Dozens of local roads will be resurfaced as part of the largest year of work in the history of DeKalb’s Street Maintenance Program.

The City Council April 14 gave final approval to $4.5 million in local repairs to be completed this construction season. Planning for the historic year began last budget season when the Council added $2 million to the $2.5 million that had already been budgeted annually since 2019. Mayor Cohen Barnes said this was done with resident feedback.

“There’s just a lot of great neighborhoods that are long overdue (for road repairs) that we’re finally able to redo,” said Barnes. “Thanks, Council. It’s really wonderful that we’ve heard everyone speak and now we’re acting on it.”

Those neighborhoods include the Tilton Park subdivision, Langlois & Townsend subdivisions, Knolls subdivision, University Heights subdivision, Hillcrest Subdivision, Town & Country Estates along with several individual roads.

Construction for this year’s Street Maintenance Program will begin on Monday, May 5. Work will start in Knolls and Hillcrest subdivisions. Crews will begin with the removal of manholes to prepare for milling, which is the removal of the existing road surface. Additionally, concrete work will be done in the Knolls to create traffic calming areas on Knolls Avenue South and at Moluf Street and Knolls Ave.

The program is expected to be completed in mid-August. Overall, priority will be given to streets near schools after the end of the school year so they can be completed before classes resume.

View the full list of streets to be repaired and follow the program's progress by checking the Construction Updates page on the City’s website.

When the road work went out for bid, resurfacing the parking lot of the DeKalb School District’s Administrative Center on South Fourth Street was also included. This will be paid for by the School District but at a cost savings since the contractor will already be mobilized.

“This is two different governments working together,” said Barnes. “The School District was able to leverage the buying power we had to redo a parking lot, saving the School District a lot of taxpayer money.”

Work will also be done to slow traffic on several neighborhood roads. Along with the calming curb traffic areas in the Knolls, one will be created at Ridge Drive and Huntington Drive.

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Representatives of the DeKalb Fire Department and City gathered in front of Fire Station Four during its grand opening on April 26. The station at 1130 S. Malta Rd. has been built to improve emergency response times in the southwest quadrant of the City. From left to right are Third Ward Alderman Tracy Smith, Deputy Chief of Training Jim Carani, Lt. Don Zuniga, President of IAFF Local 1236, Second Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson, Lt. Jared Thorp, Treasurer of IAFF Local 1236, Fifth Ward Alderman Andre Powell, Mayor Cohan Barnes, Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Verbic, Fire Chief Mike Thomas, and Deputy Chief of Operations Luke Howieson.

A project to improve pedestrian safety and a water infrastructure upgrade began in April, while an intersection improvement project begins this month.

Normal Road Median

Normal Road has been closed to traffic between Edgebrook Drive and Ridge Drive for a project to improve pedestrian safety around the new Mitchell Elementary School. A median is being constructed in this block of Normal Road. The median, along with the creation of crosswalks, will make it safer for students walking to and from the school. The project began April 21 and was expected to take two to three weeks to complete. It remains on scheduled to be finished on time.

First Street & Hillcrest Drive Water Main

Replacement of a watermain at North First Street and Hillcrest Drive began last week. 

The project will impact the area along North First Street from Tilton Park Drive south to the Kishwaukee River bridge. Much of the new water main installation will occur between the addresses of 870-1201 N.1st. St. The intersection and roads remain open to traffic; however, drivers should use caution since traffic lanes will be reconfigured during construction. 

The onsite contractor or Water Department staff will make every effort throughout the project to keep residents informed, especially as it may relate to driveway or parking lot access to businesses.

The contractor will be restoring all asphalt to normal conditions after the watermain has been installed. This project is expected to be substantially completed by May 16.

Lucinda Avenue & Normal Road Intersection

A project to improve pedestrian safety at an intersection near the NIU campus will begin this month. The intersection of Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road will be reconfigured as a roundabout.

Construction activity will begin on Monday, May 12 when the intersection will be closed to traffic. This schedule puts the start of construction after the end of the NIU school year. The project will be completed before students return in August.

The project will improve safety for pedestrians and bicycle riders at the intersection since vehicle traffic will be required to slow for the three-leg roundabout. The intersection reconfiguration, along with the earlier closure of a portion of Normal Road, will improve walkability on the NIU campus.

A detour for through-traffic will be put into place for the intersection project; although, all buildings on Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road will remain accessible by vehicle. 

Eastbound traffic on Lucinda Avenue will be directed north on Annie Glidden Road, east on Hillcrest Drive and then south on Garden Road to Lucinda Avenue. Westbound traffic will be directed north on Garden Road, west on Hillcrest Drive and south on Annie Glidden Road to Lucinda Avenue.

DeKalb Public Transit will also be putting in place temporary bus route detours to accommodate the construction. Information on the detours can be found here.

The City appreciates the patience of the community as these projects are completed. Updates be posted on the City’s website.

Construction of the 2025/2026 Lead and Galvanized Steel Water Service Line Replacement Project in the City of DeKalb is financed by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF). The SRF program is administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and receives a portion of its funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

This project includes the replacement of approximately 260 lead and galvanized steel water service lines at various locations throughout the City. Once complete, it will enhance water quality for residents and businesses by eliminating a potential source of lead in drinking water. SRF programs operate nationwide to help communities build, maintain, and improve the infrastructure that protects our most vital resource: water.

To ensure the delivery of clean, safe drinking water, the City of DeKalb is launching a comprehensive Lead Service Line Replacement Program. In accordance with the Illinois Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, the City will replace all lead and galvanized service lines—on both public (City) and private (homeowner) sides.

Project Overview:

• Start Date: June 2025
• Completion Deadline: November 2026
• Funding: $3.1 million grant
• Cost to Homeowners: No cost for those who participate

Action Required: Property owners identified as having lead or galvanized service lines must complete and return a Replacement Consent Form to authorize access for free replacement.

Important: Homeowners who do not participate during this project window will be responsible for the full cost of replacement in the future.

We strongly encourage all affected homeowners to take advantage of this one-time, no-cost opportunity. The City is committed to making this process as seamless as possible as we work to eliminate lead from our water infrastructure.

Next Steps: Informational packets—including the approved ordinance and consent form—will be mailed on May 2, 2025 to all properties with identified lead service lines.

If you have questions, contact the Water Division at (815) 748-2050 or email justin.netzer@cityofdekalb.com.

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As LRS makes a change to its pick-up methods, DeKalb residents and businesses are reminded to have their waste, recycling and yard waste to the curb by 7 a.m. on their pick-up day.

The pick-up change begins the week of Sunday, May 4. Customers’ regularly scheduled pick-up day will remain the same; however, the time at which their waste and recycling are collected may change. To make sure a collection is not missed, customers are asked to set out their carts by 7 a.m. Customers may put out their carts the night before.

As part of this adjustment, customers will notice that waste and recycling will be picked up at separate times. The LRS driver will collect waste first and then return to collect recycling. The change is being made as LRS shifts its waste disposal outlet.

If you have any questions, contact LRS at 844-NEED-LRS. The City and LRS appreciate the community’s cooperation as this change is made.

The apartment building at 930 Greenbrier Rd. has been made safe for the return of residents.

The condemnation status of the building, which is part of the Terraces of DeKalb complex, was lifted on Wednesday. Since a fire on Dec. 22, the City has been working with the owner and contractors on repairs to ensure fire-life-safety requirements are met. Residents should contact the property manager to make arrangements to return to the building.

Two other buildings were damaged in the fire. 934 Greenbrier Road remains uninhabitable with work continuing to bring the building up to code. The City has been informed that residents of this building have been relocated. The building at 1024 West Hillcrest Drive was damaged beyond repair and has been demolished.

The City thanks the residents of the Terraces as these buildings are renovated to safe conditions.

A retiring DeKalb Alderman is being recognized for using his business sense to help the City Council make the best possible decisions for the community.

Fourth Ward Alderman Greg Perkins served at his last City Council meeting on April 28. The lifelong DeKalb resident was appointed to the seat in 2019 and then elected to a full term in 2021. During that time, Mayor Cohen Barnes noted, Perkins used his business sense to help lead DeKalb through the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid economic development and decision making to place the City in a strong financial position.

“Every item that came before us, Greg approached it from what makes the most sense, how can we make this more efficient, are we using tax dollars wisely,” said Barnes. “And it wasn’t just the question, it was the thoroughness of the research he did, the thought he put behind it in order to bring that question forward.”

And Second Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson said that research led to questions that might not have occurred to others.

“It’s always wonderful when the Council gets along but it’s even better when there’s maybe seven different opinions,” said Larson. “You were so insightful in sharing all those questions, and we’ve made better decisions because of those.”

Alderman Perkins thanked the Council for its support.

“We’ve covered a lot, but our success has been infectious,” said Perkins. “It’s been a really fun time to be a part of this and I’ll treasure it forever.”

The City’s next Fourth Ward Alderman, Justin Carlson, will be sworn in at the first Council meeting in May.

The City of DeKalb is taking action to advance the clean-up of the former Protano’s site on South Fourth Street.

The City Council on April 14 approved having an environmental site assessment performed on the former auto salvage property at 1151 S. Fourth St. This assessment is needed to submit the property into the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Site Remediation Program.

Successful enrollment in the program can lead to state funding for the clean-up of environmental contamination left by the auto salvage operations. Until the clean-up is completed, redevelopment of the property cannot occur.

The cost of the assessment will be reimbursed through the City’s new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, which was created for the redevelopment of the South Fourth Street corridor. Clean-up of the Protano’s site is a key objective of the South Fourth Street TIF plan.

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.

The City of DeKalb will continue its program embedding social workers in the Police Department.

An agreement with Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center, approved by the City Council on April 14, continues the commitment, now entering its fourth year, to have social workers in the DeKalb Police Department.

These professionals are called to crisis situations encountered by Police Officers. For these calls, the officers, certified through Crisis Intervention Team training, first assess the individual’s needs and then bring in a social worker when appropriate. The social worker then provides strategies, resources and services for the individual, replacing the need for ongoing police intervention. Mayor Cohen Barnes (center in photo) said it provides a person or family experiencing a crisis with the right help.

“I think it’s just fantastic that our officers now have the support they need when they encounter a situation that is outside their skillset to be able to engage with the right professionals,” said Barnes.

The program currently has three part-time social workers, and the City will explore expanding those roles.

Grill Safely This Season

With Memorial Day and warmer temps quickly approaching, it's time to kick of grilling season! Here are some tips from DeKalb Fire on how to do so safely.

Clean Your Grill. The first rule of BBQ safety is to keep your grill clean. As you cook, grease and other particles from your food drip down, coating your grill in flammable materials. If left to accumulate, these materials can quickly turn into a fire hazard. Make a habit of cleaning your grill before you start it to cut down on grease buildup.

Cook Away from Other Objects. An active grill gives off a lot of heat. This heat can melt siding and patio furniture. It can also cause a fire. Help reduce the chance of catching your home, deck, or other structures or objects on fire by keeping your grill at least 10 feet away from your home and other objects.

Place Your Grill on Stable Ground. One of the most important summer BBQ safety tips is to find a stable, level place to set your grill. A grill on uneven ground could potentially tip over, which could lead to injuries or fires. Consider adding a grill pad or stand under your grill to help stabilize the base and catch grease or food particles that get out of the grill.

Check for Gas Leaks. Those with a propane grill should check the hoses for leaks at the start of each backyard BBQ season. You can easily check the hose for leaks on your own with a simple solution of dish soap and water. Rub the solution on the outside of the hose and open the valve on your propane tank. If you start to see bubbles along the hose, you probably have a leak.

Have a Fire Extinguisher on Hand. Fires can happen at any moment with a hot grill, even if you’re being careful. Keep a fire extinguisher near your grill and be ready to use it if a flare-up turns into a major fire. Check that the fire extinguisher has not expired and you know how to use it.

Stay by the Grill. Don’t leave your grill unattended. Fires and flare-ups can happen quickly, and leaving even just for a moment could be the difference between putting out a small flame and dealing with a major incident.

Keep Children and Pets Away. Both pets and young children could become overexcited around the grill without being aware of the danger. Designate a responsible adult or older kid to watch young children and pets while the grill is running.

Know How to Safely Start Your Grill. Be sure you understand how to safely and properly light your grill. The right way to start your grill will depend on the type of grill you have. Gas grills, for example, generally require a more precise starting procedure to avoid an accident.

Propane Grills. If you have a gas grill, always make sure the lid is open when you light it. Leaving the lid closed lets propane build up under the lid. When you open the lid after igniting, the rush of oxygen can cause combustion of the built-up gas. This turns into a fireball that could cause serious burns as it sweeps over your upper body.

Charcoal Grills. Use a charcoal chimney to help safely start your charcoal grill. A chimney makes it easier to light your grill by starting with a small, manageable number.

Avoid Loose Clothing. Try to keep anything flammable away from the grill — especially any open flames. This could include loose shirt sleeves, apron strings, and long hair. Wear clothing that fits snug enough that you won’t have to push it out of the way and tie back long hair before handling your grill.

Shut Down Your Grill Correctly. Take the time to properly shut down your grill when you’re finished. Gas grill owners should turn off the burners, then close the valve to the propane tank. Disconnect the propane tank and store it away from the grill. If you have a charcoal grill, be sure to put out any open flames. Wait at least 48 hours before disposing of the ashes, which could still be hot even if they’re not glowing.

The City of DeKalb and its Citizens’ Environmental Commission (CEC) are honoring community members demonstrating leadership in environmental sustainability.

The DeKalb STARR (Sustainability Through Action, Resiliency and Responsibility) Awards were presented April 5 as part of a City presentation at the second annual Earth Fest, which was sponsored by DeCarbon DeKalb and Northern Illinois University and held at Founders Memorial Library.

“The recipients are true leaders in local environmental sustainability efforts,” said Mayor Cohen Barnes. “They have taken the initiative and given their time and energy to make DeKalb a better place to live, and I’m certain their work will inspire other community members to do the same.”

Nominations were solicited and received from community members, and awards were presented in five categories.

The Rooted for Good School Gardens program received the Sustainable Community Project award for organizing community and student volunteers to tend gardens at DeKalb School District elementary schools. 

Sweet Life Garden Group was named the Green Business of the Year for its gardening and beautification projects at locations throughout the DeKalb area, including Hope Haven.

The DeKalb ALDI store was recognized with the Corporate/Institutional Environmental Leadership award for discontinuing the use of plastic shopping bags.

Nick Dory was named the Individual Sustainability Champion for his work picking up litter in his neighborhood and supporting the CEC.

Saige Ruback was named the Youth Sustainability Leader for making time to support local sustainability initiatives even with a busy schedule as a student and travel hockey player.

To coincide with the adoption of the City’s updated Sustainability Plan, the CEC reinvigorated the City’s annual environmental award with a new name and the creation of five categories showing how sustainability can happen in many ways. The effort was a success with more nominations submitted from the community than in recent years. 

Community members are encouraged to keep an eye out for their neighbors making a difference in sustainability locally and submit their names for a STARR Award when the nomination period reopens early next year.

DeKalb artists are encouraged to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with the creation of special Paint-A-Plugs, while past Paint-A-Plug artists are encouraged to touch up their works of art.

The City of DeKalb and its Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) have opened the application period for this year’s Paint-A-Plug program. Paint-A-Plug is the City’s longstanding public arts initiative inviting artists of all levels of expertise to paint a fire hydrant and transform it into a work of art.

This year’s Paint-A-Plug program coincides with preparations for Illinois America 250, the state’s campaign to mark America’s Semiquincentennial in 2026. As the nation, state and City celebrate 250 years of independence, CCEC Chair Brad Hoey said Paint-A-Plug artists are encouraged to use the nation’s birthday as the theme for Paint-A-Plug creations.

“I am excited that we are able to integrate the Paint-A-Plug program within DeKalb’s plans to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” said Hoey. “Our community’s namesake – Baron de Kalb – was a hero of the American Revolutionary War, and I hope local artists will embrace the opportunity to apply historical and/or patriotic themes to their public art projects over the next year.”

Some theme ideas include patriotism, independence, historic figures and achievements and celebrations of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

Incorporation of a semiquincentennial theme is not a requirement to participate in Paint-A-Plug. As in previous year’s, community members are welcome to submit designs using any theme that helps beautify DeKalb. The application can be found here. The deadline for completing Paint-A-Plug projects is Nov 1.

Paint-A-Plug started in 2017, and with the passage of time, some of the earliest painted hydrants are beginning to show their age as colors fade and paint chips away. The artists behind these hydrants are encouraged to check on the condition of their artwork and, if needed, contact the City at paintaplug@cityofdekalb.com to arrange a time to touch up the hydrant. Unfortunately, hydrants that are not maintained must be return to their original red color.

The City receives support for its public arts initiatives from the Illinois Arts Council.

Photo caption: The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center used DeKalb’s Paint-A-Plug program to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Glidden’s invention of “The Winner” barbed wire. As part of last year’s anniversary activities, the fire hydrant nearest to the center was painted to look like Brindle the cow, which inspired Glidden to create his most famous barbed wire.

Give DeKalb County, a 24-hour fundraising event on May 1, supports many of the nonprofit organizations that make DeKalb a great place to live. Celebrating 12 years of generosity, this annual drive makes giving easy with multiple ways to support nonprofit organizations—plus, the Bonus Pool boosts every donation. 

Give anytime from midnight to midnight on May 1 at GiveDeKalbCounty.org. Search for a nonprofit, browse by cause, follow the leaderboard, or support multiple organizations—all in one place.

Donors who prefer to give by check can print a mail-in donation form at the Give DeKalb County website, list their chosen organization(s) and donation amount(s), then write one check for the total amount payable to “DCCF.” Mail it with the completed donation form to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178 (postmarked by May 1). Donations from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) follow the mail-in guidelines.

Hosted by the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership, a program of the DeKalb County Community Foundation, the past 11 giving days accumulated over $10.7 million.

The Illinois Tollway I-PASS On Demand team will be in the DeKalb Public Library’s main lobby helping drivers to swap their old, plastic transponders for the new I-Pass sticker tag at no cost.

They will also be able to answer account questions, add new license plates, clear fines, and sign drivers up for an I-Pass Assist account, which can help income-eligible residents to save on tolls.  

Booths will be held on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please bring your plastic transponder if you wish to swap it for a new sticker tag, and have your license plate information ready.

This program is free and intended for ages 16 and up. No registration is required.

The DeKalb Farmers’ Market is seeking vendors for its 2025 season! The market will take place on Thursdays from June 5 through September 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Van Buer Plaza in Downtown DeKalb. Please note, there will not be a market on August 21 due to Corn Fest closures.

Growers, artists, crafters, and food vendors are invited to participate for the full season, half the season, or select weeks. Located in a prime downtown area, the market offers great exposure to a loyal, local customer base eager to support small businesses! Vendors will enjoy easy setup and teardown on a brick parking lot, access to electricity, and on-site staff support. The DeKalb Farmers’ Market also participates in the Link & Link Match program, which helps eligible vendors boost sales while promoting food accessibility. This convenient weekday market allows vendors to also take part in other afternoon and weekend events.

Interested vendors can fill out the Vendor Request form Farmers' Market website or call the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce at 815-756-6306. The DeKalb Farmers’ Market is presented by Northwestern Medicine and supported by Country Financial Downtown DeKalb and AAA Roofing.

May Community Events

Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Vive La France!

The KSO concludes its 48th season with a musical journey to France featuring Claude Debussy's Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, Maurice Ravel's Rhapsodie Espagnole and Hector Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique.

Saturday, May 3, 7:30 p.m.

NIU Boutell Memorial Concert Hall

Purchase tickets here.

Downtown DeKalb

Cinco de Mayo

The community festival begins with a wagon parade at noon followed by live entertainment, food & vendors and kids activities.

Sunday, May 4, Noon to 8 p.m.

Van Buer Plaza

Find out more about the event on its Facebook page.

Back Alley Market

A unique one-day shopping experience with 135 vendors, food, live music and demonstrations.

Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Palmer Court, Second & Third Street

Check out the event's Facebook page.

Kishwaukee Concert Band

Spring Concert

The KCB is an all-volunteer adult community band composed of experienced musicians from DeKalb and the surrounding communities. Admission is free.

Sunday, May 4, 3 p.m.

NIU Boutell Memorial Concert Hall



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

Stage Coach Players

135 S. Fifth St.

Radium Girls

Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a luminous watch dial painter, as she fights for her day in court.

May 8-13

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

DeKalb Public Library

309 Oak St.

Where Have All the Flowers Gone, the Ballad of Pete Seeger

In award-winning singer/songwriter Barry Cloyd’s newest ‘edu-tainment’ program, get to know how Seeger earned his place in musical history with iconic songs such as “If I Had A Hammer”, “Turn, Turn, Turn”, “The Sinking of the Reuben James”, and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”.

Saturday, May 17, 2 p.m.

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

Egyptian Theatre

135 N. Second St.

Cornerstones of Rock

The tour includes The Ides Of March featuring Jim Peterik, The Buckinghams, Cryan’ Shames, and New Colony Six.

Sunday, May 18, 5 p.m.

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

Memorial Day

Join the community for a parade and program honoring those military service members who gave their lives for our country.

Monday, May 26

The parade begins at 9 a.m. at North Third and Locust Street, heads west on Locust and then north on Linden Place.

The program begins at 9:30 a.m. on the Ellwood House lawn and will be followed by free first-floor tours of the Ellwood Mansion.

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

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