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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2025 • S h awLo c a l .co m

TRAVELING ABROAD

DeKalb High School’s band, orchestra programs travel to Czech Republic / 6

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 24, 2025 MIDWEEK

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Sycamore businesses required to share state tax records with city By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES 866-979-1053 customer-support@shawmedia.com 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, closed Sunday SUBSCRIPTIONS The MidWeek is delivered free of charge to households throughout DeKalb County every Wednesday. Those who do not wish to receive delivery may contact customer service at 866-979-1053, or subscriptions@shawsuburban.com, to request a delivery stop. SUBMIT NEWS readit@midweeknews.com CLASSIFIED SALES classified@shawlocal.com HELP WANTED employment@shawlocal.com LEGAL NOTICES midweeklegals@shawlocal.com RETAIL ADVERTISING lshaw@shawmedia.com OBITUARIES midweekobits@shawlocal.com Editor Emily Ayers 815-526-4411 eayers@shawmedia.com The Midweek and ShawLocal.com are a division of Shaw Media. All rights reserved. Copyright 2025

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Sycamore businesses will be required to share state tax documents with the city next year, after a unanimous vote from the Sycamore City Council on Dec. 15. Beginning Jan. 1, any person or establishment required to file a local tax return with the city of Sycamore also will need to provide the corresponding forms submitted to the Illinois Department of Revenue, according to city documents. Amendments to those state tax documents also will need to be submitted to the city. In an email to elected officials and City Manager Michael Hall, Sycamore Finance Director Kristian Dominguez wrote that there was no formal requirement for all businesses to provide copies of their state tax filings to the city. “As a result, the city is unable to independently verify that the awwmounts reported to the state align with the local tax remitted,” Dominguez wrote. “This creates potential gaps in oversight and may limit the city’s ability to ensure full compliance with local tax obligations.” Hall said not every business was previously required to share state tax documents with the city the way restaurants, hotels and gas stations have. “What we’re asking those businesses to do is – the documents they give to the state, is simply copy us on those docu-

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At least 20 people attended the Sycamore City Council meeting on Dec. 15, but none spoke during the meeting’s public comment period. ments,” Hall said. “That’ll clarify that we’re receiving the exact amount that we should be.” Businesses subject to Sycamore’s restaurant and bar tax, hotel tax or local motor fuel tax were already required to file a local tax return with the city, according to city documents. Those tax documents report the gross receipts from the sale of prepared food, alcoholic beverages, hotel stays and gasoline sales. First Ward Alderwoman Alicia Cosky asked Hall if the city had previously required businesses to share the state tax document. He said it was some businesses, but not all.

“It’s something that we’ve been doing in practice, but there are a couple of businesses that have told us that ‘Well, we don’t have to give you those documents,’” Hall said. “This just clarifies that we need to see their documents to make sure the math that they’re doing makes sense.” Sycamore businessman, Christopher Mitchell – the owner of MVP Sports Bar, 124 S. California St., and Ollie’s Frozen Custard, 2290 Oakland Drive – was visibly unhappy with the City Council’s decision. During the Sycamore City Council’s discussion, Mitchell gave multiple thumbs-down gestures. He declined an interview after the ordinance passed.

ON THE COVER Students from DeKalb High School are seen during the music department’s trip to the Czech Republic from Nov. 22-29. Students and their families petitioned for the opportunity to make the Czech Republic their destination of choice. See story, page 6. Photo provided by DeKalb School District 428

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Kishwaukee College Foundation awards $124K for program enhancement contact@shawmedia.com

Education and Services Judy Krajewski. • Matteson Horticulture Fund: The funds bought horticulture instructional supplies. The fund supports the horticulture departments programmatic needs. • National Bank and Trust Company Endowment Fund: The fund will support nonprofit employees professional development by providing scholarships for Kishwaukee College credit or noncredit classes. • Norman Jenkins Presidential Endowment: The endowment supports the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society through enhanced activities. • Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital Endowment: The funds benefited the nursing textbook initiative. The endowment supports students, higher educations and health cares evolving needs. • Robert L. “Smitty” Smith Assistantship: The fund supports student assistantships in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics departments. The fund was established in honor of Robert L. Smith, a Kishwaukee College science department fac-

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ulty member. • Terry and Sherrie Martin Health and Science Endowment: The endowment supported various student activities, organizational memberships, instructional supplies and instructional trips. The endowment supports program enhancements for the health science programs. • Terry and Sherrie Martin PTK Endowment: The endowment supports the Phi Theta Kappa Hallmark Award. Martin was an advisor for the college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter. • Yvonne A. Johnson Endowment for Community Education: The funds bought digital cameras, 2D studio supplies, and faculty professional development. The endowment is used for the fine arts, communications, science and horticulture programs programmatic needs. • Yvonne A. Johnson Family Legacy Endowment Fund: The funds assisted the greenhouse renovation initiative. The endowment fund support’s the college’s health education, science and horticulture departments. For information, call 815-825-9803 or visit kish.edu/foundationfunds.

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

The Jobe-Lewis Fund was founded by Suzanne K. Lewis to honor her mother, Doris V. Lewis, by supportThe Kishwaukee College Founda- ing students who chose the nursing tion recently awarded $124,250 in pro- field. gram enhancement funds to the col• John and Barbara Dant Memorial lege’s departments for the 2025-2026 Endowment: The fund bought student academic year. academic achievement gifts. The The funds will be used to provide John and Barbara Dant Memorial the departments with new equip- Endowment provides financial supment, testing services and instructor port for the needs of the math or education support. English departments. Program enhancement funds • Leifheit Literacy Endowment: The awarded include: fund will provide students testing • Dorothy Englehart Endowment: The supplies and support to receive Illifund supports grounds and building n o i s h i g h s c h o o l d i p l o m a s . T h e development. endowment supports adult and fam• Evelina Jose Cichy Endowment: The ily literacy programs at Kishwaukee fund will help pay Illinois High College. School Diploma tests associated fees. • Library Endowment Fund: The fund The endowment fund honors Cichy’s bought tumblers and increases access years of service to Kishwaukee Col- to community education opportunilege. ties through non-credit course schol• George E. Dutton and Betty B. Dutton arships. The endowment fund supFoundation Endowment: The fund pro- p o r t s t h e K i s h w a u k e e C o l l e g e vides financial support and scholar- library’s operations. ships to short-term program stu• Lifelong Learning Endowment: The dents. fund provided short-term programs • Jobe-Lewis Fund: The fund will sup- tuition assistance. The endowment port the nursing textbook initiative. honors former Dean of Community

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 24, 2025 MIDWEEK

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Kishwaukee Valley Art League events set for January SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The Kishwaukee Valley Art League will host several programs and events in January at the Gallery on State, 322 W. State St., Sycamore. The league will not host a general meeting in January. KVAL’s next meeting is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 5 at the gallery. League members will present artwork created for the “Secret Subject” challenge. The members created art pieces featuring challenge cards secret words. The league’s Second Saturday Art Workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Gallery on State.

The gallery’s next art rotation is set to launch Jan. 26. The rotation will feature various 2D and 3D art pieces including sculptures, photography, mixed-media installations and paintings. The artwork will de displayed and available to buy. Applications are available for KVAL’s 55th annual Northern Illinois Art Show. The show will be held June 6 and 7 on the front lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St., Sycamore. The art show features up to 70 artisans exhibiting various fine arts and crafts mediums. The application deadline will be March 16. To apply, visit kval-nfp.org or the Gallery on State.

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IVT auditions for ‘Birthday Club’ begin Dec. 28 in Sandwich ksantillan@shawmedia.com The Indian Valley Theatre will hold auditions for its upcoming performances of “Birthday Club.” The auditions will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 28 and from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 29 in the Sandwich Opera House community room, 140 E. Railroad St. “Birthday Club,” originally written by Phil Olson, tells the story of friends Cheryl, Abbie, Kathy and Emily who get together for birthdays to drink, celebrate, commiserate and support each other. The club began to support Jennifer, a late friend of the women, after she was diagnosed with cancer five years ago. The group brings in Sarah as a potential member, but she must

agree to follow the club’s eight rules and complete the “interview.” The theater is seeking to cast five adult women. Auditions consist of cold readings from the script. Participants are encouraged to inform the director of rehearsal conflicts. Auditioners must be available for all performances and tech week from Feb. 22 through Feb. 26. Performances of “Birthday Club” will run from Feb. 27 through March 1. The Indian Valley Theatre is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the appreciation and development of the performing arts in the Fox Valley area. For information, email info@indianvalleytheatre.com, visit indianvalleytheatre.com, or send a message on the IVT Facebook page.

More Chromebooks approved for DeKalb District 428 students, staff By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com Some students and staff in DeKalb schools could have new Chromebooks to use next year. DeKalb School District 428 has agreed to buy more Chromebooks for incoming students headed for first, fifth and ninth grade, as well as replacement devices for staff. At a recent school board meeting, Ben Bayle, the district’s director of technology, expressed excitement about the savings that the district can realize. “Due to our partnership, we were able to reduce our costs over last year by $8.50 [per device], which will save us about $14,450,” Bayle said. For the 2026-27 school year, the district intends to purchase 1,700 new Chromebooks for $901,850, school board documents show. Each device will come with a four-year unlimited accidental warranty, a Google Management license, content filtering and an always-on hardshell case. The district first started equipping students with Chromebooks 13 years ago to better meet the demands of teaching and learning in the 21st cen-

tury, school board documents show. The initiative is intended to help bridge equity gaps among students. Bayle acknowledged that the district is looking for ways to save costs. One way the district accomplishes that is by refurbishing devices once students graduate from the high school. “We actually send them out as fast as possible to get the broken ones repaired,” Bayle said. “We get those back, and then those go into the loner pools that are used across the district.” District staff said devices typically come with a five- to six-year lifespan. Bayle emphasized that the time to act is now. “If we really extend this [request] past Jan. 1, what we’re looking at is an additional 15% increase over that $901,000, so now we’re in the million-dollar mark,” Bayle said. “I really, really don’t want to do that.” The district expects delivery of the devices by July 1, school board documents show. Board Vice President Jose Jaques expressed gratitude toward Bayle for working to save costs. “I want to thank you for staying on top of this and saving us,” Jaques said.

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MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 24, 2025 MIDWEEK

Photo provided by DeKalb School District 428

Students from DeKalb High School’s music department take to Prague Clock during their trip to the Czech Republic from Nov. 22-29.

DeKalb High School students take to the Czech Republic Students in school’s band and orchestra programs travel abroad to perform By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com Seventeen-year-old Diego Garcia-Barranco had never been outside the country, let alone flown in a plane, until last month. The DeKalb High School senior’s first flight took him to new heights, as he embarked on a trip to the Czech Republic. “This trip, by itself, has definitely shown me international travel isn’t that bad,” Garcia-Barranco said. Garcia-Barranco was among 117 students from DeKalb High School’s band and orchestra programs, who had a special opportunity to travel to the Czech Republic from Nov. 22-29. The trip had been a long time in the making. For years, students and their families have petitioned for the opportunity to make the Czech Republic their destination of choice. Garcia-Barranco, who plays tuba in both the high school’s band and orchestra programs, said the trip was worth it.

“I think it shows how great of things we can accomplish when our community comes together to support great students,” Garcia-Barranco said. Garcia-Barranco was joined on the trip by both the high school’s band and orchestra directors, Steve Lundin and Sheila Felder. Lundin said he believes the trip speaks volumes about the high school and its efforts to provide a quality music education. “We’re very committed to giving the kids those opportunities that there’s a certain expectation that they should receive as part of a really well-rounded music education program,” Lundin said. “These are the things we can do when people really decide to work toward a goal. And it really is very gratifying to see the kind of positive support we get when we do things that people can universally agree on are exciting and are great opportunities for kids.” The high school’s music department has sent students and staff on trips in the past, but not all of them involve traveling overseas. Students toured Ireland in 2017, California in 2021, and Indianapolis, Indiana in 2023. In January, the DeKalb School District 428 school board approved plans for the students to travel to Prague, Czech Republic.

Lundin said a previous trip planned for the Czech Republic had been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some students raised funds to help pay for the trip, which came out to cost $3,300 person, school board documents show. That expense, which didn’t fall on the district, covered all travel, hotel lodging and meals. As the group’s travels got underway, students and staff were sent off in style, with a crowd lining up outside the high school to bid them farewell. Garcia-Barranco said his parents were proud to send him off. “It was definitely, for me, it was emotional,” he said. “For my parents, this is definitely something incredible seeing because my parents didn’t necessarily come from very regular backgrounds or childhoods. But I think for them, this is a big turning point in their lives, especially a turning point in my life, since they were never really involved with music.” Lundin said many of the students could relate to Garcia-Barranco. “For a lot of the kids, it was one of their first experiences away from home,” Lundin said. In their travels, students and staff were greeted by many sights and sounds. The group toured attractions and historical sites in the Czech Republic,

including the tree under which Ludwig van Beethoven composed music and homes where Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart once lived. The high school’s band and orchestras each performed during their travels. One of the highlights of the trip was when the band performed in the Prague Christmas Parade and in the Pilsen Christmas Market in Pilsen Town Square. The orchestra performed in the Sedlcany Community Centre, a community hall in a town south of Prague, and Hlalhol Hall, the concert hall in Prague where prominent Czech composers Antonín Dvorjak and Bedřich Smetana have played. Felder and Lundin said students were prepared for the moment. “There’s a ton of teambuilding ... as we get ready for these tours, [tying] in so much musical history and culturally how to play this literature,” Felder said. “Because something that you play from America, you’re going to articulate differently than something that you play from the Czech Republic. We were able to teach the kids how to play different literature correctly.” “It was kind of like it’s just another performance except it wasn’t just

See TRAVEL ABROAD, page 11

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DeKalb Area Arts Council aims to amplify support for the arts Panel aims to boost arts with new events and grant opportunities By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com A DeKalb panel dedicated to amplifying the creative arts is looking to start meeting again monthly in the new year. The DeKalb Area Arts Council hosted an initial meeting in November since its relaunch. Under the direction of Jubilee Art Gallery owner Christy Andrews, the panel seeks to restore its functions after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrews said the group’s goal remains simple. “The DeKalb Area Arts Council was created to elevate the arts in the DeKalb area, DeKalb County and surrounding areas, but also to provide programming and events centered around arts and culture,” Andrews said. The idea of the DeKalb Area Arts Council started in 2012, followed by the onboarding of a full Board of Directors and the group’s incorporation as a nonprofit organization. In 2016, the group announced the creation of a Cultural District, which would be dubbed the Art, Culture & Entertainment (ACE) Corridor in DeKalb, which runs along Lincoln Highway from the campus of Northern Illinois University to Seventh Street. In that same year, the DeKalb Area Arts Council hosted an Art Walk on Oct. 6. The DeKalb Area Arts Council is an offshoot of a larger arts organization, the Illinois Arts Council. That panel, which is celebrating 60 years in 2025, has a history of contributing to arts and culture on a statewide level, according to its website. Andrew said she’s long been eager to restore the group and its functions. “Since opening Jubilee Art Gallery in 2023, I have been very interested in trying to find the people who originally were involved with the DeKalb Area Arts Council and try to revitalize it,” Andrews said. The initial meeting in November saw representation from interested parties, including the Egyptian Theatre, city of DeKalb, DeKalb County Visitors and Convention Bureau, Artifex Studio, Jubilee Art Gallery, Northern Illinois University and citizens

Photo provided by Christy Andrews

The initial relaunch meeting of the DeKalb Area Arts Council saw several people in attendance in this undated photo. interested in elevating the arts in DeKalb County. The work of the DeKalb Area Arts Council is not exclusive to artists. The panel welcomes the involvement of supporters, businesses, professors and instructors, as well. Andrews said she believes the community has demonstrated enough interest to restore the panel. Since the initial meeting, Andrews has taken up the task of brainstorming some ideas for community events to host. Andrews said the hope is that the group can bring tourism to DeKalb. One such function, Andrews said, the DeKalb panel is exploring is grant opportunities for local arts. Whether it’s event programming or learning opportunities, Andrews said the panel would take up the responsibility of empowering the arts locally. “It is our hope to start doing some fundraising and start raising funds from other avenues to be able to offer

those grants,” she said. Andrews said the community seems excited about this endeavor. “There is lots and lots of enthusiasm to revitalize this effort,” she said. “All of us got very excited talking about the programming and events that we would

like to do, and even possible different grant opportunities.” The next meeting of the DeKalb Area Arts Council will be a strategic planning session to formulate a plan for the group moving forward.

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LOOKING BACK

9 winter afternoon than gliding across the ice? Young people found that, with or without skates, an exhilarating game of “snap the whip” at Sycamore’s West School ice rink was a great way to pass the day.

For the first time in the history of the United States postal service every post office in this country will be closed on Christmas day. The lobby will not be opened tomorrow, Postmaster Thomas Olsen stated, and nearly every employee will have a holiday tomorrow.

A. O. Smith Corp., which earlier this year announced the sale of two of its operating units, says it plans to dispose of two more operations, Armor Elevator Canada Ltd., and Bull Motors Ltd., to improve profits and provide liquidity in enabling A. O Smith to adequately finance its growth.

With the last-minute donations such that all of the needy families of the city will receive Christmas baskets from the Good Fellows, the work of distributing the baskets was underway this afternoon. The baskets were packed this afternoon at the Elk’s club a committee of the Woman’s Club packing the baskets that contained food, toys for children, and plenty of Christmas cheer for the unfortunate families of DeKalb. During the last week or ten days many Malta people have been going back and forth to DeKalb doing much of their Christmas shopping. The stores here also announce that the holiday business has been better this year than for some time, and it is generally reported there is a certain degree of satisfaction from all sides as to business. Following yesterday’s snow storm, which was accompanied by a heavy wind and which caused drifts on the highways, the state patrol workers last evening scraped the highways east of DeKalb. The snow in many placed had drifted and autoists found it difficult to drive over the cement.

Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives

DeKalb County Courthouse in December 1937 decorated with a hand-painted mural that became an annual holiday tradition for many years.

hundreds of families in the nation. At 3:05 o’clock this morning the DeKalb fire department was summoned to the DeKalb Agricultural Association hybrid chicken farm on Sycamore Road where an oil stove exploded in a chicken house. The explosion set off an intensive blaze and two chicken houses were leveled by flames. About 275 chickens were lost in the flames. An epidemic of the mumps is sweeping through the Rollo school and there have been many pupils absent. The first and second grade teacher, Mrs. Helen Johns contracted the mumps recently and Mrs. H. T. Hyde has been substituting for her since December 15.

Chicago hunters are finding DeKalb County a great place for rabbit hunting; it is stated many of the Chicago Nimrods coming here for the sport. According to farmers of the county, there have been Santa Claus, who has been at his more hunters the past few weeks that give their address as Chicago than has been true headquarters in DeKalb for the past several days, is making preparations to return to in many years. the North Pole. Hed will end his stay here Saturday evening. 1950– 75 YEARS AGO Fire Chief Clayton Kennedy today Frank Dimario of Genoa has moved to his cautioned all to take every precaution in order that serious fires can be averted over new building across the street from the the Christmas holidays. Chief stated that all Uptown Tavern, which he has operated for wrappings should be removed from homes some time. Mr. Dimario built the two-story as soon as presents are opened as a lighted cement block building which has living quarters on the second floor and will cigarette or a spark would quickly start operate a tavern on the first floor. these highly flammable wrappings ablaze. Fire turns Christmas into tragedy for

Joe Almburg was host to the children in his room at school on a sleigh ride party, Wednesday evening. After an hour of riding around the county they returned to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lud Almburg, for lunch. Two runs, one last evening and the other this morning, were made by the DeKalb fire department. Both were chimney fires and no damage resulted in either case. Drying of hose is still being carried on at the station as a result of the major fire on Monday at the DeKalb Agricultural Association, when all of the hose was placed into service. This morning the DeKalb Agricultural Association started cleaning the debris from its gutted building on Locust Street. The north walls, weakened by the blaze, were also to be pulled over to remove the danger of them collapsing and possibly injuring someone.

1975 – 50 YEARS AGO

Patients who need emergency room or other hospital services should go to Kishwaukee Community Hospital (KCH) starting this Saturday. Although DeKalb Public Hospital and its switchboard will remain open until 3 p.m. DeKalb Public will halt its admissions and end its emergency room service on Dec. 27. What better way is there to spend a

Portions of the main hangar at DeKalb Municipal Airport are on the verge of collapse. The manager of the airport says the main support columns on the hangar’s south side “seem ready to fall.” He said the building endangers persons and the 14 airplanes housed in the hangar.

2000 – 25 YEARS AGO

The moon’s shadow will appear to take a Christmas Day bite out of the sun on Monday, giving Americans a rare look at a partial solar eclipse. As the Chronicle editorial board gathered to decide what Sunday’s editorial should concern, a young couple in their late teens or early 20s came to the front door to deliver canned goods for the poor. After leaving the Chronicle, they were headed for the Salvation Army with more Christmas gifts to people they didn’t know. Their friends didn’t really need anything special, they said, so they were helping people who do need gifts. Now at the tail end of a 20-year modernization plan, the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport continues to be an important component in encouraging economic development. The airport was all but neglected until the early 1970s when city officials decided it could be used to attract business and industry. Southmoor Estates residents will participate in a Christmas decorating contest for the ninth year in a row. All residents of Southmoor Estates who participate are entered into a drawing for Christmas prized to be awarded by the management of the community. – Compiled by Sue Breese

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

1925 – 100 YEARS AGO

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 24, 2025 MIDWEEK

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Photo provided by DeKalb School District 428

Students from DeKalb High School are seen during the music department’s trip to the Czech Republic from Nov. 22-29.

• TRAVEL ABROAD

Continued from page 6 another performance,” Lundin said. “We were ready anyway, because it’s just part of what we do.” Lundin said both students and staff took a lot from the experience. “The music that you pick, all of that stuff, you learn every time you go, what’s really going to be successful,” Lundin said. For example, the band knew they wanted to arrange a Mariah Carey song that they were told is popular in the Czech Republic, Lundin said: The singer’s classic Christmas bop, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” “You really want to learn how to meet your audience where they are,” Lundin said. There’s a lot that goes into meeting an audience where it is. But Felder said staff had a hand in guiding students. “This is actually my eighth time taking a high school group over there,” she said. “I knew what the audience responds to there. So, that was a great insight into how to program. ... You really have to do your homework because you want it to be successful all the way around for your listeners and for your performers.” The trip provided a venue in which many of the skills and knowledge taught in DeKalb High School’s band and orchestra programs took center stage. Lundin said there is value in the real-world experiences students had on the trip. “On a really grand scale, we’re really just trying to show the kids a

larger perspective on the world,” Lundin said. “We want them to see culture beyond DeKalb. We want them to know the way that their art form can take them to new places and how it can translate in other countries.” Garcia-Barranco said he was amazed by the way audiences received the band and orchestra’s performances. “Like in Europe, it’s not very common to have high schools parading down the streets of cities,” he said. “For them, it’s something that they don’t get to experience. For us, we have three or four parades every year. ... People were stopping what they were doing just to come see us. I think simply having the ability to share that feeling is incredible.” While there may have been a language barrier between students and spectators, Lundin said he believes the band was primed for the task of commanding an audience’s attention, as they did in the Prague Christmas Parade. He said they all had what it takes to represent DeKalb proudly in front of an international audience. “Music is often referred to as the universal language,” Lundin said. “You can go play anywhere in the world, and presumably, we have an audience – and we have some really great audiences – which was super exciting.” The group’s performance reminded Lundin of the power of the language of music. “Like music, it travels well,” Lundin said. “I think, on a certain level, it’s really part of a good music education that, ‘Hey, you got to take your instrument out and share it with the world.’ ”

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Kishwaukee College celebrates fall 2025 commencement ceremony SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Kishwaukee College recently celebrated 115 graduating students during its fall commencement ceremony. The ceremony was held Dec. 13 in the college’s gymnasium, 21193 Malta Road, Malta. Kishwaukee College student Maximus Julian delivered the ceremony’s student address. “He’s always been my role model, and he decided to go to Kish and had a great experience. Now it has been a great experience for me,” Julian said in a news release. “Kish has really built me up. But it’s not just all the opportunities people have here. It’s that all my classmates are ambitious about something, and it drives you. It’s the faculty who are so kind and inspirational. It all leaves you with a lot of motivation when you leave campus.” The ceremony honored students receiving associate degrees, Illinois high school diploma credentials, completion certificates and short-term program credentials. The college had 184 students complete the semester’s program or certificate requirements. During his speech, Julian reminded

his peers to enjoy the present and celebrated the unique stories of his classmates. For graduate Sandra Madsen, earning a degree has been a goal she has pursued for more than 20 years. She started college but stopped halfway through due to family obligations. Madsen returned to complete her associate in science degree. “I think it is worth it to come back for a degree. I was always the oldest person in my class, but I like being with the younger people. When you come back to school, you can reconnect and get a better understanding of the current generation,” Madsen said in the news release. The commencement ceremony was one of the few times Kishwaukee College graduate Amarion has been on campus. Nash completed an associate in arts degree online to fit his schedule. He commended Kishwaukee College instructors and staff for helping him through the online process. Nash plans on studying mechanical engineering after graduation. He made a point of attending the in-person ceremony. The ceremony also was livestreamed on the college’s website and social media pages. To view the ceremony, visit kish. edu/commencement.

Season of Giving = Supporting Opportunity, Strengthening Community SPONSORED BY

This holiday season, all of us at Opportunity House extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. As we reflect on the year behind us, we are deeply grateful for the supporters who make our mission possible. Opportunity House’s Annual Appeal supports the full continuum of programs that empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full, meaningful lives. From 24-hour residential care and community day services to supported employment, recreation, athletics, and lifeskills development, your gift helps ensure each individual receives the personalized support they need to thrive. Together, these services create meaningful days, foster independence, strengthen community connections, and uphold the dignity of every person we serve. As we look ahead to 2026, a sense of momentum is building at Opportunity House. We are moving forward with purpose, guided by our commitment to support more individuals and families across DeKalb County. The year ahead reflects thoughtful growth focused on expanding opportunity,

The DeKalb Public Library will host a workshop for adults to learn how to care for houseplants during the winter. The free workshop will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 30 in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room, 309 Oak St. Participants can learn about the best practices to care for houseplants and various indoor plant species needs. No registration is required. For information, email brittak@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150.

Teens vs teen staff games set for Dec. 29 in DeKalb

Teens in sixth through 12th grades will be able to compete against DeKalb Public Library teen staff in various games to celebrate winter break. The free event will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 29 in the library’s Teen Room, 309 Oak St.

Attendees can compete against the library staff in air hockey, board games and video games. Prizes will be awarded. No registration is required. For information, email stevenm@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3400.

DeKalb library to host needle felting program Dec. 29

Adults ages 18 and older will be able to create personalized take-home dryer balls during a hands-on program at the DeKalb Public Library. The free program will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 29 in the library’s Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, 309 Oak St. Attendees will be able learn about needle felting basics. Participants also can create wool dryer ball designs. No registration is required. For information, email amyf@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150. – Shaw Local News Network

This progress is only possible because of people who believe in inclusion and choose to stand alongside our mission. Your support helps ensure individuals with disabilities have access to the relationships, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive within their community. We invite you to make a gift to our Annual Appeal and be part of what comes next. Your contribution is more than a donation, it is an investment in opportunity, dignity, and belonging. Together, we can continue building a community where every person is valued. To support Opportunity House, please visit: www.ohinc.org/donate To learn more about Opportunity House, please visit: www.ohinc.org Happy Holidays from all of us at Opportunity House.

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The Village’s closure was announced on social media Dec. 17. Once the Greek restaurant is shuttered, gift cards purchased for The Village will be honored at Sycamore State Theater in downtown Sycamore, according to the online post.

The Village restaurant to close in Sycamore Owner to focus time on Sycamore State Theater By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com The Village Greek restaurant in downtown Sycamore will serve its last meal on New Year’s Eve. Makie Maratos, owner of The Village, 420 W. State St., and Sycamore State Theater – which share the same building – said he’s decided to refocus himself as an entrepreneur. That means closing The Village and focusing on the theater, he said. “It became kind of tough to handle both the way both needed to be handled,” Maratos said. “I felt like it wasn’t doing either of my customers justice by splitting my time between the two locations.” The Village’s closure was announced on social media on Dec.17. Once it’s shuttered, gift cards bought for The Village will be honored at Sycamore State Theater, according to the online post. The restaurant’s last day of business will be on Dec. 31. Maratos said 2025 was a tough year for the business. “There was good times and bad times, of course, with all businesses, and this year has been a little bit tougher than most,” Maratos said. “I think a lot of restaurant owners have felt that as well, and seen a downturn a little bit.” The building that houses Sycamore State Theater turned 100 in 2025. The

building cost $115,000 to construct and opened on Nov. 28, 1925, according to the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau. This summer, seats inside the theater were damaged, according to a social media post by the theater on Aug. 27. Days after the post about damaged chairs, a fundraiser was held by Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at the Hy-Vee gas station located at 2700 DeKalb Ave. to support the Sycamore State Theater’s remodeling efforts. On Thursday, Maratos said the damaged seats were repaired “pretty easily, but he’s seeking to get new seats for much of the business. Since purchasing the business in 2021, Maratos has made efforts to rejuvenate the downtown theater. He worked with the city to have a mural painted on the building‘s west wall earlier this year. Maratos said another goal is “getting a stage put in one of the theaters to bring back some live events, and make it a little small venue for the community and for the area.” Although he’s now poised to close The Village, he said he understands that’s the life of an entrepreneur. “This is just the other side of it, where things have to change one way or the other,” Maratos said. “I think it’s important not to get down about it, and not to worry too much about it. It’s just a part of the process. If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner, you kind of know these things and know that things don’t always go the right way. Just gotta keep your head up and keep moving on.”

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As temperatures drop and homes become more tightly sealed for winter, it is an ideal time to revisit the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These small devices provide early warnings that can save lives, yet many households do not have enough of them, have outdated units, or place them incorrectly. Taking a few minutes to evaluate your detectors can make your home significantly safer during the colder months and year-round. The professionals at KM Heating and Cooling recommend using combination units that detect both smoke and carbon monoxide, and note that they work best when installed in the proper locations, including every sleeping area, outside bedrooms, on every level of the home, and in the basement. It is also wise to have a detector in equipment areas, especially in Illinois where furnaces and water heaters are commonly housed indoors. Carbon monoxide is especially concerning because it is odorless and invisible, earning its reputation as a silent killer. Homeowners with

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Vote mandates parking lease and signage as some of the conditions for day school to proceed By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com A DeKalb commission, tasked with advising the City Council on planning and zoning matters, has voted in support of a pair of measures to allow a special education day school in town. The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission last week gave a preliminary nod to plans for High Road School to set up shop at 315 N. Sixth St. Chairman Max Maxwell was absent. The City Council still needs to have the final say on the matter. Attorney Lindsay Sanchez approached the panel last week to speak on behalf of Specialized Education of Illinois (SESI), the company behind High Road School. SESI is in the process of working out a lease agreement for a therapeutic day school on a site that used to serve as home to Camelot, another special education day school program. “Camelot was actually acquired by SESI’s parent organization a couple of years ago,” Sanchez said. “There is some continuity there, as well, which is very nice.” A therapeutic day school is a private institution funded by partner school districts to provide students with spaces optimized for education and therapy. The facility, as proposed, would aim to serve up to 100 students ages 3 to 21 and up to 64 staff members. Theresa Smith, Full Bloom-SESI deputy superintendent and regional vice president, expressed excitement about plans for the site. Smith has been working with SESI for the past 19 years. “I’m familiar with the building, the space, the area,” Smith said. “We are excited with the potential opportunity to come back and bring our programming here.” Other locations run and operated by SESI include those in Genoa, Garden Estates, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Darien and Arlington Heights, according to its website. SESI intends to use the approximately 1.1-acre space in DeKalb to

Megann Horstead

The former Camelot School campus is seen on Dec. 15 at 315 N. Sixth St. in DeKalb. The site is being eyed by the company behind another therapeutic day school in Belvidere. replace its Belvidere location. No massive demolition of the building is anticipated. Project leaders said they are looking to make significant interior modifications to the site, though the building was previously outfitted for a therapeutic day school. The site requires rezoning and a special use permit and currently is vacant. Vice Chairman Bill McMahon asked if the municipal code had been changed since Camelot vacated the site. No special use permit was previously required of Camelot when it occupied the space. “If Camelot was operating in this location and it’s light industrial now, did our code change?” McMahon said. In response, City Planner Dan Olson said yes, it had. “We didn’t find any ordinance or special use permit, so whoever was at the city at that time determined it was a lawful use,” Olson said. SESI plans to move into the DeKalb facility in July 2026 and open a month

later. Sanchez noted that several different mechanisms are under consideration for inclusion with plans for the special education day school. The proposed new campus is in proximity to a public parking lot that project leaders said they intend to form a lease agreement with the owner to permit access to the added space. A new curb cut has been established on the site to help ease traffic flow and safety concerns. No one at the meeting this week expressed opposition. Randy Bourdages of the Housing Authority of DeKalb County said he supports the plan. “I want to thank the city of DeKalb for ensuring that our parking spaces on Sixth Street are secured because we do have limited parking,” Bourdages said. The commission backed the therapeutic day school and its plans with a set of conditions. Those include that the applicant obtain a lease to park vehicles on the lot

at the southwest corner of Oak Street and North Sixth Street; employees of the day school are restricted to park in the area north of the existing building on the subject site or in the parking lot at the southwest corner of Oak Street and North Sixth Street; directional signage must be installed on site to guide buses and students; and the facility will serve a maximum of 100 students between ages 3 and 21. Also at the meeting, city staff confirmed that Maria Pena-Graham is no longer on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Pena-Graham made her final appearance as a commissioner at the panel’s Dec. 1 meeting, which saw a crowd on hand expressing views both for and against plans for a second massive data center on the city’s south side. That project has since received clearance from the City Council to proceed. Olson said Pena-Graham’s term was up. With Pena-Graham’s exit, there are two vacancies on the commission.

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Panel offers support for special education day school 15

The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 24, 2025 MIDWEEK

Photos provided by the DeKalb County History Center

The expanded DeKalb County History Center campus, set to open in summer 2026, includes the stabilization of an almost 100-year-old corn crib, which will serve as a venue for music, living-history programs and educational activities.

DeKalb County History Center announces expansion new outdoor campus will feature an amphitheater for musical performances and flexible classroom space. Highlights also include a shade pavilion and a walking path lined with public art, displays, gardens and other farm-related artifacts. SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK The campus is designed to encourcontact@shawmedia.com age conversation, learning and exploration in an outdoor environment. The DeKalb County History Cen“The support for this project has ter’s new $1.8 million outdoor expanbeen amazing, and the timing aligns sion is expected to open in May. perfectly with the upcoming 250th Center staff said that although a The expanded DeKalb County History Center anniversary of the United States,” farmhouse may not be the most tradi- campus is set to open in summer 2026. Donahoe said. “We see this project as a tional of settings for a museum, it hargift to DeKalb County as part of this kens back to the DeKalb-area’s agricul- include innovation and collaboration important commemoration.” tural history and allows for expanded that impacted our local, state and The history center’s plans were boland unique programming. national history,” Michelle Donahoe, stered in the beginning with a $500,000 “We are very excited to engage the DeKalb County History Center execu- matching grant from the Illinois local community and out-of-town visi- tive director, said in a news release. Department of Commerce and Ecotors with DeKalb County’s stories that Once complete, the history center’s nomic Opportunity, according to the

New amphitheater, outdoor space among highlights

release. Local foundations, businesses and residents also have helped raise funds. Contributing organizations include the DeKalb County Community Foundation, FNBO, the Yvonne A. Johnson and Family Legacy Endowment Fund, the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, the George and Betty Dutton Foundation, and Leeward Renewable Energy’s Red Maple Solar and Burr Oak Solar projects. Although project costs are almost paid for, the history center still is looking for community support to raise $88,000 to complete the expansion. The DeKalb County History Center also will host a summer concert series in its new amphitheater. The concert series will be supported by a DeKalb County Community Foundation Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grant.

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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Publisher's Notice: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise "any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation of discrimination." Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD 1-800-669-9777 Hearing impaired number is 1-800-927-9275

PUBLIC NOTICE

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR PUBLICATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 (Section 10-17 of the School Code of Illinois) KISHWAUKEE EDUCATION CONSORTIUM A Regional Education For Employment Joint Agreement System 21255 Malta Road - Malta, Illinois 60150 Member School Districts: DeKalb, Sycamore, Rochelle, Genoa-Kingston, Hiawatha. Total Enrollment: 705 Secondary Students Statement of Revenues/Expenditures for the Year ended June 30, 2025 - Educational Fund Revenues/Receipts: Local Sources $1,848,822, District Flow thru Sources $15,587, State Sources $1,234,333, Federal Sources $300,152, Total Revenues $3,398,894, Total Assets $1,405,709, Total Liabilities $730,388, Fund Balance $675,321 Disbursements/Expenditures: Instruction $1,526,755 Support Services $1,791,608, Total Disbursements $3,318,363, Bal Receipts/Disbursements $80,531, Fund Balance 6/30/24 $594,790, Fund Balance 6/30/25 $675,321, June 30, 2025 – Operations & Maintenance Local Sources $77,920, Support Services $113,241, Total Revenues $77,920, Total Expenses $113,241, Total Assets $184,792, Bal Receipts/Disbursements -$35,321, Total Liabilities $50,000, Fund Balance 6/30/24 $170,113, Fund Balance $134,792, Fund Balance 6/30/25 $134,792 Person, firm or corporation, which in the aggregate is paid $2,500 or more: ASSOCIATION FOR INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT $15,000.00, AIRGAS USA, LLC $15,697.82, AMAZON $21,650.31, AMERICAN ENERGY ANALYSIS INC. $10,066.00, APPLE $4,790.00, BANNER UP SIGNS $2,766.00, BENJAMIN C. JOHNSON $14,063.21, BRAD MANNING FORD $5,603.80, BRUCE GRIFFITH $135,396.00, CATAPULTK12 $3,385.00, CLIC $34,389.00, COMED $30,977.28, COMMON GOAL SYSTEMS INC $10,957.46, DEBUTANTES SCHOOL $19,125.00, THE DECISION SYSTEMS COMPANY $12,080.00, DEKALB COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT $5,243.00, DEKALB MECHANICAL, INC. $ 103,050.00, EFTPS $ 251,159.87, ELITE SIMULATION SOLUTIONS $ 3,230.00, EMPLOYERS PREFERRED INS CO $ 6,717.00, FARANDA'S BANQUET CENTER $ 21,974.26, FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST CO $ 16,611.29, FUTURE FADES ACADEMY PLLC $ 3,000.00, GALEN O. CARDOTT $ 2,960.06, GAYLORD OPRY RESORT $ 2,908.60, GORDON FOOD SERVICE INC $ 89,460.08, HAIR PROFESSIONALS CAREER COLLEGE, INC. $ 29,725.00, HY-VEE, INC $ 3,258.37, IL DEPT OF REVENUE $ 87,514.89, IMRF $ 48,482.65, JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE PROTECTION LP $ 6,877.10, KATIE ZABLER $ 5,062.50, KISHWAUKEE COLLEGE $ 14,680.33, LE PRINT EXPRESS $ 14,843.11, LEGACY ACADEMY $ 12,600.00, LIEBOVICH STEEL & ALUMINUM CO $ 3,548.12, LISA M. LEONI $ 2,519.60, LUPTON PRO PAINTING $ 6,080.00, MARRIOTT HOTEL $ 3,889.28, MENARDS - SYCAMORE $ 8,450.90, NICOR GAS $ 7,324.77, NIEBT $ 182,648.81, NJ MECHANICAL, LLC $ 2,889.37, NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISPOSAL SVCS $ 3,877.23, OLD NATIONAL BANK $ 401,248.00, OSF SAINT ANTHONY MEDICAL CEN $ 3,717.76, PARTY RENTAL $ 3,571.46, POCKET NURSE $ 17,002.56, PREMIER GEAR $ 9,038.50, PULSE TECHNOLOGY $ 4,288.81, PULSE TECHNOLOGY, DPOE IMAGE $ 4,859.08, ROBBINS SCHWARTS $ 14,521.70, ROCKLER WOODWORKING $ 3,984.00, RORY BLANCHARD $ 13,903.78, SCHOLARBUYS $ 4,845.45, SERVICE CONCEPTS $ 14,667.99, SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP $ 17,121.94, SIKICH LLP $ 10,500.00, SKILLS USA $ 8,902.50, STEVEN KIMMEL $ 39,461.27, STRATUS NETWORKS $ 14,560.50, SYCAMORE CUSD #427 $ 5,534.16, SYNDEO NETWORKS, INC $ 7,500.00, TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM $ 146,762.59, TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM $ 32,610.43, TESTOUT CORPORATION $ 2,799.00, UNIQUE PRODUCTS $ 4,684.00, VERIZON WIRELESS $ 3,630.00, VOYA $ 6,205.73, WELDSTAR CO $ 9,675.01, WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REV $ 5,132.58, XELLO INC $ 4,342.13 Certified Payroll Less than 25,000: Anderman, Dawn; Boesche, John; Flink, Donovan; Furnas, Timothy; Jaques, Jose; Morgan, Kimberly; Rangel, Carolyn; Runowiecki, Riley; Certified Payroll 25,000-39,999: Crum, Charlie; Pyburn, Nathan Scott; Certified Payroll 40,000-59,999: Barr-Sherman, Shaala; Carr, Kyle; DiIacova, Michael; Duffy, Laura; Koeller, Bradley; Kunigonis, Amy; Luoma, Nicole; rWeishaar, Christina; White, Teresa; Certified Payroll 60,000-89,999: Farrell, Scott; Holliday, Amber; Johnson, Brittany; Nelson, Kevin; Tekiela, Timothy; Wessel, David Certified Payroll over 90,000: Crouch, Thomas;, Horn, Amy; Pierce, Matt; Non-Certified Salary Range Less than 25,000: Chapas, Angela; Ebert, Shaun; Franson, Alan; Gomez, Maritza; Halley, Darin; Hepler, Alicia; Lovell, Justine; Sherman, Cassandra; Sherman, Veronica; Non-Certified Salary Range 25,000-39,999: Brewington, Douglas; Harned, Angel; Non-Certified Salary Range 40,000-59,999: Davis, Fred; Knetsch, Jennifer; Roberts, Dominique; Non-Certified Salary Range 60,000 and over: Delano, Charles; Delano, Margaret; Halley, Sara; Stroh, Calla (Published in The Midweek December 24, 2025) 2294656

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PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS ss. COUNTY OF DEKALB In the Circuit Court of DeKalb County. In the Matter of the estate of Jerry Osland, decedent. Adoption No. 2025PR16 NOTICE IS GIVEN of the death of the within named. Letters of Office have been issued as set forthherein to the appropriate Executors, whose attorney is as shown: Decedent: Jerry Osland of Sandwich, Illinois Date of Death: February 2, 2025 Type of Letters Issued: Letters Testamentary Issued to: Gary Fatland, Administrator Attorney for Estate: Attorney William L. Hotopp 222 E. Church Street Sandwich, Illinois 60548 Claims against the Estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of DeKalb County, DeKalb County Courthouse, Sycamore, Illinois, or with the Administrator or both within six (6) months from the date of issuance of Letters of the date of the first publication of this Notice, whichever is later. Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered within ten (10) days after it has been filed. Letters of the Office were issued on March 28, 2025. Dated: December 1, 2025 Lori Grubbs, Clerk. Attorney William L. Hotopp 222 E. Church Street Sandwich, Illinois 60548 815-786-7770 (Published in The Midweek Dec. 10, 17, 24, 2025) 2291190 You Want It? We've Got It! Classified has GREAT VARIETY! 833-584-NEWS MidWeekNews.com

MIDWEEK The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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The MidWeek / shawlocal.com/midweek-news • Wednesday, December 24, 2025 MIDWEEK