It all came to a head for the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County as Election Day fast approaches.

The primary election is March 17. Results of Tuesday’s votes will set the races for the November general election.

On a recent Friday, a group met up in DeKalb for what they’re calling “Tea and Talk” at Panera Bread, 2476 Sycamore Road.

The event, which is open to both League of Women Voters members and the public, usually takes place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the second Friday of every month.

League vice president Barbara Andree said their end goal is simple.

“It’s just a way to welcome people in,” Andree said. “We don’t have to be a member. It’s to find out about the League and what we do.”

The gathering was promoted in advance by the League of Women Voters as a way to invite discussion about politics, brainstorm action, vent frustration, ask questions, laugh and listen.

An RSVP isn’t required to attend.

Andree acknowledged that talking about politics can be tough, but said she believes these community conversations are vital.

“I think healthy discussions about politics are critically important at this time because there’s so much misunderstanding now,” Andree said. “There’s, in some cases, animosity and division, which in the long run is not going to be helpful to the country. We can certainly agree to disagree, but unless you have discussions, you can’t really understand what the other person is talking about.”

Andree referenced League critics who like to resort to name-calling.

“The good thing about the League is that it’s nonpartisan,” Andree said. “Now, a lot of people go, ‘You’re a bunch of liberals.’ In a certain sense, we support democracy. And if you want to judge me ... that’s up to you. That’s your issue. That’s your choice to do that. And of course, that’s what decent conversations can solve.”

The League of Women Voters has been involved in the community in many different ways for years, promoting democracy, voting and understanding. Ahead of elections, League members often help facilitate voter outreach to encourage voter registration and civic participation. They’ve also hosted forums for voters to get to know candidates before casting a ballot.

The Tea and Talk event saw eight people on hand on a recent Friday.

Andree said she was pleased by the turnout for the gathering.

“This was good,” she said. “This is a fairly typical number of people. We usually have one long table. People have different commitments, you know, every time, but I think it was a good group and we had a lot of good ideas.”

League of Women Voters’ next “Tea and Talk” gathering is expected to take place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on April 10 at Panera Bread in DeKalb.

Every year, the city is required to make updates in accordance with requirements outlined by the Illinois Municipal Code.

Revisions to the map consist of all zoning changes approved over the past year, city documents show. They include rezonings, special use permits, and annexation-related actions with special uses.

In a series of 7-0 votes, changes to the city’s zoning map were approved. Sixth Ward DeKalb Alderman Mike Verbic was absent.

An updated copy of the city’s official zoning map is available on its website at cityofdekalb.com.

The pledge, first introduced by the Illinois Municipal League in 2023, aims to encourage respectful dialogue, reduce conflict, and rebuild public trust across the state, city documents show.

It states, “In the interest of civility, I pledge to promote civility by listening, being respectful of others, acknowledging that we are all striving to support and improve our community, and understanding that we each may have different ideas for achieving that objective.”

The pledge is based on four principles: listening, respecting others, recognizing a shared responsibility for improving the community, and valuing diverse ideas that contribute to that goal.

The pledge was circulated amongst DeKalb city’s elected officials for signatures during Monday’s council meeting.

The demonstration, set for noon on March 28 outside Clinton Rosette Middle School, 650 N. First St., in DeKalb, comes as the nation deals with ongoing actions as the federal government carries out rampant immigration enforcement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. ICE action has been publicly scrutinized by local protesters for months in DeKalb County.

A march is expected to proceed around that time from the middle school’s parking lot and end at Hopkins Park.

Their main message, organizers said, is to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the federal actions of President Donald Trump and his administration. Organizers said they want to remind the public that in the U.S., power comes from the people.

Critics argue that Trump has the authority to make good on his immigration enforcement policies.

Meryl Domina of 350Kishwaukee said she takes issue with the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement.

“While normally some level of customs enforcement is needed, it is currently out-of-control as ICE agents, accompanied by the National Guard, have been sent to Minnesota and other places around the nation,” Domina said in a news release.

Domina said she also believes that some leaders have lost sight of the nation’s problems.

She said she is concerned that federal cuts to social safety nets have gone too far. She lamented that working people require assistance to buy food and health care because of hourly wages that are too low.

“The United States is a rich enough nation that we should be able to support people who do not have enough money to purchase food or health care for their families,” Domina said in a news release. “Often, people who are not working have had multiple problems over their lives that interfere with stable employment.”

The nation’s longest government shutdown in history last year called on the federal government to help fund subsidies needed to help keep healthcare affordable, only for both sides of the aisle to fall short of that aim, multiple reports show. Since then, critics have questioned what’s being done to address their concerns.

DeKalb Migrant Aid lead coordinator Frankie DiCiaccio encourages everyone to get involved.

He said some ideas are for people to attend a “Know Your Rights” training, follow social media pages for what organizers have called “rapid response” teams – operating in DeKalb, Kane and other suburban counties – that track potential ICE movement.

DiCiaccio also recommends joining a local vigil or protest, contacting elected officials, attending public meetings, helping fundraise and supporting immigrant neighbors in need.

“[L]isten and attune to the wishes and needs of immigrant leaders and community members; spread love, build solidarity, and practice hope,” DiCiaccio said in a news release.

Veronica Garcia Martinez said the federal government’s push to police immigrants has been felt by many.

Garcia Martinez is a Democratic candidate vying for the seat of State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore. She argued that federal immigration action is leading to racial profiling and persecution of Latino communities.

She said that has long-term negative impacts on children.

“Children are being chased, mocked, and tormented in the streets simply for standing up and making their voices heard,” Garcia Martinez said in the release. “The trauma they are living through is not abstract; it is shaping their childhoods and their sense of safety.”

DeKalb County Democratic Chairperson Anna Wilhelmi expressed a sense of urgency for people to act.

“This administration has expressed the desire to purge ‘criminals’ from this country and yet have recklessly and brutally arrested US citizens,” Wilhelmi said, “people who have never committed a crime, people who are legal with authority to be in this country, people who are indigenous to this Nation, and are threatening birthright citizenship for Americans, including Black Americans whose roots are deep in these native lands.”

A recent demonstration, interrupting a church service in Minneapolis, saw two prominent independent Black journalists, Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, among those arrested and charged with federal civil rights crimes, multiple reports show. Both have since been released.

Among those expected to participate in the March 28 protest are local activists from the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County, DeKalb County Democrats, 350Kishwaukee, DeKalb Migrant Aid, DeKalb Rapid Response Team, and Emerging Issues.

The demonstration is open to the public. Organizers said they encourage anyone to join in.

REACT Chairperson Cynthia DeSiefe said holding leaders accountable is important.

“The American people recognize the abuses of this administration and the threat to our rights and freedoms it represents, and we need a place to gather peacefully to exercise our First Amendment right to express our disagreement with this administration,” DeSiefe said in a news release.

It is all made possible through a partnership with the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, meant to honor the township’s roots while investing in generations to come.

The township is accepting requests for trees and shrubs from residents, businesses, non-profits and local taxing bodies to be planted throughout the community.

Plantings are expected to get underway this spring and fall with a variety of trees in different sizes available until the township’s 250-tree goal is met, according to a news release.

A tree request form is available on the Township’s website and at the Township office, 2323 S. Fourth St.

The township intends to have trees ready for pickup during its regular business hours between April 23 and May 15. Free mulch will be available at that time, as well.

Any request forms for the spring planting season must be turned in by March 31, according to a news release. Interest will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, with any requests received after that date retained for the fall planting season.

There is no cap on how many trees are requested at a given time, according to a news release. Requests will be honored in accordance with the Chicago Region Trees Initiative planting priorities.

The township intends to host several community tree planting events each year as part of the initiative, which is anticipated to be a multi-year effort. First up is an event at Elder Care Services, where volunteers will help plant trees and expand the community canopy, according to a news release.

The event, which is expected to take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 21, will require volunteers to help make it happen. If interested in lending a hand, contact DeKalb Township at 815-758-8282.

Green Tangerine Records and Collectibles, 838 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, plans to hold a grand reopening on March 21 to help mark the occasion.

A fixture in the community for more than 20 years, Green Tangerine had shut its doors in early January to embark on store renovations.

Record Store Day is recognized globally on the third Saturday in April every year. This year, it’s observed on April 18.

Green Tangerine is expected to have a fresh selection of new releases and top sellers, along with collectibles, ready for customers to peruse.

“We’re excited to see what happens with the Tangerine,” the store wrote.

With the board’s approval on Tuesday, Jones will take over a role currently assumed by the district’s incoming superintendent, Billy Hueramo. Hueramo was tapped for the promotion in January following an independent search to find another top education official.

Jones’s first day on the job will be July 1, according to a Thursday news release.

Hueramo lauded the district’s selection.

“Dr. Jones is an experienced educator and instructional leader committed to academic excellence,” Hueramo said in a news release. “We’re excited to welcome Dr. Jones and continue our commitment to ensure every student has access to high-quality learning opportunities.”

As a veteran education official of more than 15 years, district leaders said Jones will provide building and district leadership. He’s held a variety of education positions in his career, including as a director, interim principal, assistant principal and equity leader.

In his new role, Jones will be responsible for providing leadership, coordination and facilitation in the development and implementation of teaching and learning programs for Kindergarten through fifth-grade students.

Jones expressed excitement about the new opportunity.

“It’s clear that the district is committed to providing and supporting a rigorous and meaningful curriculum that meets the diverse needs of its students,” Jones said in a news release. “I’m excited to use my experiences to continue advancing academic excellence, equity, and strong community partnerships to advance the mission of this dynamic district.”

As Director of Laboratory School for Illinois State University, Jones’ work included strategic planning efforts, support for improvements in teacher compensation, and oversight of major facility upgrades with a focus on student learning and community partnership, according to a news release.

Officials said he’s also leaned into equity throughout his career, prioritizing the review of policies and practices affecting student success by working to remove barriers to ensure that all learners feel supported and challenged.

Jones holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Iowa State University. He also earned a master’s in education from Milligan College in Tennessee and a bachelor’s in exercise and sports science from Iowa State University.

When he’s not working, Jones enjoys spending time with his family and being involved in the community, according to a news release.

It all comes to a head as city staff work to index street conditions, a process meant to help better plan for what streets to prioritize in another street maintenance program, expected to be considered by officials this fall.

The city’s current street maintenance plan is in its fifth and final program year and was established in 2022, city documents show.

City Engineer John Laskowski said the city’s bridges and culverts are in a good state overall, in his view.

“They’re safe for the public to be traveling over, and that’s the main concern that I have is just making sure that we have safe bridges,” Laskowski said.

There are 10 bridges and culverts in DeKalb city limits requiring regular federal inspections. They include those at Bethany Road over the Kishwaukee River, Fairview Road over the Kishwaukee River, North First Street over the Kishwaukee River, Hillcrest Drive over the Kishwaukee River, Lucinda Avenue over the Kishwaukee River, Peace Road over the Union Pacific Railroad, Taylor Street over the Kishwaukee River, Annie Glidden Road over an unnamed tributary, Annie Glidden Road over Watson Creek, and Devonaire Parkway over a detention pond.

Laskowski pointed to how DeKalb’s bridges and culverts differentiate themselves from the infrastructure noted in other municipalities where he’s worked in the past.

He previously had stints working for the city of Sycamore and the villages of North Aurora and Hinsdale. He was reintroduced by the city of DeKalb as a new hire in October 2025.

None of these communities had bridges big enough to be regulated by National Bridge Inspection Standards, he said.

“Having to because these requirements are in place, I think the city’s well-positioned to continue to maintain their bridges at a high standard because we do get these reports every two years,” Laskowski said.

Of the city’s bridges and culverts, there was only one structure reported in poor condition as part of its most recent inspection, a report shows. That is the culvert at Annie Glidden Road over Watson Creek.

The rest of the city’s bridges and culverts were reported in excellent, very good, good, or satisfactory conditions, according to documents released by the city in a public records request.

The city has a plan in place for the culvert at Annie Glidden Road over Watson Creek to help address the issues noted in a 2024 inspection report, officials said.

Laskowski said the city is eying a project to resurface Annie Glidden Road, from Lincoln Highway north past Dresser Road to the DeKalb County health complex, in 2028.

“At that time, when they’re resurfacing that roadway, that’s going to help improve the condition of that bridge because they’re going to eliminate all those potholes and prevent the water from continuing to get in there,” he said. “And that’s also going to give us a chance to evaluate that bridge when we’re doing that project.”

That project could carry a $2.9 million price tag, officials said.

The improvements are expected to be paid out of federal funding allocated toward the metropolitan planning organization, DeKalb-Sycamore Area Transportation Study. Dollars would be matched at 80%/20% by the city of DeKalb.

Laskowski said he believes good maintenance practices will be key to any bridge or culvert, regardless of the topography and any challenges it may pose.

“I think of it as the bridge always being at the low points of the topography because usually where you have a bridge is when you’re crossing a river,” Laskowski said. “I think topography contributes to the placement of where the bridges are located, but I’m not necessarily sure that it has a huge impact on the condition of the bridges.”

Bridges tend to let water collect on the surface of roadways, which Laskowski said is important to watch out for.

When water settles along a roadway, for example, it can lead to the creation of potholes, he said.

“It’s really important to try to drain the roads properly,” Laskowski said. “...There’s a natural crown in the road, or a slope, so that when the rainwater hits the center of the pavement, it slopes off into the gutter. And it’s collected there on bridges. So, it’s really important that there’s some topography to the bridge to get that water to drain off the bridge, so it’s not just settling there.”

City staff said they anticipate new inspection data in December, assessing the condition of the bridges and culverts in city limits.

Typically, the city’s bridges and culverts require inspection every two or four years, depending on how they fare in their lifetime.

Laskowski said he looks forward to seeing how they test.

“We could see if there’s any severe or really big decrease in condition,” he said. “...We’ll be able to repair it immediately. But those reports are helpful because they direct us when we need to plan ahead for future replacements of bridges.”

About 1:42 a.m. Wednesday, the fire department was dispatched to Fox Hollow Court on a report by a passerby, alerting authorities to a house fire with visible flames.

When firefighters arrived, they found a small blaze in the rear of the house, according to a news release. Crews responding to the incident completed an overhaul and ventilated the house.

Residents were prompted to evacuate the home, and no one was injured in the fire.

Authorities pointed to an exterior wall as the origin of the fire. The damage was contained to the exterior wall and vinyl siding of the home, according to a news release.

Authorities said they got the fire under control within 13 minutes, knocking it out before it spread any further.

The house sustained about $30,000 in damage, according to a news release.

The fire incident, which authorities said has been deemed accidental, remains under investigation.

Crews from the fire department were aided by personnel from the DeKalb Police Department and dispatch.