Local

A homeless man found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman near the Illinois Prairie Path in 2018 has been sentenced to 66 years in prison, prosecutors said.

The Hinckley Police Department will partner with the U.S. Marine Corps 2024 to host a Toys for Tots program. The boxes will be available through Dec. 12.

A woman accused of stealing from Macy’s in Oakbrook Center and sideswiping a police car has been sentenced to 90 days in jail.

The December hybrid Brown Bag Lunch and Local Lore series at the DeKalb County History Center will feature a lecture on holiday feast customs.

The DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board is accepting applications to select a new board member. Applications are due Dec. 6.

Continuing the longstanding local holiday tradition, the Beth Fowler Dance Company and Beth Fowler School of Dance will once more present “The Nutcracker Ballet.”

The Somonauk Public Library, 700 E. La Salle St., will host a number of events and programs in December.

Equine Dreams recently was awarded a $7,300 grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Community Needs Grant to complete its accessible tack room.

Utility box murals created with artwork by community members have popped up across downtown DeKalb.

Rooted For Good’s mobile food pantry, the Grow Mobile, will offer free food and household items to all who visit at various locations across DeKalb County in December.

The Kishwaukee Valley Art League will participate in Sycamore’s Winter Chocolate Walk from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12. The league will serve chocolate treats and host its Holiday Arts and Crafts Market and “Create with KVAL” event.

As industries have started to crop up on the city of DeKalb’s south side, so, too, have local planning efforts to accommodate future water infrastructure demands.

At the Hopkins Community Center in DeKalb this week, the Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association invited area veterans to take part in a new program meant to promote learning and foster a sense of community and belonging.

Resource Bank’s Classics Club attended a membership trip to England and Scotland.

The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will host a “Holiday at the Homestead” open house Dec. 1 to support the museum.

Brian Bemis Toyota of DeKalb recently donated $1,000 to Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Cancer Center to fund programs and services that benefit patients and their families.

Carol Stream police are investigating a fatal traffic crash on Tuesday involving a vehicle and a pedestrian near the intersection of Gary Avenue and Stark Drive.

The DeKalb School District 428 school board is weighing its 2024 property tax levy options this month ahead of a final vote expected in December. The board so far has expressed support for a levy that could save the average DeKalb homeowner about $40 compared to their 2023 bill.

Kishwaukee United Way has partnered with the Old Navy store in DeKalb to launch a Winter donation drive, a community effort aimed at keeping local families warm throughout the winter months, writes Michele Vaughn. Here's how to help.

The DeKalb Public Library will host a workshop Dec. 2 for patrons to learn about financial wellness for people with disabilities.

DeKalb County 4-H Shooting Sports program members Reese Harper, Lillie Harper and Adrianna Rosecrants recently were awarded the NRA Distinguished Expert Certification in air rifle.

A DeKalb-based acting troupe has taken it upon themselves to give back to the community that attends their theater’s performances by partnering with The Salvation Army to help fill plates for Thanksgiving. The group also is collecting toys through Dec. 10 for local children.

DeKalb firefighters gathered at a packed Fatty's Pub and Grille in DeKalb on Wednesday for the annual Tip A Firefighter event, which raised money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

DuPage County Board members Tuesday approved a $636.6 million budget that includes money to address food insecurity, mental health and substance abuse care, as well as hire more prosecutors and public defenders.

Holiday shoppers looking to spend their money locally this weekend are invited to DeKalb’s annual Merry Market, a two-day downtown local business shopping spree with more than 40 vendors offering that perfect holiday gift. The market runs Saturday and Sunday.

Body camera footage released by state police Tuesday shows DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd and Officer Brian Bollow as a tense scene and shooting unfurls at a local car dealership after a DeKalb man attacked multiple employees with knives, authorities said.

A Westmont man has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of disseminating obscene materials as part of a plea deal that saw a more serious charge dismissed.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb is partnering with the Community Empowerment Campaign to seek volunteers for its winter overnight warming center.

The DeKalb Public Library will host a live demonstration for patrons to learn about different technology for scanning and digitizing old media.

The gift collection and tag distribution will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 26, Dec. 3, and Dec. 10 at the Stage Coach Theatre, 126 S. Fifth St., DeKalb.

Economic development relies on more than financial investments and strategic policies — it’s also fueled by mentorship, writes Melissa Amedeo of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation. Mentorship is a key component of Elevate, the county's young professionals group.

The 24th Pilgrim Pie Run hosted by Rotary Club of La Grange will be held Thanksgiving morning

The Rock Falls Chamber held its annual Grinch dodgeball event at Rock Falls Middle School for a chance to let kids know and show what they think of the anti-Christmas hooligan.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation awarded $131,700 in Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund grants to support music education this fall.

First Ward DeKalb residents are invited to a meeting led by Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada on Dec. 3 at Jefferson Elementary School.

A BP gas station in Sycamore has received city approval to take corrective actions to deal with the release of chemicals into the soil from an underground fuel tank, Sycamore officials confirmed this week.

More money for more staff is included in the city of DeKalb’s fiscal 2025 budget draft to address hiring needs, according to the city. The DeKalb Public Library director said the library would use its property tax levy money for capital projects and rising operational costs.

City staff has proposed raising local fuel taxes in Joliet to 5 cents a gallon for gasoline and 11 cents a gallon on diesel fuel next year.

A Sycamore husband and wife were found shot to death outside their home on Maplewood Drive Friday morning and a gun was found on the man, police said. The wife filed for divorce last week, according to court records.

Are you or someone you know in an abusive relationship and aren’t sure how to safely leave? Workers from Safe Passage DeKalb said they’re here to help.

DuPage United commemorates recent achievements at annual assembly

Rooted for Good, formerly DeKalb County Community Gardens, will hold two free food distribution events in honor of Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Illinois State Police on Thursday released video footage of an Oct. 23 fatal police shooting in DeKalb Township which shows the final moments of a Rockford man who authorities said took a woman hostage during an hourslong standoff, then fired at police and was shot and killed.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out Moonlight Magic Friday in Sycamore, a stage production of beloved classic 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' at the Egyptian, a holiday-themed market at Blumen Gardens Sunday, donate to Let's Talk Turkey Friday in DeKalb and more.

The DeKalb Festival Chorus will perform an “It’s Golden” fall concert to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The free concert is Saturday.

St. George Greek Orthodox Church will host its annual fall bake sale Saturday to support DeKalb County charities.

The Genoa American Legion Riders Post 337 will host a meat raffle Saturday in honor of Thanksgiving.

Going into the busy holiday shopping season, visitors to Yorktown Center are seeing visible progress on a project to revitalize the Lombard mall.

Kishwaukee College recently was recognized as eligible for the U.S. Department of Education’s Postsecondary Success Recognition Program. The program acknowledges colleges and universities that showcase student access, affordability and inclusiveness.

The Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association recently was awarded $1,740 from the DeKalb Elks Lodge 765 to support its Camp Maple Leaf scholarship.