Trial begins for suspected murderers of Sycamore man

Prosecution and defense attorneys for the Brandt murder case are preparing their cases for trial.

William Nally, 38, and Tim Kelley, 41, both from Clarksville, Tenn., have trial dates set for within the next two months. Kelley will go to trial on March 17 and Nally’s is set for April 7.

Both suspects were charged for four counts of first degree murder, two accounts of residential burglary and one account of armed robbery. Both have also pleaded not guilty for all charges.

Assistant State’s Attorney Clint Hull, who will head up the prosecution, said the suspects had asked for a speedy trial.

Hull also said preparing for the trial is still in its infancy, so no angle has been decided yet.

Kenneth E. Johnson, the public defender who will represent Nally, said the trial will take place in a jury setting.

Joseph Brandt, 35, of Sycamore was found murdered in his home Nov. 6. The suspects in the case were apprehended after a month-long investigation by the DeKalb County Major Task Force.

-Libby John

County Farm Bureau to hold annual blood drive

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau is holding its annual blood drive from 2 to 6 p.m. today at the Farm Bureau Auditorium, 1350 W. Prairie Drive.

Walk-ins are welcome. Remember to bring a photo ID. People wishing to donate blood must be in good health, 17 years old and weigh more than 110 pounds. Donors must allow eight weeks between whole blood donations. Heartland Blood Centers is a non-profit organization belonging to the American Association of Blood Banks and American’s Blood Centers.

City of Aurora to present world premiere at Paramount

The city of Aurora is presenting a world premiere of “The State of Mississippi vs. Emmett Till.”

It will be held at 7 p.m. today at the Paramount Art Theater, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora.

For information, call City of Aurora Youth and Sports Activities Department at (630) 264-8266 or (630) 327-2462.

Update on county to be given at Agri-Breakfast meeting

DeKalb County is hosting an Agri-Breakfast meeting at 7 a.m. Wednesday at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau Center for Agriculture, 1350 W. Prairie Drive.

The meeting will highlight the industrial, commercial, major retail and housing developments that have been completed and started in the county in 2002.

The cost is $7 and deadline to register is noon today. For a reservation, call 756-6361.

The meeting is being sponsored by the DeKalb County Farm Bureau AgriBusiness Professionals Committee.

Metro Centre to host annual boat and fishing show

The 32nd annual boat, vacation and fishing show will be held from February 21 to 23 at the Rockford Metro Centre, 300 Elm St., in Rockford.

Computer designed pro-fishing boats; sleek, high powered runabouts; and pontoon boats will be exhibited. Travel resorts and vacation information also will be on hand. The cost for the show is $5 for adults, with discount coupons available at www.showtimeproduction.net. Children under 12 are admitted free.

For information, call (815) 877-8043, e-mail [email protected] or visit showtimeproduction.net.

DeKalb Area Women’s Center to hold spaghetti dinner

The DeKalb Area Women’s Center is hosting Spaghetti Special: A Benefit Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at The Dill Pickle, 817 Lincoln Highway.

All are welcome and reservations are suggested.

The cost is $8 for adults and $5 at the door. For information, call 758-1351.

DeKalb Police Department to sponsor safety education course

A 10 hour Safety Education Training Course is being sponsored by the DeKalb Police Department and Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The course will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 24 and 27 and on March 3. Attendance is mandatory for all sessions.

To register, call Corporal Haacker or Detective Stewart at the DeKalb Police Department at 748-8400. Seats are limited and are on a first come, first serve basis.