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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student news organization since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The NIU Steel Band plays for Sycamore High School music students during a workshop funded by the Sycamore Education Foundation to learn about the steelpan and Caribbean music. The Sycamore Education Foundation is one of many recipients of the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation grant, which announced its Fall 2023 class of grantees Monday. (Courtesy of the DeKalb County Community Foundation)

Community Foundation grants $124,900 to music education

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | October 31, 2023

The DeKalb County Community Foundation has awarded $124,900 for music education through grants with the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation. The local recipients of the grants include Community Coordinated Child Care, Hinckley Historical Society, Jazz in...

Zombie Barbie dolls stand on Amy Forkells lawn. Forkell has over 800 zombie Barbies set out for Halloween this year. (Michael Mollsen | Northern Star)

DeKalb resident creates zombie Barbie horde

By Michael Mollsen, Written Managing Editor | October 29, 2023

DeKALB – Green, soul exempt eyes, diseased and rotting skin, distressed and knotted hair and covered in blood and scabs is not what Margot Robbie looked like in the “Barbie” movie. Actually, far from it. Robbie would look that terrifying if she...

A police cars sirens flash their lights. Anthony Redd, a 40-year-old DeKalb resident, was arrested on felony charges of armed robbery, home invasion and unlawful restraint. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Armed robbery suspect caught

By Gabby Crabtree, News Editor | October 28, 2023

DeKALB – A DeKalb resident was charged with armed robbery, home invasion and unlawful restraint. On Oct. 2, the DeKalb Police Department arrived at the scene of an armed robbery and home invasion at the 100 block of South Seventh street. When...

A pre-filled naloxone syringe rests on top of its box. Northwestern Medicine will be distributing the drug and taking back prescription drugs Saturday. ( Intropin (Mark Oniffrey) | CC BY-SA 4.0)

Northwestern Medicine to distribute Narcan nasal spray

By Devin Oomen, Senior News Reporter | October 26, 2023

DeKALB – In an initiative to address the opioid crisis, Northwestern Medicine will be distributing Narcan nasal spray from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Saturday.  Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, located at 2731 Sycamore Road, will be hosting the...

The Egyptian Theatre sits under a cloudy sky. DeKalb county residents share their ghostly stories with the Northern Star. (Michael Mollsen | Northern Star)

What’s so paranormal about the activity in DeKalb?

By Michael Mollsen, Written Managing Editor | October 25, 2023

Editor’s note: This article does not claim that ghosts are real. Who you gonna call when there’s something strange in our neighborhood? Local residents share their ghostly stories, showing that in DeKalb, things that go “bump in the night”...

Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks at NIU on Aug. 2, 2021. Forty organizations are getting funding for mental health services across the state. (Rich Hein/Chicago Sun-Times | Associated Press)

Illinois invests $9.3 million in youth mental health

By Brandon Clark, News Reporter | October 25, 2023

A joint announcement between Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health revealed 40 organizations across Illinois will receive their part of $9.5 million in state funding to support initiatives that expand mental health resources...

Cub Scout Pack #104 attends the DeKalb City Council meeting on Oct. 23. The Cub Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of Monday’s meeting. (Rachel Cormier | Northern Star)

Greek Life Center construction extends to 2025

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | October 24, 2023

DeKALB – NIU can expect to purchase the land for its Greek Life Center in March, while final construction is planned to end by 2025.  The NIU Foundation, which will purchase the property between the intersection of West Hillcrest Drive and Blackhawk...

A statue of Wally Thurow, the creator of the Sycamore Pumpkin Fest, sits in the sun. The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival will begin Wednesday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Sycamore Pumpkin Festival begins Wednesday

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter | October 22, 2023

DeKALB – Sycamore’s 62nd annual Pumpkin Festival will be taking over downtown Sycamore in the upcoming week. The Pumpkin Festival will run from Wednesday through Sunday with events scheduled throughout the week. The festival will begin at 5...

A group of Canadian geese gather on the edge of the lagoon on Nov. 1, 2021. The DeKalb’s Citizens’ Environmental Commision is accepting nominations for its 2023 P.R.I.D.E. awards. (Northern Star File Photo)

DeKalb P.R.I.D.E. awards looking for submissions

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter | October 18, 2023

DeKALB – DeKalb’s Citizens’ Environmental Commission are now accepting nominations for the 2023 P.R.I.D.E. awards.  Not to be confused for LGBTQ+ Pride, the P.R.I.D.E. awards are dedicated to People Responsible for Improving DeKalb’s Environment. The...

Artist Danielle Casali and a volunteer work on a mosaic of the Kishwaukee River made using pieces of mirror. A ribbon cutting for the mural on the south wall of DeKalb City Hall will be held at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 19. (Courtesy of the City of DeKalb)

City to unveil new mural celebrating belonging

By Joseph Howerton, Video Editor | October 17, 2023

DeKALB – Citizens are encouraged to come together for the unveiling of DeKalb’s latest public art project. A new mural will be unveiled 5:30 p.m., Oct. 19 at DeKalb city hall, 164 E. Lincoln Highway. The mural, created by artist Danielle Casali...

Victor E. Huskie stands next to the new unveiled statue of Victor E. Huskie that sits in front of DeKalb City Hall, 164 E. Lincoln Highway. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

‘Communiversity’ comes together for block party

By Joseph Howerton, Video Editor | October 12, 2023

DeKALB – Even gray skies and cold October winds could not damper the Huskie pride put on display during the block party celebration in downtown DeKalb. On Thursday, Lincoln Highway between First Street and Third Street was closed down for a block...

The DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund committee stand in front of the DeKalb Veterans Memorial (from left): Mike Coghlan, Ron Lofton, Michael Embrey, Jerry Smith, and Paul Jerde. The fund will support the DeKalb County Veterans group honor veterans. (Courtesy of the DeKalb County Community Foundation)

DeKalb County Veterans receive new funding

By Devin Oommen, News Reporter | October 12, 2023

DeKALB – A DeKalb veterans group is getting new funding for memorial projects. The DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund was announced by the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The fund will allow the DeKalb County Veterans group to do work honoring...