Local

A Colorado juvenile has been accused of robbing a woman at gunpoint in downtown Downers Grove last month.

The DeKalb Public Library will host a cheese tasting for community members to sample various international cheeses.

Lombard residents celebrated the passage from spring to summer Sunday at the annual Lombard Lilac Festival Parade.

Friends and family cheered their graduating loved ones Sunday, May 18, 2025, during Rock Falls High School’s 146th commencement ceremony.

Adults and seniors can learn about insurance and health care decisions during a workshop at the DeKalb Public Library.

The DeKalb Park District is asking the city for permission to build a new $14 million public swimming pool, documents show. It's the latest step as district officials plan an anticipated new pool opening of June 2026.

Though Illinois’ statewide grocery tax is going away come January, Sycamore city residents could still be expected to pay one. The Sycamore City Council will consider a local 1% grocery tax at its Monday meeting.

The DeKalb Public Library will host a Home Energy Savings Program informational booth for residents to learn about the program.

Kishwaukee College recently recognized 24 students for completing the college’s registered nursing program during a pinning ceremony.

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy proudly announced the awarding of $23,753 in grants to support youth-serving projects and programs across DeKalb County.

The City of Joliet is encouraging Black residents to come out and tell their stories as part of a research initiative to help revitalize the Black community in Will County.

Shorewood students this month collaborated on a Brave Bags initiative to support individuals with sensory or communication disabilities during emergencies.

A family celebrated their grandparents' 90th birthdays by in installng a Free Little Library at Patriots Park in Downers Grove

The Sycamore Public Library will host a live demonstration for community members to learn about the art and tradition of Chinese tea.

Community members are invited to an informational offering in DeKalb this month to learn about public health resources available through the local government.

Seniors and adults are invited to learn about Medicare insurance options during workshops at the DeKalb Public Library.

The Ellwood House Museum recently announced that 23 art pieces created by K-12 DeKalb County students are available for community rental.

A Kansas-based bakery chain specializing in gourmet cupcakes recently opened a Sycamore location.

The number of 911 calls from those seeking emergency medical aid in Sycamore is higher than the state average, data shows. “A lot of that is symptomatic of the load that’s in the emergency room,” Fire Chief Bart Gilmore said.

Organizers of the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study will hold the first of three community interview events on Saturday to collect information relevant to local Black history.

Instead of a jury trial in June, a plea could be coming for a DeKalb man accused of driving under the influence and causing a crash that killed DeKalb County sheriff's deputy Christina Musil, his lawyer said Thursday.

Thousands of people are expected to line Ogden Avenue from Aurora to Chicago Sunday as part of the Hands Across Chicagoland demonstration to protest the Trump administration

Local business members attend the Sauk Vally Favorites party Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Mad Water Saloon in Dixon.

RAMP Disability Resources and Services, which offers services in DeKalb County, will host a Summer Youth Leadership Initiative for disabled youth ages 16 to 22 to build self-advocacy and leadership skills.

The Indian Valley Theatre is accepting registration for its Summer Children’s and Teen Theatre Workshops.

Fewer people called 911 seeking help from the DeKalb Fire Department in 2024 compared to 2023, according to data released this week.

Ahmad Steele, 38, of DeKalb, was sentenced this week by a judge to 45 years in prison for shooting a stranger in the face in West Chicago in 2021.

An Ottawa-based pizzeria is opening a second location in downtown DeKalb, expected to open in June, owner Tim Cottingim said. “It’s a different type of pizza than American-style pizza,” he said.

Looking for something to do this weekend in DeKalb County? There's Stage Coach Players' drama "Radium Girls," Sycamore High School's FFA Plant Sale. Later this month features the 89th annual Genoa Days and KVAL's Northern Illinois Art Show.

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.

A 22-year-old motorcyclist succumbed to injuries sustained in a Wednesday morning crash on Butterfield Road in Wheaton, authorities said.

The Friends of the Sycamore Library recently named Essie McMahon and Jacqui Williams as the winners of the Sycamore Public Library’s Outstanding Staff Member of the Year 2025.

The DeKalb County History Center recently received an Award of Excellence from the Illinois Association of Museums.

Here’s what’s happening at Somonauk Public Library the rest of May:

The DeKalb County Board on Wednesday will get a chance to comment on a proposal that could add a countywide 1% grocery tax, though not everyone appears for it. A Board committee unanimously opposed the tax last week. A full County Board vote still could happen, however.

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.

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.

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.

The Summer Outdoor Rooftop Concert Series at the Joliet Area Historical Museum opens May 17. The museum will host 11 concerts during the season.

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.

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