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Two DeKalb Public Transit buses have been given new looks to further promote the City’s popular bus route providing the community with access to Metra service.

Vehicle wraps have been installed on two 35-foot buses to make them look like vintage locomotives. These designs will help continue to grow ridership on Route 12, which provides service to and from the Elburn Metra station.

The City is committed to expanding transit options to increase mobility and access to jobs and services. This includes enhancements to Route 12 to connect those without vehicles to train service while providing an environmentally-friendly, car-free transit option for the entire community. These improvements have included reduced fares, a free park-and-ride lot and a significant increase in the number of buses running to and from the Metra station.

These enhancements have paid off. Last year, Route 12 provided more than 27,000 passenger trips, representing a 500 percent increase in usage between 2022 and 2024. The newly wrapped buses will help grow these numbers by increasing awareness of the Metra station service.

“The train inspired theme recalls DeKalb’s history as a railroad community,” said Transit Manager Mike Neuenkirchen. “We are excited to see more of these wraps used across all our bus routes in the future.”

Train buffs will recognize some of the distinctive features of classic 1940s Santa Fe engines on the revamped buses. The black-and-yellow cattle catcher is an easily recognizable element. Because wheels are such a distinctive locomotive feature, the bottom third of the designs feature train wheels lined up with the buses’ tires. To get the details right, OC Creative of DeKalb, which designed the wraps, examined advertising film and photos from the 1940s, as well as studying the details on model trains.

“As a creative marketing agency, these are the types of projects our team loves to do,” said Brian Oster, owner and creative director at OC Creative. “The city opted to go in such a unique and creative direction. We love this community and are proud to be representing DeKalb in, literally, such a large way.”

More information about the Route 12 service, including the schedule, can be found here.

In This Issue

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DeKalb Firefighter/Paramedic Juan Gasca gave Third Ward Alderman Tracy Smith and Mayor Cohen Barnes a demonstration of the Fire Department's new 101-foot Rosenbauer King Cobra articulating platform truck before the July 28 City Council meeting. The City and Fire Department thank the community for its support of our Firefighter/Paramedics and providing them with the right tools to provide the best service possible.

The DeKalb City Council is supporting a new locally-owned, family business in the Annie Glidden North neighborhood.

The Council, on July 28, awarded a Fund 400 Architectural Improvement Program (AIP) Grant for 930 Pappas Drive, home to Big O’s Barbeque, a take-out restaurant owned by Alando and Valerie Farmer.

Along with expanding the food offerings in DeKalb, Seventh Ward Alderman John Walker said the Farmers have already become a strong force in the ward by hosting backpack giveaways with food from their restaurant.

“It's our job to help local businesses thrive in our community and succeed,” said Walker in comments read by Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Verbic. “I believe this grant will not only help the Farmer’s business, it will also lift up the area and be a great contribution to the business community.”

The grant will provide $19,665 to cover a portion of the costs to remodel a kitchen and prepare space in the strip center for the restaurant, which is now open. Known for their rib plate, the entire family, including a son and daughter, is involved in the preparation of a range of barbecued offerings.

“I had the opportunity to walk through this space and see the work that they’re doing and learn more about their business,” said First Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada (left in photo). “I’m honored to have them right beside the First Ward, and I think they’re doing a really great thing in the community.”

The Council created the Fund 400 AIP program to assist businesses outside of the City’s TIF districts.

The DeKalb City Council has approved plans for construction of a new bank downtown.

Heartland Bank and Trust, at the July 14 Council meeting, was granted a special use permit to build a bank with drive-through lanes on the vacant property at the southwest corner of South Fourth and Grove. The permit request had been recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The 2,100 square-foot, single-story building will have two drive-through lanes for banking and an ATM drive-through lane. Customers exiting the drive-through lanes will use the existing alley to Grove Street instead of South Fourth Street, which is busier and has a higher speed limit.

The City of DeKalb is set to award additional funding to six social service agencies to help residents meet essential needs.

The City Council, on July 28, approved the distribution of $75,000 in supplemental Human Services Funding. This is on top of the $225,000 awarded to local agencies in January. The supplemental round was proposed as the City heard from nonprofits struggling to fund their services benefiting low to moderate-income residents.

The recipients are Barb City Manor (in photo) for emergency rental assistance, Elder Care Services for nutritional programming, Habitat for Humanity for home rehabs, Hope Haven for emergency shelter needs, Rooted for Good for mobile pantries and Safe Passage to provide small stipends to clients in need.

Applications for the supplemental funding were accepted after the Council approved the allocation in June. A seven-member review team made recommendations to the City Manager which were then approved by the Council.

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Andrea and Brandon Elion and Reverend Joe Mitchell of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (right) walked down West Hillcrest Drive during the Peace Walk and Rally held on July 18 to call for end to gun violence. Second Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson, City Manager Bill Nicklas, Assistant City Manager Bob Redel and Community Services Coordinator Jennifer Yochem took part in the event.

The City of DeKalb plans to be a state leader in the commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The DeKalb City Council passed the Illinois America 250 resolution on July 28, officially kicking off the City’s participation in the state initiative to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“The commemoration provides an opportunity to reflect on the state’s historical significance, honor the achievements of its people and inspire civic engagement,” according to the resolution.

Activities will include celebratory events, and City Manager Bill Nicklas added it is also an opportunity to reflect on the Declaration of Independence.

“We could provide leadership around the state, certainly around northern Illinois, and engaged our citizens to talk about what the meaning of that document was then and now,” said Nicklas.

While America250 centers on an event of national significance, Mayor Cohen Barnes said he looks forward to commemorating the anniversary on the local level.

“This is an opportunity that we can gather a bunch of people together and look at some pretty cool projects that highlight the 250th anniversary of this great country but then also tie in the local connection that we’re proud supporters of the United States of America,” said Barnes.

DeKalb’s Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission has begun incorporating the America 250 theme into its projects. A new Lincoln Highway mural is being planned that incorporates imagery of President Lincoln, one of Illinois’ greatest contributions to the nation, and the Declaration of Independence, which Lincoln relied heavily on in his arguments to end slavery. Paint-A-Plug artists are also being encouraged to incorporate the America 250 initiative into their designs to paint fire hydrants.

Work on the grant-funded replacements of lead water service lines began July 22 in the areas of North 12th Street and North 11th Street.

To keep the process moving smoothly, we kindly ask residents with lines in need of replacement to schedule an in-home assessment with either the City or our contractor, Five Star Energy, as soon as possible.

Signed consent forms are still missing for several properties. If you have not yet completed your form, please do so promptly so your home can be included in upcoming rounds of replacements. Download the consent form and ordinance here.

Return the completed form by one of the following methods:

• Mail: 1216 Market Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
• Drop off: In person at the address above
• Email: Take a photo of the signed form and send it to justin.netzer@cityofdekalb.com.

An in-home assessment is required before any replacement work can be performed. Five Star Energy has already begun reaching out to residents by leaving door tags and making phone calls.

To schedule your appointment, contact:

• Oswaldo at Five Star Energy: (262) 403-6690, or
• City of DeKalb Water Division: (815) 748-2050

Scheduling your assessment soon will help ensure your service line is replaced before the program deadline in November 2025.

The City is still waiting on final IDOT permits before beginning work in the following corridors:

• West & East Lincoln Highway
• South & North 4th Street
• Sycamore Road

Work in these areas is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and dedication to making DeKalb a lead-free city. We truly appreciate your help in making this program a success!

The City of DeKalb has earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award is for the City’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. It is the 10th year DeKalb has received the honor.

GFOA, which represents public finance officials throughout the US and Canada, created its budget award to help state and local governments prepare budget documents of the highest quality that reflect both established guidelines and best practices. To earn the recognition, budget documents must meet program criteria and excel as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communication tool.

Receive important notifications from the City by signing up for ALERT DeKalb. Text, email, and phone messages are used to alert the public to emergency situations, severe weather, and traffic disruptions.

Users can also text ALERTDEKALB to 67283 to report criminal or suspicious activity and quality of life concerns.

Get to know your local first responders at National Night Out being held on Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Hy-Vee parking at 2700 DeKalb Ave. in Sycamore.

National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

The DeKalb Police and Fire Departments along with the Sycamore Police and Fire Departments and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office will be taking part.

The following week, families and children are invited to join forces with the DeKalb Police Department at the 2nd annual DeKalb Water Wars. The event is Sunday, Aug. 10 at 1 p.m. in Welsh Park.

Gather your squad and bring your water weapons for this family-friendly event. Water balloons will be provided for those that do not have water weapons.

Join in on National Farmers Market Week celebrations at the DeKalb Farmers Market on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Van Buer Plaza!

National Farmers Market Week takes place during the first full week of August every year to recognize the importance of farmers markets in our nation’s communities.

This year is extra special as we celebrate 30 years of the DeKalb Farmers Market! To celebrate, the market will host a free raffle at the information booth that attendees can enter for a chance to win items from vendors.

The market will feature over 45 vendors ranging from farm stands to bake shops, food trucks, crafters, and more. The community can also enjoy a live broadcast by 102.3 The Coyote from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the upbeat sounds of local group A Wing and a Prayer Dixieland Orchestra as part of the Egyptian Theatre’s Live Lunch Music Series from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Get ready to set sail on a smooth-sailing musical voyage as the Egyptian Theatre presents the Yacht Rock Gold Experience featuring Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass, live on stage Saturday, Aug. 9th at 7:30 p.m.

Fans of feel-good soft rock and timeless radio classics won’t want to miss this unforgettable evening filled with sunny harmonies, breezy melodies, and iconic hits from the golden era of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Yacht Rock Gold is not your average tribute show—it’s a high-energy, nostalgia-fueled celebration of a genre that’s captivated generations.

And this performance comes with a special treat: Elliot Lurie, the original voice of the smash hit “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” will join the band for an exclusive appearance—bringing one of the most beloved yacht rock anthems to life on stage.

“This isn’t just a concert,” says Jeanine Holcomb, Marketing Director at the Egyptian Theatre. “It’s a full experience—perfect for a summer night out. Whether you grew up with these songs or just discovered them on Spotify or TikTok, this show brings the groove, the vibe, and the memories.”

Guests are encouraged to bring their crew, grab a drink at the historic theatre’s concessions, and settle in for a night of smooth sailing through hits made famous by artists like Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates, Toto, Steely Dan, and of course, Looking Glass.

Tickets are available now on the theater's website or by calling the box office at 815-758-1215. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of smooth sailing and even smoother tunes!

August Community Events

Corn Fest

DeKalb Corn Fest delivers three days of non-stop fun filled with a free Corn Boil, dazzling carnival rides and games, live entertainment on both the Sound Stage and Community Stage, a bustling Craft Fest, and plenty of food and vendor booths.

Aug. 22-24

Downtown DeKalb

Find all the event details, including the Sound Stage lineup, on the Corn Fest website.

DeKalb Police Department

National Night Out

The DeKalb Police and Fire Departments along with the Sycamore Police and Fire Departments and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office will be taking part in the free event with family-fun activities.

Tuesday, Aug. 5, 5 to 8 p.m.

Hy-Vee Parking Lot

DeKalb Water Wars

DeKalb Police Department invites you to an epic showdown of watery fun and friendly competition! Bring your water weapons, and water balloons will also be provided for those that do not have water weapons.

Sunday, Aug. 10, 1 p.m.

Welsh Park

DeKalb Municipal Band

The DeKalb Municipal Band presents free summer concerts showcasing a blend of music performed by local musicians in a tradition dating back to 1854, making it Illinois’ oldest continuously operating municipal band.

Continues every Tuesday through Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Hopkins Park

Find each concert's soloist on the band's website.

DeKalb Park District

Music at the Mansion

On select Wednesday evenings this summer, the Ellwood House Museum serves as the stage for free live music and great food in the golden glow of early evening.

Aug. 6, The Messengers

Aug. 13, The PriSSillas

Pre-show entertainment at 6:30 p.m., headline performer from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Ellwood House Museum

420 Linden Place

Find more activities on the Park District's calendar.

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

Farmers' Market

Enjoy fresh, locally grown produce, colorful flowers, baked goods, olive oil, coffee and more from over 30 vendors.

Continues every Thursday through September 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (No market on Aug. 21)

Van Buer Plaza

Find a list of vendors on the market's website.

Downtown Merchants

Summer Back Alley Market

More than 50 vendors, food, live music can be found at this unique shopping experience.

Saturday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Find out more about the event on its Facebook page.

DeKalb Township

Vision & Hearing Screening

Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this free hearing screening, and those 55 or older are encouraged to take advantage of this free retinal screening. Hosted by the Township and Lions Club, the screenings are walk-in only with no appointment needed.

Tuesday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DeKalb Township Building, 2323 S. 4th St.

For more information, contact the DeKalb Township, 815-758-8282.

Egyptian Theatre

135 N. Second St.

Skerryvore

With their distinctive mix of fiddle, accordions, pipes and whistles, alongside guitar and vocals, underpinned by driving bass, drums and keys, Skerryvore fuses outstanding musicianship with pure joy.

Wednesday, Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m.

Purchase tickets here, and see the full list of shows on the theater's events schedule.

Uke Day DeKalb

Hosted by the Wild Blue Ukulele Orchestra and Illinois Ukulele Society, this event features vendors, workshops, a concert, strum and sing, raffle items, food truck, community and more!

Sunday, Aug. 17, 12 to 5 p.m.

Hopkins Park Community & Terrace Rooms

Find out more on the event's Facebook page.

DeKalb Area Women's Center

1021 State St.

Artist Reception

Meet artist Bernadette Curl-Woodruff at the free reception, which is open to the public. This recent MFA recipient from the NIU School of Art & Design has a solo show in the DAWC Great Hall Exhibition Space.

Friday, Aug. 22, 6 to 8 p.m.

FNBO Challenge

The freshman and varsity DeKalb High School football teams take on Sycamore in this fundraiser for the schools' atheltic programs.

Friday, Aug. 29, tailgating begins at 3:30 p.m.

Huskie Stadium

Purchase tickets here.

DeKalb Public Library

309 Oak St.

International Cheese Tasting

Travel to the library for a sampling of cheeses from around the world. Learn how to pair your cheeses with drinks and how to incorporate cheese into your meals.

Saturday, Aug. 30, 2 p.m.

Learn more about the event here, and find more activities at the library on its calendar.

Northern Illinois University

Football Home Opener

The Huskies take on Holy Cross in their home and season opener.

Saturday, Aug. 30, 2:30 p.m.

Huskie Stadium

Find more to do at NIU on its calendar.

Find more to do on the City's events calendar, and click "Notify Me" to receive e-mail alerts about upcoming events.

Cohen Barnes, Mayor

Carolyn Zasada, Alderwoman - 1st Ward

Barb Larson, Alderwoman - 2nd Ward

Tracy Smith, Alderman - 3rd Ward

Justin Carlson, Alderman - 4th Ward

Andre Powell, Alderman - 5th Ward

Mike Verbic, Alderman - 6th Ward

John Walker, Alderman - 7th Ward

Brad Hoey, City Clerk

Ruth Scott, Recording Secretary

Bill Nicklas, City Manager

City Hall          

164 E. Lincoln Highway

Monday - Friday  

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Police Station

700 West Lincoln Highway

Monday - Friday   

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Public Works

1216 Market Street

Monday - Friday

7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport    

3232 Pleasant Street  

Monday - Friday     

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

City Clerk 815-748-2095 



City Manager's Office 815-748-2090

Community Development Department 815-748-2070

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport 815-748-8102

Finance Department 815-748-2000

Fire/Police Emergency 911

Fire Non-Emergency 815-748-8460

Mayor's Office 815-758-1886

Police Non-Emergency 815-748-8400

Public Works Department 815-748-2040

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