The DeKalb City Council, tenants impacted by a fire on Dec. 22, and community members and City staff who provided recovery assistance gathered at the Jan. 13 Council meeting.

The City of DeKalb is thanking the community members who rallied to help the victims of an apartment building fire in December and is applauding the resiliency of the tenants.

The City Council on Jan. 13 shared their appreciation for the assistance provided on Dec. 22 when a fire broke out in the complex at 1024 W. Hillcrest Dr. and 903 and 934 Greenbrier Rd.

Mayor Cohen Barnes and Seventh Ward Alderman John Walker came out to the scene, and Barnes said they were quickly assured by Fire Chief Mike Thomas that all the tenants were safe. He said what he witnessed should be reassuring to the community.

“If there’s a fire in your home, apartment building, commercial building, you have one of the best trained fire departments out there,” said Barnes. “When I walked up to what was an incredibly chaotic-looking scene, all I experienced was incredible calmness.”

Community members then stepped up to support the tenants. DeKalb Township Supervisor Mary Hess, Rylie Loucks-Kues of Family Service Agency and the Quad Cities and Northwest Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross all assisted on scene. Each agency’s staff and translators continue to provide assistance in the weeks after.

For housing, members of neighboring Westminster Presbyterian Church provided water and immediate shelter on a cold December evening, and Vicky Torres, owner of Red Roof Inn & Suites in DeKalb, made sure each family had a warm room that night and for several days after.

“That’s DeKalb, in my opinion, that’s exactly who we are,” said Barnes. “And that night, I think everyone absolutely showed it.”

At the meeting, the tenants were also recognized for their resiliency to recover from a fire that struck just days before Christmas. 

“The day after the fire, they were meeting with us and had action plans,” said Loucks-Kues. “I just think that’s incredible.”

Support has continued in the weeks since the fire. For that, the City thanks Northern Illinois University, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Rooted For Good (formerly DeKalb County Community Gardens) and all other individuals, businesses and organizations who made donations.

In This Issue

DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes presented a $25,000 Architectural Improvement Program (AIP) grant to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb (UUCD) on Jan. 24. The grant, approved by the City Council, will help fund new furnaces for the building, which operates an overnight warming center. Mayor Barnes was joined by (left to right) UUCD Board of Trustees President Dorothy Coleman, Treasurer Toni Tollerud, President Elect Dan Kenney, Reverend Julia Jones and City Community Services Coordinator Jennifer Yochem.

DeKalb is beginning a transition to running public buses that emit less greenhouse gases as the City makes progress on its sustainability goals.

The City Council Jan. 27 approved purchasing the transit system’s first, fixed-route hybrid bus, which runs on both diesel and electricity. The fixed-route buses are the larger of the two vehicles operated by DeKalb Public Transit. The hybrid bus shown in the photo is from Decatur and is the model that will be purchased for DeKalb.

While hybrid buses cost more to purchase than diesel-only buses, there is a savings on fuel. And First Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada said there are other important benefits.

“I want us to also keep in mind that there are substantial health benefits to people who are breathing these fumes, probably to the bus drivers as well,” said Zasada. “These are not as quantified but I’m sure there are studies out there as well as environmental equity.”

With the higher cost and fast-changing technology, the City is taking a measured approach to the transition from an all-diesel fleet. But Mayor Cohen Barnes said now is the right time to get started.

“It’s time to dip our toe in the water and take a look at this,” said Barnes. “This is the future.”

The transition aligns with the Sustainability Plan created by the City’s Citizens’ Environmental Commission. The plan’s transportation section includes as an action step replacing fixed route buses with diesel/electric hybrid vehicles whenever financially feasible.

The DeKalb City Council is providing more than $300,000 in funding support to a wide range of local nonprofits serving our community.

The funding, approved Jan. 27, is from three sources; the largest of which is the long-standing Human Services Funding. This will be the 27th year the City provides support from the General Fund to local agencies providing essential social services to the most vulnerable individuals and families in the community.

This year, $225,000 in Human Services Funding was approved for 18 agencies providing 23 programs. The agencies are Adventure Works of DeKalb County, Barb City Manor, Barb Food Mart, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C), Elder Care Services, Family Service Agency of DeKalb County, Habitat for Humanity, Hope Haven, Kishwaukee YMCA, Nguzo Saba Men’s Club, Opportunity DeKalb, Project H.O.P.E., RAMP, Rooted for Good, Safe Passage, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Voluntary Action Center. Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Verbic (second from right in photo) said the funding is helping these organizations make significant accomplishments.

“I see these dollars going far,” said Verbic. “These organizations, the work that everyone is doing, is making great use of those dollars.”

A supplemental Human Services Grant was also provided to support the Meals on Wheels program, operated by the Voluntary Action Center. The one-time $40,000 grant will help close a funding gap which has occurred as the agency has experienced underfunding from state and federal sources at the same time meals services have grown substantially. The grant comes from the City’s remaining ARPA funds, which are to support low-to-moderate income residents. Mayor Cohen Barnes (left in photo) said every meal delivered through the service is needed.

“I’ve done (the meal deliveries) a couple times, and you go door-to-door,” said Barnes. “You can tell this is a big moment of that day.”

Additionally, the Council allocated nearly $53,000 in public services funding to five nonprofits as part of the annual plan for the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). These agencies are Hope Haven, Safe Passage, Children’s Learning Center, Elder Care Services and Voluntary Action Center. A public hearing on the CDBG Five-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan will also be held as a part of Monday’s meeting.

More information on how each agency plans to use its funding is included with the agenda for the Jan. 27 Council meeting, which can be found here.

The City of DeKalb has been awarded a $255,300 subgrant by The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) to improve the community tree canopy.

The competitive subgrant is among nearly 40 provided to nonprofits, government entities and other eligible groups through Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding to the U.S. Forest Service, administered by CRTI.

The four-year grants, which do not require matching funds, are available for projects in communities that meet the federal requirements as disadvantaged. The funding can be used for projects that increase tree canopy, improve forest health, and create or enhance community forestry programs.

“We are very grateful to The Morton Arboretum for this generous grant to help make the DeKalb community more beautiful, sustainable and healthy,” said DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes. “With the adoption of our Sustainability Plan last year, the City is committed to fighting climate change through support of renewable energy, projects to promote energy efficiency and the enhancement of green spaces. This grant to plant trees and protect the health of our mature trees is just one way we are doing that.”

Through this grant, DeKalb will plant 50 trees to improve air quality for residents and reduce greenhouse gases. These new trees will replace 40 dead trees, which have become safety hazards and will be removed. Additionally, 738 parkway trees will be trimmed to promote healthy growth and keep the community’s tree canopy healthy. The City’s forestry team will also receive training to improve their pruning skills. The City is planning to complete the work this year.

Various projects funded through the CRTI sub-grants include tree planting and the formation of tree inventory and management plans, in both urban and rural areas, to help increase efficiency and proactiveness in community forestry, as well as support local economies and businesses through improved infrastructure and workforce development.

“Improving the distribution of trees and green spaces directly impacts the health and economic outcomes for communities,” said CRTI Director Zach Wirtz. “Projects like this improve quality of life and boost the urban tree canopy’s resilience to threats posed by environmental conditions, pests and diseases.”

Funding for this project is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative. USDA, The Morton Arboretum, and the City of DeKalb are equal opportunity providers.

DeKalb will design the reconstruction of the intersection of North First Street and Sycamore Road using primarily state and federal funds designated specifically for improving safety at that intersection.

The City Council Jan. 13 hired an engineering firm to design the project to improve safety along the North First Street corridor from Lincoln Highway to Clinton Rosette Middle School, including construction of a roundabout at North First Street and Sycamore Road. City Engineer Zac Gill (right in photo) said the project was selected for the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program administered by IDOT.

“This program is based on crashes, it is based on unsafe roadway use,” said Gill. “We went back with five years of crash data, supplied that to the people that make the decisions, and they said this was a qualifying project and that the roundabout was a very highly supported solution to do this.”

The severity of crashes is also considered. Gill said most crashes occur at the awkward merger of two lanes of northbound traffic just before the intersection and the left turn onto First Street. The project would eliminate these conflict points. At the same time, the elimination of the traffic signal will mean better traffic flow with a design to handle all vehicle types.

“It will be designed for everything, buses will be able to fit through it,” said Gill. “That won’t be an issue.”

As part of the safety program, 90 percent of the project’s cost, from design through construction, will be paid for with state and federal funding. This funding cannot be used for other purposes and otherwise would not come to the City.

The conceptual plan also includes a southbound through lane. Southbound traffic on First Street would not go through the roundabout unless the driver needs to turn onto Sycamore Road.

Another improvement along the corridor is installation of a HAWK beacon (high-intensity activated crosswalk beacon) near the middle school. This will allow pedestrians and bike riders, including students and crossing guards, to stop traffic on First Street and cross more safely.

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Nominations are being accepted for DeKalb’s newly expanded award recognizing outstanding leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability.

The City’s Citizens’ Environmental Commission (CEC) has revised its annual environmental award and renamed it as the DeKalb STARR (Sustainability Through Action, Resiliency and Responsibility) Award. The revised program, which replaces the retired PRIDE Award, recognizes that sustainability is happening in many ways in the DeKalb community.

To reflect this, the award will be presented in up to five categories: Individual Sustainability Champion, Green Business of the Year, Sustainable Community Project, Corporate/Institutional Environmental Leadership and Youth Sustainability Leader, which will be awarded to a nominee younger than 18.

To select the award winners, community members are encouraged to nominate individuals, businesses and organizations for their impact in one or more of five focus areas aligning with the City’s Sustainability Plan. These areas are ecological impact, community engagement and education, environmental leadership and advocacy, innovation and green technology, and economic contribution to the green economy.

“The Citizens’ Environmental Commission encourages everyone to nominate their neighbors, local organizations and favorite businesses for the DeKalb STARR Award,” said CEC Chair Julie Jesmer. “Every effort to enhance sustainability locally, regardless of size, deserves to be recognized. We hope this acknowledgment encourages more people to join the effort to address climate change.”

The nominations can be made through a simple four-question, online form on the City’s website, which can be found here. Anyone can submit a nomination, and nominees should be making a positive impact on sustainability in the DeKalb community. 

Nominations are due by March 3. The winners will be selected by the CEC and recognized this April.

DeKalb Airport is now home to a new satellite training base for Illinois Aviation Academy (IAA), operated by Spartan Education Group.

Mayor Cohen Barnes, Airport Advisory Board Chair Robert Owens and Airport Manager Ben Trompeter spoke on the future of aviation in the area at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the training base on Jan. 18.

The DeKalb location features an FAA-approved Advanced Training Device, allowing students to practice procedures and log valuable instrument training hours in alignment with IAA’s FAA Part 141 program. IAA has also added two new training aircraft to support aspiring pilots as they work toward their aviation goals.

Additionally, IAA is now enrolling for their newly launched pilot training partnership with Atlas Air, the Atlas Cadet Academy. The academy is designed to prepare aspiring aviators for possible opportunities to become First Officers with Atlas, one of the largest 747 operators in the world, serving both cargo and passenger needs.

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.

DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd presented Commander McNett with a certificate honoring his over 29 years of service as he retired on Jan. 3. The City congratulated Commander McNett on his retirement and his service was celebrated with a ceremony on his final day. Commander McNett has been an instrumental member of the Department and has remained devoted to the DeKalb community. His integrity and compassion are unmatched, and he was a mentor to many of our officers. Following his retirement, promotional ceremonies were held for Commander Kwasniewski, Sergeant Abonce and Sergeant Paul.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

The DeKalb Fire Department offers some simple tips to stay fire safe during the colder months.

Generators and Other Gas Powered Equipment

• Never run portable generators inside. Always run outdoors, away from windows and a safe distance away from any structures.

• Always use heavier gauge extension cords rated for higher amps than what will be drawn by the appliances you are running.

• Just like generators, never run any gas powered equipment such as snow blowers or chainsaws indoors.

• Never refuel any gas powered equipment inside. Always move the equipment outside into fresh air and away from any structures. If a spill occurs, wait a few minutes to allow the gas spill to evaporate before starting the engine.

• If you have a garage, ensure it has a CO detector installed to notify you of any Carbon Monoxide built up.

• Always store gasoline in approved, well sealed containers. Do not store near any ignition sources such as pilot lights, electric heaters or furnaces. Always store gas containers in a garage or shed, never in your house.

Extension Cords

• Inspect your extension cords for any cracks, frays, splits, burn marks or any damage. If you find any damage, discard the extension cord immediately.

• When purchasing a new extension cord, ensure it is ETL or UL Listed and of an appropriate gauge.

• Keep extension cords away from water, and ensure you plug an extension cord into a GFCI outlet or one protected by a GFCI for use in damp areas or with water oriented devices such as pumps

• If an extension cord becomes hot to the touch, stop using and unplug it immediately.

• Use only outdoor-rated extension cords outside, never use an indoor-only one outside.

• Never tamper with an extension cord, it’s socket or it’s plug end. Do not try to force a 3 pronged extension cord plug into a 2 pronged outlet, or remove the grounding plug from an extension cord.

• Replace worn or damaged electrical wires and connections on vehicles and extension cords and use the proper gauge extension cord for vehicle block heaters.

• Consider using approved timers for vehicle block heaters rather than leaving heaters on all night.

General Tips for the Month

• Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a registered fuel contractor. Go to COSafety.ca to find a contractor near you.

• Keep chimneys and intake/exhaust vents for furnaces and heating appliances free of debris, ice and snow accumulations to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) build-up from inefficient combustion.

• Burn dry, well-seasoned wood in fireplaces and woodstoves to reduce the risk of excessive creosote build-up in chimneys.

• Allow ashes from your fireplace or woodstove to cool before emptying them into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container outside.

• Keep space heaters at least one meter (3 feet) away from anything that can burn, including curtains, upholstery and clothing.

• Ensure that vehicles are not left running inside any garage or building.

• Ensure there is a working smoke alarm on every floor and outside all sleeping areas of your home.

• Install CO alarms to alert you to the presence of this deadly gas.

As a proud DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership Community Partner, Arcomusical cordially invites the DeKalb community to attend Transformation Through Rhythm, the annual event that is drumming up a good cause!

Hosted at the DeKalb High School Auditorium on Sunday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m., the performance will feature local percussion groups including the Harambee Ensemble, the DeKalb High School Percussion Ensemble, the Northern Illinois University Percussion Ensemble, and Arcomusical.

All donations received will benefit the more than 150 non-profit organizations based in and/or serving DeKalb County. Admission is free, and donations will be collected both digitally and in-person at the event.

“The Transformation Through Rhythm concerts bring together the perfect blend of music and community spirit," said Jen Conley, Transformation Through Rhythm Founder, music therapist, and licensed counselor. "I'm thrilled the concerts are supporting Give DeKalb County, thus benefiting nonprofits in our county. The concert itself is amazing - a joyful tapestry of rhythm, energy, people, color and inspiration!"

Arcomusical is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to spread the joy of the Afro-Brazilian musical bow known as the berimbau through the development of innovative and excellent musical repertoire.

The Egyptian Theatre is thrilled to announce the return of the cult classic "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" featuring the live shadow cast the "Irrational Masters" on Friday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m.

You’re invited to enjoy this special “anti-Valetine’s Day” showing of the 1975 musical comedy horror film that has captivated audiences for decades! Enhancing the immersive experience, the live shadow cast "Irrational Masters" will perform alongside the film, engaging with the audience and bringing the eccentric characters to life. Attendees are encouraged to participate with props and costumes, but please note the following items are prohibited: lighters, candles, any open flames, large water guns, toast, hot dogs, and prunes. Prop kits will be available for purchase in the lobby before the show!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and interactive fun at the Egyptian Theatre. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event!

Tickets are $18 and can be purchased at the Egyptian Theatre box office during box office hours (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 3-6 p.m.), online or by calling the box office at 815-758-1225.

Get ready to dust off your dancing boots and enjoy a night to remember! The DeKalb Park District invites you to the annual Daddy Daughter and Heroes Dance on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Terrace Room and Hopkins Lower Level, at 1403 Sycamore Road. 

This year's theme is "Boots ‘N Beauties Hoedown," so dress to impress in your favorite country attire! Dads, grandpas, uncles, and any hero or role model are welcome to accompany girls aged 3-13. You'll make memories that will last a lifetime!

The night will feature desserts, dancing, guessing games, contests, light snacks, and professional photographs. Plus, each daughter will receive a beautiful flower to take home, courtesy of our sponsor, Willrett Flower Company.

“The Daddy Daughter and Heroes Dance is one of our favorite events of the year because it brings families together in such a meaningful way," said Recreation Supervisor Emily Kvasnicka. "This year’s Boots ‘N Beauties Hoedown theme adds a fun and lively touch, inviting everyone to step into their favorite country attire! We’re excited to see families come together for an evening of dancing, joy, and connection.” 

Don't miss this opportunity to bond with your little princess and show her how special she is to you. The cost for resident couples is $37, and for non-residents, it's $46. Add an additional child or dad/hero for just $18 for residents and $23 for non-residents. But hurry, spots fill up fast, and we don't want you to miss out. Register online or call (815) 758-7756 to reserve your tickets.

DeKalb municipal offices will be closed:

• Monday, Feb. 17, Presidents Day

Receive community news all month long by following the City on social media!

February Community Events

DeKalb Park District

Polarpalooza

Festive fun, snow or shine, will be featured at this free, family-oriented event, which includes s'mores and hayrides. 

Saturday, Feb. 1, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Hopkins Park Shelter, 1403 Sycamore Rd.

More information on the event can be found here, and view more Park District programs on its calendar.

Downtown Merchants

Sweet Stroll

Pick up a Sweet Stroll Passport at any participating business and collect stamps to be entered for a chance to win amazing Valentine’s Day prizes. Along the way, you’ll find a variety of specialty sweets from local vendors.

Saturday, Feb. 8, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Downtown DeKalb

Learn more about the event here, and find out more about the Downtown Merchants on their Facebook page.

Joseph F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center

921 W. Lincoln Highway

Soup-er Sunday

The Homestead & Historical Center hosts educational programs twice a month through March. The $5 admission includes soup and homestead tours.

DeKalb County in Postcards

Sunday, Feb. 9, 12 p.m.

The Legend of Chessie the Railroad Kitten

Sunday, Feb. 23, 12 p.m.

See the full schedule of programs on the Homestead's website.

Egyptian Theatre

135 N. Second St.

Eaglemania

EagleMania performs the Eagles’ greatest hits, as well as select Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh solo efforts.

Friday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m.

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

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

DeKalb Public Library

309 Oak St.

The History of Bob Marley

Using performance and interview clips, Gary Wenstrup traces the arc of the career of the world’s most popular reggae artist, beloved for his universal hymns of freedom.

Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m.

Learn more about the program here, and find more activities on the library's calendar.

Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Arthur D. Montzka Memorial Concert

This concert will feature Dylan Zhang, pianist and winner of the 2025 Arthur D. Montzka Young Artists Concerto Competition. Dylan will perform the Concerto No. 1 in C Major and Symphony No. 7 by Ludwig van Beethoven and Jessie Montgomery's A Hymn For Everyone.

Saturday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m.

NIU Boutell Memorial Concert Hall

For more information on this concert and to see the KSO's full schedule, visit its website.

Arcomusicla

Transformation Through Rhythm

Arcomusical hosts this family-friendly concert performed by multiple local percussion ensembles as a fundraising event for the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership’s 2025 Give DeKalb County Bonus Pool.

Sunday, Feb. 23, 3 p.m.

DeKalb High School Auditorium 

Learn more about the concert on its Facebook page.

Northern Illinois University

NIU Wind Ensemble Concert

Tom Bough directs this performance of the Wind Ensemble.

Thursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m.

NIU Boutell Memorial Concert Hall

Purchase tickets here, and find more events on the NIU campus on its calendar.

Stage Coach Players

135 N. Second St.

The Wizard of Oz

Follow the yellow brick road in this exciting, steampunk-inspired stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the 1939 MGM film.

Feb. 27-March 9

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

Cohen Barnes, Mayor

Carolyn Zasada, Alderwoman - 1st Ward

Barb Larson, Alderwoman - 2nd Ward

Tracy Smith, Alderman - 3rd Ward

Greg Perkins, Alderman - 4th Ward

Andre Powell, Alderman - 5th Ward

Mike Verbic, Alderman - 6th Ward

John Walker, Alderman - 7th Ward

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 815-748-2090 



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