with 15 counts of dissemination of materials depicting child sexual abuse (Inset photo provided by DeKalb County Jail) (Shaw Local News Network) DeKALB – A DeKalb man has been charged with 15 counts of circulating materials online Curtis D. Fisher, 42, who lists an address less than a ½-mile from Founders Elementary School in court records, was arrested Thursday. Fisher faces 15 counts of dissemination of child sexual abuse materials, a Class X felony, according to documents filed in DeKalb County court this week Fisher was arrested Wednesday by DeKalb County sheriff’s deputies and booked at the DeKalb County jail in Sycamore Fisher appeared before a judge for a pretrial release hearing on the charges Thursday The investigation centered on a person allegedly circulating files containing child sexual abuse through an online file-sharing network, police wrote in court records. Authorities said that about 2:15 a.m. Jan. 25, about 2,000 files were disseminated on the sharing network. Of those files, more than half contained materials, including videos and photographs, depicting sexual violence against children. Police tracked the IP address via a subpoena to Fisher’s address, records show. Authorities entered Fisher’s apartment March 20 with a search warrant to collect multiple electronics on his person and at his address. A police review of those devices returned evidence of the distribution of child sex abuse materials. Authorities then interviewed Fisher, according to court records. “He advised he lived alone, had no visitors in his apartment, and no one else would access or use his internet or electronic devices,” police wrote in April 30 court filings. Police said Fisher denied possessing or disseminating the sex abuse materials when interviewed. Fisher was ordered to appear for a status hearing at 9 a.m. June 2 in front of Judge Philip Montgomery. He’s expected to be arraigned. Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network 2025 at 12:00 pm CDTExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 12Protesters wave at honking cars on Sycamore Road Saturday at Hopkins Park in DeKalb during a May Day Rally for Democracy to protest against Trump administration policies Mark Busch Mark has won dozens of awards as a photographer and has several years experience delivering quality, informative and engaging photojournalism to the readers. To purchase photo reprints visit https://photos.daily-chronicle.com/. Twitter @Mark_R_Busch. ExpandThe Sycamore bench gets loud as they bat Friday On Friday, the Sycamore softball team headed down to DeKalb for a game between the two rivals, an 11-3 win for the Spartans Beyond the standout performances for players such as Sycamore pitchers Sawyer Valdez and Addison Dierschow and DeKalb’s Hunter Kriese and Alyanna Johnson, here are some other moments that were pivotal but potentially overlooked. DeKalb's Emma Hart makes a diving catch Friday, May 2, 2025, during their game against Sycamore at DeKalb High School. (Mark Busch) With a runner on third and no one out in the top of the first inning, Sycamore’s Addi Armstrong laced the ball into right center for what looked like a sure base hit. The junior right fielder dove and came up with the ball for the first out. The runner scored, but Hart prevented an extra-base hit with the effort. Something that proved essential after a single later in the inning likely would have pushed the Sycamore lead beyond 1-0. Hart nearly made another spectacular play going the other direction on a ball in foul territory, but it fell just past her outstretched glove. Sycamore's Addison Dierschow delivers a pitch Friday, May 2, 2025, during their game at DeKalb High School. (Mark Busch) The Sycamore starter had a lot of flashy moments in her eight-strikeout four-hit complete game, but a popout to second base early was just as important. Sycamore was up 6-3 in the bottom of the third. Dierschow got the first two hitters, but Izzy Aranda and Cassidy Cavazos hit back-to-back singles. That brought up Johnson, who hit a three-run triple in the first inning that put the Barbs ahead 3-1. Dierschow fell behind 3-1 in the count, but she won the battle, getting Johnson to pop up. She only allowed one baserunner in the final two innings of the rain-shortened game. Sycamore's Ben Anderson (3) gets a base hit during the game on Saturday May 3, 2025, while taking on DeKalb High School held at Sycamore Park District Sports Complex. (David Toney for Shaw Local News /David Toney) Baseball frequently is referred to as a game of inches, and Sycamore proved why in the bottom of the fifth. Up 2-0 on the Barbs, Ben Anderson started the inning with a grounder to shortstop Jackson Kees. The all-conference shortstop took an extra pump of the ball before firing a rocket to first, but Anderson beat it out. Adam Eder was up next and dropped down the perfect bunt. Kriese waited a second to see if it would go foul. It didn’t, and by the time Kriese realized that, his throw was late to get Eder. Luke Stubbfield came on to relieve Kriese and Carter Yoakum tested him right away with another bunt. Since 5-11 first baseman Paul Kakoliris was in covering the bunt, Stubbfield’s slightly high throw pulled 5-5 second baseman Nik Nelson off the bag at first, allowing Yoakum to reach to load the bases. All three would come around to score in the four-run inning as the Spartans led 6-0 after five. Those manufactured runs proved huge as the Barbs started rallying after a Nelson homer in the sixth. Sycamore's Jack Block (24) gets a base hit on Saturday May 3, 2025, during the game while taking on DeKalb High School held at Sycamore Park District Sports Complex. (David Toney for Shaw Local News /David Toney) Nelson’s homer made it 6-1 going into the bottom of the sixth. Sycamore coach Jason Cavanaugh said one of the things the Spartans track in the dugout is answering runs. And Bredlau added another check mark to the column. Bredlau entered as a pinch hitter for Yoakum with two outs and Jack Block on third. He hit a single up the middle to score Block and push the lead to 7-1. DeKalb scored three runs in the seventh inning and brought the tying run to the plate with one out, so the extra run proved to be huge for the Spartans. Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here Over the course of two months, students at Jefferson Elementary School in DeKalb signed up for the project to create two podcast episodes. It’s part of WNIJ’s youth media literacy project through Report for America “I thought that it would be a lot less organized "I've never done anything like this before I don't even think I knew what a podcast was.” This project is also a collaborative effort with the DeKalb County History Center Executive Director Michelle Donahoe says that kids are often left out of our understanding of history history [was] just names and dates and people who don't look like you," Donahoe said "But when you have a story with someone that's your age or that you can identify with The DeKalb County History Center says only a handful of their artifacts That’s why Donahoe said is was important for the students to take the lead role for this collaboration Kweder is in her fifth year teaching fifth graders in DeKalb Kweder also said there's value in this project beyond the deliverable "Kids are going to be our future leaders one day," she said and they need to be able to know that they need to research their own opinions A lot of the time they take what their parents say But there's a lot of them who are realizing their own morals They're just trying to figure out themselves right now.” 10- and 11- years olds are at a unique developmental stage Nina Mounts is a child psychologist and professor at Northern Illinois University She said this age group is starting to look at the world differently "They're at the beginning of starting to critique the world and not just take it at face value," she said Mounts also said they’re thinking more deeply about the world around them “You also have the beginning of some cognitive changes where kids can think more abstractly about the world," she said thinking about concepts like honesty or loyalty or trust that they may not be able to think about as young children.” Mounts says making assumptions about this age group can lead to misunderstanding “I think we have to be careful as an adult when we try to interpret how children see the world," she said "And I think that's a danger that a lot of people fall into— that we just assume that we understand it.” Jefferson Elementary fifth-grader Peyton agrees that including kids his age in the conversation is a big deal “I think it's important because you actually get their perspective," he said "And it's not just having the adults [say] 'This is only what we're focusing on.' You let the kids actually have a say in what they think is happening around them." While they loved the "slang" episode during our listening and editing session they also had pretty profound things to say for the "life lessons" episode "Don't let anyone like tell you what who you are because you know who you are," said one of the students The project also sparked some students to go beyond the original assignment Jefferson Elementary is redistricting next year which means they’re going to be welcoming new students to the school saw an opportunity to prepare these new students interviewing her peers about their favorite things about Jefferson says the inspiration for the video came from this media literacy project "She's taking it on herself," Bickley said She conducted the interviews and she's really run with it But I think this project then enabled kids to kind of see themselves in a different way and become those storytellers themselves.” Ja Liyah said she’s looking ahead to what comes next “I feel like it prepares me for opportunities when I get older," she said "And it kind of helps out what I can do in my future.” and this is "Interview of the Decade: 2025 Style." We’re experts in slang and we’re going to talk to you – the adults – about what it all means We picked this topic because we think adults should know what’s going on in our world today and so other kids don’t have to explain Lots of these words have pretty basic meanings. Some words mean things aren’t going so well... I'm cooked because I don't have any more time that don’t even really have a direct translation at all.. but I don't think it's that popular anymore and now Ohio is getting bullied for all of eternity.” now that you know what lots of these slang words mean we’re going to talk about some unspoken rules of slang Our parents don’t really know what they mean.. If I say a bad word that that's a slang word “[I use it] whenever I'm at school because my friends understand it And sometimes we have to explain it to them.. if my mom doesn't understand a slang word or something I would say the meaning in Arabic or English.” Even though we love talking in slang and use it all the time this secret language can have some pretty serious consequences “He was in kindergarten and and he was talking to his friends and I didn't even think he knew how to speak because he was just saying the brain rot words” “All of civilization died the moment it hit the newborns brain cells because now those newborns are gonna be our leaders in some time and all they're gonna know is skibidi skibidi toilet Are we going to keep using it even though it might destroy civilization ExpandDeKalb Ward 5 Alderman Andre Powell offers remarks April 28 DeKALB – School resource officers from the DeKalb Police Department are here to stay for at least the next five years in DeKalb schools The DeKalb City Council this week voted to extend an agreement with DeKalb School District 428 through 2030 for the officers which are stationed at various buildings throughout the school day Police Chief David Byrd touted the collaboration between the city and the school district “What we have in place is working,” Byrd said “The collaboration between the DeKalb Police Department and District 428 has never been stronger.” Since 2022, the DeKalb Police Department has provided two officers at DeKalb High School one officer each at Huntley and Clinton Rosette middle schools and one officer who rotates among the district’s six elementary schools that fall within city limits It looks like protection and building relations I can appreciate that having kids in the district.” Under the extended agreement the district reimbursed the city up to 75% of the total costs for each SRO benefits and overtime pay directly arising from their work in the district Byrd said he feels encouraged by the numbers According to council documents the city reported an almost 10% difference in the number of police reports across all the district’s schools between 2023 and 2024 Mayor Cohen Barnes questioned whether adding another SRO would make sense for DeKalb schools “With Mitchell Elementary coming online as an additional elementary school at this point has there been discussions about maybe a need to have someone that’s not doing all the elementary schools?” Barnes said the student services director in District 428 said the district is exploring alternatives “The district has considered other supports that we can provide for Mitchell,” Gerdes said “We’re going to look at adding another restorative dean to Mitchell because we’ve seen our restorative deans be really effective in reducing what would be out-of-school suspensions and expulsions but we have looked at other ways to support our code of conduct implementation.” Second Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson expressed appreciation to the SROs for all they do They care about you as much as you care about them and you see it every time we see any of you around the kids.” Fifth Ward Alderman Andre Powell shared that sentiment. Powell left his role on the school board to take up a City Council appointment about a year ago. “Coming off the school board, I used to see all you guys inside the buildings,” Powell said. “The kids love these guys. It doesn’t look like policing. It looks like protection and building relations. I can appreciate that having kids in the district.” ExpandDeKalb Public Library pictured Thursday DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a workshop Sunday for sewing machine maintenance Participants can learn how to clean and service their tabletop sewing machine Those missing their manuals can fill out contact cards to find a PDF attendees can service their machine and leave when finished For information, email emilyk@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150. 2023 file photo – DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes said he believes bringing a discussion on a potential local grocery tax before the City Council for discussion in summer 2025 will be important DeKALB – DeKalb city leaders could soon discuss whether to implement a local grocery tax as the state’s 1% grocery tax expires on Jan Like other municipalities in Illinois, DeKalb is faced with a decision to make about the potential revenue loss A share of grocery tax goes to communities across the state annually this amounted to an estimated $800,000 in revenue for 2024 No decision on a DeKalb grocery tax has yet been made The city’s fiscal 2025 budget has already been set The council won’t vote on a 2026 budget until late in the year it would mean cuts and those cuts could be in police or fire or human services funding,” Barnes said “It could be cuts to the aggressive street program that we have A million dollar reduction in revenue is a significant hit.” The only thing we’re talking about is keeping the existing tax in place.” the city of DeKalb allocates revenue generated from the state grocery tax toward departmental operations Barnes said he doesn’t want to replace the repealed grocery tax but blames the state for what he said was tying the city’s hands with potential funding loss If the DeKalb City Council were to implement a tax “The options are we perform cuts and significant cuts with the operations of the city of DeKalb or we could continue having the grocery tax which would not be an increase in tax at all,” he said “It would be keeping what’s already there there.” Shoppers search the shelves in this Shaw Local file photo on Monday DeKalb city leaders could soon discuss whether to implement a local grocery tax as the state’s 1% grocery tax expires on Jan When asked where the City Council stands on the matter, Barnes said he believes he has a good idea. “Everyone is concerned about the million dollars in lost revenue and what are we going to do about it because we realize what we’re talking about,” he said. “We’re not talking about a tax increase. The only thing we’re talking about is keeping the existing tax in place.” Barnes said he anticipates the City Council putting this issue to discussion in the next two to three months. ExpandDeKalb Fire Chief Mike Thomas talks about the apparatus bay Tuesday at the newly opened DeKalb Fire Station No 4 on South Malta Road near the Schnucks shopping center DeKALB – The city of DeKalb‘s fourth fire station DeKalb city leaders recently invited residents to help mark the occasion by hosting a grand opening celebration “It was really, really nice getting this project across the finish line,” DeKalb Fire Chief Mike Thomas said “It is really a testament to all of the different team members that were involved in this project and to have the community come out was thrilling because their support and comments along the way have all been positive and very welcoming.” Building tours and public remarks by DeKalb officials were among highlights from the event helping the city commemorate the new fire station coming online Officials estimated that about 100 people came to the April 26 event Second Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson said she was blown away by the turnout “I was amazed because there were tons of firefighters there But a lot from other departments were there The neighbors right behind the fire station they were there because they wanted to say publicly how fabulous this was.” ExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 22Community members watch a demonstration at one of the ambulances on display outside DeKalb Fire Station No Malta Road at a grand opening event on Saturday Officials have said the project was a long time in the making Construction of the fire station was approved by the City Council in July 2023 Officials said it was needed to improve emergency response times for residents in the city’s southwest quadrant near the Schnucks shopping center In May 2024, DeKalb city leaders hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction. An informal ceremony for the station was held April 11, when it first went into operation. At that time, officials said the building’s construction had yet to be completed in its entirety. Since then, the building has been outfitted with all the latest bells and whistles. Thomas said the fire station was completed within budget and only took a few days more than expected. The city had about a $4 million budget to construct the fire station, officials said. Thomas said much of the progress was dependent on waiting for vendors to supply needed electronics to operate, including radio communications and station alerts that help firefighters know when a 911 call goes out. The DeKalb Fire Department staffs 74 personnel, including recruits for the new station, officials said. “Our HR department has been very busy recruiting and hiring,” Thomas said. “We’ve been able to keep pace. We have some retirements along the way, also, that put pressure on that.” Third Ward Alderman Tracy Smith, a retired DeKalb police officer, said he’s glad to see the city take some steps to improve equipment that first responders need. “The demand on public service, especially police and fire, has gone up, as we know, and especially in the medical field,” Smith said. “We need the fire department. We need the police department, so we need to support them not only with stations but equipment, because there’s newer technology out there constantly.” Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Verbic said residents appear to be supportive of the new fire station, which falls in his ward. “They’re thrilled that that can be home for fire safety and EMS,” Verbic said. “Having it so close, whereas before – certainly response times were still very prompt, but there’s a level of confidence that, not that there was concern before, but now an added level of confidence that we will be responded to as promptly as humanly possible." Mayor Cohen Barnes shared that sentiment. “Everyone that I’ve talked [to] is really happy about it, especially since we didn’t have to raise taxes,” Barnes said. “We continue to have a balanced budget, so taxpayers, when they live in a community, they want to know that the taxes they pay they’re getting a return on that investment. I think the residents of DeKalb are really seeing that with a new fire station.” Thomas said the new fire station appears to be paying off just as he imagined it would. “Having this new facility has alleviated some of the pressure on the other stations, obviously, for the call volume,” Thomas said. “We are definitely getting to our calls in that quadrant faster than we were without that facility.” ExpandNorthern Illinois University English professor Mark van Weinen president of the United Faculty Alliance at NIU at Hopkins Park in DeKalb during a May Day Rally for Democracy to protest against President Donald Trump's policies DeKALB – Workers’ rights, immigration, and higher education free of government oversight were among issues protesters decried Saturday as under attack by the Trump administration, urging the large crowd gathered in DeKalb to put “unrelenting” pressure on legislators to push back Hundreds gathered along Sycamore Road at Hopkins Park in DeKalb for the May Day rally one of more than 1,000 similar rallies held in all 50 states this week including unionized workers’ push for an eight-hour workday Among those gathered was Northern Illinois University English professor Mark van Weinen The president of the United Faculty Alliance union at NIU Weinen called the first 100 days of Trump’s second term “a catastrophe.” “What we need is a broad based political movement that is going to stand together that is going to be unrelenting,” Weinen said ridiculous and destructive attack against our higher education institutions and ultimately the rule of law and democracy.” ExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 12Protesters wave at honking cars on Sycamore Road Saturday Organizers angry at the way President Donald Trump is running the country used the rally to bring attention to other ways they argued he is illegally dismantling American institutions federal funding for things such as veteran services equity and inclusion were some of the topics protesters spoke in support of Saturday the atmosphere appeared less so in DeKalb; the air filled with protest songs from the 1960s Musicians performed songs such as Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” and Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Some brought donations for a collection for Welcome Essentials Pantry a Social Justice Ministry of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb Others manned booths offering water and first aid supplies or information about ways to get involved in local activism Most stood along the sidewalk to greet motorists and passersby Protest signs bore declarations such as “Which crimes get you deported and which crimes get you elected president?” “1984 is here,” “Wake up before it’s too late” and “It’s a beautiful day for a revolution.” Cortland resident Katie Merkelz protested clad in a red gown and white cap the outfit worn by the title character from Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.” The 1985 novel is about a dystopian totalitarian former America turned into a hyper-patriarchal religious society that uses most women only for procreation dubbed “handmaids,” and stripped of their freedoms Atwood’s book has been challenged frequently in recent years in communities advocating for specific books to be banned in libraries and school curriculums When asked if there’s a particular current event she finds most worrisome most of the afternoon’s speakers were union members who gave testimony about the ways federal policy is negatively affecting their members Littlejohn Elementary School teacher Mary Lynn Buckner is co-president of the DeKalb Classroom Teachers Association, the union that represents DeKalb District 428 educators She spoke against Trump’s plans to dismantle the U.S the Trump administration moved to cancel $1 billion in Biden-era school mental health grants “We also stand in resistance to an administration that seeks to dismantle the very foundations of public education and labor rights,” Buckner said “Such cuts threaten the education of our most vulnerable and undermine the principle of an equal opportunity in education,” Buckner said Weinen told the crowd to acknowledge the possibility that recent public protests may have helped reinstate visas for five NIU international students afraid to rally for themselves for fear of retribution “There will be more attacks on international students and we have to be ready to fight back again and again in support of those colleagues and those students who make our learning community at NIU and our universities across the United States stronger Weinen also criticized Trump’s attacks on DEI programs who he said recently lost federal funding for their research that focused on women in STEM-related roles Trump’s administration has cut billions of dollars in federal grants deemed to be related to DEI and has threatened to cut billions more from schools and colleges over diversity practices The administration says any policy that treats people differently because of their race amounts to discrimination “What is not to like about embracing diversity seeking equity and fostering inclusion?” Weinen said to cheers in the crowd Trump suggested plans to privatize the national postal service citing financial shortfalls and inefficiencies Reusch urged those gathered to write to their legislators and voice opposition to that plan “The consequences of privatization are dire,” Reusch said increased shipping costs and negative impacts on rural communities where private carries do not operate.” who service about 169 million delivery spots Malta resident Brittany Chandler stood among the crowd holding a sign that read “We are all immigrants.” A mother, Chandler said she wanted to show her kids that it’s important to stand up for what’s right. Chandler also attended an NIU campus protest April 23 to advocate for immigrants and international students and employees. “I’m a Christian person, and Jesus teaches us that we stand up for the least of these,” Chandler said. “If we don’t do for them what we would do for Jesus, then what are we even doing? So it’s important in this time that we stand up for people who may not have a voice for themselves right now.” 2025 at 12:00 am CDTExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 10Dancers with Northern Illinois University's Ballet Folklórico Aztlán perform for the crowd on Sunday in the Frank Van Buer Plaza in downtown DeKalb for the city's annual Cinco de Mayo celebration Kelsey RettkeKelsey Rettke is the editor of the Daily Chronicle, part of Shaw Media and DeKalb County's only daily newspaper devoted to local news, crime and courts, government, business, sports and community coverage. Kelsey also covers breaking news for Shaw Media Local News Network. ExpandBack Alley Market (shown here in 2024) is returning to downtown DeKalb for Mother’s Day weekend May 10 offering a chance for shoppers to browse all kinds of local wares and crafts DeKALB – Back Alley Market is returning to downtown DeKalb for Mother’s Day weekend This year’s springtime affair will offer more than 125 vendors in alleys and streets featuring vintage items The market also will feature food trucks and live music Vendors will stage in Palmer Court off Second Street and the surrounding blocks Back Alley Market (shown here in 2024) is returning to downtown DeKalb for Mother’s Day weekend May 10 For more information, visit facebook.com. .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Advance Local Weather AlertsThe National Weather Service released an updated tornado warning at 4:14 p.m a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 8 miles northeast of Fort Payne moving east at 40 mph," according to the weather service "Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter Locations impacted by the warning include Desoto State Park Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris understanding the distinction between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death Knowing the distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for tornadoes Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings Familiarize yourself with your community's warning systems while others rely on media and smartphone alerts for severe storm notifications Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and important contact information or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm Follow these guidelines from the weather service: Remain vigilant and stay updated by listening to local news broadcasts or a NOAA Weather Radio for tornado watches and warnings If you find yourself under a tornado warning adhere to tornado drill procedures and proceed promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter When you are outdoors and a tornado is approaching seek immediate refuge inside a sturdy building Being inside a vehicle during a tornado is highly unsafe Your best course of action is to drive to the nearest shelter either stay inside your car while covering your head or abandon the vehicle and seek safety in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine acting swiftly and following safety protocols are essential for your well-being when a tornado is imminent Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025) © 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us) The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Advance Local Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here Ad Choices Expand“In My Shoes: Art for Hope and Healing from Mental Illness” art showcase will be held May 14 at Blumen Gardens in Sycamore SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Mental Health Board and the Living Room at Ben Gordon Center will host the second annual “In My Shoes: Art for Hope and Healing from Mental Illness” art showcase in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month The free event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m Participants can share their mental illness journey Resources for people seeking support also will be provided Art submissions are being accepted through May 1. To submit a piece, email BGCEvents@nm.org. ExpandSycamore's Sawyer Valdez (2) pitches during the game on Saturday May 3 while taking on DeKalb High School held at Sycamore Park District Sports Complex (David Toney for Shaw Local News /David Toney) SYCAMORE – After five games of a team-wide offensive slump, Sycamore freshman leadoff hitter Sawyer Valdez provided the spark the Spartans needed with his bat. And with his arm he made sure the offensive performance would stand up. Valdez drove in two runs and allowed three hits in 4⅓ innings on the hill to help Sycamore knock off rival DeKalb 7-4 on Saturday. “It feels good today,” Valdez said. “We came together and got the win today, which is something we need to start doing. And I think we’ll start doing that more.” DeKalb (16-7-1) trailed the Spartans (13-8) 7-1 into the bottom of the seventh when Brodie Farrell and Isaac Black started the inning with singles. Valdez, who came on to pitch in the third inning with the game still scoreless, walked Paul Kakaloris and was lifted for Henry Hamingson, setting up runners at first and second with one out after Farrell was picked off. Hamingson walked Evan Johnson to load the bases and Hunter Kriese walked to drive in a run, cutting the Sycamore lead to 7-2. Kakaloris came across on a wild pitch and Johnson scored on a dropped third strike. Nik Nelson came up with two on and one out representing the tying run, but Hamingson struck him out. Hunter Hoerchler came in and struck out Cole Latimer to end the game. “We’ve been slumping the last few games,” said acting head coach Jeremy Morton, filling in for Josh Latimer as DeKalb lost for the third straight time and fifth time in its last six games. “DeKalb-Sycamore, the temperature is always pretty high. Both teams want to win this game pretty bad.” Kriese started for the Barbs and carried a perfect game into the third. Ben Anderson drew a walk to break it up, then Valdez doubled with two outs to score Anderson. Davis Collie singled to score Valdez and the Spartans led 2-0 after three. Sycamore broke things open with four runs in the sixth. Valdez walked with the bases loaded to score Anderson, then Davis Collie singled to bring home Adam Eder and Carter Yoakum. Valdez came around on a wild pitch and Sycamore led 6-0 after five. Tyler Townsend, unable to pitch the last six weeks with an injury, made his first start for the Spartans. He had a two-inning limit, striking out three and walking two while not allowing a hit. Valdez came on in the top of the third and retired the first nine Barbs until Nelson’s home run was the first hit and first run of the game for DeKalb. “He’s definitely the player of this game,” Sycamore coach Jason Cavanaugh said. “He got the scoring started with a single to right field and then he came in to relieve today. He’s a freshman and he’s not afraid of anything. He’s absolutely not afraid.” The Spartans entered Saturday having lost four of five, scoring five total runs in those games. The performance against the Barbs was the most runs they’ve scored in a game since April 21, an 8-3 win against La Salle-Peru which was the last game of an eight-game winning streak. “We’ve gotten a few clutch hits here and there these last few games, but our bunting came through today,” Valdez said as Eder and Yoakum both reached on bunts in the pivotal fifth inning. “Our clutch hitting at the end, putting the ball in play we needed to, let us score the runs that we needed to get.” Collie had two hits and three RBIs for the Spartans. Valdez scored twice and drove in two runs, while Ben Anderson scored twice. Cavanaugh said in the last five games the Spartans weren’t really getting any help from Kaneland or La Salle-Peru, especially in terms of walks. He said part of that was not getting enough competitive at-bats. On Saturday, he said, the team did much better and that led to a resurgent offense. “We did a good job of fouling off a lot of two-strike pitches and getting the ball in play,” Cavanaugh said. “We certainly didn’t knock the ball around the yard. We’re not going to be able to do that. That‘s who we are as a team. We’re going to need to rely on a two-strike approach and getting the ball down.” PLEASANT SPRING DAY: The sky is partly to mostly sunny across Alabama this afternoon with temperatures in the 60s and 70s A few isolated showers could form this evening over the Tennessee Valley otherwise tonight will be mostly fair with a low in the 50s Read More it will likely be October before we see weather this nice again across Alabama with a few more clouds the farther north you go as an upper-level low spins over the Ohio River Valley Read More knew he made the right decision to open his own business but it wasn’t until he won the 2023 Birmingham Small Business Week Pitch Competition that he got an additional boost Read More COOL START: Temperatures are in the 40s across much of North/Central Alabama just before daybreak… for some places this will most likely be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s until late September or October Read More Sunday brought Alabama a taste of early spring and a mix of sun and clouds—especially north of the Tennessee River where a few sprinkles are still possible Read More Exceptional Anglers events at Oak Mountain State Park teach basic fishing skills to students with disabilities from Alabaster and Pelham city schools and the Shelby and Jefferson County school systems Read More Sunday brings Alabama a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively—with cooler temperatures and low humidity replacing Saturday’s storms in a refreshing pattern shift worthy of a “Cool Change.” Read More but dense fog may pose a travel hazard overnight and into Sunday morning across north Alabama and southern Tennessee Read More the severe threat is nearly over in Alabama as storms shift east into Georgia Read More strong storms remain active in eastern Alabama this evening with gusty winds Read More A new severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for northeastern Lee County and heavy rain moving east toward Auburn and Opelika Read More Severe storms continue across east Alabama with warnings active in Chambers County and strong storms impacting several others under Severe Thunderstorm Watch #221 through 10 PM Read More Strong to severe storms continue moving through east-central and southeast Alabama this evening with the threat of damaging winds and frequent lightning continuing through 10 PM Read More Severe storms with 60 mph winds and quarter-size hail are moving into Tallapoosa and Chambers counties Read More This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page DeKalb Middle School will be hosting Career Day on Tuesday This special event is designed for students in grades 6 through 8 and aims to inspire them as they explore a variety of potential career paths The event will be held both inside and outside of the gymnasium to accommodate a variety of displays and activities Participants may begin setting up their displays at 7:30 a.m and students will start visiting booths at 9 a.m The event is scheduled to conclude around 11:00 a.m Please note they have a limited number of tables available for use they ask participants to bring their own table for their booth to ensure everyone has the space they need they would like to schedule guest speakers to visit 8th grade classroom They are seeking six participants to share more in-depth information about their careers and personal journeys with the 8th grade students If you are interested in being a guest speaker Suzette Barnes at suzettebarnes@dekalbschools.net Career Day will provide an invaluable opportunity for students to interact with professionals from a wide range of industries Your involvement would make a significant impact on the students’ understanding of real-world opportunities and the journey toward achieving their goals News Feed Candidates could leave with a conditional offer The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) will hold a one-stop hiring event on Saturday Recruit and certified officer positions are available Candidates will have the opportunity to complete a large portion of the hiring process and walk away with a conditional offer DKPD offers a starting salary of up to $64,050 for non-certified recruits Certified new officers can make a starting salary of up to $73,500 plus a $5,000 hiring incentive if they have at least two years of experience employees can be eligible for housing assistance and a take-home car For more information, call (770) 724-7445. News media may email dkpdpio@dekalbcountyga.gov from 12 pm – 1:30 pm Audit Oversight Committee MeetingLocation - Virtual Zoom Meeting © 2019 DeKalb County. All Rights Reserved | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement ExpandProtesters demonstrate along Sycamore Road in front of Hopkins Park Saturday during a “No Kings” rally and march in DeKalb The group was protesting what they’ve argued is the unlawful and harmful federal policies of President Donald Trump and his administration DeKALB – Organizers will again gather in DeKalb Saturday for what they’re calling a May Day rally the latest in a line of nationwide protests to oppose among other things billionaire influence in the Trump administration federal cuts to needed services and tumultuous immigration policy All are invited to the May Day Rally for Democracy from noon to 1:30 p.m Speakers will address the crowd from noon to 12:30 The crowd is asked to gather at the tennis courts Participants also are welcome to bring lawn chairs president of the United Faculty Alliance at NIU; and laborer Anthony Reusch the DeKalb Branch Steward of the American Postal Workers Union Roger Hintzsche and other musicians will perform Event cosponsors include REACT, DeKalb County Democratic Party and Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb “REACT is involved in organizing this event in order to give people a way to express their opposition to the enormous government overreach that is harming our livelihoods our health care and our safety,” REACT coordinator Cynthia de Seife said in a news release She said they’re planning a peaceful protest Saturday’s event is the next in a line of similar protests seen across DeKalb County and the nation since President Donald Trump was inaugurated to a second term in January Trump’s first 100 days in office have been met with significant public scrutiny Public pushback has come after controversial executive orders which among other things have targeted immigration elections and federal funding for social services lead pastor at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in DeKalb speaks passionately to the hundreds of people assembled Saturday rally at Memorial Park on the corner of First Street and Lincoln Highway in DeKalb The group gathered to protest against various policies of President Donald Trump and his administration The impact of some of the Trump administration’s actions have been felt in DeKalb County Proponents have said Trump’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) run by billionaire and presidential advisor Elon Musk is needed to rid the government of unnecessary spending and support Trump-era legislative agendas Opponents have argued such cuts and policies targeting non-citizens are unconstitutional On the economic front, uncertainty surrounding ever-changing tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on goods coming into the country has left local businesses struggling to keep up either just for the day but in some cases several days Some argued such cuts would be “unconscionable” and delay needed services including health care to military personnel Changes to federal reimbursement funding programs in Illinois have left some local food pantries scrambling to find ways to continue providing food to those in need “Our democracy is in trouble and it is up to the people to save it,” organizer Claire Duvall said ahead of Saturday’s rally. “Protesting in the streets is a visible way to fight for our democracy. The more people who protest in the streets, the more people will join. The more people who join in, the more powerful we become. It’s important to protest while we still have that right.” ExpandA display remembering Gracie Sasso-Cleveland is set up Thursday at the Sycamore Community Sports Complex during a celebration of her life on what would have been her sweet 16 birthday is charged with first-degree murder in her death DeKALB – A DeKalb man who pleaded guilty in February to murdering teenager Gracie Sasso-Cleveland in 2023 won’t be sentenced as planned this week Instead, Timothy M. Doll has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation His sentencing is on hold as the evaluation is pending His case is before Circuit Court Judge Philip Montgomery and his attorney Andrew Nickel listen as Circuit Court Judge Philip Montgomery reads the charges against him Wednesday Doll is being arraigned on several charges including two counts of first-degree murder in the death of 15-year-old Gracie Sasso-Cleveland of DeKalb But a pre-sentencing investigation raised some questions about his fitness The investigation is a common procedural step taken before handing a sentence down meant to help court officials and judges gather information to better inform a sentence That could include speaking with someone close to the defendant or reviewing criminal and personal history It’s not known what in the pre-sentence investigation may have led Doll’s defense to seek a psychiatric evaluation Doll previously pleaded not guilty. Before police found Sasso-Cleveland, Doll initially denied being with her May 4, 2023. He tried to hide evidence that she’d been in his home, prosecutors said. After he suffocated her with a pillow for about three minutes, Doll took her body, placed it in a laundry basket, and carried the basket to a nearby dumpster, trying to hide evidence of the crime, according to court records. DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library will host a program about language and communication as part of its Cross-Cutting Conversations on Migration series May 6 in the library’s lower-level Yusunas Meeting Room Attendees will discuss how the words used about migration may shape perceptions of newcomers Cultural differences in communication styles can have similar effects while a lack of fluency in English can serve as a barrier to inclusion and career advancement Attendees are asked to write down words from media about migration before the program For information or to register, email brittak@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2100. ExpandShaw Local 2020 file photo – A basket of freshly picked produce. Rooted for Good is making sure residents stay fed with Grow Mobile pop-up food pantries at locations throughout DeKalb County. (Shaw Local file photo) DeKALB – Rooted For Good will be at multiple locations in May with Grow Mobile, a mobile food pantry that offers free food and household items to all who visit, with no requirements necessary. Rooted For Good works to ensure the well-being of residents, staff and volunteers. Organizers ask that people practice good hand hygiene and stay home if they are ill. To receive Grow Mobile alerts, text FreeGroceries to 844-727-2012. DeKALB – Learn about the art of kitbashing during a program May 4 at the DeKalb Public Library Kitbashing is the art of creating a 3D model from preexisting model pieces For information, email techdesk@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851. the 24-hour fundraiser that supports nonprofits across the county sits outside the DeKalb County Community Foundation building SYCAMORE – More than $1.6 million was raised by thousands of donors for dozens of DeKalb County nonprofits this week the annual 24-hour fundraising effort hosted annually by the DeKalb County Community Foundation almost $1.7 million was raised by 2,771 donors who made 8,478 donations Organizers said 164 participating nonprofits hoped to gain support of donors from all over to aid services they provide directly to local residents ExpandSycamore's Addison Dierschow delivers a pitch Friday DeKALB – Addison Dierschow left a pitch up and away to Alaynna Johnson, allowing the DeKalb designated player to slug the ball for a three-run triple to stake DeKalb to a lead early in the third inning The Sycamore starter retired 13 of the last 16 DeKalb batters, seven on strikeouts, as the Spartans came back for an 11-3 win in the rain-shortened rivalry game on Friday. “It feels really good. We are all really close with that team and we know how good that team is this year,” Dierschow said. “We all came in fired up and ready to go to play them and have it be a good game.” Rain started to fall lightly in the bottom of the fourth in which Dierschow still struck out the side. It started to rain more steadily in the top of the fifth, in which the Spartans (18-2-1) scored three times to break the game open. Adi Armstrong and Ellison Hallahan had RBI doubles in the frame. And by the bottom of the fifth it was raining hard, with Dierschow allowing just a walk. After the game became official after five full innings, the umpires called it due to the weather. “She started to hit her spots better,” Sycamore coach Jill Carpenter said. “When your team gives you that three-run cushion and you feel like they’re going to continue to do that for you, it allows you to settle down as a pitcher.” Dierschow got the first two DeKalb batters in the top of the first before Kennedy Latimer singled, then Izzy Aranda and Cassidy Cavazos drew back-to-back walks. That’s when Johnson hit her rocket just out of the reach of a diving Hallahan in left. The triple gave the Barbs (9-10) a 3-1 lead heading into the second after the Spartans scored in the first. Addie McLaughlin started things off with a single, stole second and moved up an extra base on an error. Armstrong brought her home with a sacrifice fly to right. “Our team is a really good offensive team, so I had full confidence in our lineup to be able to come back,” Dierschow said. “Even if things went bad, Bella Jacobs was warming up ready to go and I know she would have my back out there.” The Spartans took the lead back in a five-run third. They had three hits in the inning - RBI singles by Ema Durst, Kait Williams and Brighton Snodgrass. The Spartans also benefited from five walks and two wild pitches, plus a pair of DeKalb errors helped an unearned run cross the plate as Sycamore took a 6-3 lead. In the fourth, Durst launched a two-run home run to push the lead to 8-3. The Spartans have homered in 17 straight games. Carpenter said she was happy to see the team produce a big inning without a home run. “We’re not always going to win it on a bomb,” Carpenter said. “We need to be able to string a few singles together, things like that and make sure walks still matter, and wild pitches and take advantage of those when we have them.” In the fifth inning, Latimer was injured on a play trying to apply a tag to a runner at third. She hurt her knee and had to leave the game. DeKalb coach Erica Swan said she was proud of how her team persevered and how strong the Barbs played through the first couple of innings. “That kind of just took the wind out of our sails a little bit,” Swan said. “Just a couple things going the wrong way and struggled to come back after that. Overall, I think those first 2½, three innings I was really proud of the way we faced Sycamore.” The Spartans had 11 hits in the game. McLaughlin, Durst and Kairi Lantz had two hits each. Durst drove in three while Armstrong and Kait Williams had two each. Dierschow allowed four hits and three earned runs in five innings, walking three and striking out eight. Carpenter said she was happy to see her team not get down after falling down early to a young DeKalb team she said is going to be very good. “We’ve had to work from behind before and I don’t think there’s any sense of panic with this group,” Carpenter said. “We’ve proven we can come back when we go down. The offense just got it going, and when you do that it helps everybody settle down.” By Forrest NelsonPublished: Apr 2025 at 8:44 PM CDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInDEKALB (WIFR) - The DeKalb County Sheriff’s office arrested a man they say sent more than 1,000 files of child pornography faces 15 felony counts of dissemination of child pornography Algonquin police told DeKalb deputies about a subject sharing child pornography through an online file sharing network roughly 2,000 files were shared with more than half of them being child pornography A subpoena for subscriber records of the associated IP address was obtained which deputies say linked the files to Fisher who lived in the 500 block of E a search warrant for Fisher’s electronic devices and his home was executed The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office says the devices had “digital artifacts associated with the receipt and distribution” of child pornography Fisher was arrested and taken to the DeKalb County Jail The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office says it was assisted by the Algonquin Police Department DeKalb County Special Operations and Tactics team NIU Police Department and the Office of the Illinois Attorney General Investigations Digital Forensics Division DeKalb County School District believes it takes everyone in our community working together to ensure that all students are prepared for college Our district uses innovative solutions to support the education of our scholars and this work would not be possible without the support of teachers The Grants and Partnerships Department provides support to all schools Grants and Partnerships supports the mission and goals of DeKalb County School District by leveraging partnerships between schools and other organizations to secure additional resources and federal partners as we strive to build sustainable relationships that will provide resources to maximize student success Please follow the district’s grants procedures prior to submitting a grant that exceeds $1000 and/or prior to partnering with an external organization For employees applying for a grant, complete the electronic Internal Grant Opportunity Summary form Please follow up with your immediate supervisor to ensure the electronic approval form that will be automatically emailed has been completed Establishing a DeKalb County School District Partnership  The first step to becoming a partner with the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is to complete the Partnerships Interest Form DCSD requires all partners to be fully registered and approved prior to providing any services Please Note: Existing partners currently providing services in DCSD will also be required to register and update information annually For additional information, please contact Dr. Marcia Oglesby, Director of Grants & Partnerships, Mrs. Libritta Anderson-Griffin, Grants and Partnerships Coordinator, Mr. Darius Williams, Administrative Assistant, or Mr. Michael Harris Dedicated to creating a culture of collaboration By working hand-in-hand with the community they aim to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential visit website DeKalb County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race genetic information or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies including Title IX: Marissa Key Executive Director - Employee Relations| P © 2003 - 2022 DeKalb County Board of Education | 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard · Stone Mountain ExpandShaw Local file photo – An excavator drives past what remains of the apartments at 1024 W Hillcrest Drive in DeKalb after some of the building was torn down earlier in the day DeKALB – The City of DeKalb announced Thursday the apartment at 930 Greenbriar Road is inhabitable again more than four months after a Dec “The City thanks the residents of the Terraces for their patience as these buildings are renovated to safe conditions,” officials wrote on the city’s social media page Since the fire which displaced about 60 residents across the three buildings, efforts have been underway by the city to work with the owner and contractors on safety repairs. A condemned sign reads "Danger – keep out" attached to the front door of 1024 W. Hillcrest Drive, DeKalb, on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. The apartment building sustained heavy damage from multi-level fire on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, displacing an estimated 60 residents days before Christmas. (Kelsey Rettke) City officials said residents should contact the Terraces property manager to make arrangements to return to the building. It’s not known how many units were occupied at the time of the fire. The building at 934 Greenbriar Road remains uninhabitable with work continuing to bring it up to code, according to the city. Residents who lived in that building also were relocated. The city’s building inspector did not respond to request for comment by press time. This is a developing story that will be updated. DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is excited to embark on a comprehensive and aligned Student Assignment Project (SAP) to reimagine DCSD as it relates to programs and buildings using more complete data analysis with a cadence to review every five years to align with ESPLOST This comprehensive planning process will help position ALL our students to Enroll and Enlist in the military upon graduation DCSD has fulfilled many necessary conditions to prepare for this new approach This includes recent enrollment projections completed and certified each October and several concentrated efforts to support families in specific clusters and neighborhoods it’s time to examine student assignments holistically relating to programs We know this is a critical and necessary process in the longstanding effort to balance enrollment provide access to high-quality education and programs considerate decisions based on the data and input from the community We encourage you to explore our SAP Resource Hub to learn more!