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2 ShawLocal.com 1985 DeKalb Ave. Sycamore, IL 60178 833-584-NEWS Office hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday SUBSCRIBER SERVICES 866-979-1053 customer-support@shawmedia.com 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, closed Sunday SUBSCRIPTIONS The MidWeek is delivered free of charge to households throughout DeKalb County every Wednesday. Those who do not wish to receive delivery may contact customer service at 866-979-1053, or subscriptions@shawsuburban.com, to request a delivery stop. SUBMIT NEWS readit@midweeknews.com CLASSIFIED SALES classified@shawlocal.com HELP WANTED employment@shawlocal.com LEGAL NOTICES midweeklegals@shawlocal.com RETAIL ADVERTISING lshaw@shawmedia.com OBITUARIES midweekobits@shawlocal.com Editor Emily Ayers 815-526-4411 eayers@shawmedia.com The Midweek and ShawLocal.com are a division of Shaw Media. All rights reserved. Copyright 2026

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DeKalb businesses that closed in 2025 What some business owners said about shutting down their shops this year

easy. “It’s been a joy, albeit a brief one, to provide a space filled with treasures and unique finds,” the statement read. “We will miss you all dearly. Life sometimes brings unexpected changes, and for us, it’s time to prioritize what matters most – our family. Though we’ll be stepping back, we’re not going far. We’ll still be here in DeKalb, just a little less visible.” The gift shop first opened for business in spring 2024.

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com Businesses came and went in DeKalb this year, Here’s a look at a few changes:

Evsie

Evsie, a girls’ clothing store in the Oakland Plaza Shopping Center, closed its doors at 2451 Sycamore Road. The company decided to make way for what the store previously said would be more of the Maurices brand and its merchandise. The closure was announced in the fall 2024. The team at Evsie previously expressed thanks to the community for being part of the store’s journey. “The community has been so supportive, and we have loved every second of this adventure with you all,” the store said in the post. “From our fashion shows to being at our local farmers market, we have connected with the community and had so much fun in the process. We couldn’t have done it without you all. Getting to know all these girls and enjoy getting your outfits for picture day, spring concerts and graduations has been one of the best parts of this.”

Megann Horstead file photo

Evsie girls clothing store is seen Oct. 28, 2024, at 2451 Sycamore Road, DeKalb.

Noodles and Company

The fast-casual restaurant, Noodles and Company, closed abruptly in October at 2561 Sycamore Road. The restaurant’s closure was confirmed by a note posted outside the DeKalb location. “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed serving you and appreciate all your support,” according to the note. Other nearby franchise locations include those in Yorkville, Oswego, North Aurora, Naperville, Geneva, St. Charles and more, according to its website.

Lovers Playground closed this fall. The adult-oriented retail shop announced on its website that it is no longer doing business at 157 E. Lincoln Highway. “We want to extend a huge thank you to our loyal customers for your continued support,” according to the announcement. “Unfortunately, our DeKalb, IL, location has permanently closed.” The team at Lovers Playground encouraged customers to shop on their website at shop.loversplayground.com Advanced Auto Parts or visit their Aurora location at 1300 Advanced Auto Parts is permanently U.S. Route 30. closed after announcing store closing sales and promotions. Hidden Treasures and More Located at 2151 Sycamore Road, the Hidden Treasures and More gift store has since been subdivided into shop, 143 E. Lincoln Highway, closed in three shops, which remain vacant. the summer. Advanced Auto Parts customers Owners Josie and Oralia Gonzalez were encouraged by the company to addressed friends and customers, say- visit the nearby Sycamore location at Lovers Playground ing the decision to shutter their down- 119 S. Main St. or visit advanceautoElsewhere in the city’s downtown, town DeKalb storefront did not come parts.com.

PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzles on page 13

ON THE COVER Lauren and Mack Carls welcomed their first child, Lee Carls, into the world in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2026 at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. See story, page 6. Photo provided by Northwestern Medicine

CORRECTIONS Accuracy is important to The MidWeek. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411 or email at readit@midweeknews.com.

Petitioner eyes development for 114 acres of land at Peace Road, Fairview Drive

the building on about 114 acres of land at the southeast corner of Peace Road and Fairview Drive, documents show. The project is called DeKalb Commerce Center – Pilot Travel Center in documents released this week ahead of the commission meeting. ChicagoWest is the same petitioner By KELSEY RETTKE behind Endeavour Energy’s 560-acre krettke@shawmedia.com data center approved by the city in December. The major development A developer wants to install an was met with both public support and industrial and commercial business pushback, centered around environpark with a travel center, gas station mental impact and energy use. and convenience store along Peace In a Dec. 29 letter to city officials, Road in DeKalb. Ryan Sadowy, director of project The plan was expected to be pre- development with Krusinski Consented to the city’s Planning and Zon- struction Co., said a representative ing Commission Dec. 29, but the devel- plans to attend the Jan 5. meeting to oper has asked the city to push that make the continuance request forhearing to Jan. 20, documents show. mally. The petitioner JJK343 LLC – other“We are currently conducting furwise known as ChicagoWest Business ther evaluations on signage and conCenter – has asked for City Council struction process and anticipate finalapproval to annex, rezone and approve izing our approach shortly,” Sadowy a preliminary development plan for wrote.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Neolithic old Europe civilizations presentation set for Jan. 9

The DeKalb Area Women’s Center will offer a “The Lost Goddess Cultures of Old Europe” educational presentation for adults to learn about neolithic old Europe people. The free presentation will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at the women center’s great hall, 1021 State St., DeKalb. Participants can learn about neolithic old Europe civilizations life, innovations, art and Goddess religion. Attendees also will be able to learn how Old European cultural innovations influence life and why the communities vanished. The presentation will be led by Marilyn Hrymak. Donations for the women’s center will be accepted.

Kishwaukee College to hold Discover Kish event Jan. 7

Kishwaukee College will host a Discover Kish event for new students and their families to learn about and explore the college. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to

1 p.m. Jan. 7 at the college, 21193 Malta Road, Malta. Discover Kish will include a resource fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., student ID photo opportunities, course material and textbook pickup and a chance to collect college swag. Guided tours also are set at 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. “Discover Kish is an exciting opportunity for new students to begin their college journey with confidence. Participants can tour campus, connect with faculty and staff and complete important steps before classes begin. Our goal is to ensure every student feels prepared, informed and genuinely welcomed into the Kishwaukee College community,” Kishwaukee College outreach and enrollment coordinator Sandy Castillo Guzman said in a news release. Check-in will be held in the college’s student center. Participants can park in lot A and enter through door 6. Registration is encouraged. For information or to register, visit kish. edu/visit. – Shaw Local News Network

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 7, 2026 MIDWEEK

DeKalb County Board meeting schedule for 2026 By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com The meeting schedule for every DeKalb County Board meeting, and all of its committees, has been set for 2026. The DeKalb County Board met for the final time in 2025 on Dec. 16. During that meeting, elected officials unanimously approved their meeting schedule for the following year. The county’s top governing body, the DeKalb County Board, will meet at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month except for July and December. In July, the board will be in recess. Elected officials will recess from June 18 until July 26. Committee meetings start up again the next day. While scheduled to meet, a legislative DeKalb County Board meeting is not expected in December 2026. On Dec. 7, an organizational meeting will be held to determine chairs and committee placement. On Dec. 9, a County Board workshop will be held for a committee orientation night meeting. The health and human services,

facilities and technology, finance and adminstration and highway committees will meet at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of every month, respectively. The committee of the whole, which is immediately followed by the executive committee, will be held at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month. The law and justice and planning, zoning and development committees will at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday and Wednesday of every month, respectively. Most committee meetings will be held in the DeKalb County Administration building’s east conference room, 110 E. Sycamore St., Sycamore. The county highway meeting will be held in the conference room in the DeKalb County Highway Department’s office in DeKalb. The DeKalb County Board, as well as the committee of the whole and the executive committee, will meet in the DeKalb County Legislative Center’s Gathertorium, 200 N. Main St., Sycamore.

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Why health insurance costs are increasing in 2026 By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com With just days to go before tax credits expire that make Affordable Care Act health insurance coverage more affordable, lawmakers and industry experts said they’re concerned that costs will skyrocket for those who can least afford it in the new year. Matthew Moreno is a certified broker who also helps clients sign up for marketplace insurance through Get Covered Illinois. Based in Decatur, Moreno works with clients from multiple states, and including northern Illinois. He said this year his clients seem more stressed than ever while sifting through coverage options. Due to the changes, some are even foregoing health insurance for 2026,

Moreno said. “That’s the unfortunate truth. I think of one or two people I spoke with were telling me, ‘Matthew, I can’t afford it. I have to choose between food and health insurance and I’m picking food,’ ” Moreno said. “It’s going to make the community suffer in the worst way possible, without people being able to get a checkup for a low cost now. It’s going to develop into a major problem.” The primary reason for the premium problem? The U.S. Senate in mid-December rejected legislation to extend pandemic-era ACA tax credits, essentially guaranteeing that millions of Americans will see a steep rise in costs come Jan. 1, The Associated Press reported. The subsidies were meant to make

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• HEALTH INSURANCE coverage more affordable to more people in income-qualifying households. It was an unceremonious end to a monthslong effort by Democrats to prevent the COVID-19-era subsidies from expiring, including a 43-day government shutdown that they forced over the issue. Moreno said he thinks those who will feel the heaviest cost burden are people in their 50s and 60s who aren’t yet eligible for Medicare, and families. Paris Ervin, spokesperson for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, said multiple other factors are causing the cost crisis: The rise in prescription drugs and hospital costs, inflation, and Medicaid and Medicare reimbursing below the cost of care. In his fourth year in the industry, Moreno said he’s seen health insurance premiums for 2026 increase for families by hundreds. “Sometimes over $500 and sometimes over $1,000,” Moreno said. “For the same plan they had [before]. Of course, each plan is different, but we’re noticing big increases in silver plans. So now consumers are kind of having to pick bronze or gold now. Either you get

Shaw Local News Network file photo

The Affordable Care Act – sometimes called Obamacare – has been at the center of partisan conflict for years. It was the primary fuel behind the historic government shutdown. the new year. Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, introduced legislation to extend the tax credits. This month, she blamed a Republican-majority House for closing the session this month before voting on it. “This is a crisis that Republicans have created through their own cruelty and neglect,” Underwood said in a statement. “It’s completely unacceptable, and our communities deserve better.” Republican state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, this year intro-

duced legislation that would allow people enrolled in individual ACA health insurance to fully deduct their premiums and out-of-pocket health care costs. Illinoisans who receive health insurance through their employer, including legislators, already receive that benefit. A potential vote on whether to extend the ACA subsidies was postponed by U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, until January. In the meantime, Moreno’s biggest piece of advice? Check with your doctor before signing up for health insurance.

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Continued from page 4

very low coverage or comprehensive coverage with a really high premium.” The state agency oversees marketplace health insurance for more than 500,000 Illinoisans. The agency announced the deadline extension in a news release, calling it a “crucial moment.” Illinois ACA enrollees face an average 78% increase per month in coverage in 2026, according to Get Covered Illinois. “This enrollment deadline extension is exactly the kind of customer-focused action that we could not take as a federally facilitated marketplace,” the agency’s director, Morgan Winters, said in the release. “By running our own marketplace, we can improve access, expand support and give Illinoisans more time to get covered.” Every plan Get Covered Illinois offers includes prescription drugs, mental health services, pediatric care, emergency services, free preventive care and other essential health benefits. The Affordable Care Act – sometimes called Obamacare – has been at the center of partisan conflict for years. It was the primary fuel behind the historic government shutdown. Some lawmakers have traded barbs, pointing blame to each other for the expected premium increase in

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 7, 2026 MIDWEEK

Hinckley parents have first baby in DeKalb County in 2026 By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com The first-time parents of the first baby to be born in DeKalb County in 2026 drove their child home to Hinckley on Friday. Lee Carls, 9 pounds and 21 inches, was born at 2:17 a.m. on New Year’s Day at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. Lee is the firstborn child of Lauren and Mack Carls. Lauren Carls, 29, said all of them are doing well. “We weren’t expecting that at all, for going into the new year, but we are so thrilled and are beyond blessed, and we’re very excited for this new chapter and new year,” she said. Carls had planned to have labor induced on Monday, but she said things ended up going a little differently than expected.

“We kind of got postponed, but Lee had other plans to come naturally so we’re very happy with that,” Lauren Carls said. Now back at home with Lee, Mack and extended family, Lauren Carls said she’s looking to take life one day at a time and enjoy the blessings they’ve been given as new parents. She said they’re thankful for the love and support they’ve received from friends and family who live near and far. Lauren Carls also was a fan of the services she received at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. “Kishwaukee, they did an amazing job – start to finish, from admission to discharge, I should say – of just making sure that all of us are well prepared for being parents,” Carls said. “They have a really great support system and resources, so I’m very, very pleased with Kishwaukee Hospital.”

Photo provided by Northwestern Medicine

Lee Carls, 9 pounds and 21 inches, was born at 2:17 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb.

Federal cuts lead to end of the SNAP education program SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The SNAP-Ed program, which offers free nutrition and healthy lifestyle education for people eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, is nearing its final chapter due to a loss in federal funding after more than 30 years of helping families make healthier choices. The program affects more than 1 million residents annually with about 2,000 statewide partnerships, according to the University of Illinois Extension. As the program comes to a close and SNAP-Ed program staff face an uncertain future, the local community outreach worker team continues to do what they’ve always done: provide lifelong learning to families for as long as possible, the University of Illinois Extension said. “Our community outreach workers are very talented, and we haven’t slowed down since the funding announcement over the summer,” Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed educator Morgan Pizur-Kranc said in a news release. “I don’t think people realize how hard this great team works to make a

difference in the community, truly.”

the entire program is built on growing local relationships. ‘This is what I do’ Dyche said once you know the areas The Illinois Eat.Move.Save. pro- you want to influence, you simply gram, the state’s name for SNAP-Ed, have to ask. has about 200 staff members. In Kanka“I knock on the door, I bring a kee and Will counties, this team is folder, and I say: ‘This is what I do. composed of three community out- This is what I offer. It’s free,’ ” she said reach workers and one educator. in the release. “The community outreach workers provide research-based education to Learning in a safe and community members,” Pizur-Kranc supportive environment said, “while I focus my efforts on helpOn paper, the lessons are about food ing organizations and communities and healthy living, but in practice, the create policies and systems that make program provides an outlet for learnhealthy food access easier, and provid- ing in a safe environment that is ing guidance to this talented team of unique, the Extension said. facilitators.” SNAP-Ed community outreach The program generally targets worker Quinn Kilburg, who serves areas where at least half of the resi- Kankakee County, cited a program dents live below 185% of the poverty done at the local YMCA child care cenlevel, said Isabel Dyche, who works in ter. In one activity, he watched as preWill County as a community outreach schoolers wrinkled their noses, then worker. reached back for seconds, during a Some areas qualify automatically, “Tiny Trees Taste Test” sampling such as food pantries, while others – broccoli and cauliflower with hummus including K-12 schools or food retail- or a savory yogurt dip. ers – must meet additional criteria, all “It’s a great way to introduce kids centered on reaching those with the to new foods in a really low-pressure greatest need. way,” Kilburg said in the release. It sounds complicated at first. How- “They get to decide what they like. ever, as the team began talking, it That autonomy matters.” became clear that the foundation of Teachers notice the ripple effects

almost immediately, he said. Some say children are more willing to try fruits and vegetables at snack time, while others report that the youth are more apt to share what they’ve learned with parents and others. One small breakthrough still stands out to Kilburg. A young boy, known for refusing anything beyond bread or crackers, surprised his teachers during a taste test. He loved dried mango, he liked hummus and he asked for more, Kilburg said “He really loved the flavor,” Kilburg said. “They were struggling so much to try to find things to feed him. But now the teachers, and hopefully the parents, have something to build on for a healthy future.”

Lessons go beyond cooking

At the Joliet Township Infant and Child Care Center, Dyche teaches teen parents – some still in high school – who are navigating adulthood earlier than expected. “They feel like they know everything,” Dyche said in the release. “But behind that is a longing to learn more about the things they don’t fully understand.”

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A community worker teaches children to cook as part of the SNAP-Ed program, which offers free nutrition and healthy lifestyle education for people eligible for SNAP benefits. The program is nearing its final chapter.

• EDUCATION PROGRAM Continued from page 6

Dyche shows them how to read recipes, plan meals and experiment with unfamiliar flavors. When the group asked for quesadillas, she brought blue corn flour, something most had never seen. “I said ‘OK, let’s try something new.’ They didn’t know there were different colors of corn, but they tried it and liked it,” Dyche said. The lessons go beyond cooking. Dyche said she addresses the impact of sugary beverages, energy drinks during pregnancy, how to budget and how quickly small purchases add up. One student later wrote her a note saying that she had saved $100 in a single month by changing her habits. “She put it into practice, and she saved,” Dyche said. “That made me very happy.”

It’s a ripple effect

As the program continues the process of being sunset due to a loss of federal funding, the life-changing impacts of the work will not be erased, the Extension said.

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We’re Here to Help

Company focuses on helping farmers through quality seed, service By MARTHA BLUM mblum@shawmedia.com The way Beck’s Hybrids approaches its business and makes decisions is different than publicly traded companies. “The differences between what a publicly traded company might focus on versus a privately held company is in the structure and who they are trying to please,” said Scott Beck, president of Beck’s. “In a publicly traded company they talk about delivering shareholder value in the form of a dividend at the end of the year,” said Beck during a presentation at the 2025 Farm Business Summit: Farm Succession & Business Strategies, hosted by Illinois Soybean Growers at Kishwaukee College in Malta. “When it is about your purpose, the people doing the work and the ones you are serving, it changes and every decision is not just about the dollar – it’s about the right thing for the purpose we’re serving, our people and what it does to our bottom line,” the company president explained. “Some decisions we make don’t treat the bottom line very well in the short

term,” Beck said. “But long term, it’s about doing business from generation to generation.” When Scott’s dad, Sonny, graduated from Purdue University in the mid-‘60s, his professor asked him what he was going to do after graduation. “Dad said he was going to run the family’s seed business, and the professor said, good luck because the big boys will eat you up,” Beck said. “My dad took that as a challenge and started to grow the seed business.” In 1987, Scott graduated from Purdue with a degree in agronomy. “I came home and I was the No. 12 employee,” he said. “We were still a very small business, but we were established in Indiana as a thriving and growing family-owned company.” Beck’s operates in an A-frame business model. “The foundation of that structure is our culture and that culture is based on our desire to honor God and we have a heart and mind to help others,” the company president said. “The point is why we are in business, which is to help farmers be better one

year after the next,” Beck said. “In the middle is all the work we do to provide our customers the best seed quality, field performance and service,” he said. Beck’s offers diverse seed genetics to provide farmers the confidence to plant 100% of Beck’s products on their farm. “We work with all the major seed companies and we have our own breeding program,” Beck said. “When our trusted and respected dealers show up on a farmer’s doorstep, they have a natural advantage because farmers can get all the diversity they need from Beck’s.” Based in Atlanta, north of Indianapolis in central Indiana, the company focuses on responsible risk taking for making decisions. “It’s not about the next quarter or sometimes the year-end financials,” Beck said. “We have financial objectives, but if we have an opportunity to buy or build something at pennies on the dollar, then we’re going to figure out how to fit that into the budget.” Recently, Beck’s purchased a large processing facility in Nebraska. “That wasn’t in the budget, but it was

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the right thing to do because it sets us up for the future,” the company president said. The seed company strives to provide exceptional brand experience to its customers in many ways, including events such as Becknology Days, Practical Farm Research results and customer trips. “FARMserver is our digital platform that is free to any customer,” Beck said. “It is a platform for farmers to collect, store and utilize their farm data for decision-making.” Beck’s offers access to a lodge located on a serene property in Michigan. “We call it Journey to the Well and this is where we host business, church and marriage retreats to help people grow in their relationship with God and others,” Beck said. “We’ve had families schedule their vacations and celebrate key milestones like anniversaries.” Land ownership is an important aspect of Beck’s business model. “Land is our lowest cost of production,” Beck said. “We can produce our seed at a 20% discount to what it would

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1926 – 100 YEARS AGO

Three robberies, one at the Kingston post office, occurred on Tuesday night, according to reports that were received in DeKalb today. Very little was taken at the post office, according to the report. The W. C. Burt hardware store at Kingston was also robbed on the same evening, and pocket knives, flashlights and a few other articles of little value are found missing. At Genoa, on the same evening, robbers broke into an Illinois Central freight train and secured a very small loot, consisting of files, drills, and other small mechanical tools. Rev. Carl Esloff, evangelist in the Swedish Mission Covenant of Sweden and at the present time touring the United States, will be the speaker this evening at the Swedish Mission church. The Mission church this Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives week is observing prayer week, services A snowy start to January in 1936, looking east at Lincoln Highway and Fourth Street in DeKalb. being held every evening during the week. Saw something in Sycamore the other $500 resulted. Becoming effective the first of this year, morning I haven’t seen in several years. A car with chains on all four wheels and it It takes a 14-ounce pull to open a trapGeorge Oley, for many years a resident of wasn’t a four-wheel drive job either. Years door spider’s door when he’s holding it Sandwich, has become part owner of the ago, before the days of four-wheel brakes, down. If man were proportionately strong, DeKalb Monument Works. Mr. Oley purchased an interest in the DeKalb business safety recommendations included the plac- he could exert a pull of ten tons. ing of chains on all wheels to prevent skids from J. A. Widen who will continue as a Mr. and Mrs. David Katz left Thursday member of the firm. Mr. Oley is well known on ice and snow. Seemed odd to see them in this community. For the past nine years on the front wheels. Hadn’t seen one in ten for Fort Myers, Fla. he was sexton of the Oakridge cemetery at years or more, maybe 20. With the streets full of snow and ice at Sandwich, and he is familiar with the work Sometimes I think that the fellow with this time, the autoist is having his troubles. in which he will be connected. the most undisturbed personality in the Adding to the motorist’s difficulties are whole country is that stone statute atop youngsters using their sleds in the streets. Poust, Fish & Moudry have this week The DeKalb police have received combegun the task of removing their office fur- the Civil War veteran’s memorial in the Courthouse yard. He stands there year in plaints about the children sliding in the niture and law books from the Townsend and year out staring gravely towards the streets and several accidents have been building to the new quarters in the First south where the living men he represents narrowly averted. Trust & Savings bank building. The boys are moving part of their office fixtures this fought and died so long ago. 1976 – 50 YEARS AGO week, but say the big task will come next Hecklers of Dr. H. E. Spafford of DeKalb Three cent stamps have been going week when they expect to take possession “like hotcakes” but the DeKalb Post Office in the bank building. The new office rooms are giving him a wide berth these days. Doc, a Michigan alumnus, took a lot of rib- has an adequate supply. The rush began will give the three young attorneys of the bing before the Rose Bowl game, but he last week when mailing rates went up. county ample room for the transaction of had the last laugh. And he didn’t break any their extensive legal business. spectacles during the game, either. Freezing winter temperatures were blamed for the breakdown of heating units 1951 – 75 YEARS AGO Am estimated $500 damage resulted in several Northern Illinois buildings last The kindergarten teacher in Shabbona early today when an oil tank truck caught weekend. Thirty heating coils, which carry fell on the ice and suffered an injury that fire near Five Points, west of Sycamore. hot water for heating purposes to room necessitates her arm being in a sling. She The truck, owned by the Oil Service Comand lounges, broke in high-rise Grant and is carrying on with her work however. Stevenson dormitories. School resumed Wednesday and the buses pany, apparently caught fire when a tire made their rounds in spite of the hazardous blew and friction developed. Four tires were burned and damage estimated at Detroit – A federal source says “logistidriving conditions.

9 cal problems” may force the FBI to abandon its search in a New Jersey dump for the body of former Teamsters Union president James Hoffa. Elizabeth Silverman takes family photographs, but not in the conventional manner. The 19-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Silverman won $100 in a Seventeen Magazine photography contest for a color picture of her sister’s eye superimposed on a cloud-filled sky. The photograph appears in the January issue of the magazine geared to young people’s interest. Sycamore City Council decided the city does not need public transportation, while a recent study showed many residents want it.

2001 – 25 YEARS AGO

Having lost to current Mayor Bessie Chronopoulos by a razor-slim margin in 1997, Greg Sparrow is again looking to wield the most important gavel at DeKalb City Hall. One of the coldest December on record caused a slew of burst water mains and frozen pipes in the DeKalb area, but so far city workers and local plumbers have been successful at keeping the water running. Despite an increase in emergency services calls, DeKalb and Sycamore remained free of any holiday-related fires for another year. In the summer months, Shabbona Lake is covered with boats and surrounding by people fishing. Denny Sands, co-owner of the lakeside bait shop and restaurant, estimates that half a million visitors come to Shabbona Lake State Park each year. But not all of those visitors came to bask under the warm rays of the summer sun. The end of December and beginning of January signal prime time for ice fishing. Gov. George Ryan signed legislation Friday that will put the Chicago Bears in a new stadium by 2003. The $587 million project, approved by lawmakers during their fall session, will gut the existing Soldier Field and put a new stadium in its place along Lake Michigan. – Compiled by Sue Breese

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

LOOKING BACK

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 7, 2026 MIDWEEK

DeKalb library to host Hygge Happiness program Jan. 10

AgriNews photo/Martha Blum

Scott Beck’s company, Beck’s Hybrids provides diverse seed genetics for its customers.

• HELPING FARMERS Continued from page 8

cost if we had to hire it to be done.” In addition, quality also is a benefit to farmland ownership. “Our employees care about what they do and they want to do a good job,” Beck said. Planting on their own land gives the company control, stability and the opportunity to produce hybrids that are difficult to produce. “Sometimes products have a high cost of production so other companies will decide to terminate them because they are focused on the return to the shareholder,” Beck said. “But they’ll give us the opportunity and this has happened multiple times.” One example is a hybrid that Beck’s sold over 1 million units during its eightyear life cycle. “It was hard to produce, but it was the right hybrid for the farmer,” Beck said. “Our customers got the benefit of a hybrid that was rejected by one of the major suppliers.” Beck’s divides its capital investments into six categories – seed boxes, office equipment, machinery, processing equipment, buildings and land. “Land is the only asset that has appreciated and that is helpful as a stable asset in times of stress,” Beck said. “We have been fortunate that we have never had to go through a period that was really difficult and we had to make huge changes such as lay off a bunch of employees.” Although, the 2019 growing season was a challenge for the company.

“In our area, it rained all spring and it was the end of May and we had almost no seed planted,” Beck recalled. “Then we saw God’s hand step in because we got some windows of opportunity to plant in the next few weeks of June.” In addition, September of 2019 was the second warmest September on record. The Beck family is large and growing. “We have over 30 members in the family now and as our kids have gotten older, we’ve been very intentional about having conversations on things that matter to them,” Beck said. “We want the kids interested in our business, so if they think they want to work for Beck’s full time, they must have a couple outside experiences such as a summer internship or work part time or even full time,” the company president said. The Beck family is not unlike any other family, the company president said. “We have our ups and downs – times when we’re not getting along quite as well,” he said. “We have times where we have to work through difficult conversations and the key is to be purposeful.” It is a strong sign, Beck said, for the fifth generation of the family to be involved in Beck’s. “In 1972, the seed we sold to farmers was probably planted on less than 100,000 acres,” he said. “Today, our seed is planted on over 12 million acres.” In 2001, one of the exercises the company’s leadership team did at a retreat was to write down what they wanted people to say about the company in 50 years.

The DeKalb Public Library will host a hygge program as part of its Hygge Happiness series. The free program will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 10 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. The program features Scandinavian-inspired arts and crafts, music, meditative coloring and hot beverages. Participants also will learn about how to create “hygge.” A limited edition Hygge tea blend will be served by Thyme ‘N Again Apothecary. The tea honey also will be provided by Big Red’s Heavenly Honey. Hygge is a Danish word used to describe the creation of a cozy, warm and inviting atmosphere. No registration is required. For information, email susang@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2114.

Grief support group to meet Jan. 13 and 27 in DeKalb

Adults experiencing loss and grief can attend two grief support group sessions

at the DeKalb Public Library. The free support group will meet at 1 p.m. Jan. 13 and 27 in the library’s lower-level Bilder Family Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Participants will be able to meet other people experiencing grief and loss to receive support in a confidential and safe setting. Attendees also can share grief experiences, learn about grief and receive grieving process insights from peers and the group facilitator. A virtual session option is available. The sessions will be facilitated by Family Service Agency of DeKalb County. No registration is required. The support group does not replace other mental health services. If you need individual counseling or other mental health services, call 815-397-3691 or 211. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate attention for a non-life-threatening mental health need, call 988. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For information, email chelsear@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1700. – Kate Santillan

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11 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Mark Busch file photo

The long-vacant former St. Mary’s Hospital sits at 145 Fisk Ave. is seen July 30, 2025, in DeKalb.

After years of delay, developer to revisit apartment plans for century-old former St. Mary’s Hospital City commission to re-review plan, with future council approval still needed

Hospital on Fisk Avenue in DeKalb into an apartment building. In November 2022, Jon Sauser, doing business as Fisk DeKalb LLC, got City Council approval to rezone 145 Fisk Ave. in anticipation of gutting the century-old structure to build 32 apartments inside. But progress was slow and the plan has since By KELSEY RETTKE expired. krettke@shawmedia.com Sauser will need City Council approval once again, according to docAfter years of delays, a developer is uments released this week ahead of expected to present his final plan to the Dec. 5 DeKalb Planning and Zoning turn the long-vacant former St. Mary’s Commission meeting at 6 p.m. at the

DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St. Built in 1922, St. Mary’s Hospital closed in 1965. The building once was used as a girls’ dormitory and then as administrative offices for DeKalb School District 428. In the years since, developers have come and gone without any plans coming to fruition. Although Sauser’s original plan was approved, he failed to follow through with the required city code process, request an extension or resubmit a new plan, city officials have said. The City Council has more than once approved extensions to Sauser’s

timeline. Most recently, the Council in December declined to reject Sauser’s plan, ensuring again that he had more time to submit his final development plan. The property owner also failed to correctly secure the vacant building under city code. That has since been resolved and fines paid, according to the city. The developer also already has met with officials from the DeKalb Fire Department to revise site access for emergency vehicles, according to the city.

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 7, 2026 MIDWEEK

2026 DeKalb County government holiday schedule Government buildings, courthouse will maintain same schedule By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com In 2026, DeKalb County government will adhere to the same schedule of holiday observance as the DeKalb County Courthouse, according to county and court documents. That has not always been the case. Previously, county offices and the county courthouse did not necessarily keep to the same schedule around holidays, leading to some offices being open while the courthouse was closed. On Dec. 17, the DeKalb County Board voted unanimously to adopt a county

holiday schedule that mirrors that of the DeKalb County Courthouse. There will be 13 full days observed as holidays in 2026, according to county documents. Christmas Eve will be a halfday. The first holiday, New Year’s Day, will be observed on Thursday. Here are the other holidays DeKalb County offices, as well as the courthouse, will be closed for in 2026, according to court and county documents. • Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Jan. 19 • Lincoln’s Birthday: Feb. 12 • Washington’s Birthday: Feb 16. • Half-day spring holiday: April 3 Kelsey Rettke file photo • Memorial Day: May 23 A holiday tree stands Dec. 5, 2025, on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, lit up for the season. • Juneteenth: June 19 • Independence Day: Observed • Veterans Day: Nov. 11 • Christmas Day: Dec. 25 July 3 • Thanksgiving Day: Nov. 26 and If it’s a workday, and it’s not one of the • Labor Day: Sept. 7 Nov. 27 Holidays listed above, expect the DeKalb • Columbus Day: Oct. 12 • Christmas Eve (half-day): Dec. 24 County government to be open.

OBITUARIES

CHARLES HAMBY

with love, laughter, and adventure. Charles had a deep love for food and cooking and found great joy in preparing meals for those he loved. He was frequently found visiting multiple stores in search of the freshest Charles K. Hamby, ingredients, taking pride in making family dinage 82, passed away ners or hosting large holiday feasts. He could peacefully at home on December 27, 2025, af- always be counted on to create something ter a courageous battle delicious, as every dish was prepared with with leukemia. Born on care and love. He also found peace and happiJune 13, 1943, in Tellico ness in his garden, where he lovingly tended to flowers and took particular pride in growing Plains, Tennessee, he was the beloved son of William Luther Hamby tomatoes. Charles delighted in sharing the abundance of his harvest, generously giving and Elizabeth Merinda Hamby. Throughout tomatoes to neighbors, family members, and his illness, Charles faced each challenge with remarkable strength, deep faith, resilience, and taking them to local churches-an expression of his generous and caring nature. an unwavering spirit. He touched the lives of A devoted fan of the Tennessee Volunteers, all who knew him, remaining a constant beaCharles rarely went anywhere without wearing con of hope and inspiration. Charles married BARBARA AXELSEN his Tennessee Vols gear. He took great joy in Sara Bowker, on October 5, 1997, in Las Vegas, daysAxelsen, and was81,known for making phone Barbara of DeKalb, IL passed Nevada. Together, they shared many wonder- game calls members be sure everyone awaytoonfamily Nov. 21, 2025 attohome surrounded ful years traveling the world alongside family knew whenShe hiswas team wasJune playing and the by family. born 19, 1944 in and friends, creating lasting memories filled gameFrancisco, time. CA, the daughter of Milton & San Dorothy Kramer. Barb was a devoted employee of the HouseBARBARA AXELSEN Youth for many wares Football Outlet inLeague the historic Pianoyears. Factory Mall BARBARA AXELSEN enjoyed her getaways with friends ofShe St. Charles, IL, Kohl’s of St. Charles Mall, and Barbara Axelsen, 81, of DeKalb, ILclose passed and Barb had anatunwavering overfamily. 35 with Jewel/Osco St.devotion Charles & Barbara Axelsen, 81, of DeKalb, IL passed away onyears Nov. 21, 2025 homeof surrounded to all of her dogs sheJune loved DeKalb, IL.She away on Nov. 21, 2025 at home surrounded by family. wasthat born 19,throughout 1944 in her Shelife. was an immense & loyal fanofofMilton the Green by family. She was born June 19, 1944 in San Francisco, CA, the daughter & ShePackers. is survived byher fourhusband sons - Donnie Bay Barb, Don & 3(Betty), of San Francisco, CA, the daughter of Milton & Dorothy Kramer. Eric, (Julie), and Bret Axelsen. Seven their 4was sons involved with of thethe Tri-City Dorothy Kramer. BarbKurt awere devoted employee Housegrandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren. Brothers, Barb was a devoted employee of the HouseYouth Football League for many years. wares Outlet in the historic Piano Factory Mall BARBARA AXELSEN Kramer of Elgin, Richard (Claire) wares Outlet in the historic Piano Factory Mall Jerry enjoyed her getaways with close friends ofShe St. (Jan) Charles, IL, Kohl’s of St. Charles Mall, and Kramer Dallas, TX, andunwavering sister of Carol Kramer & ofBarbara St. Charles, IL, Kohl’s St. Charles Mall, and and Barb had an overfamily. 35 of years with Jewel/Osco St.devotion Charles Axelsen, 81, ofofDeKalb, IL passed of Elgin, anddogs manythat nieces over 35 with2025 Jewel/Osco St. Charles & to all of her she and lovednephews. throughout DeKalb, IL. away onyears Nov. 21, at homeof surrounded Shelife. was preceded in death herofhusband DeKalb, IL.She was born June 19, 1944 in her an immense & loyalbyfan the Green by family. Born: June 13, 1943 Died: December 27, 2025

Above all else, Charles had a deep and abiding love for his family. He was always checking in on his cousins, nieces, and nephews in Tennessee, making sure they were doing well. He could often be found at his grandchildren’s sporting events, birthday celebrations, and graduation parties, offering support, encouragement, and pride in every milestone. Charles will be remembered for his kind heart, quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to family, friends, and community. His legacy lives on in the memories shared, the meals prepared, the gardens grown, and the love he gave so freely. He is preceded in death by his parents; 11 siblings: Edna Rogers, Leona Ervin, Zula Ervin, Beatrice Hilderbrand, Vera Burchfield,Clarence Hamby, Mimia AXELSEN Hood, Irema Long, Blanche BARBARA Aaron,Football William League Hamby, for Robert Youth many“Carl” years.Hamby, and Billy Joe Hamby. She enjoyed her getaways with friends Barbara Axelsen, 81, of DeKalb, ILclose passed Survived by his wife, Hamby; 7devotion Children: and family. Barb anSara away on Nov. 21,had 2025 atunwavering home surrounded Mista Asbury, Doug (Sherri) Hamby, to of(Brian) herShe dogs sheJune loved by all family. wasthat born 19,throughout 1944 in Stacey (Richie) Hicks, Jennie (Tom) Fuerst,& her life. San Francisco, CA, the daughter of Milton Jackie Keck, and She is(Jake) survived byRob four(Jake) sons -Bowker, Donnie (Betty), Dorothy Kramer. Eric, and Bret Axelsen. Seven BarbKurt was(Julie), a devoted employee of the Housegrandchildren, great-grandchildren. Brothers, Youth for many wares Football Outlet in3League the historic Pianoyears. Factory Mall Jerry Kramer of Elgin, Richard (Claire) enjoyed her getaways with close friends ofShe St. (Jan) Charles, IL, Kohl’s of St. Charles Mall, and Kramer Dallas, TX, andunwavering sister of Carol Kramer & and Barb had an overfamily. 35 of years with Jewel/Osco St.devotion Charles of Elgin, anddogs manythat nieces to all of her she and lovednephews. throughout DeKalb, IL. She was in death herofhusband her Shelife. was preceded an immense & loyalbyfan the Green Don, parents, andbybrother - Louis Kramer. ShePackers. is survived fourhusband sons - Donnie Bay Barb, her Don & 3(Betty), of No services or memorials will be per her Eric, Kurt (Julie), and Bret Axelsen. Seven their 4 sons were involved with theheld Tri-City wishes grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren. Brothers, Jerry (Jan) Kramer of Elgin, Richard (Claire) Kramer of Dallas, TX, and sister Carol Kramer of Elgin, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, parents, and brother - Louis Kramer.

Jon (Julie) Bowker; 17 grandchildren: Derek, Jessica, Kendra, and Brian Asbury, Vanessa and Corynn Hamby, Corrin and Cole Hicks, Tom, Trenton and Sara Fuerst, Jordan, Jensen, Jolie, and Jack Keck, and Mitch and Will Bowker; 22 great grandchildren: Isaiah, Esaliya, Ezra, Darien, Talise, Ilsa, Tige, Laven, Roan Jovie, Thrain, Elsie, Aspen, Ryker, Raelynn, Hunter, River, Scout, Madelyn, Troy, Josie and June; sister, Betty Sue Mills; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; brother and sister-in-laws: Lola (Russ) Burns, Peggy King, Paul (Ruthann) King, and Adah (Don) Horner. A visitation will be held from 5 - 6 P.M. on Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle. Funeral service will be at 6:00 P.M. on Monday with a reception of food and fellowship afterwards in Youth Football League for many years. the Unger Horner Reception area. Cremation She enjoyed her getaways with close friends carefamily. will follow Memorials devotion may be and Barbservices. had an unwavering made Blood Cancer United. book at to all oftoher dogs that she lovedGuest throughout www.UngerHorner.com her life. She is survived by four sons - Donnie (Betty), Eric, Kurt (Julie), and Bret Axelsen. Seven grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren. Brothers, Jerry (Jan) Kramer of Elgin, Richard (Claire) Kramer of Dallas, TX, and sister Carol Kramer of Elgin, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, parents, and brother - Louis Kramer. No services or memorials will be held per her wishes

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

SUDOKU AND SUPER CROSSWORD ANSWERS ON PAGE 2

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12/22/25

3:15 PM

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

MOTORCYCLES WANTED

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, January 7, 2026 MIDWEEK