DeKalb

A DeKalb man convicted of murdering high school teenager Gracie Sasso-Cleveland in 2023 has new charges after he punched a DeKalb County jail deputy and spit at another, broke a fire sprinkler and damaged jail property, court records allege.

Multiple newly-elected officials were sworn in and seated for a packed meeting of the DeKalb City Council Monday. Mayor Cohen Barnes began his second term touting collaboration. "The only way we’re going to be successful is by working together," he said.

Opinion: As summer takes center stage in DeKalb County, we are thrilled to announce a fantastic lineup of events that promise fun, excitement, and community spirit, writes Cortney Strohacker of the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

A community group that organizes the Fizz Ehrler Memorial Turning Back Time Car Show is honoring one of its own. The Car Club recently recognized Robert L. “Bob” Brown who will step down from his longtime role on the board this year.

A Plano man has been found guilty of criminal sexual assault to a teenager after a four-day trial this month.

DeKalb‘s shelter and nonprofit which helps those suffering from sexual violence and domestic abuse has a new leader. Mary Ellen Schaid, who’s been executive director of Safe Passage for 11 years, announced her retirement Friday.

DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes was sworn in to his second term on Monday. He was joined by some new and returning City Hall faces during a crowded DeKalb City Council meeting at the DeKalb Public Library.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library will hold an event for children who are newborns to age 4 at the DeKalb Public Library.

The DeKalb Public Library will host a “Where Have All the Flowers Gone? Ballad of Pete Seeger” program featuring award-winning singer and songwriter Barry Cloyd.

The DeKalb Public Library will host a Camelot Care Centers information booth for residents to learn about its various services.

The Ellwood House Museum will host its third annual “Evening at Ellcourt” event for community members ages 21 and older.

To help ensure continuity of service, the DeKalb City Council at a recent meeting gave a green light to solidify an agreement between the city and a local mental health clinic to embed social workers in police response to behavioral health concerns.

The DeKalb County History Center, the Ellwood House Museum, and the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will participate in the Blue Star Museums program for the summer. The program will be from May 17 through Sept. 1.

Northern Illinois University graduates walked across the stage this weekend for the Class of 2025 Commencement ceremony, celebrating their diplomas as loved ones filled the Convocation Center.

Kishwaukee College recently recognized outgoing Board of Trustees Secretary Kathleen Spears and Trustee Kathleen Watkins.

Have you ever felt rejuvenated in the great outdoors? You’re invited to join in a walk with a certified forest therapy guide.

Oakwood Cemetery, 611 to 615 N. First St. in DeKalb Township, could be getting ready for an expansion thanks to a local church.

The Kishwaukee College Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.

The DeKalb Public Library will hold a teen advisory group meeting for teens in sixth through 12th grade to earn volunteer hours and develop interpersonal skills.

The DeKalb County History Center will host the next program in its seasonal cooking series to build its “Food Gathering Around the Table” exhibit.

DeKalb city leaders are one step closer to replacing the last of the lead service lines in town.

A Malta couple behind a horror-themed coffee shop is eying a September grand opening. The venue, once it opens, would make for the first of its kind in DeKalb.

Teens in ninth through 12th grade can study for finals during study sessions held at the DeKalb Public Library.

The DeKalb County History Center will partner with the Sycamore Public Library to host monthly garden story times for children ages 3 to 6 and their families.

The Kishwaukee Archers Club will host Safari Club International’s outdoor 3D shoot. The shoot will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17 and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18 at the club, 28250 Lukens Road, Sycamore.

An ex-suburban Chicago police officer has pleaded guilty to getting behind the wheel while drunk in 2023, causing a crash that killed DeKalb mother and grandmother Graciela Reza Contreras.

The DeKalb Public Library will host an after-hours performance featuring the Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago.

The University of Illinois Extension will offer guided wildflower walks for Mother’s Day.

Four new school board members took the oath of office to serve on the DeKalb School District 428 Board this week.

In her exit speech this week, outgoing DeKalb School Board President Deyci Ramirez touted what she called her commitment to equity, access and accountability.

Three teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection to a Monday shooting in DeKalb, police said Thursday.

The Stage Coach Players will open its next production, the drama play “Radium Girls,” May 8. The play is scheduled to run in DeKalb for two weeks.

May 1 wasn’t just National Principal’s Day for Jefferson Elementary’s Melanie Bickley. She also received a surprise: She was named Administrator of the Year by the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

If you’ve ever walked the hallways at Lincoln Elementary School in DeKalb, you may have noticed a buzz among students, faculty and staff about the Iditarod.

Jenni Smith, a veteran educator who’s been teaching for about 25 years, said she always likes to remind her eighth-grade math students at Huntley Middle School in DeKalb that you can’t get from the bottom to the top-most landing without doing all the steps in between.

Educators from across DeKalb County recently received accolades for their teaching at an annual awards ceremony meant to highlight local learning.

Few educators wear as many hats as Mark Sykes, according to testimony from colleagues who recently sang his praises for an award recognition. Sykes, a 32-year veteran educator with DeKalb School District 428, has been named the 2025 Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education recipie

J.D. Oliva shares how his background as a wrestler and freelance documentary filmmaker and writer has informed his approach to teaching and coaching wrestling at DeKalb High School.

A team of social workers are continuing to collaborate with the DeKalb Police Department in the social worker liaison program.

Some of our favorite photos from our special Thank You Teachers edition at the Daily Chronicle featuring some amazing educators.

Wednesday marks two years since DeKalb police found 15-year-old Gracie Sasso-Cleveland. dead. And while the man responsible has since pleaded guilty, he’s not yet received a prison sentence. “Losing a child changes you in every way,” her mom Ericka Sasso said.

DeKalb police are investigating a shooting Monday night outside apartment buildings on Kimberly Drive. Police Chief David Byrd said no victims or suspects have been identified as of about 8 p.m.

A DeKalb church is inviting the community to a music event this month.

The DeKalb Public Library will host two Teen and Tween Chess Club sessions for youth ages 9 to 18 to play chess.

Those still needing to exchange their plastic I-Pass transponder for the new window stickers used by the Illinois Tollway will have another chance in DeKalb this week.

School resource officers from the DeKalb Police Department are here to stay for at least the next five years in DeKalb schools.

Kishwaukee College will host its annual hybrid spring plant sale May 8 and 9 to support its horticulture program.

The DeKalb Public Library will host a program May 6 about language and communication as part of its Cross-Cutting Conversations on Migration series.

Back Alley Market is returning to downtown DeKalb for Mother’s Day weekend, offering a chance for shoppers to browse all kinds of local wares and crafts.

Here’s where Rooted for Good's mobile food pantry will be in DeKalb County in May. The pantry is offered free for all who come, no requirements necessary.