with all motor abilities. Assistance with making an art piece will be available upon request.

Registration is not required.

For information, email irise@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150.

Game design workshop planned Nov. 16 at DeKalb library

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host a game design workshop at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collabo ration Studio.

The workshop is intended for teens and adults.

Participants will learn about the first step in basic game design by creating a small dialogue-focused game in the 8-bit Bitsy game maker. Patrons will learn about the basics of Bitsy, including how to make and animate their own sprites, add dialogue, create their own chiptune music and more.

Because of limited space, the work shop is first come, first served.

For information, email techdesk@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851. –ShawLocalNewsNetwork

DeKalb Chamber welcomes Local Exposure with ribbon-cutting

Dr. Z has been in the area for 29 years 15 Minutes West of Somo nauk

DeKalb church celebrating pastors’ 40th anniversary

DeKALB – DeKalb Foursquare Church, 210 Grove St., is celebrating 40 years of service for its pastors, Denny and Gay Campbell.

A service is being planned to cele brate the legacy the Campbells have established within the community and among church members. The church

not only ministers to its members, but also residents in the community with financial support for Hope Haven, The Salvation Army, LOVE Inc., and the We Care Pregnancy Center.

The giving spirit of the church is a reflection of its pastors, who have led as mentors and friends to all who have stepped inside the church, according to a news release.

DeKALB – A new tobacco store could be headed to DeKalb in the build ing once used by Beef Shack on West Lincoln Highway.

The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission this week approved in a 6-1 vote a petition submitted by DINA 5 Inc. asking for a special use permit to operate a retail establishment at 1180 W. Lincoln Highway. Commissioner Maria Pena-Graham cast the lone dis senting vote.

The DeKalb City Council will have the final say on the request, set to go before a vote Monday, Nov. 14.

DINA Inc. is eyeing about an 1,800-square-foot building and is look ing to do business as “Smoker’s Choice.”

Attorney Omar Younis, who is rep resenting DINA Inc., said his clients would like to run a store out of DeKalb.

“We are now under a written lease agreement to lease this property, 1180 W. Lincoln Highway,” she said. “We are contingent upon receiving a spe cial use from city of DeKalb to operate

could set up shop in former Beef Shack spot

as well as allow smoking, including indoor recreational marijuana use.

City Planner Dan Olson said the petitioner’s plans for the site are com patible with the surrounding area. He also said it satisfies the city’s compre hensive plan.

The permit, if approved, would stipu late that the tobacco store must remain at least 200 feet from a residential prop erty and public or private schools, according to city documents. The shop would also need to be at least 200 feet away from other retail tobacco stores.

A new tobacco store called Smoker’s Choice could be headed to

in the building once used by Beef Shack, 1180 W. Lincoln Highway.

a retail tobacco establishment that would sell just tobacco items. And there would be no smoking.”

The building has been vacant for about a year and used to be home to Beef Shack restaurant, according to city documents.

The tobacco store would not be a

first for DeKalb. There are two exist ing tobacco stores licensed in the city. They are Lucky’s Tobacco, 110 E. Hill crest Drive, and The Smoke Shop, 818 W. Lincoln Highway.

The hookah bar Aromas, 811 W. Lincoln Highway, recently closed but it used to sell tobacco products on site

“The proposed location meets all the setback standards,” Olson said. “It’s a freestanding building, of course. That was done to avoid any retail tobacco store multi-tenant structure where you had sharing of ventilation.”

City staff are recommending that the City Council approve the permit request with three conditions: The drive-thru on the east side of the build ing would not be used, smoking would be prohibited inside the building, and no building expansions would be allowed except with additional public hearings.

JANIS ANN SAWYER

Born: July 22, 1940

Died: November 7, 2022

Janis Ann Sawyer, 82, of Waterman, passed away Monday, November 7, 2022, at Kishwaukee Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 22, 1940 in DeKalb, to Robert and Lillian (Johnson) Gilmore.

Janis attended Rochelle Township High School and later attended University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with a BS in Physical Therapy. Janis married Paul Sawyer October 12, 1963. Janis and Paul settled on the family farm in Waterman where they raised their two sons. Janis enjoyed her life on the farm but also had a successful career as a physical therapist. She worked for many years at various hospitals and school districts. She ended her career at Northern Illinois University as a faculty assistant in the PT department. Her family and friends knew they could always count on her as well in their time of need for therapy and advice.

Janis loved cooking, baking, and most of all spending time with family and friends. She was a member of two bridge leagues and was

HOW TO SUBMIT

famous for her Minnie Pearl impersonations. Janis had an amazing sense of humor and loved to play games. She often hid presents at the Holidays and had her family go on a scavenger hunt in search of her hidden trea sures. Church life was also very important to her. She and Paul were members of Suydam United Methodist until it closed, where she was a Sunday School teacher, superintendent and member of the Women’s league over the years. They later joined the Shabbona Community Church.

Janis is survived by her husband, Paul; two sons, Stephen Sawyer and Kevin (Kristine) Sawyer; two grandsons, Wiley and Aidan Sawyer; brother, Bob (Ann) Gilmore; brotherin-law, Bill Wade; and special family friend Ursula Sarver and family; and many nieces and nephews.

Janis is preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Barbara Wade.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 19, 2022, at the Shabbona Community Church, 104 E. Navaho in Shabbona with Pastor Peter Kolb officiat ing. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. until the time of the service at the church. Interment will follow in Victor Cemetery in Leland. Contributions in Janis’ name may be made to the family for a memorial to be established. Jacobson-Torman Funeral Home, Shabbona, assisted the family with arrangements.

Send obituary information to obits@MidWeekNews.com. or call 815-526-4438. Notices are accepted until 3 p.m. Thursday for the next Wednesday edition.

Obituaries also appear online at legacy.com/obituaries/MidWeekNews where you may sign the guest book, send flowers or make a memorial donation.

• CONSTRUCTION ROUNDUP

Continued from page 2

“We started that process years ago,” Gill said. “It took quite a while. We actually received a grant from the state, so that added an extra kind of step to it, as well.”

Gill said the traffic study results indicate that there’s a need for the new traffic signals off Route 23 and Gurler.

“Mainly, it’s because those turn lanes allow vehicles to store there or what we call queue,” Gill said.

The city has received just shy of $1.5 million in state funding to allocate toward the cost to activate light sig nals, officials said.

Gill said the city didn’t take on any costs for the signalization project.

“We play an administrative role, but we didn’t have any direct expenses,” Gill said.

The Hy-Vee grocery store in Sycamore is seen May 13, 2021. The Midwest retailer and grocer announced this week its stores will be closed on Thanksgiving day, a first-time move for the Iowa-based chain.

Hy-Vee stores to close on Thanksgiving for first time

Midwest retailer and grocer Hy-Vee announced last week its stores will be closed for Thanksgiving day, a first-time move for the Iowa-based chain.

According to a company news release, Hy-Vee will close more than 285 retail locations across eight states, including Illinois, Nov. 24.

“[S]o that the company’s more than 80,000 employees across its eight-state region can enjoy the holiday with their friends and family,” according to the announcement.

Hy-Vee’s announcement falls in line with retail trends growing over the past several years, as more big box stores announce closures for holidays amid the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping season.

Other big retailers closed on Thanks giving include Target, Walmart, Home

BRIEFS

Sycamore church serving Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 24

SYCAMORE – St. John Lutheran Church in Sycamore will host a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community.

The dinner will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24, at the church, 26555 Brickville Road, Sycamore, accord ing to a news release.

The menu consists of roasted turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, corn, rolls, desserts, coffee, lemonade and water.

For information, call 815-895-4477.

Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, T.J. Maxx, Schnucks and more.

The 92-year-old company will close all its grocery store locations, Dollar Fresh Markets, Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations, Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits locations and Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh loca tions.

Customers will still be able to buy fuel at all Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations on Thanksgiving day, however.

Hy-Vee customers who buy holiday meal packs also will be able to schedule a time to pick up their order in-store prior to Thanksgiving day, or via curb side pickup from 8 to 11 a.m. on Thanks giving day at Hy-Vee grocery stores, according to the release.

All Hy-Vee corporate offices also will close for the Thanksgiving holiday.

For information on specific store locations or hours, visit www.hy-vee. com/stores.

DeKalb church hosting bake sale Nov. 19

DeKALB – St. George Greek Orthodox Church will host its annual pre-Thanksgiv ing bake sale to benefit local charities.

The church, 320 S. Second St., DeKalb, will hold the bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, according to a news release.

Items can only be purchased with cash or a check. All COVID-19 protocols are being observed during the preparation and repackaging of the pastries. –ShawLocalNewsNetwork

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The Commitment of Resource Bank

Chapter Seven Expecting More

“Please, sir, I want some more.”

Those are the words made famous by the main character in Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist. The words were uttered because life in the Victorian workhouse where Oliver lived had become unsustainable and unbearable. Hunger drove Oliver to ask his master in the work house for a second helping of the watery gruel served for dinner, but he was met with derision and thrown out. The master’s response was meant to be a message: You will take your gruel, and you will like it. There will be no “more.”

Many institutions serve a thin watery gruel that is calculated to get us by. If you have had the occasion to fly in the last few years, I think you can relate to this idea. At times, it seems we, as airline passengers, are treated more like cattle than paying customers. It is as if we are being told, “You will take what you are given and you will like it. There is no ‘more’.” These days, some of the companies we visit increasingly emulate this pattern.

At Resource Bank, I was pleased to find that a customer doesn’t need to ask for more; instead, they are asked what more can Resource do for them. The philosophy, services offered, and overall attitude that permeates the bank is, “How can we do more to enhance your life?”

Being there for customers and the community is truly what Resource Bank is all about. I am proud to be a part of a team that can honestly profess that it works, right here, to make life better for clients and our local community!

Jim

Trust and Investment Services & Counsel