DeKalb County

Here’s what’s happening at Kishwaukee Valley Art League in July

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

Here's where Rooted for Good's free mobile food pantry will be throughout DeKalb County in July. The resource is available for all, no requirements necessary.

The city of DeKalb’s $4.5 million street maintenance program remains underway, with more work expected to begin Monday.

Kishwaukee College nursing student Tasha Kimble recently was bestowed a Lifelong Learning Award by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association.

NIU is the first public university to receive funds from the Sarah Siddons Society. The university is the fifth Chicago-area college to receive scholarship funds.

Families are invited to bring their babies and young children to the Somonauk Public Library next month for a chance to enjoy some fun enrichment.

The University of Illinois Extension DeKalb County Master Gardeners will host its 16th annual Garden Walk July 12 in DeKalb, Genoa and Sycamore.

Families looking to learn more about preschool options for their children in DeKalb are invited to check out an information booth next month hosted by Northern Illinois University.

Resource Bank’s Classics Club recently held a Ladies Night Out event for members. The club offers customers ages 50 and older opportunities for social events and trips.

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. He died at his home on June 10.

DeKalb High School graduate Jenna Zimmerman recently was awarded the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 KSO High School Senior Musician Scholarship.

The band will perform modern jazz, patriotic, and 1960s and ’70s funk era music. The concert also features instrumental and vocal solo performances. Donations to support music education are welcome.

Three Kishwaukee College students recently participated in a program meant to encourage those pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering or math.

Sycamore High School graduate Delaney Baylor has been awarded a scholarship to support her music education at Illinois State University.

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

A 51-year-old DeKalb man was charged Thursday after a minor told police that the man allegedly sexually assaulted them more than 100 times for multiple years and stomped the minor’s pet birds to death, according to court records.

Sweetbella’s is a DeKalb Farmers Market full-season vendor that offers sandwiches, soft drinks and to-go food.

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

Northern Illinois University’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies and department of philosophy recently was awarded an American Council of Learned Societies grant to create more teaching positions.

Column: Kishwaukee United Way’s Board of Directors has unanimously approved the allocation of $100,000 for fiscal 2026, meant to support basic needs of area residents, writes Michele Vaughn.

The Ellwood House Museum will partner with the DeKalb County History Center to hold an opening reception for its Arts in Action: “Sharing Stories” exhibit.

A DeKalb man pleaded guilty Thursday to driving under the influence of drugs and causing a 2024 crash that killed sheriff’s deputy, veteran and mother Christina Musil. He's expected to be sentenced in August.

Check out some of the best pictures captured by Daily Chronicle photographers for Shaw Local News Network the week of June 21-27, 2025.

Nathan P. Sweeney, 45, of DeKalb, pleaded guilty Thursday at the DeKalb County Courthouse, for driving under the influence on March 28, 2024, and causing a crash that killed DeKalb County sheriff‘s deputy Christina Musil.

Many Illinois communities are adding back a 1% grocery tax that will otherwise expire on Jan. 1. Is your town among them?

Indian Creek High School graduate Ellie Bend has been awarded the 2025 YEP Changemakers Scholarship, meant to honor Bend’s philanthropic efforts in the community.

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 the district, and his Sycamore Police Department partners did this week.

When the state grocery tax lifts on Illinoisans in January, DeKalb purchases will continue to be taxed locally, the DeKalb City Council voted this week. Officials argued the tax is needed to maintain public services.

Two Sycamore residents suffered injuries in a two-car crash at the intersection Peace and Freed roads Wednesday, authorities said.

The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce has relaunched its women’s group, meant to foster community and build supportive networks. The group has a new name, too: The Inner Circle.

Splash pads are open for the summer around DeKalb County. Here’s what to know.

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

It’ll be more than two years since Sycamore teenager Kaleb D. McCall was stabbed to death by the time the youth accused in the killing stands trial, a DeKalb County judge ruled Tuesday. The teen will be tried as an adult.

A McHenry man pleaded guilty Tuesday to harassment of a witness tied to texts messages he sent a woman threatening to “shoot up” the McHenry County courthouse and attack the judge presiding over his child custody case.

Column: Lately, it’s clear that economic development isn’t just about numbers – it’s about people, place and connection. In short, it’s about community development, writes Melissa Amedeo of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation.

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

An early morning kitchen fire in DeKalb Sunday left half a dozen residents without a home, authorities said.

With temperatures reaching well into the 90's the last few days, DeKalb County residents have had to find ways to stay cool.

DeKalb theater troupe Stage Coach Players will open auditions for the final three productions of its 2025 season on Friday. The plays include the rock musical “Next to Normal,” the gothic horror “The Haunting of Hill House,” and the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol.”

Community members are invited to learn more about Medicare insurance options during workshops available this week at two different times in DeKalb.

Attendees can learn about how RAMP empowers disabled individuals to reach goals and live independently. The services include advocacy, youth programs, peer support and independent living skills.

Families are encouraged to come out to Sycamore Thursday for foam-themed fun, beach ball games, dancing and more.

Craft and home goods fans are invited to learn how to use a laser cutter to make coasters during an upcoming DeKalb workshop on Wednesday.

Families are invited to check out two balloon shows featuring Fantastic Balloon Inventions in DeKalb Thursday.

Enthusiastic readers are invited to discuss the Sarah McBride novel ”Tomorrow Will Be Different" during a meeting of the Pride Book Club in DeKalb this week.

With the Kaneland Knights poised for an evolving season, new talent emerges to fill the void left by graduated stars Kendra Brown and Sam Kerry, as young players embrace fresh roles and aim to sustain last year’s 24-win momentum.

Dozens of people rallied in support of transgender rights Sunday in downtown DeKalb. Many said they fear for their right to simply exist in the U.S., which under President Donald Trump has targeted trans visibility, access to crisis hotlines, service in the military and more.

Sycamore 2-year-old Oliver Olinger’s life looks a lot different now than it did this time last year, his mom Sami Olinger said. Not only did he get a police escort Sunday among some of his favorite vehicles to the St. Charles Motorcycle Museum, but he's also cancer free.

Sycamore 2-year-old Oliver Olinger and his family got a police escort in style, joined by more than 100 motorcyclists, to the St. Charles Motorcycle Museum on Sunday. It's been almost a year since he finished treatment for leukemia, his mom said.