DeKalb County

The DeKalb County Health Department is backing a monthlong awareness campaign in June to help the community stave off ticks and protect themselves from Lyme disease. Here's what to know

This high-visibility seat belt enforcement initiative will run to May 27, coinciding with the Memorial Day holiday.

DeKalb Park Board of Commissioners this month added three new members, swearing in newly-elected Dean Bourdages, Tia Anderson, and Michelle Foster.

Pumpkins are headed to the cinema in the 2025 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. South Prairie Elementary School 5th grader Rayven Rosas submitted the contest’s winning entry: “Pumpkins at the movies.”

The DeKalb Public Library will host a cheese tasting for community members to sample various international cheeses.

Brown-Miller American Legion Post 181 in Sandwich and Lewis P. Schultz VFW Post 1486 in Sandwich will host Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday to honor and remember those who have died in service to the nation.

McDonald's, a Chicago-based fast food chain, has a new location coming to the intersection of Plank Road and Route 23 in northern Sycamore.

Opinion: Rural communities are an essential part of DeKalb County’s economic strength and cultural identity, writes Melissa Amedeo of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation.

DeKalb County-area veterans groups, cities and organizers will host Memorial Day events throughout the county for the public to come together to honor all who’ve died in service to the country. Memorial Day is May 26.

Traffic on Interstate-88 in DeKalb County could face reduced lanes while traveling over Memorial Day weekend, Illinois Tollway officials have confirmed. Repair work on the eastbound lanes is expected to last until the end of construction season, a tollway official said.

Sandwich Police Chief Kevin Senne will receive an annual salary of $126,021 as part of the new contract, which will expire on April 30, 2026.

The DeKalb County Highway Department will oversee an estimated $9.3 million worth of construction projects on DeKalb County roadways in 2025, according to the department’s annual report.

A feature of the new Hopkins Pool in DeKalb includes an expanded concessions stand with two windows, plans show. That will offer pool-goers on the deck, as well as families enjoying Hopkins Park playground area outside the pool, a chance to purchase treats.

The Citizens Utility Board blamed years of poor policies and planning by grid operator PJM Interconnection for the rate increase.

K9 Social Sunday will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. June 1 at the Sandwich Park District’s Troeger Dog Park.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood of Naperville will seek reelection in the 14th District next year rather than run for an open Senate seat.

The DeKalb City Council this week approved a plan to expand Oakwood Cemetery at 611-615 N. First St. in DeKalb Township.

Adults and seniors can learn about insurance and health care decisions during a workshop at the DeKalb Public Library.

The DeKalb Park District is asking the city for permission to build a new $14 million public swimming pool, documents show. It's the latest step as district officials plan an anticipated new pool opening of June 2026.

Construction on Peace Road, Between Route 64 and Freed Road in Sycamore, is underway. The Peace Road work is just one of the projects planned by the DeKalb County Highway Department for 2025.

Though Illinois’ statewide grocery tax is going away come January, Sycamore city residents could still be expected to pay one. The Sycamore City Council will consider a local 1% grocery tax at its Monday meeting.

The DeKalb Public Library will host a Home Energy Savings Program informational booth for residents to learn about the program.

Kishwaukee College recently recognized 24 students for completing the college’s registered nursing program during a pinning ceremony.

A retired DeKalb police officer and Army National Guard colonel who also serves on the DeKalb school board will give this year’s Memorial Day keynote address. A downtown ceremony and parade will proceed this year's Ellwood House lawn address in DeKalb.

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy proudly announced the awarding of $23,753 in grants to support youth-serving projects and programs across DeKalb County.

For those who would like to learn more about the project, there will be a pre-construction open house from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22 at the Sandwich Council Chambers, City Hall Annex, 128 East Railroad St. in downtown Sandwich.

There’s a new, convenient place to buy food in downtown Sycamore now that Xpress Mart has opened in the former 7-Eleven building.

The Sycamore Public Library will host a live demonstration for community members to learn about the art and tradition of Chinese tea.

Community members are invited to an informational offering in DeKalb this month to learn about public health resources available through the local government.

Seniors and adults are invited to learn about Medicare insurance options during workshops at the DeKalb Public Library.

The Ellwood House Museum recently announced that 23 art pieces created by K-12 DeKalb County students are available for community rental.

A Kansas-based bakery chain specializing in gourmet cupcakes recently opened a Sycamore location.

Sullivan’s Tavern, 722 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, is throwing a party this Saturday for its 80th anniversary, and everyone is invited.

Illinois officials are urging people not to travel amid dust storm warnings across parts of the state, including much of the Chicago area.

After severe storms swept northern Illinois Thursday, the region faces increased fire risk and wind advisories Friday.

Instead of a jury trial in June, a plea could be coming for a DeKalb man accused of driving under the influence and causing a crash that killed DeKalb County sheriff's deputy Christina Musil, his lawyer said Thursday.

A tornado watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday for most of northern Illinois, the National Weather Service reports.

Four people were hospitalized Wednesday after suffering injuries in a two-car, head-on crash west of Hampshire and Burlington in DeKalb County, authorities said.

RAMP Disability Resources and Services, which offers services in DeKalb County, will host a Summer Youth Leadership Initiative for disabled youth ages 16 to 22 to build self-advocacy and leadership skills.

The Indian Valley Theatre is accepting registration for its Summer Children’s and Teen Theatre Workshops.

Fewer people called 911 seeking help from the DeKalb Fire Department in 2024 compared to 2023, according to data released this week.

An Ottawa-based pizzeria is opening a second location in downtown DeKalb, expected to open in June, owner Tim Cottingim said. “It’s a different type of pizza than American-style pizza,” he said.

Looking for something to do this weekend in DeKalb County? There's Stage Coach Players' drama "Radium Girls," Sycamore High School's FFA Plant Sale. Later this month features the 89th annual Genoa Days and KVAL's Northern Illinois Art Show.

A DeKalb man convicted of murdering high school teenager Gracie Sasso-Cleveland in 2023 has new charges after he punched a DeKalb County jail deputy and spit at another, broke a fire sprinkler and damaged jail property, court records allege.

The Friends of the Sycamore Library recently named Essie McMahon and Jacqui Williams as the winners of the Sycamore Public Library’s Outstanding Staff Member of the Year 2025.

The DeKalb County History Center recently received an Award of Excellence from the Illinois Association of Museums.

Here’s what’s happening at Somonauk Public Library the rest of May:

The DeKalb County Board on Wednesday will get a chance to comment on a proposal that could add a countywide 1% grocery tax, though not everyone appears for it. A Board committee unanimously opposed the tax last week. A full County Board vote still could happen, however.

Multiple newly-elected officials were sworn in and seated for a packed meeting of the DeKalb City Council Monday. Mayor Cohen Barnes began his second term touting collaboration. "The only way we’re going to be successful is by working together," he said.

Opinion: As summer takes center stage in DeKalb County, we are thrilled to announce a fantastic lineup of events that promise fun, excitement, and community spirit, writes Cortney Strohacker of the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau.