The City of DeKalb Water Division was recently recognized as a finalist as one of the Top 6 best tasting water supplies in North America.

The “Best of the Best” Water Taste Test Competition was held on June 12, 2024, in Anaheim California at the annual ACE24 American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) National Convention. The competition included water supplies from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

DeKalb was awarded a chance to compete at the national water conference after having won first place at the Illinois Section American Water Works Association (ISAWWA) State Water Taste Test Competition held in April 2024. Water was judged based on clarity, taste, and odor. To be eligible to compete in the competition, the water supply must be in full compliance with all state and federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standards and regulations. 

The winner of the "Best of the Best" Competition was the City of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The other finalist included:

• New Jersey American Water, Camden, New Jersey  
• Northeast Sammamish Water District, Sammamish, Washington
• City of DeKalb, DeKalb, Illinois
• City of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, South Dakota

DeKalb is honored to have been named as one of the best tasting water supplies in the country. The award recognizes the importance and commitment that our community places on maintaining a high-quality public water system. The City appreciates the continued support of our valued customers, ensuring that DeKalb’s water will always be recognized as one of the “Best of the Best.”

In This Issue

Second Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson (second from left) and Mayor Cohen Barnes chatted with community members at DeKalb Pride Fest on June 20. Thank you to the DeKalb Pride Fest Committee and all the participants for creating this event showcasing the community’s creativity and dedication to equality. On June 10, the City Council presented the Pride Fest Committee with a proclamation declaring June as LGBTQ Pride Month in the City of DeKalb

Facebook Photo Gallery

See more photos from DeKalb Pride Fest on the City's Facebook page.

The DeKalb City Council has approved a rezoning to allow a business expansion on South Fourth Street while another site has been primed for development.

The rezoning of the properties at 1104-1124 S. 4th St. was approved unanimously by the Council on June 24. City Manager Bill Nicklas said this will allow A.H. Auto Repair, owned by Halmar Rodriguez, to relocate his business, currently at 1211 S. 4th St., to the larger facility with better visibility at Fourth and Tyler Street.

“What we’re describing here is really a success story,” said Nicklas. “Mr. Rodriguez has had an auto repair business that has been successful for eight years.”

The properties will see improvements under the rezoning agreement. The parking lot will be restriped and the driveways to the three service bays will be resurfaced in the next few months. The remaining driveways will be repaved within the next year.

"Congratulations. Thank you for choosing to do business and continuing to do business,” said First Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada. “I’ve been looking at this building wondering what would come of it, so it’s exciting to see this.”

The Council also approved a subdivision of the Algus Packaging lot at 200 Peace Road to create a 16.2-acre vacant lot at the northeast corner of Peace Road and Route 38.

While there are no plans for the vacant lot now, City Manager Nicklas notes the action makes the property more marketable and ready for development.

The City of DeKalb has received a clean audit for Fiscal Year 2023, recognizing the City’s strong integrity in following accounting standards and regulations.

The findings of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for 2023 were presented to the City Council on June 10 by Brian LeFevre (right in photo), partner at financial services firm Sikich.

“We’re pleased to present what’s called an unmodified or clean opinion. What this means is that the financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles free of material misstatement,” said LeFevre. “This is the highest level of opinion you can receive on your financial statements. So, you should be commended for that.”

Furthermore, LeFevre reported that no material weaknesses were found in the City’s internal controls for federal funds, including no questioned costs or findings in the City’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funding. The City also received a clean audit for its Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District expenditures, and LeFevre reported revenues exceeded expenditures last year.

“It means that you are structurally in balance,” said LeFevre. “You can afford to provide the services that you are providing with the revenue streams coming in.”

The unmodified audit for 2023 follows 29 consecutive years in which the City has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association, most recently for the 2022 ACFR. The City believes it will again be eligible for the recognition for the latest report.

The Government Finance Officers Association has announced that the City of DeKalb has received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2024 budget. This is the ninth year DeKalb has received the recognition.

The award represents a significant achievement, according to the GFOA. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:

• a policy document
• a financial plan
• an operations guide
• a communications device

Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

There are over 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA's website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

The DeKalb City Council has approved a Sustainability Plan laying out obtainable goals to address climate change and has joined a regional effort to do the same.

The Sustainability Plan, developed in close collaboration with the City’s Citizens’ Environmental Commission, was approved by the Council on June 10 and is designed to be put into action. Each of the ten sections includes goals and action steps within the local grasp to implement by engaging everyday citizens and trained practitioners in achievable projects.

The plan’s ten sections address energy, climate change, municipal operations, promoting a sustainable community, land, transportation, waste and recycling, water, economic development and goal alignment. 

Along with adopting a Sustainability Plan for the City, the Council approved the Greenest Region Compact (GRC). An initiative of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and its membership of 275 municipalities, the compact provides a tool to support and enhance sustainability efforts in individual communities. 

This tool is a framework of objectives in ten categories, which align to the City’s plan and can be customized to meet the needs of each community. Just as important, the framework includes a self-assessment measure to inventory progress.

The Sustainability Plan can be viewed here.

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DeKalb Airport is supporting a large economic development project in the City. The crew installing the air handling units on top of the Kraft Heinz project are using the airport as home base while the work is being done.

A new stop intersection in the Knolls and yield signs in Tilton Park are being installed to improve safety.

The DeKalb City Council, at its June 24 meeting, approved creating a three-way stop intersection at Knolls Street West and Knolls Avenue South. Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Verbic said the stop signs were requested by residents.

“Many thanks to the observations of over two dozen nearby residents who signed a petition regarding the awareness of this intersection,” said Verbic.

In the Tilton Park neighborhood, the Council approved installation of yields signs on Birchwood Lane at Ilehamwood Drive, East Dresser Road, and Regal Drive. Seventh Ward Alderman John Walker said he has seen the need for the signs firsthand.

“You can just zoom right through there, and you don’t have to look either way,” said Walker.

The new signs will make it clear that Birchwood is the minor approach and traffic on the road should yield to traffic on the other three streets.

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 led the birthday song at Fun Jam in the Park on June 11. The Fun Jam events, which are free to attend and feature family and children's activities, continue each Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. in Welsh Park through July 23. There will also a Fun Jam event at Liberty Park on Thursday, July 11, 5 to 7 p.m. You can volunteer to help at the events here.

Facebook Photo Gallery

See more photos from Fun Jam in the Park on the City's Facebook page.

Huskie Becomes DeKalb Firefighter/Paramedic

We are always proud when a Huskie stays in DeKalb, especially when they join the DeKalb Fire Department!

Joseph Batusich was sworn-in as a Firefighter/Paramedic at a ceremony at Station One on June 24. Batusich graduated from Northern Illinois University in May, and was a member of the Huskies baseball team.

The annual Fourth of July Celebration in DeKalb is more than a summer event. It's a cherished tradition that brings our community together. Families and friends have been gathering at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, or various locations throughout the city for decades to watch the spectacular fireworks show. It's a holiday tradition that we all share and a testament to the strong bonds that unite us. Visitors bring their blankets, chairs, and picnics to enjoy live music and the fireworks co-sponsored by the City of DeKalb and the DeKalb Park District. 

The holiday kicks off with the highly anticipated annual Independence Day Run/Walk, an excellent opportunity to start your day with a healthy and fun activity. This chip-timed race, starting and finishing at Hopkins Park, allows participants to choose between a 5K or 10K route. The race is followed by an award ceremony, where participants can celebrate their achievements.

Please note that race registration is unavailable through July 3, but day-of-race registration is accepted for $45 per person. However, the race bag with a collectible "Racin' with my Gnomies" t-shirt and participation medal is only available while supplies last. Race day registration and check-in is from 7 to 7:30 a.m. Cash is the preferred method for race day on-site registration. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in patriotic colors to add to the festive atmosphere! 

After the race, the public is invited to claim their favorite spot and enjoy a day filled with a variety of family-friendly activities in the park.

There will be on-site entertainment such as an animal show inside the Hopkins Park Shelter from 2 to 3 p.m., free games, relay races, and strolling entertainers from 2 to 6 p.m., food vendors from 2 to 8 p.m., Feel Good Party Band performing live at the bandshell from 3:30-5:30 p.m., and the DeKalb Municipal Band concert at the bandshell from 7:30 to 9 p.m. A select supply of glowsticks will be available for purchase (cash only), one for $5 or two for $8.

The fireworks, a highlight of the festivities, start approximately 30 minutes after sunset and last 25 minutes long. We want to express our gratitude to our Fourth of July Celebration Sponsor, Rock Valley Credit Union, for their support. 

To ensure the safety of all attendees, dogs are prohibited in Hopkins Park on July 4 after 12:00 pm. 

DeKalb’s popular public arts program in which community members turn fire hydrants into works of art is returning for another year.

The City and its Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) are now accepting applications for Paint-A-Plug projects for 2024.

Beginning in 2018, the Paint-A-Plug program has beautified the City by inspiring the creation of colorful artwork throughout the community. Last year, nine Paint-A-Plugs were created with various designs, including the Tyler Tigers mascot near Tyler Elementary School, a sundae near DeKalb High School and three Paint-A-Plugs near the NIU campus created by NIU students.

There is no specific theme for the fire hydrants, but artists are encouraged to submit designs promoting a welcoming community while incorporating different elements of the City or their neighborhood into their art. 

“Paint-A-Plug is truly a public art initiative in that everyone in the community and beyond has the opportunity to participate,” said CCEC Chair Brad Hoey. “The program’s popularity continues to grow, and the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission is looking forward to seeing the creativity and artistry of our neighbors on display throughout the City.” 

Paint-A-Plug is not limited to only DeKalb residents. The CCEC encourages NIU students and alumni, DeKalb School District students and faculty, employees of DeKalb businesses and area artists to participate. While no fee is required to participate in the Paint-A-Plug program, approved artists are responsible for providing their own materials for painting.

Applications can be found here. Submitted applications will be reviewed by the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission, and once their design is approved, artists will have until November 1, 2024, to paint their hydrant.

Questions on the program can be e-mailed to paintaplug@cityofdekalb.com.

DeKalb municipal offices will be closed:

• Thursday, July 4, Independence Day

July Community Events

Fun Jam in the Park

This series of events for children and families features board games, arts and crafts, sports, and much more!

Welsh Park, each Tuesday, July 2-July 23, 5-7 p.m.

Liberty Park, July 11, 5-7 p.m.

Those interested in volunteering at the events, can sign-up here.

Fourth of July

Hopkins Park

Enjoy a day of family fun and celebrate the nation’s independence. Brought to you by the DeKalb Park District and City of DeKalb.

Independence Day Run/Walk, 8 a.m.

Animal Show, 2-3 p.m.

Games, Activities & Strolling Entertainment, 2-6 p.m.

Food Vendors, 2-8 p.m.

Feel Good Party Band (Live music), 3:30-5:30 p.m.

DeKalb Municipal Band - Live Star-Spangled Spectacular, 7:30 p.m.

Fireworks Show, 30 minutes after sunset

Find more information on the DeKalb Park District website.

DeKalb Municipal Band

Hopkins Park Bandshell

Now in its 170th season, the DeKalb Municipal Band performs its weekly, summertime concerts.

Each Tuesday through Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m., with the exception of the week of Independence Day when the concert will be held on July 4th as part of the holiday activities in Hopkins Park.

Find out the weekly soloists on the band's concert schedule.

DeKalb Park District

Music at the Mansion

Bands perform against the backdrop of the historic Ellwood House Museum.

Ellwood House Museum lawn, pre-show entertainment at 6:30 p.m., headliner show at 7 p.m.

July 10 – Rockin’ Fenderskirts

July 17 – Soda

July 24 – Hillbilly Rockstarz

Learn more about the pre-show entertainment & headliners on the Park District's calendar.

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

Farmers Market

The market showcases an array of vendors offering locally grown produce, fresh flowers, bread, baked goods, olive oil, coffee, food trucks, live music, and much more.

Van Buer Plaza, each Thursday through Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., except there will be no market on July 4.

Learn more about the market here.

Family Fun Fest

This free-to-attend event is packed with family-friendly activities and giveaways for everyone to enjoy.

Hopkins Park, Wednesday, July 17, 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Learn more about the event here.

Stage Coach Players

126 S. Fifth St.

Cabaret

A musical set in 1930s Berlin, exploring the nightlife at the Kit Kat Klub amidst the rise of the Nazi regime. (Contains mature subject content.)

July 11-21

Purchase tickets here, and see this year's season of shows on the theater's website.

Midwest Classic

Huskie Stadium

Hear the sounds of brass and beating drums of the top drum & bugle corps in the world.

Saturday, July 13, 7 p.m.

Learn more about the show and purchase tickets here.

DeKalb Public Library

309 Oak St.

Funky Fruits and Edgy Veggies

Try samples of a variety of seasonal fruits and veggies from around the world, and hopefully find a few new favorites.

Saturday, July 27, 11 a.m.

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

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

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