The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of Iniga Pizzeria Napoletana’s new location and welcomed it to the Chamber’s membership.

Catch up on the week’s top DeKalb County news in minutes for the week of Nov. 16-22. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

The Sycamore Public Library is seeking to increase its property tax levy in 2026 by $177,500. Director Kim Halsey said the top reason for the request is to keep Sycamore library staff pay competitive with industry standards.

There’s a new spot for skateboarding in Sycamore thanks to the efforts of the local skateboarding community, Fargo Skate Park in DeKalb and the Sycamore Park District.

Update: An Elgin 19-year-old was hospitalized Friday after he suffered a gunshot wound during a shooting inside a Sycamore motel room, police said. Multiple people were in the motel room at the time, Deputy Chief Ryan Hooper said.

Downtown Sycamore came alive Friday night during Moonlight Magic where storefronts hosted local arts, theater and dance groups performing holiday themed programs.

A group of Sycamore women, who call themselves the ReSisters, are planning to hold a peaceful protest critical of the Trump administration in front of the DeKalb County courthouse at noon on Saturday.

Jazz in Progress will partner with Chapter DX of P.E.O. International to hold its third annual Christmas concert next month.

The next Queer Art Club meeting is Nov. 30 at the DeKalb Public Library.

Sycamore will soon have a new ambulance fee billing service provider, but don’t expect ambulance fees for residents to change.

The free festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 22 in the library’s Story and Activity Room, 309 Oak St.

The free performances will begin at 10 a.m. Nov. 22 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room, 309 Oak St.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saint John will serve a free Thanksgiving meal for community members this month.

Do you need tips on how to find that perfect item while second-hand shopping? How to stumble on a hidden gem in a sea of used products? Learn how to become a successful second-hand shopper during an upcoming program at the DeKalb Public Library.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation recently awarded $130,900 in Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants to support music education.

Two bald eagles have died from injuries, not believed to be the result of human contact, near Starved Rock State Park and in northern DeKalb County, Conservation police confirmed.

Anyone who buys gasoline in Sycamore will soon pay 3 more cents per gallon after a Sycamore City Council vote to raise the city’s motor fuel tax this week. Officials said the tax pays for road maintenance.

Sycamore’s top employee said he believes the average price of gas in Sycamore is more expensive than at DeKalb gas stations, despite having a lower motor fuel tax than the neighboring city.

A Sycamore special education teacher who "had an incredible ability to make others feel valued and cared for," has died after her fight with cancer, School District 427 interim superintendent Nick Reineck announced Monday.

St. George Greek Orthodox Church will host its annual Greek bake sale Nov. 22 to support DeKalb County charities.

Kishwaukee College will offer five short-term training programs during the spring 2026 semester.

The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will offer Christmas mini photo sessions for community members to create holiday portraits.

The health records of a Sycamore man who police say confessed to beating his parents to death in September have been subpoenaed by his defense attorneys ahead of an expected December arraignment, court records show.

More than $113,000 was distributed to almost two dozen DeKalb County area organizations recently to benefit programs that provide services to local families.

The Friends of the Sycamore Library will hold a used book sale next month to support the library’s programs, services and resources.

The DeKalb Public Library will host a program for adults and teens to learn about the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

The DeKalb Salvation Army is running its annual Red Kettle Fund Drive to collect funds to help fund the Salvation Army’s operations. The drive goes through Christmas Eve.

Plumes of black smoke could be seen wafting through the air Friday afternoon from a car fire in front of the parking lot of Sycamore Speedway.

Here are some of the crimes that remain a mystery in northern Illinois

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists and the Kishwaukee Family YMCA will hold a “Running Injuries & Prevention” presentation as part of its Lunch and Learn educational series.

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists will hold a community food drive to support T.D. Ryan’s “Freezin’ for Food” event. The food drive runs through Dec. 3.

The band will perform modern jazz and big band music.

Eubanks will perform popular romantic and classical piano and violin music.

The Stage Coach Players and the DeKalb Salvation Army will host two food-collection events for dinner box items to provide local families with a Thanksgiving meal. The collection drive runs Nov. 11-18.

The DeKalb American Legion Auxiliary will host this year’s “Sweets4Troops” program to collect unused, leftover Halloween candy to donate to military personnel deployed overseas. Collection runs through Nov. 15.

Residents are invited to discuss climate change and solutions to combat it during an upcoming workshop that’s part of the DeKalb Public Library’s DeCarbon Dialogue series.

Attendees will be able to taste and learn about 1950s recipes with ElliePresents performer Ellie Carlson. The party menu includes bacon rolls, stuffed grapes, tomato aspic, cottage cheese surprise, baked chop suey and lemon-filled jelly rolls.

City.Light Church, 2325 N. First St., DeKalb, will host a free hymn sing at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12.

The DeKalb Public Library will host an informational booth for residents to learn about the services offered at Opportunity House.

The programs are intended for new public or expanded services. Applicants must serve residents whose household income is less than 80% of the area average

In 1961, Jerry Smith was washing windows at a JCPenney in Dixon when he thought he caught a lucky break: He’d found a job at a shoe store that would pay him $60 a week. Fast forward a few decades to NIU, Army service in Germany, a mayoral term: "I have been so blessed," he said.

The DeKalb Police Benevolent and Protective Association and DeKalb Target are accepting donations for their annual “Heroes and Helpers” event Dec. 7.

Catch up on the week’s top DeKalb County news in minutes for the week of Nov. 2-8. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Erected in November 1896, the DeKalb County Soldiers and Sailors Monument – a memorial dedicated in ode to Civil War veterans – has a long history, once complicated by theft.

Army veteran Mike Crawford built two Sycamore businesses, coached youth sports, and survived a rare liver disease – crediting military discipline and mental toughness for every step.

Sycamore resident and U.S. Army veteran Nate Johnson is the assistant superintendent of the Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission, where he finds peace in helping his fellow veterans.

More than 13,500 Illinois women served in the military in World War II, filling a variety of unsung – although critical – roles in all branches of service

Check out our photos from our Thank You, Veterans special section in DeKalb County for 2025.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’-inspired event coming to DeKalb library Nov. 8

The owners of a Sycamore restaurant that was heavily damaged in a September fire said their property was deemed a total loss, but they’re still exploring the next steps for their family business.