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Late DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputy Christina Musil remembered 2 years after on-duty death

Musil was killed in March 2024 in a DUI crash; driver serving 14 years

By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com

The late DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputy Christina Musil is being remembered two years after she was killed in a DUI crash while on duty.

The driver responsible is serving 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The sheriff’s office posted a tribute to Musil, 35, a mother of three who’d served in the U.S. Army National Guard and deployed to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009. At the time of her death, she’d been with the sheriff’s office for five years, working in the corrections division and later in patrol.

“We will never forget you,” according to the post. “End of Watch, March 29, 2024.”

Musil was sitting in her squad car along the side of Route 23 south of Perry Road in Waterman about 10:39 p.m. March 28, 2024, when her car was rearended by a Kenworth commercial truck. She was pronounced dead at Northwest-

PUZZLE ANSWERS puzzlesonpage13

The DeKalb County First Responder Memorial along Sycamore Road across from Hy-Vee includes flags and a plaque built for the late DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputy Christina Musil, who was killed while on duty in a DUI crash on March 29, 2024.

ern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb about midnight March 29.

In the two years since, the driver, Nathan P. Sweeney, pleaded guilty to driving his work truck under the influence of drugs that night. In turn, he was

sentenced to 14 years in prison, the maximum sentence. A judge last week denied his motion to reconsider that sentence.

Many loved ones in DeKalb County have found ways since 2024 to pay tribute to Musil’s life and legacy.

Musil was remembered by friends, family and colleagues as a “true community hero.” She’s been celebrated for her love for her children and the compassion and kindness she brought to her job.

Hundreds showed up for her funeral, which was held at Northern Illinois University’s Convocation Center in DeKalb, including law enforcement from across the county and the country.

To mark one year since her death, Musil’s colleagues with the sheriff’s office hosted more than 100 people at a memorial vigil in March 2025.

On May 19, 2025, officials erected a memorial plaque and a first responder memorial tribute at the DeKalb-Sycamore line on Sycamore Road across from Hy-Vee. Some of Musil’s family were present during a dedication ceremony at the memorial, 2675 Sycamore Road.

In June 2025, the DeKalb County United women’s soccer team raised funds for Musil’s children and local charities that support families who’ve lost loved ones in the line of duty.

In July 2025, Sheriff Andy Sullivan, Musil’s mother and several of her loved ones and colleagues biked almost 400 miles across Illinois to raise money for the Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors, a group that helps families of fallen law enforcement.

ON THE COVER

Grant Senesac is seen on his farm. The rising price of fertilizer is causing chaos for farmers across the U.S. as planting season nears.

See story, page 6.

Shaw Local News Network file photo

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Performances of ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ begin April 9

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The Stage Coach Players will open its next production, the comedy play “The Play That Goes Wrong,” April 9.

The play is scheduled to run for two weeks.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” tells the story of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as it puts on a performance of the 1920s murder mystery play “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” The theater company encounters various mishaps even before the curtain opens with the backstage crew making last-minute set adjustments. The show within a show’s director, Chris Bean, introduces the troupe and disasters continue to befall the actors.

The cast features Denny Boynton, Lori Brubaker, Mike Groark, Bri Kness, Mike Mattingly, Bonnie Miller, Korey Miller, Lacey Toigo, Rae Aldrich, Charles Lundsberg and Ash Miller.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” is based on the 2012 play of the same name written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields. The Stage Coach

unique experience. “It’s funny on a cerebral and physical level, and quite frankly, I just love the slapstick nature of a lot of this.”

When asked what drew her to audition and be a part of The Play That Goes Wrong, Bonnie Miller said, “I love doing comedies! There’s nothing better than making an audience laugh out loud,” adding by the end (of this play) there’s hilarious chaos.

“The challenge of a show like this is a lot of the dialogue doesn’t necessarily line up with the actions on stage.” Montavon said in a news release.

Miller said she hopes that audiences have a great time and leave feeling better than when they arrived.

Performances of “The Play That Goes Wrong” will be at 7:30 p.m. April 9 through April 11 and April 17 and 18 at the Stage Coach Theatre, 126 S. Fifth St., DeKalb. Matinee performances also will be held at 2 p.m. April 12 and 19.

production will be directed by Scott Montavon, who previously directed the Stage Coach production of “One Flew

Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in 2024. Montavon said the humor in “The Play That Goes Wrong” is an entirely

Tickets cost $17 and $15 for seniors and children ages 13 and younger. To buy tickets, call 815-758-1940 or visit stagecoachplayers.com. The Stage Coach Theatre box office opens April 5.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Skateboarding physics program set for April 9 in DeKalb

The DeKalb Public Library will partner with the NIU STEAM team to hold a program for teens to learn about skateboarding physics.

The free program will be held held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 9 at Fargo Indoor Skate Park, 641 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.

Attendees can learn about skateboarding physics and participate in a free skate. Pizza will be served. Parents or legal guardians must sign a waiver form for the free skate. A skateboard, helmet and protective pads will be provided. Because of limited space, the program is firstcome, first-served. No registration is required.

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

DeKalb library to hold OpenAI program April 12

The DeKalb Public Library will hold a program for teens and adults to learn about the nonprofit research organization OpenAI.

The free program will begin at 2 p.m. April 12 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Participants will be able to discuss OpenAI’s origins, ChatGPT’s development and how the company became a titan in the artificial intelligence industry. No registration is required.

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

Book repair workshop set for April 13 in DeKalb

Teens and adults can attend a beginner workshop at the DeKalb Public Library to

learn how to repair personal books.

The free workshop will begin at 2 p.m. April 13 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Participants can learn how to perform simple repairs, assess damage, photocopy missing pages to tip in and archivally test and store delicate items. Attendees will be able to bring in a worn book for assessment and repairs.

Repair techniques include pencil erasing, preventing water damage, book corner reinforcement, torn pages and text alignment, tightening hinges and tipping in a loose page. Library materials will not be repaired. No registration is required.

For information, email emilyk@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 6106.

DeKalb church to hold chamber music concert April 12

Westminster Presbyterian Church will host a chamber music concert featuring the Cardinal Ensemble and NIU Dákiti String Quartet.

The free concert will begin at 3 p.m. April 12 at the church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.

The Cardinal Ensemble, conducted by flutist Ségun Òwèlè, will perform Scottish selections, “Trio in C Major,” arranged by Francesco Geminiani and “Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 12, No. 1, RV 317,” by Antonio Vivaldi, featuring violinist Abe Baker. The NIU Dákiti String Quartet’s performance includes Edvard Grieg’s “String Quartet No.1 in G minor, Op.27” and “Ouverture” from “Orchestral Suite No. 2,” arranged by Johann Bach, featuring Òwèlè. Freewill donations also will be accepted.

State Rep. Keicher accepting summer internship applications

Deadline is May 15

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, is accepting applications for a paid summer internship for high school and college students to receive state legislative work experience.

The internship runs from June 1 through Aug. 15 at Keicher’s district office, 158 W. State St., Suite C, Sycamore, Hampshire satellite office, 115 W. Oak Knoll Drive, and other areas in the 70th House District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties.

The internship’s responsibilities include engaging with civic organizations, local nonprofits and community outreaches; researching issues and assisting with drafting bills; con-

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Romance Book Club to meet April 13 in DeKalb

The DeKalb Public Library will hold a meeting of its Romance Book Club for adults to discuss romance novels.

The free club will meet at 7 p.m. April 13 in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, 309 Oak St.

Participants will discuss “Done and Dusted” by Lyla Sage. Book copies are available in adult services. No registration is required. For information, email amyf@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150.

DeKalb library to hold NAMI booth April 13

The DeKalb Public Library will host a National Alliance on Mental Illness information booth for residents to learn about the organization’s resources.

The free booth will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. April 13 in the library’s main lobby, 309 Oak St.

Participants will be able to meet NAMI staff and and learn about Spanish and English events and programs. No registration is required.

For information, call 815-756-9568, ext. 2112, or email leahh@dkpl.org.

stituent services and participating in events on behalf of Keicher. Interns will be paid $17.50 an hour. Applicants must be a junior or senior high school student, college student or recent graduate with a current valid driver’s license and vehicle access. The applicants also must have the ability to work flexible hours and state government interest. Applications are due May 15.

To apply, email keicher@ilhousegop.org.

For information, visit RepKeicher. com, call 815-748-3494 or email keicher@ilhousegop.org.

Liverpool Legends to perform April 10 in DeKalb

The Beatles tribute band the Liverpool Legends will perform a “The Complete Beatles Experience” concert for residents.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. April 10 at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb.

The Liverpool Legends features four musicians and actors hand-picked by Louise Harrison, George Harrison’s sister. The concert includes songs such as “Come Together,” “She Loves You,” “Hey Jude,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “Here Comes the Sun.” The performance also will feature narrations by Harrison.

The Liverpool Legends received a Grammy nominations for its CD “Fab Fan Memories – The Beatles Bond” in 2012. The band has recorded at Abbey Road Studios and performed at Carnegie Hall, The Cavern Club and the Rose Bowl.

The Liverpool Legends also earn Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award and a Pollstar’s Live75 chart spot.

Ticket prices range from $45 to $77. To buy tickets, call 815-758-1215 or visit egyptiantheatre.org/events-schedule.

Delano’s

Fertilizer prices jump, squeezing Illinois farmers

‘This will continue to have ripple effects through the ag economy,’ says American Farm Bureau economist

By BOB OKON bokon@shawmedia.com and TOM C. DORAN tdoran@shawmedia.com

The war in Iran is raising the price of fertilizer for farmers for the same reason it’s increasing gas prices for everyone.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route threatened by the conflict, carries almost half of the world’s urea exports and about 30% of ammonia, both critical for fertilizer production.

The impact on fertilizer prices and supplies has set off alarm bells in the world of agriculture and a new focus in news reporting on the economic impact of the war.

How it affects farmers likely depends on how long the war lasts and whether fertilizer prices stay high.

“Definitely, prices have gone up,” said Grant Senesac, a Kankakee County farmer outside of Bourbonnais.

Prices already were going up before the war started.

Senesac bought anhydrous ammonia earlier this year at $900 a ton, a price already up from $800 a ton in 2025.

The price is rising faster now, he said.

“If you have not bought early or have not prepaid, I hear anhydrous ammonia right off the truck is about $1,100 a ton,” Senesac said.

Considering the volume of fertilizer needed for a growing season – Senesac uses more than 100 tons – the impact of the war could increase farm production costs by tens of thousands of dollars.

Many farmers, like Senesac, are not buying the bulk of their fertilizer now or in the coming weeks.

“I’ve always paid for my fertilizer in December or January,” said Will County farmer John Kiefner, who has land outside of Manhattan. “There’s a great financial incentive to buy early.”

The price typically rises closer to planting season, whether there’s a war in the Middle East or not, so farmers tend to buy fertilizer weeks or months

ahead of spring planting.

Kiefner said the impact of the current price hike is likely to be felt most by farmers who can afford it least. Farmers operating closer to the margin may have had to put off fertilizer purchases, leaving them vulnerable to the wartime price spike.

Farmers also are paying more for diesel fuel because of the war and more for equipment because of inflation, while the prices for corn and soybeans have been flat, and export markets are shrinking amid tariff battles.

“Our farmers across the country are heading into spring planting, and they’re facing one of the toughest economic environments that we’ve seen in decades,” American Farm Bureau Federal President Zippy Duvall said in a Zoom meeting with the media in March.

“We’re experiencing a generational decline in farm income, driven by outof-control inflation and declining crop prices.”

Duvall emphasized the stakes for farmers if a fertilizer shortage develops, adding that it could become everyone’s problem.

“Fertilizer is not an option to farmers,” he said. “It’s a critical input that determines the crop yield and, ultimately, the food supply for the American people.”

Duvall urged “fertilizer companies,

distributors and suppliers to avoid price gouging or optimizing their pricing that would further strain our farmers who are already under tremendous financial pressure.”

About half of fertilizer applications for the corn crop are done in the spring, with after-planting applications to follow for corn and other crops, Farm Bureau economist Faith Parum said.

“So, this will continue to have ripple effects through the ag economy as we see farmers struggling to source fertilizer, and that will have dire impacts,” Parum said.

If a fertilizer shortage does lead to higher food prices in the supermarkets, it likely will be due to smaller crop sizes,

not farmers recovering the costs of doing business.

“We cannot pass those prices on,” Kiefner said. “We do not operate like a typical business.”

Farmers don’t set the prices for their crops. The market does, and farmers sell for what they can get.

Kiefner said many farmers take the fertilizer crisis in stride “because, unfortunately, chaos has become the new normal in the agricultural world.”

Adjusting to chaos can be difficult, even in the farm business.

“The toughest part is just the uncertainty,” Senesac said. “We don’t know what we’re getting any year.”

So far this year, it’s a fertilizer crisis.

Earth Fest to return April 11 to DeKalb

Vendors, sponsorships welcomed for Earth Fest

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DeCarbon DeKalb will partner with Northern Illinois University Sustainability to host its third annual DeKalb County Earth Fest for community members to explore DeKalb County climate adaptation pathways.

The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 11 at NIU’s Founders Memorial Library, 217 Normal Road, DeKalb.

“Earth Fest continues to grow because people are hungry for climate conversations that feel local, doable, and hopeful,” DeCarbon DeKalb co-founder Kendra Holton Clemens said in a news release. “This event shows that change is not only possible, it’s actually already happening right here at home.”

The festival will include a Post Landfill Action Network keynote address, hands-on gardening and hydroponics education with NIU Edible Campus, and a native plant restoration session led by Sag Moraine Native Plant Community. Earth Fest’s theme is “Which climate

action matters most? What matters most to me?”

Earth Fest also features the NIU Huskie Hail Hunter, an extreme weather research truck used in national climate and hail studies. Attendees can engage with active scientific research.

NIU’s STEAM team will lead a session on how to bring hands-on sustainability programs to nonprofits, businesses and classrooms. The programs will offer practical tools for community-based climate education.

DeCarbon DeKalb is accepting Earth Fest vendors and sponsorships. Vendors will be able to participate in a Vendor Meet and Greet to promote partnership and collaboration. To sponsor or vendor the event, email hello@decarbondekalb.com.

DeCarbon DeKalb is a neighbor-led, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing DeKalb County climate adaptation and decarbonization through community engagement, education and collaboration.

NIU Sustainability advances Northern Illinois University’s sustainability through academic partnerships, community collaboration, campus operations and student engagement and prepares communities and students to address climate challenges.

Come Out and Enjoy a TLC Breakfast

Enjoy eggs, omelettes, pancakes, french toast, biscuits & gravy, bacon & sausage for Adult $12, Children $6

Saturday, April 11th, 2026

7 am - 10 am Make Sure You Leave Space For Some Savory Treats!

Toy Story Characters

Trinity Lutheran Church

303 S. 7th St. • DeKalb, IL Questions? Email us at: trinitydekalb@comcast.net

Artists wanted for America250

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The DeKalb Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission is seeking art submissions from community members for its utility box mural program.

The program uses digital photos of paintings by local artists to create vinyl wraps.

The wraps will be installed in the city’s utility boxes. The theme of this year’s program is “America250 DeKalb.”

“Public art has been a large part of the City’s efforts to enhance the quality of life in the DeKalb community over the past five years, and that continues this year as part of America250 DeKalb,” DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes said in a news release. “A new mural and lighting installation have already been approved by the City Council as America 250 DeKalb legacy projects, and we know DeKalb’s arts community will add

more vibrant artwork to the commemoration through our utility box murals.”

The program will give special consideration to submissions reflecting America 250 DeKalb’s spirit. The initiative’s goal is to build unity as the community works on activities commemorating the Declaration of Independence’s ideals.

“The utility box art program is among the city’s most visible and popular public art initiatives,” CCEC Chair and City Clerk Brad Hoey said in the release. “I am excited that this year’s project is aligned with our America 250 DeKalb celebration, giving artists an opportunity to apply their talents in creating vibrant, patriotic showpieces that will be a part of our community’s landscape for years to come.”

The utility box mural program’s Call for Artists includes the submission form and theme examples. Digital photo and painting scan submissions will be accepted through May 13. The program also will consider original digital artwork. The utility box mural program is partially supported by an Illinois Arts Council grant.

For information, visit cityofdekalb. com/1589/UtilityBox-Murals or onedekalb.org.

LOOKING BACK

1926 – 100 YEARS AGO

Contractor Charles Nelson of Lincoln Street, has been off duty this week, on account of falling victim to the flu. Mr. Nelson was able to get down town yesterday for the first time in several days. Nelson states that while he has plenty of work to do, he is well satisfied that he had to be taken sick at this time, rather than a little later when business gets rushing. He expects to be able to get back into the harness the first of the coming week.

Ben Gross was brought back from Davenport, Iowa, this week, and is held on charge of obtaining goods under false pretenses. It is reported that F. B. Hostetler the jeweler, is responsible for the arrest of the man, as Gross purchased some goods of him, and misrepresented himself. When an investigation disclosed that the merchandise had been secured under false pretenses, the business man swore out a warrant for the Iowa man’s arrest. He will be held here for trial.

Alfred Dresser of north west DeKalb, still is a shut in having a relapse of the flu. He thinks he would rather test seed corn than be in bed any day.

This last snow offered exceptional opportunities for securing interesting winter scenes. And as the snow melts the green grass peeps through, giving promise of Spring Beauties, fruit trees in bloom, violets in the dell, the picnic in the woods, etc. Everybody should have a camera to record these interesting things.

A communication from Chicago today contained the news of a marriage license having been issued in the city this morning to Miss Martha Loptein and Milton A. Corson, both of Sycamore. Further details of the marriage are unknown, and will be awaited with interest by the many friends of the young people both in DeKalb and Sycamore.

The official Spalding Baseball Guide which has just been issued, contains new light on several obscure passages in the old text of the rules and illuminates the new changes, which are not revolutionary. The important changes are the use of the resin bag by pitchers for drying the hands and the

recluse himself. Three days after his death, no will had emerged. No one having anything to do with Hughes corporate fortune, estimated at between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, would confirm that a bequest even existed. Without a will, the federal government could tax up to 77 percent of Hughes’ holdings, an Internal Revenue Service spokesman said Wednesday.

Neighbors objected Tuesday night to two-family zoning for a subdivision at the corner of Hillcrest Drive and Sycamore Road in DeKalb. About 15 to 20 residents of the Woodlawn Drive and Lawnwood Avenue areas protested the rezoning request for the Bluff View subdivision during a Plan Commission public hearing.

Rezoning to allow construction of a K-Mart department store along Sycamore Road was approved by the DeKalb County Board of Appeals Monday night.

sacrifice fly amendment. Resin may be used to dry the hands, but the former prohibition of daubing or maltreating the ball still is in effect. Previously, the sacrifice fly was recorded only when a run was scored, but the new rule gives credit for a sacrifice whenever the runner is advanced a base.

1951 – 75 YEARS AGO

Five auxiliary policemen on the DeKalb force are making the traffic count at the intersection of East Lincoln Highway and Seventh Street today. City Engineer Lloyd I. Johnson said today that the men would make the tally because the mechanical devices sometimes used were not available.

The five auxiliary policemen will keep a tally on all traffic, whether straight through on the Highway and in which direction, straight through on Seventh, or whether making right or left turns. The count started at 6 o’clock this morning and will continue until 10 o’clock tonight. Auxiliary police on duty are: Irwin Davis, Forrest Struthers, Elmer Holbo, Cy Overton and Joe Fabrizius.

The Genoa City Council voted at its meeting Tuesday evening to install parking meters in the city of Genoa for a trial period of six months as per contract with the parking meter company. The contract allows the city to cancel the purchase contract if either are found to be undesira-

ble within a six-month period.

Illinois state police have orders to pick up automobiles carrying 1950 license plates or no plates at all. The state police radio today carried the orders that all cars with old plates or no plates at all were to be picked up. The 1951 licenses are due January 1 and the secretary of state has reported that the backlog for new plates has been met and the department will mail new plates promptly.

Actual building operations started yesterday at Tilton Park when tree stumps were cleared and the basement dug for the home that is being erected for Mr. and Mrs. Don C. Earle of DeKalb.

1976 – 50 YEARS AGO

Round ‘em up and bring ‘em through. It’s a bike rodeo. DeKalb police Lt. Richard Moudy was on hand this morning at Littlejohn Elementary School for a bicycle safety program co-sponsored by the DeKalb Police Department, Wally’s Cyclery and the DeKalb County 4-H clubs. Fourth and fifth graders were tested on bicycle safety and traffic rules before certificates were awarded.

The disposition of Howard Hughes’ empire was as much a mystery today as the eccentric lifestyle of the late billionaire

2001 – 25 YEARS AGO

Could airplane manufacturing giant Boeing decide that DeKalb County is the perfect place to locate its new corporate headquarters, bringing with it hundreds of employees and job opportunities, and pumping millions of dollars into the local economy? Probably not, say local officials but that’s no reason to give up hope.

In an effort to prevent problems before they begin, DeKalb High School conducted inspections of its lockers and parking lot earlier this week with the help of local law enforcement. The inspections, which have been conducted by the school for six years, turned up a small amount of marijuana in one student’s vehicle. The school reported that no other illegal items were found during the inspection.

On the edge of Fairview Park Cemetery sits a group of grave markers showing names like Blue, Muffy and Dude. These names are part of the Fairview Pet Cemetery, a burial site of pets at 1600 S. First St. The cemetery is not just a resting place for dogs. Birds, cars, rabbits and ferrets are all part of the 369 animals at the site. Fairview Pet Cemetery was dedicated Nov. 8, 1985, on the east side of Fairview Park Cemetery.

– Compiled by Sue Breese

DeKalb hopes to double Memorial Day parade size

City accepting parade entries through May 8

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DeKalb city officials are hoping to double the size of the city’s annual Memorial Day parade this year, in part to help celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The city of DeKalb and America250 committee is encouraging community members to apply to enter the 2026 DeKalb Memorial Day parade to honor DeKalb-area veterans as part of America250 DeKalb.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. May 25 downtown.

The committee’s goal is to increase the number of parade entries by 25.

“As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, it is the right time to enhance the Memorial Day parade into a more impactful salute to America’s greatest heroes,” DeKalb mayor and veteran Cohen Barnes said in a news release. “Without our active service members, veterans, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we would not have the freedoms promised to us in the Declaration of Independence. I encourage every community member, organization, and business to help make this year’s parade the tribute our veterans deserve.”

The Memorial Day parade lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. The parade will travel from Locust Street to Linden Place, ending at the Ellwood House Museum, 420 Linden Place. The parade procession will be followed by firstfloor mansion tours and a program on the museum’s lawn.

The parade is open to service groups, clubs, labor unions, nonprofit

organizations, businesses, government units, youth sports teams and the faith community. Entries should be patriotic and may include vehicles, a banner or American flags. Veteran, city of DeKalb and America salutes are

encouraged. Parade entries must not include political banners, organizations or candidates.

Applications are due May 8. To apply, visit tinyurl.com/4dk8vtss or the city of DeKalb website.

Memorial Day events are a collaboration between the city of DeKalb, Ellwood House Museum, DeKalb Park District and community organizations. For information, email scott.zak@ cityofdekalb.com or call 815-748-2396.

Family Service Agency of DeKalb County receives national reaccreditation

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Family Service Agency of DeKalb County recently received national reaccreditation from the Council on Accreditation.

The reaccreditation places the agency among a group of organizations demonstrating full compliance

across core standards surrounding ethical practice, service quality, governance and accountability nationally. The review process includes submitting more than 1,000 documents for review and peer reviewers examining agency policies, outcomes and operations for more than 240 hours.

Family Service Agency of DeKalb County also had facilities toured and

staff, board members and clients interviewed.

The agency’s reaccreditation provides community partners and donors independent verification that programs are professionally managed, accountable and aligned with nationally recognized best practices. The process also confirms the Family Service Agency of DeKalb County’s

resources are used responsibly.

The Council on Accreditation’s accreditation demonstrates the services meet nationally recognized safety, effectiveness and accountability standards. The national reaccreditation reflects the organization’s strength and the staff, board members, volunteers and supporters’ dedication.

RAMP to offer residents communication help

Free atmplified phones, accessible communication devices to be available

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

RAMP Disability Resources and Services will offer access to free amplified phones and accessible communication device to residents in Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago counties through the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation program.

The program provides deaf, hard-ofhearing or speech disabled individuals specialized equipment to communicate through digital devices and by phone.

RAMP will assist community members with the application process and help select equipment to meet communication needs. The program’s devices include cell phone amplifiers, amplified telephones, CapTel captioned phones and accessible iPhones and iPads. The iPads are available for residents ages five and older.

Applications must be Illinois residents who have a landline or cell phone service. The applicants also must provide an application signed by a medical professional confirming they are unable to use a standard phone.

RAMP Disability Resources and Services will offer access to free amplified phones and accessible communication device to residents in Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago counties through the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation program

“The ITAC program ensures that individuals with hearing or speech disabilities have access to the tools they need to communicate with family, health care providers, and their communities,” RAMP Disability Resources and Services office support specialist Alexis Shoemaker said in a news release.

required by state law and funded through a monthly landline and wireless phone services surcharge.

community to encourage individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential.

The Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation program is

RAMP is a United Way member agency that aims to build an inclusive

For information, call 815-756-3202, 815-233-1128 or 815-968-7467.

Born: September 26, 1964

Died: March 28, 2026

Gina Maria Unger, 61, of DeKalb, IL passed away on March 28, 2026 in Geneva, IL following a severe diabetes complication. She was born September 26, 1964 at St. Mary’s Hospital in DeKalb.

A 1982 graduate of DeKalb High School, Gina was in choir and color guard. She earned a

B.S degree in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1986. Gina worked for NIU and several medical centers.

Gina was the youngest of four. She sang and danced with her sister Kathy while doing puzzles. She was born on her sister Sherry’s 5th birthday; the two loved holiday outings and seeing Wicked together in Chicago. Gina’s brother Darrel took her on a magical trip to Disney World. She was an adoring aunt with a whimsical sense of humor.

Gina lived life with a soundtrack all her own, from belting out “White Rabbit” at karaoke to singing all the words at concerts. She especially loved the music of R.E.M., Led Zeppelin, REO Speedwagon, and The Bangles. She was

happiest snuggling with her beloved cats, Willow and Beckett, or enjoying Supernatural, The X-Files, Stranger Things, and Anne Rice novels. Gina was preceded in death by her parents James Vannucci, Jr. and Jeanette (Taylor); her paternal grandparents James Sr. and Kathryn (Farrell) Vannucci; her maternal grandparents Walter and Irma (Spohn) Taylor; infant sister Mary Kallembach; infant nephew Darrel Schofield; many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her cherished cat, Luke.

She is dearly missed by her siblings: Kathy (Kallembach) Schofield of DeKalb, Sherry (Vannucci) Christensen and husband David of Sycamore, and Darrel Kallembach and wife Bobbie of Nixa, MO. She was aunt to Tammy Lexa,

Willy (Karen) Schofield, Claire Christensen (Casey Sarapas), Ross Christensen, Rachel Kallembach (Tanveer Kahn), and Brandon Kirk. Great-aunt to Cassie, Katrina (Alex), Bethany, Collin, Genevieve, Lane, Affan, Vanessa, and Yadi. Great-great aunt to Magnolia. She will also be deeply missed by special friend Jim and lifelong friend Roxanne.

A memorial open house will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Ellwood House Visitor Center Hearthside Room, 420 Linden Pl., DeKalb. Family and friends are invited to share memories of Gina at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gina’s name to TAILS Humane Society.

AMUSEMENTS