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Panduit Corp. confirms DeKalb warehouse to see almost 200 layoffs
Panduit says layoffs part of move to Indiana
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
Panduit Corp., a leading manufacturer of network infrastructure and industrial electrical wiring solutions, is laying off 178 employees from its DeKalb warehouse facility by the end of March, according to a WARN report.
The decision comes as part of plan announced by the company in 2024 to move its operations to Indiana. The Tinley Park-based company was expected by spring 2025 to uproot its roughly 600,000-square-foot DeKalb warehouse at 1700 Fairview Drive for Merrillville, Indiana.
In a statement released on Feb. 19, a spokesperson for Panduit confirmed the almost 200 layoffs.
“Unfortunately, this transition has impacted our DeKalb team, with phased workforce reductions as operations move,” according to the statement. “We’re committed to supporting affected employees through job opportunities at the new Indiana facility, other Panduit locations and outplacement assistance.”
The layoffs were first reported to have occurred by Dec. 15, 2025, but have since been revised for March 30, according to a WARN report. The report comes to a head
PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzlesonpage15
after a supplemental notice was issued last month.
Panduit has been a longtime fixture in DeKalb located near the ChicagoWest Business Center, having first opened its
doors in August 1998. The location has seen a wave of new activity around it over the years, with major developments coming online, such as Meta, Amazon and Ferrara Candy.
ON THE COVER
An excavator dumps debris from Tom & Jerry’s into a dumpster Feb. 19 as teardown is underway at the popular Sycamore restaurant after it was destroyed by fire Jan. 31.
See story, page 6.
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.
Photo by Mark Busch
Megann Horstead file photo Panduit is seen April 29, 2024, at 1700 E. Fairview Drive, in DeKalb.
Somonauk library events set for March
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Somonauk Public Library, 700 E. La Salle St., will host several programs and events in March.
The events schedule includes:
• Tot Tales: 11 a.m. March 4, 11, 18, and 25. Attendees will be introduced to books, hand motions, songs, and rhymes. The program is intended for children ages newborn to three. Registration is required.
• Stories and Crafts: 11 a.m. March 5 and at 3:30 p.m. March 17 and 27. The event includes crafts, stories, songs, and snacks. The event is open to children ages four to seven. Registration is required.
• Happy Pi Day: 1 to 2 p.m. March 14. Participants can play math games. Pie also will be served. The program is intended for residents ages six and older. Registration is required.
• Paws For Reading: 4 p.m. March 26. Attendees will be able to read for 15 minutes to Fox Valley therapy
dogs. The event is open to children in first through fifth grades. Registration is required.
• Chapter Club: 6:30 p.m. March 30. Participants can discuss books and do an activity. Book copies are available at the front desk. The club is intended for children ages seven to 10. Registration is required.
• Take Home Book Boxes for Tweens and Teens: March 2. The boxes feature library books and book-related surprises. The take-home box theme is “Illustrated Classics.” Due to limited supplies, registration is required.
• Spring Break Hangout for Tweens and Teens: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 24 in the library’s Children’s Program room. The hangout includes crafts, puzzles, games, and Legos. Snacks will be served. The hangout is open to tweens and teens.
• Tween and Teen Craft- Bling a Book: 6 to 8 p.m. March 2. Attendees will be able to decorate books with rhinestones. Participants can bring their
own books. Supplies will be provided. The program is intended for tweens and teens. Registration is required.
• Tween and Teen Paper Shamrock Wreaths: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 16. Participants can create paper shamrock wreaths. St. Patrick’s Day treat will be served. The event is open to tweens and teens. Registration is required.
• Tween and Teen Tie Dye: 6:30 to w7:30 p.m. March 30. Attendees will be able to bring a shirt to tie dye. Tie dye materials and white bandanas also will be provided. The program is intended for tweens and teens. Registration is required.
• Bingo: 12:30 p.m. March 4, 11, and 19. Participants can play bingo to win prizes. Refreshments will be served. The event is open to adults ages 18 and older.
• Chics with Sticks: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 5. Attendees will be able to knit, crochet, sew, or work on crafts. Beginners are welcome.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
DeKalb library to offer houseplants workshop March 3
hirta, commonly called black-eyed Susan, is a perennial plant.
Adults interested in learning about how to care for houseplants can attend a workshop at the DeKalb Public Library.
The free workshop will begin at 6 p.m. March 3 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.
Attendees will be able to learn about the best practices to care for houseplants and the needs of various indoor plant species such as rudbeckia hirta. No registration is required.
For information, email brittak@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150.
– Shaw Local News Network
NIU.EDU/MUSIC
Feb. 24 International Guitar Series Grisha Goryachev, 5 p.m.
Legacies on Display: The Forbidden and Venerated Arts of Burma
Curated by NIU Center for Burma Studies
Art Museum North Galleries
Altgeld Hall
Sixty Years of Printmaking at NIU: A Legacy of Excellence
Curated by Michael Barnes and Peter Olson
Art Museum South Galleries
Altgeld Hall
Galleries Closed - Nov. 26-29 and Dec. 17-Jan. 20
Rudbeckia
Kishwaukee Valley Art League events set for March
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Kishwaukee Valley Art League will host several events and programs in March at the Gallery on State, 322 W. State St., Sycamore.
KVAL’s next general meeting is set for 7 p.m. March 5 at the gallery. The meeting will feature a live Zen art demonstration by artist Christina Williams.
A paint pouring class will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. March 13 at the Gallery on State. Attendees can learn about paint pouring art techniques. The class will be led by artists Pam Bradford and Sharon Saponari. The class costs $40. Supplies will be provided. Registration is required. To register, visit kval-nfp. org, the gallery or the league’s Facebook page.
The league’s Second Saturday Art Workshop is set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14 at the gallery.
KVAL will hold a reception for KVAL Featured Artist for March Doug Overton from 5 to 7 p.m. March 26 at the Gal-
lery on State. Overton worked as a teacher. He creates mixed-media artwork designed to challenge viewers with personal and social narratives. Overton currently lives in DeKalb and is an MFA candidate.
The gallery recently launched its latest art rotation featuring 2D and 3D artwork, including sculptures, photography, paintings and mixed-media installations. The art pieces are available to buy and will remain on display. Applications are available for the leagues 55th annual Northern Illinois Art Show. The art show will be held June 6 and 7 on the front lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St., Sycamore. The show features up to 70 artisans exhibiting various fine arts and crafts. The application deadline is March 16. To apply, visit kval-nfp.org or the Gallery on State.
Christina Williams
Photo provided by the Kishwaukee Valley Art League
art piece created by Zen artist Christina Williams.
14th District GOP candidates seek to oust Underwood
By RUSSELL LISSAU rlissau@dailyherald.com
Both Republicans running to represent Illinois’ 14th Congressional District cited financial issues among their top concerns – but the specifics varied greatly.
Oswego resident Jim Marter and Somonauk resident Gary Vician will face off in the GOP primary for the seat, which has been held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood of Naperville since 2019. Underwood is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.
The 14th District includes all or part of Kane, Will, Bureau, DeKalb, Kendall, La Salle and Putnam counties.
Marter and Vician discussed their top campaign issues, U.S. border policy and other issues in questionnaires for the Daily Herald. They’ll be available at dailyherald.com.
Marter, a 63-year-old software consultant, said he’ll focus on fighting waste, fraud and abuse if elected to Congress.
He proposes reducing discretionary government spending in all budgetary
tutional amendment requiring a balanced budget and supports allowing line-item vetoes on budget bills.
Marter also wants to eliminate congressional spending earmarks for projects in home districts and federal funding for diversity-related projects and Planned Parenthood, among other efforts.
Vician, a 72-year-old retired teacher, said he is especially concerned about taxes and the cost of living, as well as “government overreach and intrusion.”
He favors term limits for elected officials and bureaucrats but didn’t specify for which officials or government employees, nor did he say what those limits should be.
Vician said the scope and size of government should be reduced. He called for fiscal responsibility and accountability.
areas except for those that concern the military and veterans.
“Nothing is off the table,” he said.
A former Oswego Public Library board member who lost his seat and a simultaneous school board race last year, Marter has unsuccessfully run for
Congress four times and for U.S. Senate in 2016.
Marter said he supports President Donald Trump’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency project and its stated mission of targeting wasteful spending. He said he’d back a consti-
Vician’s elected service dates back to the 1980s. He served as a trustee in both Addison and Naperville townships and then as Naperville Township supervisor from 2009 to 2013.
Illinois’ primary Election Day is March 17. Early voting has begun.
Photos provided by campaigns via Daily Herald
James Marter (left) and Gary Vician are seeking the Republican nomination in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District.
Demolition underway at Tom & Jerry’s in Sycamore
By MARK BUSCH mbusch@shawmedia.com
Demolition crews continued the teardown of Tom & Jerry’s in Sycamore on Feb. 19 after a fire on Jan. 31 destroyed the building.
The restaurant plans to reopen soon at 265 W. Peace Road while they rebuild at the original location.
Photos by Mark Busch
TOP LEFT: An excavator takes chunks out of Tom & Jerry’s on Thursday as teardown is underway at the popular Sycamore restaurant after it was destroyed by fire Jan. 31. The eatery plans to reopen soon at 265 W. Peace Road while they rebuild at the original location. TOP RIGHT: Demolition is underway at Tom & Jerry’s on Feb. 19. ABOVE: Demolition is underway at Tom & Jerry’s on Feb. 19 after the popular Sycamore restaurant was destroyed by fire Jan. 31. LEFT: An excavator takes chunks out of Tom & Jerry’s Feb. 19, as teardown is underway at the popular Sycamore restaurant after it was destroyed by fire Jan. 31.
Get ready for 2000s-era pop music at 2026 DeKalb Corn Fest
Corn Fest committee announces summer festival music lineup
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
Get ready to revisit some peak 2000sera boy bands this summer at DeKalb Corn Fest.
The Corn Fest committee announced the popular summer festival’s 2026 soundstage lineup on Friday.
The festival runs Aug. 28 through Aug. 30 this year. It’s expected to draw thousands to downtown DeKalb, and often acts as an informal end-of-summer event.
The family-friendly Corn Fest is free to attend, offering live music for three days, carnival food and rides, craft booths, activities, a free corn boil and more.
The VIP area near the sound stage
and other specific activities like carnival rides require tickets. Sound Stage tickets are $10 per day or $25 for a weekend pass.
For ticket pricing and more information, visit www.cornfest.com.
Here’s the music lineup this year:
Friday, Aug. 28
• 5 to 6 p.m.: Austin Hopkins
• 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Kashmir
• 9 to 11 p.m.: 7th Heaven Saturday, Aug. 29
• Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Mr. Myers Trio
• 2 to 3:30 p.m.: Tim Gleason Full Band
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. PriSSilas Band
• 7 to 9 p.m.: Bon Journyed
• 9:30 to 11 p.m.: 2000s Pop Tour featuring Chris Kirkpatrick from NSYNC, Otown, Ryan Cabrera and LFO Sunday, Aug. 30
• Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Jack Evans 80s and 90s Country
• 2 to 3:30 p.m.: Grace & John Duo Acoustic
• 4:30 to 6 p.m.: Hillbilly Rockstarz
TAKING
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Empowerment LUNCHEON MARCH 19, 2026 11:30 AM TO 1:30 PM BECOME A SPONSOR - BY MARCH 6 Register today to experience a fantastic presentation, receive annual meeting updates, and connect with fellow attendees.
Mark Busch file photo People walk around DeKalb Corn Fest in 2025. The festival runs Aug. 28 through Aug. 30, 2026.
Sycamore Chamber honors businessman with award
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce has honored civic businessman Douglas Roberts, whose family founded DeKalb Ag, with the 2025 Clifford Danielson Outstanding Citizen Award.
The award recognizes individuals whose leadership, generosity and commitment have significantly enhanced the quality of life in the Sycamore community, according to a Chamber news release.
“Doug Roberts is a forward-thinking leader who serves with intention and results-driven mindset,” Sycamore Chamber CEO Rose Treml said in a news release. “He takes the time to ask the right questions about community need, long-term sustainability, and meaningful collaboration before launching a project. Through Doug’s unwavering dedication and thoughtful investment in others, our community is stronger, more vibrant and better prepared for what lies ahead.”
The Sycamore Chamber is marking the 40th year of the award, and will formally bestow the honor to Roberts at the Chamber’s 109th annual meeting on March 5. Reservations must be made by March 1 to attend. The luncheon starts at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Memorial Hall, 322 Waterman St., Sycamore. For questions or to make reservations, contact the Sycamore Chamber at 815-895-3456.
Roberts has long championed the communities of Sycamore and greater DeKalb County, contributing his passion, time, expertise and resources to strengthen the community in meaningful and transformative ways, according to the release.
Whether through his work with Zea Mays Holdings, his family foundation, or his personal civic involvement, Roberts’ influence can be seen across Sycamore’s business environment, public spaces and charitable landscape.
“He often operates efficiently and effectively as an unseen hand, supporting organizations or causes or
projects where he has identified need, and giving them generous support ladled with an equally generous portion of accountability,” one nomination said, according to the release. “He is someone who understands that the best of community service and philanthropic work is often done quietly, without fanfare, and tightly focused on effective means to carry out its intent.”
Another nomination wrote “We often talk about who leaves positive fingerprints on our community, Doug is one of those fingerprint makers. His fingerprints though are often unseen as he preferred to do good work with great humility. The impact of Doug’s work in our community is truly one of legacy.”
“So many things, public improvements, building donations, and charitable initiatives … have happened simply because he is here, because he works, and because he honors his principles in a way that leads to community benefit,” another nomination stated, according to the release.
Nominees must either be Sycamore residents or individuals who have significantly enhanced life in Sycamore and must demonstrate at least 10 years of leadership in Sycamore’s business community.
This year’s annual Chamber meeting’s theme is “The Power of Community,” which Roberts exemplifies well, Treml said in the release.
“Community is strongest when individuals choose to invest in something greater than themselves,” Treml said.
“Through his quiet generosity, steady leadership and unwavering belief in Sycamore’s future, Doug Roberts has demonstrated how one person’s commitment can ripple outward to strengthen an entire town. His impact is a testament to the very power we celebrate, when we lift one another up, our whole community rises.”
The Clifford Danielson Outstanding Citizen Award is named in honor of Cliff Danielson, longtime president and chairman of The National Bank and Trust Company and a community leader for almost 70 years.
LOOKING BACK
1926 – 100 YEARS AGO
C. A. Anderson, an employee of the Kohler Die & Specialty company, while going home from work last night was struck by the machine driven by D. L. Flanders, another employee of the company, at Franklin and Fourth Street. Mr. Anderson as far as can be learned today attempted to cross the street ahead of Mr. Flanders machine and slipped. As he fell, in spite of efforts of Mr. Flanders to avoid hitting him, one wheel is said to have passed over Mr. Anderson’s foot. Mr. Flanders stopped and assisted the injured man to his home, where it was found a small bone in the foot had been fractured, which will cause a few days’ vacation from his work at the factory on the east side of the city.
Two Greeks, G. P. and S. P., one of them a worker at the American Steel & Wire company, became enraged after an argument Tuesday night and the quarrel quickly turned into a fistic encounter. In the battle, S.P. received a severe pummeling at the hands of G.P., and a warrant was sworn out for the latter’s arrest. The matter was aired before Judge John M. Blair in the police court and G.P. was assessed a fine of $10 and costs for his part in the affair.
Reports from several sources this afternoon indicate that the Kishwaukee creek is on a rampage, due to the unusual amount of rain and snow that has fallen during the last week or ten days. City officials were at the West Highway bridge this forenoon and reported the stream rather wild and very high. At ten o’clock it was up to within less than three feet of the bridge, and still rising. It is not believed the creek will greatly overflow its banks at this time, unless the snow that has fallen today should quickly melt. The stream has been well opened and the natural course will not be greatly deviated from, unless more water falls.
1951 – 75 YEARS AGO
Dense fog blanketed most of northern Illinois last night, making hazardous driving and walking conditions. The moisture froze into a thin film of ice on the highways and sidewalks and on cars making the footing very slippery, and visibility was cut to about 50 feet. Two bus loads of DeKalb Eagles attended the basketball game at the Chicago Stadium between the Minneapolis
Lakers and the Harlem Globetrotters and were forced to halt in Elmhurst until daylight when visibility became almost zero.
During the night the garage of D. D. Waltenberger, 226 South Third Street, was entered and several articles were stolen. Entrance was gained by breaking the clasp on the garage door. Among the articles stolen were two fishing rods, a fly rod, tackle box and reels, tool box containing miscellaneous tools and weighing about 75 pounds, a blanket, sunglasses and a flashlight.
Ivan Stoddard, rural Rochelle, was named the DeKalb County corn growing champion by the DeKalb Agricultural Association recently with a yield of 118.04 bushels an acre. The contest is conducted yearly by the Ag and the growers measure out five acres for the test.
A mild form of influenza has stricken hundreds of thousands of persons across the nation. Outbreaks of the disease closed schools, jammed hospitals and caused a short rise in absenteeism in industries in many cities.
The Jameson Trailer Village, 954 West Lincoln Highway, was broken into late Tuesday night but the would-be thief or thieves were apparently frightened away before they could steal anything, sheriff’s
tance to live independent and useful lives in this community.
The DeKalb Plan Commission will oppose a rezoning request which would allow construction of a K-Mart department store along Sycamore Road. Developers have requested business zoning from county government officials. Backers also have asked Sycamore to annex the 10-acre site. The K-Mart is planned on land originally set aside for a water retention pond.
Marilyn Crowder’s condition has improved slightly, a spokesman at Rockford’s St. Anthony’s Hospital said this morning. Miss Crowder, 15, was short in the head Sunday evening while she watched television with her family at their home on Illinois 23 just north of Gurler Road.
2001 – 25 YEARS AGO
authorities reported today. Entrance to a wash room was made through the back door of the combination store and filling station at the tailer camp. A hole cut in the door to the store proper apparently gained the thieves admittance to the store.
Farm Bureau members and their families literally took over DeKalb yesterday. The largest crowd in the history of the 39-yearold DeKalb County Farm Bureau attended the annual meeting at the Egyptian Theatre. The throngs filled the streets with cars and after the business and entertainment of the meeting was over the ladies dragged their husbands up and down the streets for a preview of Dollar Day bargains.
1976 – 50 YEARS AGO
The DeKalb Senior Citizens Center on E. Lincoln Highway might find a temporary home in the vacant DeKalb Public Hospital. The senior citizens’ center might use the former hospital’s first floor while a new facility for elderly citizens is being prepared.
“A great number of local residents want independent living, but the responsibilities of maintaining their own home is too great a task,” said Ralph Seats, member of the DeKalb Public Hospital board of directors. The board has recommended the building be used as a residential (retirement) facility for those who need a minimum of assis-
Those opposed to subsidizing the company hoping to bring a Borders Books and Music to DeKalb have a good point, Mayor Bessie Chronopoulos said Thursday, but so do those who want the city to do more to attract a greater mix of retail. At the heart of the controversy is the Junction Book Store, a locally owned and operated business whose owner has vocally opposed helping to offset the startup costs with help from the city’s tax increment financing program.
The Nehring name has been associated with giving since the 1930s. Most recently, Shirley Nehring donated the First National Bank building at 164 E. Lincoln Highway to the DeKalb Park District.
The first of 30 new buildings in a proposed 460-acre industrial park of the city’s south side will be completed by the end of summer according to a press release issued by the park’s developer. The 161,000 square-foot, $7 million building at Seventh street and Fairview Drive will be able to accommodate warehousing, light industrial or research and development operations, according to DeKalb Associates spokeswoman Judi Schindler. DeKalb Associates hopes the industrial park, called Park 88, will become the next stop along the so-called Interstate 88 corridor, which is home to many successful companies.
–Compiled by Sue Breese
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives Looking northeast at the DeKalb Depot from just west of Sixth Street, March 5, 1937.
Resource Bank accepting scholarship applications
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Resource Bank is accepting applications for its annual Centennial Service Award scholarship.
The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to 15 students involved in volunteer work and community service.
Applicants must be high school seniors who will earn their diploma from an accredited DeKalb, Kane or La Salle counties high school during the 2025-26 school year. The applicants also must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and attend a higher learning institution in the fall.
Community service involvement includes working with senior citizens; helping the homeless; participating in community beautification and clean-up projects; volunteering for the local fire department, hospital or rescue squad; or donating time to an animal shelter, park district or library.
Organized activities including 4-H, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, or church activities also
will be accepted.
Applications are available at any Resource Bank, high school guidance
offices or online at ResourceBank. com. The deadline to apply is April 3. The applications can be submitted to
any Resource Bank location or via the mail to Resource Bank, Attn. Marketing, 555 Bethany Road, DeKalb.
Photo provided by Resource Bank
Recipients of Resource Bank’s 2025 Centennial Service Award are (back row, from left) Julia Hattar, Taelynn Rodeghero, Charlie Vander Bleek, Robert Sommer, Benson Gudmunson, (front row) Elizabeth Bend, Abigail Fellows, Anya Berry, Grace Hagemeyer, Cynthia Lieu and Viviana Fulgencio. Not pictured are scholarship recipients Logan Frye, Jackson Heilemeier, Abby Metzger and Aaron Potts
DeKalb County appoints new administrator
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
The DeKalb County Board hired a new county administrator on Feb. 18, the conclusion of a 19-month search after predecessor Brian Gregory left and a new hire walked away before starting the role.
Ruth Kedzior will be the next DeKalb County administrator. She was appointed Feb. 18 by a unanimous vote. She’ll start her job March 9.
“I am truly honored and humbled to serve DeKalb County in this capacity,” Kedzior said in a news release from the county.
She most recently served as the senior administrative manager for wastewater treatment provider Metro Water Recovery in Colorado, according to the release.
Kedzior has more than 25 years of
experience working for local government, including 15 years as assistant county administrator for Adams County, Colorado.
Kedzior’s salary will be $185,000, according to her employment agreement with the county. DeKalb County Board member Ellingsworth Webb, a Democrat from District 9, said her total compensation package is worth $238,375. Any increases to her salary will be determined by the DeKalb County Board, records show.
In the news release, County Board Chairman John Frieders, a Republican from District 12, said he was pleased to welcome Kedzior into the county’s top position.
“She is dedicated to responsible fiscal management with a collaborative approach that values and respects diverse perspectives and ensures all voices are heard,” Frieder said in the release. “We have confidence in her abilities for the county in this transition period.”
As the soon-to-be administrator, Kedzior will be tasked with oversee -
ing the day-to-day operations of the county while also providing professional support to the County Board for policy and financial decisions.
“It’s exciting to join a strong and talented team at the County with elected officials who care deeply about public service, deliver essential county services with fiscal stewardship, and make DeKalb County a warm and inviting place to live, work and play in the county’s beautiful natural spaces,” Kedzior said.
She will take over for Derek Hiland, who was appointed as interim DeKalb County administrator when Gregory left in the summer of 2024.
Hiland has spent the past two decades working as a community developer in DeKalb County and has continued to fill that role while working as the county’s interim administrator.
When reached by phone recently, Hiland said the Board went through three rounds of applicants while he
Photo Provided by DeKalb County
Ruth Kedzior was unanimously approved as the next DeKalb County administrator during a DeKalb County Board meeting on Feb. 18, 2026.
Sycamore Fire Department opens new station
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
The Sycamore Fire Department’s new fire station on South Prairie Drive opened for service on Feb. 17.
The new Fire Station No. 1, 1351 S. Prairie Drive, was built to replace the aging building at 535 DeKalb Ave. City officials have
previously said the DeKalb Avenue building’s longevity was failing, and a new building was needed for safety and longterm department use.
A ribbon-cutting and open house will be scheduled for a later date.
Photos provided by Sycamore Fire Department
TOP LEFT: Sycamore Fire Chief Bart Gilmore speaks at a flag ceremony on Feb. 17 to mark the opening of the Sycamore Fire Department’s new fire station, 1351 S. Prairie Drive. TOP RIGHT: Sycamore firefighters perform the flag ceremony on Feb. 17 to mark the opening of the Sycamore Fire Department’s new fire station. ABOVE: Students from South Prairie Elementary School and the Little Spartans Early Learning Program with Sycamore School District 427 helped welcome firefighters to the city’s newest fire station.
LEFT: Sycamore firefighters hoist the American flag at an opening ceremony on Feb. 17 to mark the opening of the Sycamore Fire Department’s new fire station.
WADE LOWE
Born: September 16, 1955
Died: February 6, 2026
Wade Lowe, 70, of Sycamore, Illinois, passed away Friday, February 6, 2026, at Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, Florida. He was born September 16, 1955, at Jellico, Tennessee Hospital one of three triplets to Jake and Faye (Kennedy) Lowe.
Wade was employed at A.O. Smith in DeKalb for 27 years and then 17 years at Lowe Heating and Cooling prior to retirement in 2019. He enjoyed fishing, antique cars and attending swap meets. Wade and JoAnn were snowbirds in Winter Haven, Florida. He was exceptionally witty, fun, loved talking to people and had a contagious smile. He lived life to the fullest. Wade was a past member of Victory Baptist Church and Cross Roads Church in DeKalb.
• NEW ADMINISTRATOR
Continued from page 11
was the county’s interim top employee. The DeKalb County Board appointed Corey Rheinecker, city manager of Sparta, as the next DeKalb County administrator in June 2025. But by August, he had backed out of the job offer, however.
He also said the spotlight should be pointed toward Kedzior.
“There were numerous qualified candidates that I know the board evaluated over the last 19 months,”
He is survived by his wife JoAnn; his children Jeremy (Marie) Lowe of Lee and Sheila (Dean) King of Sycamore; his grandchildren Charles Gasso, Jesika Lowe, Jeffery Gasso, Leea Lowe, Gwenda King and Eldon King; his mother Faye of Winter Haven; his brothers Wayne - a triplet (Sheila) Lowe of Winter Haven, FL., Danny (Roxanne) Lowe of Lake Alfred, FL., and Dion Lowe of Lafollette, TN.; also many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father; his brother Donnie Lowe; his sisters Patsy Lowe Tirado and Wanda Harvel - a triplet
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday February 21, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb with Elder Dave Lauriat of Bethany Road Bible Church officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Lowe Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.
Hiland said. “Ruth rose to the top of those candidates after this last round of interviews.”
While speaking to the DeKalb County Board after their unanimous vote, Kedzior highlighted Hiland efforts over the previous 19 months.
“I have come to know Derek as a true public servant. He has kept things going with such a solid team,” Kezior said. “His dedication is second to none, and he has welcomed me with warmth and a can-do attitude. And I’m excited for our partnership with this county. So thank you, Derek, for keeping things running.”
Ham & Kumla DINNER
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Dine In or Carry Out Available
Seating times:
Lunch: 12pm or 1pm or Dinner: 4pm, 5pm, 6pm Norwegian Bake Sale Lefse, Krumkaka, Kringla and more!
$16 Kids 5 & Under Free Silent Auction Raffle For tickets call 815-739-3545 or 815-739-3570 Trinity Lutheran Church 303 S. 7th, DeKalb, IL
DeKalb County Community Foundation accepting applications
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Applications are open for the 2026 Spinoso Masters Scholarship, made possible by the continued generosity of John and Vivian Spinoso through the Spinoso Masters Scholarship Fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
The scholarship application is included in the Foundation’s Universal Application, which opened Feb. 1.
Eligible post-graduate students can apply at dekalbccf.org/scholarships by the April 1, 2026, deadline.
“The scholarship has awarded over $400,000 to local graduates since its inception,” DeKalb County Community Foundation grants and scholarships manager Sara Nickels said in a news release. “John and Vivian Spinoso have
a deep commitment to supporting advanced education, and we are thrilled to offer this generous scholarship again this year.”
The scholarship is open to graduates of DeKalb County high schools who are pursuing a master’s degree or higher at an accredited institution, in any field of study.
For full eligibility details and application instructions, visit dekalbccf.org/ scholarships. For additional questions, contact Sara Nickels at 815-748-5383 or s.nickels@dekalbccf.org.
Brian Bemis Toyota of DeKalb names art competition winners
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Brian Bemis Toyota of DeKalb recently held its third annual High School Art Competition between DeKalb, Sycamore and Somonauk high schools.
The competition was held at the dealership, 1890 Sycamore Road, DeKalb.
The students designed and painted wrapped vehicles to demonstrate their art skills. The theme of the competition was “Hometown Pride.” The schools competed to win a cash prize as
well as a trophy. The public also was invited to visit the dealership and vote for their favorite design. First place and $750 was awarded to Somonauk High School. DeKalb High School received second place and $500. Third place and $250 was presented to Sycamore High School.
Brian Bemis Toyota of DeKalb is a car dealership that has been helping customers with their automotive needs since 1985.
Photos provided by Brian Bemis Toyota of DeKalb
Brian Bemis Toyota of DeKalb’s High School Art Competition participants and some of their creations.
