News, articles, photos and information about DeKalb County, Illinois, from the Daily Chronicle and Shaw Local
The city of DeKalb’s annual leaf collection is underway for residents through December.
Blumen Gardens will host a Holiday Open House Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 9 at its Sycamore location.
Northern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital upgrades Surgery Suite, adding second robotic system.
An expected November jury trial for a former DeKalb School District 428 employee accused of battering and grooming a student has been postponed by a judge’s ruling at the request of his defense attorney
Even though Illinois did not hold an election on Tuesday, this week still marked an important date for the 2026 general election for Illinois politicians. Here's who filed to get on the spring 2026 primary ballot for DeKalb County offices
A DeKalb city commission has given its nod of support this week to a developer’s plans for a solar farm on 38 acres at the southwest corner of Illinois Route 38 and John Huber Parkway. The proposal still needs City Council approval.
Update: A Somonauk man has been identified after he died on Saturday following a medical emergency and then a car crash in rural DeKalb County, authorities said.
A Malta man who suffered injuries and was flown to the hospital after his truck crashed Monday has been charged with driving under the influence, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.
As nonprofits, businesses and individuals across northern Illinois prepared for the uncertainty surrounding SNAP, President Donald Trump’s administration said Monday that it will partially fund the food assistance program
Catch up on the week’s top DeKalb County news in minutes for the week of Oct. 26-Nov. 1. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you
A proposed multi-unit residential and commercial development in northern Sycamore will go before the Sycamore City Council again on Monday, despite a failure to gain support from a city commission.
Hy-Vee grocer is stepping up to help feed area children and families who may be impacted by federal food assistance funding woes amid the government shutdown. Participating Hy-Vee locations with hot food service will offer free kids’ meals for children 12 and under from Nov. 3-7.
The Sycamore High School Class of 1965 recently celebrated its 60th reunion.
A DeKalb County Courthouse employee pleaded not guilty this week after being indicted on charges of defrauding the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program out of more than $41,000.
Rooted For Good released a list of November locations for Grow Mobile, a mobile food pantry that offers free food and household items to all who visit, with no requirements necessary.
From can opener collection drives and Family Service Agency programs to local businesses stepping up, here are some other ways you can help keep DeKalb County locals fed amid SNAP uncertainty.
DeKalb County area communities have announced Halloween events and trick-or-treat hours for Oct. 31.
A DeKalb couple has opened their latest muse: an art gallery and art supply store, 125 N. First St., Suite D. downtown. Off The Tracks Art Supply will hold a grand opening at 5 p.m. Friday.
The Aspen Institute recently named Kishwaukee College as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges.
Fall is a bold time for young coyotes. As sightings increase during “dispersal season,” here’s what you need to know to ensure you co-exist peacefully with our canine neighbors.
An estimated $7.9 million tentative property tax levy was approved by the DeKalb Park Board, though the public still has a chance to weigh in before a final vote. The increased levy is needed for operating expenses, executive director Paul Zepezauer said.
As the DeKalb City Council considers this year's property tax levy options, residents can weigh in before a final vote expected in November. Here's what your bill could look like under the current proposal
While nothing is yet official, some taxpayers could pay less to the Sycamore Community School District 427 on their next property tax bill than they did this year, according to district documents.
Multiple free food options exist across DeKalb County to serve those in need regularly. Here's a list:
"Don’t feel like you can’t come and get food:" With one day to go before a potential federal cut-off of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, DeKalb County area food pantries are preparing for what some said could be an influx of local families in need.
Aqua America, the company which owns area water supplier Aqua Illinois, has been sold. It supplies water in DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Lake, McHenry, Ogle, Will counties, among others.
Enjoy a free concert from the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, check out a Halloween-themed play at Stage Coach Players or trick-or-treat at the Ellwood mansion.
“The Haunting of Hill House” is based on the 1964 play by F. Andrew Leslie and the 1959 novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson.
“I permitted an event to an animal abuser. I did,” DeKalb County Interim Administrator Derek Hiland said of an Aug. 2 rodeo in Kirkland. In the past few years, steer-tailing events have drawn widespread criticism, though some say animal abuse allegations are hard to prosecute.
In the past few years, steer-tailing events in DeKalb, Will, Ogle and McHenry counties, among others, have drawn widespread criticism. Some say animal abuse allegations are hard to prosecute, however.
Looking for some spooky displays to view this week for Halloween? Here's a few that caught out eye in DeKalb this week.
The DeKalb Public Library will host its third annual DeKalb Day of the Dead Celebration in honor of the Day of the Dead.
Teams of six will be able to answer trivia questions for a chance to win prizes.
Sycamore School District 427 has sold the former Central School, a historic downtown building, for $151,000.
DeKalb Corn Fest proceeds raised more than $2,000 this year for a local organization that provides services to people with disabilities.
Middle school class sizes in DeKalb School District 428 schools could soon see a reduction, should plans for a new early learning development center proceed.
A Kingston man is facing new charges after police found explosive devices in his home this month, according to multiple sources.
A DeKalb woman has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor in a Wendy’s bathroom while she was working as their supervisor, according to records filed in DeKalb County court.
Northern Illinois University recently was named a finalist in the inaugural Association of Public and Land-grant Universities 2025 Excellence in Student Success Award.
The Salvation Army of DeKalb is accepting registration for its annual gift-giving campaign this holiday season.
Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb recently celebrated its 2,000th successful robotic-assisted surgery.
The next DeKalb Women’s Club’s meeting will feature a presentation titled “A Journey Through Vietnam and Egypt” by Mitra Mohabbat.
Kish Short-Term programs provide students with the expertise needed to meet local workforce demands. The programs range from 11-15 weeks, allowing students to start a career immediately or build on skills with additional training.
Careers in carpentry and plumbing and heating, to food product manufacturing and appliance repair, were among those featured at the inaugural Trades Exploration Day at DeKalb High School.
One of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America is expected to burn excess gas in Sycamore this week, the sheriff's office announced.
A DeKalb-area Boy Scout is on his way to earning the highest honor in the program after he planted a monarch butterfly garden outside the new Mitchell Elementary School. Marcos Zaylik successfully completed his Eagle Scout project this month.
Three parades will kick off the week of Halloween: at 9:45 and 10:45 a.m. Oct. 28, and at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 29.
Plote: The DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association (DAAHA) is launching a discussion series exploring the use of artificial intelligence in farming. The first event is Oct. 29 in Malta.
Halloween spirit was in the air as the Fox Valley Family YMCA West Branch held its 12th annual Trick or Trunk on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 in Sandwich.
DeKalb's Cook Mansion, linked to NIU’s founding president, gains historic designation.