On May 24, ground was broken on DeKalb Fire Station Four by (from left to right) IAFF Local 1236 Secretary/Treasurer Keith Fritz, IAFF Local 1236 President Donald Zuniga, IAFF Local 1236 Vice President Jared Thorp, Fire Chief Mike Thomas, Contractor Steve Irving, City Manager Bill Nicklas, Mayor Cohen Barnes, Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Verbic, IAFF Local 1236 Past President Noah Millard, Third Ward Alderman Tracy Smith and Seventh Ward Alderman John Walker.

DeKalb has broken ground on a fourth fire station to reduce emergency response times in the City’ southwest quadrant.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 24 at the construction site near the southwest corner of Annie Glidden and Malta Road. Alderman Mike Verbic welcomed the DeKalb Fire Department to the Sixth Ward, saying the new station is the next step in the Department’s 155-year history.

“Every minute can mean life or death,” said Verbic. “It’s good to know that you’re in the neighborhood and here to continue taking care of us.”

The new station will expand the Fire Department’s four-minute response time to the southwest quadrant where response times currently can exceed six minutes. Mayor Cohen Barnes said this brings equity to an area of the community that is seeing economic growth and new housing.

“This fourth fire station allows us to be able to provide the coverage that we need,” said Barnes. “When people dial 9-1-1, they are going to receive a response like you would anywhere in our community.”

Barnes added the new facility is the result of collaboration between the City Council and staff, the Fire Department, IAFF Local 1236, Studio 222 Architects and local contractor Irving Construction, which is building the station.

In This Issue

Homebuilding is about to pick up in the Devonaire Farms neighborhood. A ribbon cutting was held May 3 by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce as Ryan Homes celebrated the opening of their model home in the neighborhood on the City’s south side.

“We welcome Ryan Homes to DeKalb and are excited to see the new options for families looking for their next home in our community,” said Mayor Cohen Barnes. “We are confident these new homes in Devonaire Farms will provide an important spark to help energize the local housing market."

Ryan Homes is one of the top five homebuilders in the nation.

A lifelong DeKalb resident who has been actively involved in the community has been sworn in as the new Fifth Ward Alderman.

Andre Powell took the oath of office at the May 23 City Council meeting, filling the Fifth Ward vacancy. Powell is a business owner, founder of the Passion Over Profit Youth Foundation and has served on the DeKalb School Board, the DeKalb County Juvenile Justice Council and the City’s Citizens Police Review Board and Human Relations Commission.

“Listening to his concern, his caring and his desire to make a positive impact in our community is what I’ve heard year over year,” said Mayor Cohen Barnes. “Seeing him on the DeKalb School Board and working with him last year on property tax reduction, the desire for education, the desire for understanding, especially when it comes to such a complex issue like property taxes, was impressive.”

Christopher Boyes, who served with Powell on the DeKalb School Board, said his appointment will help further collaboration between the City and School District.

“If there is a person that I have seen that loved this community, invested in this community and continues to strive for better for our community, Andre Powell is the embodiment of that,” said Boyes.

In his new role, Powell has started to meet the community members in his ward.

“I was able to visit some of the businesses in downtown DeKalb. I met some of the owners in my ward and some of their staff. I still got a lot of introducing myself to do,” said Powell. “I look forward to being here. Thank you all, and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Powell’s appointment was approved by the City Council at the May 13 meeting. After taking the oath of office on May 28, he served his first Council meeting as Fifth Ward Alderman.

NIU Ballet Folklórico Aztlán performed on Lincoln Highway during the Cinco de Mayo celebration.

The DeKalb City Council, on May 13, presented a proclamation for National Public Works Week to Public Works team members: Andy Raih, Director of Streets, Facilities and Airport; Max Griffey; Bryan Favire, Director of Utilities and Transportation; and Joe Baltrusis.

The DeKalb City Council had the opportunity to recognize a World War II veteran, three City departments, and a nonprofit organization all in a single meeting.

At the May 13 meeting, Mayor Cohen Barnes issued a proclamation declaring May as Anneta Lusiak Month in the City of DeKalb to honor the resident on her 107th birthday. Mayor Barnes also announced he would present the Key to the City to Ms. Lusiak, who served in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II.

Proclamations were issued to recognize International Firefighters’ Day, National Police Week, National Public Works Week and Emergency Medical Services Week. Team members from the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments were presented with the proclamations.

A proclamation was also made for Community Action Month, recognizing the important work done by the Community Action Program at the Family Service Agency (FSA) to support local families. This proclamation was presented to FSA Executive Director Tynisha Clegg and FSA Director of Community Programming and Outreach Rylie Loucks-Kues.

Members of the DeKalb Police and Fire Departments were presented a proclamation by City Council on May 13 for Emergency Medical Services Week.

The DeKalb American Legion Post and Auxiliary marched down East Locust Street in the Memorial Day parade followed by the DeKalb Fire Department.

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An aircraft commemorating the Tuskegee Airmen stopped at DeKalb Airport.

This P-51C Mustang was a training aircraft during World War II. During a subsequent restoration, it was given the signature red tail of the aircrafts flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. It now serves as a museum without walls, telling the story of the first African American military aviators in the US Armed Forces. After its brief stop in DeKalb, the plane went on to St. Paul.

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Exciting news! This summer, DeKalb has something special in store for kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Join us for Fun Jam in the Park, where there will be an array of activities including board games, arts and crafts, sports, and much more!

Every Tuesday, from June 4 to July 23, we'll be at Welsh Park, ready to have a great time from 5-7 p.m. Mark your calendars for June 6 because we will be at Lions Park, and on July 11, we will be at Liberty Park. Both sessions will run from 5-7 p.m., so be sure to join us!

Are you interested in making a positive impact in your community? We're currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist us in organizing and managing various activity stations. It's a fantastic opportunity to contribute to your community while enjoying a day filled with camaraderie and connection.

Would you like to volunteer? Sign-up here!

Reminder Issued on Chicken Coops

The Building and Code Division reminds community members that live chickens cannot be kept within the City limits.

The Division has received calls about chickens being found in the City. These animals are among those prohibited under Section 18.17 of the DeKalb Municipal Code.

Residents who are keeping chickens are asked to find new homes for the animals and remove the coops to come into compliance.

Notice is given that a Public Hearing will be held before the City Council on June 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the DeKalb Public Library in the Yusunas Room, 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, Illinois, to receive public input on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). This report provides information on the City’s use of funds and accomplishments for CDBG Program Year 2023/2024 and the City’s Program Year 30 (April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024).

An electronic copy of the CAPER is available for viewing beginning May 24, 2024, through June 24, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. on the City’s website at cityofdekalb.com under the Community Development Department/Community Services on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) page. Print copies are available for review in DeKalb City Hall, 164 East Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL, in the Main Lobby and Community Development Department, and at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street DeKalb, IL.

All interested persons are encouraged to submit written comments on this report to the City of DeKalb, Community Development Department, Attention: Jennifer Yochem, 164 East Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, Illinois 60115, via email to jennifer.yochem@cityofdekalb.com, or on the Online Public Comment Submission Form at cityofdekalb.com/FormCenter no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 24, 2024. Citizens are also invited to appear and be heard at the Public Hearing at the City Council's regular meeting on June 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

For further information, contact Jennifer Yochem in the Community Development Department at 815-748-2366 or jennifer.yochem@cityofdekalb.com.

Grab your friends and family, bring your blankets and chairs, and don’t forget your dancing shoes for fantastic free music at some of our most popular park sites this summer.  

We kick off the summer concert series with Rockin’ with Ronnie: Kids’ Concerts in the Park on select Tuesdays starting June 11 at the Hopkins Park Bandshell, located at 1403 Sycamore Road. From 10:30 – 11:15 a.m., families can enjoy a performance by Grammy-nominated artist Nanny Nikki on June 11, Jeanie B! on July 16, and Istvan & His Imaginary Band on August 6. 

The DeKalb Municipal Band will begin its 170th season on Tuesday evenings starting June 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Hopkins Park with featured soloist Gavin Wilson for their opening night. For the full concert schedule through August 20, visit the DeKalb Park District's interactive calendar. 

Music at the Mansion is back for another exciting season on select Wednesday evenings, June 12 through July 24, set against the backdrop of the historic and beautiful Ellwood House Museum at 420 Linden Place. Pre-show entertainment on select dates will start at 6:30 p.m., with the headliner show from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Staff will also be hosting a Bags Tournament on June 12 and 19! For a $20 fee per team, participants are asked to preregister in advance. A select menu of beer, wine, beverages, and food/snacks will be available each week for purchase on-site. Overflow concert parking is at Clinton Rosette Middle School at 650 N. 1st Street.

Here are this year's headliner shows for Music at the Mansion:

June 12 – Valius: This band offers a curated range of classic hits from the 1960s through today, plus a little rock, rap, country, and pop and two albums worth of original music to round it out. Pre-show entertainment is Honey on the Rocks, a local jazz duet. 

June 19 – Good Clean Fun: Performing songs from the last seven decades, Good Clean Fun delivers a performance that’s engaging, unique, and sure to wow the crowd by playing Sock Hop, golden oldies, Disco, Motown, 80s, 90s, 2000s, and Top 40 hits. Pre-show entertainment: Ivy Gonzalez, a bilingual solo singer, musician, and songwriter. Ivy performs for audiences who enjoy live guitar tunes with heart and soul. 

June 26 – The PriSSillas: Not your average cover band! With their eclectic setlist, off-the-charts chemistry, and witty sense of humor, The PriSSillas bring the party each time they take the stage. Their high-energy shows will bring you to your feet as they take you on a musical journey through numerous decades and genres. Pre-show entertainment: Nicole Fenanzo- a local solo guitarist, plays tunes from the 80s through today’s hits. 

July 10 – Rockin’ Fenderskirts: Put on your blue suede shoes and rock around the clock to your favorite rock ‘n’ roll oldies. That’ll be the day The Rockin’ Fenderskirts come to town. There’ll be a whole lotta shakin’ going on. You’ll dance, you’ll sing, you’ll laugh. You’ll get all shook up. Who knows, you might even twist and shout. Pre-show entertainment- Mark Walters: local musician playing covers from the 70s through now. 

July 17 – Soda: What’s your flavor? Because you’ll get the best of everything all the time with Soda. From the Zac Brown Band to Cee Lo Green, from Darius Rucker to LMFAO, this band can do it all. Pre-show entertainment- Ethan Larson: a singer/songwriter who covers the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and current rock and country. Everything from the Eagles to George Strait along with some original music.

July 24 – Hillbilly Rockstarz: Hillbilly Rockstarz are Chicago's very own country super group; they specialize in covering the latest hits in country music, including some of everyone's classic favorites. This show is guaranteed good times...Hillbilly style! Pre-show entertainment- Tegan Fischer: line dancing demonstration courtesy of the DeKalb Park District line dancing instructor. 

Free concerts will also be held as part of the annual Fourth of July Celebration in Hopkins Park. Feel Good Party, an energetic tribute band, will take the Band Shell stage at 3:30 pm before the Star-Spangled Spectacular, courtesy of the DeKalb Municipal Band, which starts at 7:30 pm. 

Thank you to Music at the Mansion sponsors, Gordon Hardware and MetroNet. For full band bios, bags tournament registration, and more information about free concerts in the park, please visit Park District's calendar or call (815) 758-7756. 

DeKalb municipal offices will be closed:

• Wednesday, June 19, Juneteenth

June Community Events

Stage Coach Players

126 S. Fifth St.

Steel Magnolias

A bittersweet story about the bond among a group of Southern women in Louisiana, who share laughter and tears as they navigate the joys and tragedies of life.

Continues through June 2

Purchase tickets here, and see this year's season of shows on the theater's website.

DeKalb Airport

3232 Pleasant St.

EAA Chapter 241 Pancake Breakfast

Celebrate the Golden Age of Aviation with great food, music, a kids' STEM corner, a flight simulator and many aircrafts on display.

Sunday, June 2, 8-11 a.m.

Learn more about the breakfast here.

Breakroom & Friends

Hello Summer Block Party

The family fun will include games, face painting, delicious treats, a magician and live entertainment.

912 Edgebrook Dr., Sunday, June 2,

3-5 p.m.

Find more activities organized by the Breakroom & Friends on their Facebook page.

Fun Jam in the Park

This series of events for children and families will feature board games, arts and crafts, sports, and much more!

Welsh Park, each Tuesday, June 4-July 23, 5-7 p.m.

Lions Park, June 6, 5-7 p.m.

Liberty Park, July 11, 5-7 p.m.

Those interested in volunteering at the events, can sign-up here.

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

Farmers Market

The market showcases an array of vendors offering locally grown produce, fresh flowers, bread, baked goods, olive oil, coffee, food trucks, live music, and much more.

Van Buer Plaza, each Thursday, June 6-Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., except there will be no market on July 4.

Learn more about the market here.

DeKalb Municipal Band

Hopkins Park Bandshell

Now in its 170th season, the DeKalb Municipal Band returns for its weekly, summertime concerts.

Each Tuesday, June 11-Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m., with the exception of the week of the Fourth of July when the concert is held on Independence Day.

Find out the weekly soloists on the band's concert schedule.

DeKalb Park District

Music at the Mansion

Bands perform against the backdrop of the historic Ellwood House Museum.

Ellwood House Museum lawn, select Wednesdays, June 12-July 24, pre-show entertainment at 6:30 p.m., headliner show at 7 p.m.

June 12 - Valius

June 19 - Good Clean Fun

June 26 - The PriSSillas

View the headliners planned for July on the Park District's calendar.

Flag Day Program

The keynote speaker for the program will be US Air Force SMSgt. Jari Villanueva (Retired), who is Executive Director of The Doughboy Foundation. The foundation supports programs, projects, and activities on America’s participation in World War I.

DeKalb Veterans Memorial at DeKalb Elks Lodge 765, Friday, June 14, 6 p.m.

DeKalb Pride Fest

A resource fair with over 50 vendors, food trucks offering delicious treats, and the iconic Pride March.

Van Buer Plaza, Thursday, June 20, 5-8 p.m.

Find more Pride activities on the DeKalb Pride website.

DeKalb Public Library

309 Oak St.

An evening of cultural songs, both traditional and new compositions, performed in a free, after-hours concert in the library’s main lobby.

Saturday, June 29, 6:30 p.m.

Learn more about the concert here, and find more activities on the library's calendar.

Cohen Barnes, Mayor

Carolyn Zasada, Alderwoman - 1st Ward

Barb Larson, Alderwoman - 2nd Ward

Tracy Smith, Alderman - 3rd Ward

Greg Perkins, Alderman - 4th Ward

Andre Powell, Alderman - 5th Ward

Mike Verbic, Alderman - 6th Ward

John Walker, Alderman - 7th Ward

Ruth Scott, Recording Secretary

Bill Nicklas, City Manager

City Hall          

164 E. Lincoln Highway

Monday - Friday  

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Police Station

700 West Lincoln Highway

Monday - Friday   

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Public Works

1216 Market Street

Monday - Friday

7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport    

3232 Pleasant Street  

Monday - Friday     

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

City Clerk 815-748-2090 



City Manager's Office 815-748-2090

Community Development Department 815-748-2070

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport 815-748-8102

Finance Department 815-748-2000

Fire/Police Emergency 911

Fire Non-Emergency 815-748-8460

Mayor's Office 815-758-1886

Police Non-Emergency 815-748-8400

Public Works Department 815-748-2040