Amid a continued call for more COVID-19 testing in local schools during a statewide mandate, DeKalb District 428 officials said Tuesday SHIELD testing is targeted to arrive in October. The mandate began Monday, with all Illinois educators required to test weekly for the virus or provide proof of full vaccination.

On Tuesday, Northern Illinois University reported three new cases of COVID-19, all in students.

Two DeKalb County residents in their 60s were reported dead Tuesday, marking 128 COVID-19 related deaths in the county since the pandemic began, according to county health department officials.

Gallery

Northern Illinois University held the annual Unity Walk Tuesday which fell on the International Day of Peace and near the one-year anniversary of the Belonging initiative. The group gathered at the Holmes Student Center at NIU for remarks and then departed for the walk.

Gallery

Crews from the Sycamore Public Works were out Tuesday flushing fire hydrants. The hydrants are flushed regularly to ensure adequate water flow is available for firefighters and to clear iron and other mineral deposits from the water mains.

Over the past week, more than 660 local students were reported in quarantine due to possible COVID-19 exposure, and 52 more virus cases were identified in DeKalb County schools according to data released Tuesday.

With the greenlight of the Sycamore City Council, Sycamore homeowners seeking reimbursement after replacing their lead water lines could soon receive a check cut to them directly instead of a utility bill credit if they wish.

Rosa Balli remembers her mother, Beatriz Balli, as “very loving, warm and caring, not only about her own family, but also those in the community.” Beatriz and her husband, Luis Balli, established the DeKalb-based Rosita’s Mexican Restaurant in 1972. Beatriz Balli, 89, died Sept. 13 at her home surrounded by family.

State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, is hosting a Diaper Drive at his district office located at 158 W. State Street, Suite C in downtown Sycamore.