DeKalb County

Crews are battling a raging apartment fire that broke out Sunday night in DeKalb, expected to significantly impact residents days before Christmas, authorities said. Impacted families are urged to go to Westminster Presbyterian Church for aid. This is a developing story.

A referendum that failed on November's ballot returns to Sycamore voters this spring. Currently, the District 427 school board elects no more than three members from any one district township. The referendum change, if approved, would remove the three-person restriction.

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.

Sycamore Police Chief Jim Winters recently announced plans to retire by spring 2025. He said he believes the department is in a stable spot for a top cop transition.

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 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.

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.

Public health officials and wildlife rescuers are warning residents to be wary of birds who may seem ill amid suspected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in migratory waterfowl.

Column: While the holidays bring about lots of exciting celebrations, we know this season can also bring an undue amount of stress – whether mental, emotional or financial. Here are some DeKalb County organizations that can help, writes Emily Martinez.

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.

Recently, vehicles left unattended as parents walk their children into their daycare providers have become the target of burglaries, according to Sycamore police.

Hinckley-Big Rock coach Seth Sanderson described Martin Ledbetter’s playing style as a freshman as get ball, go to bucket. On Tuesday in a win against Rochelle Zell, the 6-6 senior center and program’s career scoring leader showed how far his game has evolved.

A Genoa man was hospitalized with minor injuries Monday after a single-car rollover crash, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. Slippery road conditions likely were a factor, authorities said.

Sycamore Middle School recently celebrated its students of the month for October.

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

Every morning, Randy and Beth Espe watch reindeer frolic outside their kitchen window as they sip their morning coffee – a delightful daily ritual they have fondly dubbed the “rodeo," at Whispering Pines Reindeer Ranch & Tree Farm in Shabbona

A DeKalb County judge ruled this month that cell tower data can be used as evidence in an upcoming double murder trial for the man accused in the 2016 slayings of Sycamore mother and son Patricia Wilson and Robert Wilson. Prosecutors say the data proves the man was in the area.

The Sandwich High School Speech Team earned sixth place at the Seneca Irish Invitational, with several individual top finishes.

Technically, the Genoa-Kingston girls basketball team was not using hockey-style line changes in its 61-45 win against Rochelle on Monday. But coach Doug Brewington switched out four players at a time every minute or two in a bid to help keep the Cogs fresh.

Two people were seriously injured in an early morning explosion in Sycamore, according to police.

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

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

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.

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.

Genoa Boy Scout Jacob Reiss recently earned his Eagle Award, the scout’s top honor, by building a community sled shed for Russell Woods Forest Preserve.

A new gaming lounge and event venue business opened recently in Kingston.

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.