A plan to improve safety for drivers and highway workers was announced last week after 46 people died in highway work-related accidents last year. Gov. Rod Blagojevich said the plan was necessary because of dangerous conditions created by speeding drivers....

Legislation requiring state dormitories to be equipped with sprinklers moved forward last week when it was approved by the Illinois House of Representatives, but there is no such measure in the future for high-rise residential buildings in DeKalb outside...

Although Superintendent Robert Hammon will not retire from the Sycamore School District until 2005, he is looking forward to retirement. Hammon has been a superintendent for the Sycamore district for almost 13 years. "We have a terrific school district....

By Jan. 23, 2006, counties will have to comply with the new Environmental Protection Agency arsenic drinking water standard. The adopted standard, which became effective Feb. 22, 2002, is 0.010 milligrams per liter. It replaces the old standard of 0.050...

The Sycamore City Council created a mortgage credit certificate for first-time home buyers. The Illinois Housing Development Authority sponsors an annual program that allows first-time home buyers to take 25 percent of the annual interest paid on their...

The DeKalb Park District has offered more than 20 new programs this year. From skateboarding lessons to ballroom dancing, the district’s programs cater to all age groups, said Colleen Belmont, park district program director. This summer, the park district...

Danielle would love to wear a white dress with all the frills. She also would love to see her fiance, Karen, wear a similar dress, just like she wears a nearly identical diamond solitaire ring. Karen smiles at the suggestion and agrees that she probably...

Hinckley-Big Rock School District stands to receive $1.9 million from the state if Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s budget is passed. The district would use the money to cover some of the costs of ongoing building improvements at the high school and elementary...

There are two million incidents of housing discrimination nationwide each year, estimated George Boyle, managing attorney at the Bloomington office of Prairie Legal Services. Henderson said housing discrimination is not a big problem in DeKalb, and cases...

Kara Grunewald enjoyed talking on her cell phone; she also enjoyed driving. The combination caused her death in 2001. "When the phone went dead, she was dead," said her mother, Kim Grunewald. She was talking to her daughter on the phone when a semitrailer...

Noodles and Company, a Boulder, Colo., -based restaurant known for its pasta dishes, may open in the Northland Plaza in the 2500 block of Sycamore Road by December. The restaurant is applying for a Class B liquor license, which allows beer and wine to...

The Sycamore City Council discussed the fiscal year 2004-’05 city budget Monday. The FY2005 budget is about $25 million and includes all of the city’s operating, enterprise, special, capital and bond funds. About $5 million will be used for large...