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ON THE COVER

Fireworks shoot off July 4, 2023, over Hopkins Park during DeKalb’s Fourth of July Celebration. DeKalb County has several festivals in July and around the Fourth of July holiday to view fireworks and enjoy other family-friendly activities this year. See story, page 6.

Sycamore therapy dog, Dooley, helped students, staff over 500 times in past 3 years

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

SYCAMORE – It’s not every day a public school board meeting includes an update on the work of a dog, but that’s just what Dooley, a German shorthaired pointer who works as a therapy dog in Sycamore School District 427, and his Sycamore Police Department partners did last week.

School resource officers Kaitlyn Pederson and Daniel Ludwig gave a year-inreview to the Sycamore school board on June 24.

“Dan and I take a lot of pride in our role, and we really enjoy working with our staff and students, and our administration,” Pederson said.

Over the 2024-25 school year, School Resource Officers, sometimes called SROs, filed 73 reports at Sycamore High School, the officers said. Another 62 reports were filed at Sycamore Middle School and 50 were filed across the district’s elementary schools, they said.

Pederson said their reports can range, anything from a battery to informational reports.

The school resource officers also said they conducted 19 threat assessments during the year.

The officers told the school board they ascribe to three pillars as school resource officers: Safety, counseling and education. To that end, Ludwig said he often tells students to “make wise choices.”

“I just take the opportunity to try and build those relationships, get some edu-

Dooley, a German shorthaired pointer, a Sycamore police therapy dog handled by school resource officer Kaitlyn Pederson gets scratches from Pederson’s supervisor Sgt. Stacey Binkowski on June 24. They were at Sycamroe Middle School so that Pederson and fellow school resource officer Daniel Ludwig could present their annual report to the Sycamore school board.

cational points and send them on their way,” Ludwig said.

At Sycamore Middle School, Pederson, with the help of trained therapy dog Dooley, focuses on mental health resources, drug education and relationship building.

Dooley was brought on as a therapy dog for the SRO program in October 2022. Over the past three school years, he’s been deployed more than 570 times to help students and staff across the

See THERAPY DOG, page 12

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Sycamore boy’s cancer remission celebrated with parade

Oliver Olinger, 2, gets police escort to St. Charles Motorcycle Museum

By DAVID PETESCH dpetesch@shawmedia.com and KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com

SYCAMORE – Sycamore 2-year-old Oliver Olinger’s life looks a lot different now than at this time last year, his mom, Sami Olinger, said.

For one, Oliver and his family received a police escort alongside about 150 motorcycle riders from Sycamore to St. Charles on June 22 to visit the St. Charles Motorcycle Museum.

For another, Oliver’s acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer, is in remission. It’s been almost a year since he came home from an eight-month hospital stay.

“I feel like it’s just so special, especially because we’re coming up on a year cancer-free and done with treatment,” Sami Olinger said in front of the Sycamore Public Library, where bikers showed up en masse to support her son. “So I feel like it’s just such a great way to celebrate that.”

Oliver was diagnosed on his first birthday, endured five rounds of chemotherapy and 75 blood transfusions.

“And, of course, after treatment comes the anxieties of relapse and whatnot, so there’s just so much unknown afterward,” Sami Olinger said. “But now to be here, celebrating, we just had his one-year, post-treatment appointment and he’s still cancer-free.”

A shy Oliver clung to dad Nathan, who said his son is obsessed with “anything with wheels.” Sister Maive, who

was about to turn 6, hoped to see a pink motorcycle, her mom said. Sami is eight months pregnant, expecting her third child and Oliver’s newest sibling.

St. Charles resident Shawn Campbell, who followed Oliver’s journey through social media updates, connected with the Olinger family and local biker safety advocate Chris Hansen. Together, they organized the trip.

Motorcycles of all kinds filled the library parking lot and spilled over to the lot across the road, mingling until it was time to go. Most were strangers to the Olinger family.

“I think this is awesome,” Nathan Olinger said. “I don’t have words, to be honest. I think it’s crazy that there’s this many people that still care about other people, especially in a world of chaos.”

Hansen called the turnout fantastic and said he hadn’t been sure what to expect. Hansen is president of the DuKane chapter of A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education Illinois. His

group was joined by biker groups from across the region, including the Lions Club and Indian Riders from Elgin.

Hansen said he was inspired to celebrate Oliver’s journey and is always looking for ways to give back to the community.

To see a success story, the family was showing me pictures just from a year ago. To see where he’s at now, it’s a miracle.”

“To see a success story, the family was showing me pictures just from a year ago,” Hansen said. “To see where he’s at now, it’s a miracle.”

Authorities with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police escorted the motorcycle brigade and Olinger family to St. Charles. Police from Sycamore, Campton Hills and St. Charles helped block intersections along the way.

“Very, very happy we get to do this rally,” Hansen said. “It’s a good day.”

The motorcade arrived in St. Charles about 12:30 p.m., led by museum owner Andy Koczwara.

See CARING

page 4

Continued from page 3

The parking lot of the museum was filled with people waiting to welcome Oliver and his family. A food truck, DJ and an armored vehicle from the Kane County Sheriff’s Office were there.

When the Olinger family arrived, Oliver was greeted with cheers and given gifts and words of encouragement from hundreds of supporters.

Inside the museum, guests enjoyed live music and libations from the museum’s bar. At 1 p.m., organizers gathered the crowd to say a few words about the Olinger family and Oliver’s triumph.

Campbell opened with a prayer and thanked everyone for coming to support Oliver. She said the turnout was better than she could have hoped.

Koczwara and his wife gifted Oliver a painting of a motorcycle he got on a recent trip to Italy. Koczwara became emotional when presenting the artwork to Oliver.

“I don’t think there is a better cause for bringing riders together,” Koczwara said. “This is absolutely out of my mind.”

Hansen said the turnout was far more than expected and said he was honored to be a part of it.

Motorcycle riders leave from Sycamore Public Library for a “Rally for Oliver,” a parade to support Sycamore 2-year-old Oliver Olinger, who was joined by his family on June 22 and escorted by first responders to the St. Charles Motorcycle Museum.

“This is more than we expected. This is phenomenal,” Hansen said.

Campbell presented a gift basket from St. Charles Mayor Clint Hull, who

was not in attendance, on behalf of the city. The gift included toys and an official junior officer badge from the St. Charles Police Department.

Kane County Sheriff’s Deputy Susan Deuchler presented Oliver with a gift

See CARING COMMUNITY, page 5

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Now that warm weather is here, a summer clean-and-check for your air conditioner is an essential step in preparing your home to stay cool all season long. After a cooler spring and months of inactivity, your A/C unit may have accumulated dust and debris that could affect its performance. A professional inspection from KM Heating and Cooling will help ensure that your system is operating efficiently and safely as the summer heat sets in.

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• CARING COMMUNITY

Continued from page 4

bag from the sheriff’s office, including a K-9 hat, his own badge, coloring books and special coins. Deuchler told Oliver’s family in Sycamore that the day was especially meaningful to her: She’s had her own cancer journey to endure.

“It’s kind of dear to me to be here,” Deuchler told Oliver’s mom. “This summer, I found out I had cancer in my leg and I just went through surgery and treatment, so I get it. I’m honored to be out here for him.”

The crowd in the museum erupted in cheers and applause when Sami Olinger reported that Oliver’s oneyear, post-treatment appointment June 20 revealed he is still cancer free.

Sami Olinger said the community’s support has been beyond any expectation and was a powerful reminder.

“The one thing that we have learned from this journey is that there’s bad times, but we’ve learned how good people are,” Sami Olinger said. “Just having all of you show up for us and our family and Oliver is mind-blowing to us. We can’t thank you guys enough.”

Where to see Fourth of July fireworks

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

DeKalb County has several festivals in July and around the Fourth of July holiday to view fireworks and enjoy other family-friendly activities.

77th Annual Kirkland Fourth of July Festival

When: July 3 to July 5

Where: Franklin Township Park, 250 W. South St., Kirkland

What: The Kirkland Lions Club will host a Fourth of July festival across three days, including nightly live music on multiple stages, a Fourth of July parade and a Saturday night fireworks display.

The parade will be held at 11 a.m. July 4, and the fireworks will begin about 9:15 p.m. July 5.

For information, visit facebook.com/ kirklandlionsclub.

Shabbona Fourth of July Parade and Festival

When: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4

Where: 205 E. Navaho Ave., Shabbona

What: Start your holiday by eating pancakes served by officials with the Shabbona Fire Department. Spend the afternoon enjoying a Fourth of July parade before ending your day with a fireworks display at Shabbona Lake State Park.

For information, visit dekalbcountycvb.com.

DeKalb Fourth of July celebration

When: 8:30 a.m. to sunset July 4

Where: Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb

What: Fourth of July celebrations in DeKalb start at 8:30 a.m. with an Independence Day run that starts and ends in Hopkins Park. At 4 p.m., live music, a free animal show, games, food vendors and strolling entertainment will turn the park into the scene of a patriotic festival. The DeKalb Municipal Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will go off 30 minutes after sunset.

For information, visit dekalbparkdistrict.com.

Sandwich Freedom Days parade and fireworks

When: July 5

Where: Downtown Sandwich

What: The Sandwich Park District will kick off its annual Freedom Days parade at 10 a.m., ending at the Sandwich Fairgrounds. Due to the projected construction on Main Street, the parade route might change, according to the park district. The route is posted on sandwichparkdistrict.org. The fairgrounds open at 3 p.m. for live music, vendors, food and games. Admission is $10 per vehicle. Cash only. Fireworks begin at dark. Participants are asked to bring their own blankets and chairs. For information, visit sandwichparkdistrict.org/freedom-days.

Waterman Lions Summerfest

When: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. July 19

Where: 420 S. Birch St, Waterman

What: The Waterman Lions Summerfest is an annual antique tractor and truck show held at Waterman Lions Community Park. Live music, a tractor pull and fireworks are all included in a day-long event schedule. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.

For information, visit watermanlionssummerfest.com.

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Declaration of Independence presentation set for July 3

DeKALB – Adults and teens can learn about the significance of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The free presentation will be held at 6 p.m. July 3 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Attendees can discuss the event’s historic significance and some of the signers roles. The presentation also will include an A&E documentary viewing about the declaration signing. No registration is required.

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

DeKalb Chamber accepting Athena Award nominations

DeKALB – The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its 35th annual DeKalb Athena and Women of Accomplishment Awards.

The deadline to submit is July 25.

The Athena Award recognizes women for being a role model, assisting women to meet their full potential, community involvement and professional and business accomplishments.

The Woman of Accomplishment Award recognizes individuals who meet Athena criteria but are retired or no longer working in DeKalb County. To submit a nomination, visit dekalb.org/athena-award.

The Athena Award is a national program. Award finalist nominations and support letters are sent to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce with Athena programs to select the recipient.

For information, visit dekalb.org, call 815-756-6306, email virginia.filicetti@ dekalb.org or visit dekalb.org/athena-award.

Financial assessment workshop scheduled July 8 in DeKalb

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will offer workshop for seniors to receive a financial assessment.

The workshop will be held at 12:30 p.m. July 8 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Participants will receive an assessment for financially safe products, long-term care options and how to navigate health and life protection changes. A valuable risk assessment and Social Security Maximization report also will be available. No registration is required.

For information, email brittak@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2100.

DeKalb library to host Safe Passage information booth

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a Safe Passage informational booth on July 3 for residents to learn about the organization’s services.

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

Attendees can learn about Safe Passage’s emergency shelter, legal advocacy, transitional housing, counseling and medical advocacy services. Participants also will be able to learn about upcoming events and ways to get involved.

For information, email samanthah@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.

Sycamore St. Mary’s school celebrating 100th anniversary

SYCAMORE – St. Mary’s Catholic School is turning 100, and plans to host various events throughout the year to celebrate.

The school, which still uses its original building, opened for the first time in September 1925.

Community members, families and alumni are welcome to solicit anniversary event information from Patricia Strang, the St. Mary’s Catholic School principal.

Stories and digital photo also are welcome to contribute to the festivities. To receive information or submit stories, email pstrang@stmarysycamore.org.

VAC receives $50K grant for transportation program

SYCAMORE – The Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois recently was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Dunham Foundation to support its Kendall Area Transit program.

The program provides transportation to residents in DeKalb, Kane and Kendall counties.

The funds will allow the program to provide at least 500 additional rides. The additional rides also will allow Dunham Foundation service area residents to access services including healthcare, employment, grocery stores and daily necessities.

The Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois has served the transportation and nutrition needs of the community through community transit, Meals on Wheels and senior nutrition since 1974.

LOOKING BACK

1925 – 100 YEARS AGO

Groundhogs have made themselves obnoxious within the past few days especially in two DeKalb cemeteries and after considerable work on the part of members of the police department and others it is believed the trouble has been eliminated. In one of the cemeteries the animal had dug himself into a ravine and did considerable damage, but the matter has been cleaned up and the animal gassed.

According to reports coming in from all over the northern part of the state, the pea crop this year will be below normal. Rochelle reports the crops as poor, while the Inderrieden Canning Company at Hampshire has issued a report stating the crop to be damaged 70 percent. The Rochelle Canning Company is reported as having received $190,000 in insurance from insurance companies because of poor crops this year. Several other companies in northern Illinois carried insurance on their crops for which they have collected because of the damage by frost early this summer.

From now on tourists camping at the Annies Woods campground will be charged at the rate of 25 cents for every 24 hours, following action taken a few days ago by those in charge of the camp. The charge is only fair, they point out, as the service that is given at the camp could not be secured elsewhere at that price.

DeKalb’s streets have been given a scrubbing since last evening and while the majority of them show that something has been done, there are some that will not show the work of the city’s new flusher for a couple of days, due to the large accumulation of dirt that appears to be baked onto the pavement. The flusher bought by the city a short time ago, and promised for use July 1, arrived yesterday afternoon from Oregon. It is a large machine, weighs several tons, and is capable of doing many things.

According to reports today every detail is complete for the park dedication that is scheduled to be held here July 16, and it is to be a big day in the annals of Sycamore history. It is now planned to have the stores close a part of the day, giving

sion in a special “Flag List” to be forwarded to President Gerald Ford.

A young female deer leaped through a showroom window at Fargo Motors on State Street yesterday, killing itself. The deer apparently came into town from the west, got spooked by traffic and leaped through the window on the east side of the building.

Participants in the Camp Maple Leaf program at Hopkins Park mark “Animal Week” by inspecting a pig and parrot from the Fowler Animal Hospital in Sycamore.

everyone an opportunity to attend, and everyone will attend. Sycamore has long needed a municipal park, and it is fitting that it should be dedicated at this time.

1950– 75 YEARS AGO

Adams Hall, the new dormitory for women on the Northern campus, is constructed of Joliet limestone and stands at the corner of Normal Road and Lucinda Avenue. Large over-hanging trees and the terraced front yards add to the beauty of the west side of the main campus.

The campaign against flies and fly-breeding areas will be renewed in Sycamore Sunday when the city and adjacent areas will be sprayed under the sponsorship of the local Lions Club. The sponsoring club has hired L. H. Quinlan, of DeKalb, to do the actual spraying. He expects to finish the job, originally expected to take two days, this Sunday. Quinlan, whose firm is known as Custom Foggers, will start operations at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, weather permitting. He will be assisted by several members of the Lions Club.

The conversion of automatic dial service for the Sycamore exchange of the DeKalbOgle Telephone Company will be made tonight at 10:30 o’clock. The conversion to the modern automatic system will include all of Sycamore and surrounding area. No interference with telephone service is expected, since the change-over will take only a short time. Telephone directories listing dial system numbers for Sycamore

and areas within this exchange have been delivered to all users of the service this week, along with dialing directions.

Sycamore industry vacation programs will range from virtual shutdown to continued operation with staggered off-time this summer. Two industries, Anaconda Wire and Cable Company and Tuner Brass Works, will again follow plans used in past years which provide for plant shutdown except for skeleton crews. The Turner Brass firm will employ a combination staggered vacation plant shutdown next week, July 3 through July 8, which will leave only a skeleton inventory crew on duty.

Due to the railroad strike, the mail from Esmond is now picked up by a truck from Rockford morning and night.

1975 – 50 YEARS AGO

An electric power pole was knocked down by an automobile at North First Street and Sycamore Road yesterday at 1:33 p.m., resulting in a power blackout for approximately 1,000 homes.

The names of more than 450 “Flag City, U.S.A.” boosters will appear in Thursday’s edition of the Daily Chronicle. That was the count as of mid-morning today as phone calls continued to be processed through the Daily Chronicle switchboard. Residents and business firms planning to fly the American Flag on Friday to kick off the bicentennial year have been calling the Daily Chronicle since last Friday for inclu-

Making its debut in full operation on Sunday will be the working blacksmith shop on the grounds of the Ellwood House Museum.

2000 – 25 YEARS AGO

In 1999, at least 135 people were injured in Illinois by illegal fireworks, a number the Illinois state fire marshal believes could be erased by simply letting professionals handle firework displays. Consumer fireworks, defined in Illinois as torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles and bombs, are illegal in the state without a permit.

A handful of volunteers gathered at Cortland Elementary School late Friday afternoon to begin construction of an extension to the school’s playground. The project, which is the result of months of effort by the school’s PTA, will more than quadruple the site of the existing playground, allowing it to better serve Cortland’s growing student population.

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve District, in cooperation with the Kishwaukee Solduc Group of the Sierra Club, will hold an informational walk in the new County Farm Woods Forest Preserve. The forest preserve is located on the old county nursing home property.

It’s good to know the Kishwaukee River just downstream from DeKalb and Sycamore is cleaner than it used to be. Perhaps even better news, in the long run, is that DeKalb County kids are learning how to determine the health of the Kishwaukee River, and in the process, learning to care. – Compiled by Sue Breese

Grocery tax here to stay in DeKalb Sandwich votes to implement 1% grocery tax

City Council enacts local grocery tax, moves from state to local in January

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – When the state grocery tax lifts on Illinoisans in January, DeKalb purchases will continue to be taxed locally, the DeKalb City Council voted last week.

The grocery tax, as passed in a pair of 5-2-1 votes, will take effect locally Jan. 1, the day the state grocery tax expires. Dissenting votes were cast by 6th Ward Alderman Mike Verbic and 7th Ward Alderman John Walker. First Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada was absent due to work, she said.

Fourth Ward Alderman Justin Carlson, the council’s newest member, said he doesn’t see imposing a local grocery tax as a partisan issue.

“I see momentum, I don’t want to stop it,” Carlson said. “If it’s at no increase to the taxpayer, they’re paying the same. Keep this momentum going. Keep believing in our police department. Keep believing in our fire department.”

DeKalb joins a growing list of northern Illinois municipalities to take up the tax, including Genoa, Sandwich and Shabbona as of June 25. For months, city officials have argued the tax was necessary. City Manager Bill Nicklas said it was needed to prevent revenue loss for the police, fire and public works departments.

Sycamore city officials have not held a vote, although earlier this spring, they expressed preliminary support for it. On June 24, Cortland Mayor Mark Pietrowski announced via social media that Cortland officials voted not to enact a local tax.

Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan to repeal the 1% statewide grocery tax was pitched by some lawmakers as a chance to relieve financial burdens at the grocery store. But some municipal leaders across the state have decried that the tax was lifted without a plan to replace what could be a significant loss of revenue for some.

DeKalb city staff have said the city stood to lose about $800,000 in lost tax revenue if a grocery tax wasn’t continued. Some, such as 3rd Ward Alderman

By ERIC SCHELKOPF eschelkopf@shawmedia.com

Sandwich has decided to implement its own grocery tax in light of the state’s 1% grocery tax expiring on Jan. 1.

Like other municipalities, Sandwich receives a share of that tax. That includes revenues from convenience stores.

Art’s Food Market is located in Sandwich. Other stores in Sandwich, like Dollar General and Walgreens, also sell food products.

At the June 16 Sandwich City Council meeting, the majority of City Council members voted to approve a 1% grocery tax. Voting “no” were 1st Ward Alderman Matt Chunn and 3rd Ward Alderwoman Karsta Erickson.

Chunn said he voted against the city adopting its own grocery tax because of the state’s new taxes that go into effect July 1 as part of a new state budget.

Those new taxes include placing a per-wager tax on sports betting in the state and increasing taxes on tobacco and vaping products.

“I know it’s not a new tax, but everyone feels like it’s a new tax,” Chunn said. “I don’t want to add it to what Illinois is already doing.”

Without the city implementing its own 1% grocery tax, the city could lose about $20,000 a year in revenue when the state’s grocery tax expires next year. That number could increase once a Dollar Tree store at 3725 Drew Ave. is up and running, Sandwich Mayor Todd Latham said.

Construction of the new store is set to begin in the coming weeks.

“They will start selling food products right adjacent to our neighboring community Plano,” Latham said.

Municipalities that want to implement a 1% local grocery tax that would take effect on Jan. 1 must approve an ordinance and file it with the Illinois Department of Revenue by Oct. 1.

Latham noted the state did not consult with communities like Sandwich before making its decision to do away with the grocery tax. He said he doesn’t think most people would notice whether the tax is removed or not.

Other communities like Montgomery and Yorkville also have approved a 1% local grocery tax.

choice but to enact a local tax.

On June 23, he offered support to city staff for the plan.

“This $800,000 is critical for our operations,” Barnes said. “I commend City Manager [Bill] Nicklas and the entire admin staff for doing everything they can to operate as lean as we possibly can. In fact, if we had $800,000 to cut out of the budget, then shame on us the last four years. We should have cut it out then. We don’t.”

Fifth Ward Alderman Andre Powell said he supports the tax locally because it already exists.

“It’s not like we’re adding something new,” Powell said. “It’s minimal to a household compared to the city budget. I think we go looking trying to make up funds for something we’re losing, it begins to be a real burden.”

In a public statement posted on social media before the meeting, Zasada explained why she wouldn’t be present and said she would have voted for the tax if present.

Tracy Smith and 2nd Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson, said that funding would need to come from somewhere to maintain service quality.

Not everyone was on board with imposing a local grocery tax, however.

Verbic said he doesn’t believe the city has done its due diligence. He argued the city should use its finance committee to consider funding alterna-

tives.

“The intent of this is to save grocery shoppers a little bit of money as possible,” Verbic said before the vote. “I think we should do that, if possible. ... I think that this particular change should be a last resort instead of a first resort.”

Mayor Cohen Barnes earlier this month blamed partisanship for what he said was leaving municipalities little

“Originally, I was opposed on the face of it because grocery taxes are regressive,” Zasada said. “However, deeper policy impact research has demonstrated that the impact on individuals is extremely marginal. I’ve consulted with a variety of people, and it seems the negative impact on the city if we didn’t enact this tax is substantially greater than the positive impact on families.”

DeKalb fire chief recognized for 30 years on the job

Chief Mike Thomas honored ahead of July retirement

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – DeKalb Fire Chief Mike Thomas gave an emotional farewell to the City Council last week, saying that he feels grateful to everyone who made it possible for him to serve the DeKalb Fire Department the past 30 years.

Thomas was recognized at the June 23 council meeting.

“The city of DeKalb has provided me with a long and fulfilling career of which I’m proud,” Thomas said. “Holding every rank brought different challenges, and I learned a lot from each one.”

Thomas was first hired by the DeKalb Fire Department as a firefighter and a paramedic in July 1995, according to the city. He rose up through the ranks over the years, climbing from lieutenant and captain to battalion chief.

It wasn’t until October 2021 that Thomas was promoted to deputy fire chief of operations, his first management position. Shortly after, he was appointed as acting fire chief upon the retirement of his predecessor, Chief Jeff McMaster. Thomas was named the city’s permanent fire chief in April 2022.

Firefighting was not always part of the plan for Thomas, however.

“I was in the private sector for a while,” he said. “I tried to get on the fire department and eventually did. It was something that turned into a calling, if you will. I didn’t know much about it beforehand, but I met a few firefighters, and they encouraged me to get into it. And the more I studied and worked at getting ready to challenge the entry exam, the more I thought, ‘I think this is going to be for me.’ ”

Thomas will sign off on his duties as fire chief July 11. He said that knowing he may have responded to his final call for service feels bittersweet.

“But I think it is time,” Thomas said. “This is a younger man’s, younger person’s game. It’s time to try to allow the city to find some more energy.”

Thomas touted the collaboration it took to get the fire department to meet its objectives over the years, highlighting “being a part of a team that is likeminded and has similar goals, and then

But I think it is time. This is a younger man’s, younger person’s game. It’s time to try to allow the city to find some more energy.”

Mike Thomas, retiring DeKalb fire chief

being the point-person to try to make those things happen,” Thomas said.

Second Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson expressed her appreciation to Thomas for his service to the city.

“I just can’t say enough how lucky we are to have had you,” Larson said.

Thomas pointed to equipment purchases and the city’s newest fire station as some of his proudest accomplishments.

See RETIRING CHIEF, page 12

Remembering Ron Modell, pioneer of NIU’s jazz program

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – Loved ones are remembering Ronald Modell, founder of Northern Illinois University’s jazz program, for the love he had for music, the joy he brought to teaching and the laughs he shared along the way.

Modell died June 10 at his home in DeKalb with his wife, Kathy, nearby, according to his obituary. He was 90. He was born on Nov. 11, 1934, in the Bronx, New York, to Nathan and Gertrude Modell.

An accomplished musician, Modell joined the NIU School of Music faculty in 1969, where he created the jazz program and established the world-renowned NIU Jazz Ensemble.

In 1983, the NIU Jazz Ensemble gained the acclaim of Downbeat magazine as the top band in the country, according to the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts. And in 1984, Chicago PBS-affiliate WTTW produced a documentary on the ensemble titled “A Year in the Life of the Greatest College Jazz Band in America.”

Ron’s son, Josh Modell, said he’s grateful that his father was able to leave this earth “peacefully.”

“I live in Milwaukee, so I had seen him a couple days prior,” Josh said. “I think we knew it was coming, so it wasn’t a surprise. ... My thought was obviously a great deal of sadness and grief, but also the knowledge that he lived. He was 90 and he had a great long life and touched a lot of people.”

• THERAPY DOG

Continued from page 2

school district.

making someone else happy [with] a gift or something.”

Kathy recounted the day the couple married.

“I thought we would have a small gathering, but Ron kept thinking of more and more people he wanted to invite,” Kathy said. “So, we had a pretty big wedding. We had people tell us later that they’ve never had so much fun at a wedding reception. So, it was happy, joyous, fun but everything was with Ron around.”

Kathy said music played an instrumental role in Ron’s life from an early age.

“He was into music from a young age because his uncle was a trumpet player,” Kathy said. “Both uncles were trumpet players. He started music, I think, when he was [age] 18. He went on the road with Cornelia Otis Skinner on a tour with her.”

Modell, a trumpet player, collaborated throughout his career with musical giants such as Louis Armstrong, Maynard Ferguson, Dizzy Gillespie, Louie Bellson and others.

Wife Kathy said it was clear that her husband was never phased by the magnitude of collaborating with the stars.

“He was right at home,” Kathy said. “I’m not sure that Ron ever met a stranger. He would make friends right away. But you mean as far as being

intimidated by them? No, not at all. They became friends. They loved him.”

Josh echoed that sentiment.

“I never saw him starstruck in my life,” Josh said. “He just felt like this is another musician. I’m a musician and I’m another person. I think people at that level of fame, I think, really appreciate that.”

Kathy said she always knew Ron as a joy to be around.

“He always had a joke for everybody,” Kathy said. “He always made people laugh. He really enjoyed making people happy, and he would get more joy from

The mark of Ron’s legacy remains imprinted on the university in the ballroom at the Holmes Student Center that now bears his name.

Josh said people have been writing tributes online to his father, calling him a mentor.

“He was so influential,” Josh said. “So many people that he met, but in particular, people who went into music. He taught music and so many of his students went on to be either professional-playing musicians, band leaders or teachers themselves. I think his legacy spread this sort of love and joy of music. He definitely did that.”

Ludwig also thanked the board for allowing 120 officers from across DeKalb County to train at Sycamore High School this week.

At the end of the presentation,

“Some deployments are anything from five minutes, a child needing to get back to class, other things may be a couple of hours,” Pederson said.

• RETIRING CHIEF

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He helped spearhead the city’s pursuit of the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation program as an alternate means of paying for capital purchases.

Thomas was cited as a “guiding light” behind the five-year fire department plan that identified the need for a new fire station on DeKalb’s southwest side, city documents show. He was championed by the city’s administration for

working to gain the City Council’s support for the project.

“Our new equipment that we’ve purchased over the last several years, and then, of course, seeing Fire Station 4 cross the finish line was a big deal for our fire department,” Thomas said. “Obviously, just to be part of that team was incredibly satisfying.”

Mayor Cohen Barnes said he is proud of Thomas and everything he’s done for the community.

“What we’ve seen firsthand with the litany of things that you’ve brought to

school board members were given a chance to pet Dooley, something many students also get an opportunity to do.

Board President Michael DeVito thanked Pederson and Ludwig for their service to the district, and said the current school board gives them their full support.

our fire department and the capstone to build a new fire station is absolutely incredible,” Barnes said.

Thomas said he feels that he’s had both a satisfying and gratifying experience as the fire department’s top commander.

“I think achieving this level is a very proud moment for me, and having the relationship that I’ve had with City Hall and our elected officials, and having their support, is also something that I’ve been very proud of,” Thomas said.

Thomas said he will miss being able

“What our SROs are doing on a dayto-day basis is truly a matter of life and death in a lot of cases,” DeVito said. “I can’t underscore enough how much it is important that we as a board continue to support our SROs.”

to work with his colleagues in red day in and day out moving forward.

“I’ll miss some of that,” he said. “But I’m still in the area.”

The fire chief said he looks forward to retirement.

“I’m planning on spending time with family more than I have been able to,” Thomas said. “It’s a busy job. I’m not complaining. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and plan on finishing strong.”

In the meantime, the city has named Luke Howieson as the fire department’s acting chief.

AMUSEMENTS

Maps and Address lists will be available on Wed, July 9th at City Hall: 333 E 1st St or on our website: ww w.genoa-il.com

THURS, FRI, SAT July 3rd, 4th & 5th 7:30am- 5pm (Maple Park)

48W689 Ramm Rd*

(*Maps & Bathro om s Av ailable He re) 48W240 Ramm Rd

48W104 Ramm Rd 44W297 Ramm Rd

7N849 Ramm Woods Dr

50W226 Old St at e Road (Refre shme nts & Full Food Me nu Available)

8N151 Thomas Rd

8N108 Gr and Ar bor Ln

8N070 Gr and Ar bor Ln 17704 Barber Greene Rd 16534 Barber Greene Rd 49W237 El li thorpe Rd (GPS - Hampshire)

pm THE LIVING TRUST OF JANET GILLESPIE

Attorney for the Seller: William Hotopp 815-786-7770 Sa ndwich, IL

Auctioneer: Chris Wegener, Sa ndwich IL. 81 5-451-2820 Go2weg

FOR THE 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DEKALB COUNTYSYCAMORE, ILLINOIS Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC PLAINTIFF Vs Gerri Carman; Brandi Hanson; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Jerry Carman; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants; Scott Becker, as Special Representativ e for Jerry Carman (deceased) DEFENDANTS No 2025FC000033

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Gerri Carman Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Jerry Carman Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants

That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the forecl osure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 231 River Dr Dekalb, IL 60115 and which said Mortgage was made by: Jerry Carman the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as mortgagee, as nominee for Guaranteed Rate, Inc., as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of DeKalb Co unty, Il linois, as Document No 2021013337; and for ot her relief; hat summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.

NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Lori Grubbs

Clerk of the Circuit Court 133 W. State Street Sycamore, IL 60178 on or before July 18 2025, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300

DuPage # 15170

Winnebago # 531

Our File No 14-25-01584

NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3268234

(Published in The MidWeek, Jun 18, 25, Jul 2, 2025)