DeKalb

Update: An estimated 60 DeKalb residents were displaced Sunday night after a raging fire broke out at their apartment complex, leaving them without permanent housing days before Christmas. The City of DeKalb has condemned 1024 W. Hillcrest Drive.

Outdoor ice rinks are a great way to have fun, fit in some physical activity and enjoy fresh air this winter.

The heavily-charred remains of 1024 W. Hillcrest Drive sat roped off to residents and passersby Monday morning after the City of DeKalb condemned the building due to significant smoke, water and fire damage. A major apartment fire at the three-building residential complex displaced an estimated 60 residents days before Christmas, authorities said.

Multiple DeKalb residents evacuated their apartments in the 1000 block of West Hillcrest Drive Sunday night as crews responded to a multi-building apartment fire. Authorities said they expect to remain on the scene for hours Sunday to fight the blaze and provide emergency aid to impacted families.

The Sycamore Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge is underway, a seasonal initiative to encourage bookworms of all ages.

The Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Cougars to its membership.

The challenge raised $18,191 in donations.

The NIU STEAM studio's programs support DeKalb youth in learning engineering, science, math, technology and arts through homework help, mentorship and hands-on projects.

A DeKalb man and mother were charged after police found more than a dozen cellphone videos of the man strangling and intentionally hurting a 1-year-old baby, according to court records. Police said the baby's mother knew about the videos but did not report them to authorities.

A DeKalb County area group that supports early childhood literacy is collecting book donations through the new year.

The DeKalb Park District this week announced a plan to use $600,000 in state grant money to replace old playground equipment at League of Women Voters Park, 262 Cotton Ave.

The Thursday filing of Democratic write-in candidate Linh Nguyen for mayor of the City of DeKalb has triggered a primary election ahead of spring, a move that county clerk Tasha Sims called “unprecedented” Friday.

Two DeKalb man fled on foot from the scene of a vehicle crash Thursday, and were later found by police K-9 units after a multi-agency chase that involved dogs and a drone.

If snowfall exceeds 2 inches, the city of DeKalb will activate emergency parking restrictions on certain city roads to allow for snowplows to get through to clear streets. Here's what to know.

The entries in this year's DeKalb Park District Holiday House Decorating Contest.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of DeKalb will host a volunteer orientation for its overnight warming center volunteers. Attendees can receive trauma-informed care training, learn about the warming center’s mission and prepare to support guests.

The Northern Illinois University Art Museum is hosting the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts 2024-2025 Faculty Biennial exhibition through Feb. 15.

National Maple Syrup Day is Dec. 17, so treat the whole family to a pancake breakfast at one of these award-winning restaurants near you.

Here's a listing of some local retailers in northern Illinois that offer one-of-a-kind shopping experiences.

Veteran Daniel “Doc” Habeel said he’s long felt that stories of the nation’s Black military service members go untold far too often. So he's curated a traveling photo exhibit, which will reopen around DeKalb County in February in time for Black History Month.

The Sycamore Public Library will host a holiday open house for patrons to celebrate the holidays on Friday.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation has launched a new program meant to fund facility expansion and construction projects that serve DeKalb County residents.

The Kishwaukee Family YMCA recently received a $2,015 donation from the NAPA AutoCare Centers of DeKalb County to fund youth financial assistance scholarships.

Kishwaukee College recently recognized 27 students for their completion of the college’s registered nursing program during a pinning ceremony.

Kishwaukee College recently celebrated 103 graduating students during its fall 2024 commencement ceremony.

Heidi Kissamis recently was awarded with $10,000 donated by Resource Bank as part of the bank’s Kick-Off for Kash contest.

The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center is seeking applicants interested in volunteering or serving on the homestead’s board of directors.

Eligible nonprofit and community organizations serving DeKalb County youth are invited to apply for grants through the DeKalb County Community Foundation, meant to support programs that make a positive impact on area youth.

Sycamore Middle School recently celebrated its November students of the month.

A little free library has found a home at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road, DeKalb.

One employee suffered an injury in an industrial fire at a DeKalb Nehring Electrical Works building Sunday, authorities said.

In 2024, Network of Nations celebrated its 25th anniversary of building friendships between international students at NIU and Kishwaukee College and the local community.

Downtown DeKalb was transformed this month into a magical wonderland during the fourth annual “Once Upon a Tutu” event hosted by Dimensions Youth Ballet.

Almost 100 children and their families took to the DeKalb Target to shop with a cop Sunday. Officer Chris Sullivan said putting on the annual Heroes and Helpers event means a great deal to the police department.

The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed OSF OnCall Urgent Care to its membership.

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated First Baptist Church of DeKalb’s 180th anniversary.

The DeKalb Public Library will partner with the DeKalb County Health Department to host a monthly information booth for patrons to learn about DeKalb County services.

The DeKalb Public Library will host two study sessions for patrons to study for final exams.

Plans for the city of DeKalb’s new $4 million fire station continue to move along at the north end of the Schnucks subdivision at 1130 S. Malta Road. The station is projected to open in April.

More than 100 DeKalb area children and their families got to do some holiday shopping Sunday at Target made possible by the DeKalb Police Department's annual Heroes and Helpers program.

Kishwaukee College will offer six fast-track training programs during the spring semester.

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of King’s Corner Arcade at Mardi Gras Lanes.

Projects supporting underserved populations in DeKalb County received a boost through the Promise Grant-Subvencion de Promesa program offered by the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center is seeking monetary donations to help restore its barn.

Despite unexpected wrinkles in a year of transition, members of a countywide group that advocates for economic development said Friday they believe DeKalb County is poised for growth.

DeKalb theater troupe Stage Coach Players presents its “Tune in to the Holidays” seasonal show through the weekend. The family-friendly show also features a sing-a-long.

First Congregational United Church of Christ of DeKalb will hold its annual Carols and Candles service on Sunday and all are welcome.

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated The Balloon Bar moving to a new location.

Kishwaukee College will host a commencement ceremony for its fall 2024 semester graduates.

The DeKalb City Council this week gave its final nod of approval to a plan aimed at boosting economic development in the South Fourth Street corridor.