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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

Stephen J. Bigolin sits on a park bench on Sept. 20 at Memorial Park in front of the mural facing Lincoln Highway. Bigolin has supported and discovered DeKalb’s local history since he moved to DeKalb in 1967. (Rachel Cormier | Northern Star)

DeKalb historian, Stephen J. Bigolin, receives dedicated day

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | September 22, 2023

DeKALB – Sitting on a park bench in Memorial Park, Stephen J. Bigolin thinks about his birthday. While he’s celebrated many in his time, his 74th will have a special ring for years, knowing that every birthday after will be celebrated by not only...

A digital mockup shows plans for the updated pickleball courts at Hopkins Park. The park is undergoing various renovations and updates, including new pickleball courts, playground and plans to update the pool. (Courtesy of the DeKalb Park District)

Updates to Hopkins Park in progress

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | September 18, 2023

Updates to Hopkins Park in progressThe DeKalb Park District's Hopkins Park is getting renovations starting this September.   "Our vision for Hopkins Park has always been to create an inclusive and dynamic community space that encourages healthy lifestyles...

A row of Kraft Mac and Cheese sitting on a shelf down an aisle. The Kraft Heinz company, who make Kraft Mac and Cheese, are bringing a distribution center to DeKalb. (Mike Mozart via Flickr)

$400 million Kraft Heinz distribution center coming to DeKalb

By Gabby Crabtree, News Editor | September 17, 2023

DeKALB – The city of Dekalb can begin to prepare for an economic boost as Kraft Heinz is bringing “one of the largest automated consumer packaged goods distribution centers in North America.” On July 13, Kraft Heinz Co., the company that makes...

Livening up DeKalb one hydrant at a time

By Joseph Howerton, Video Editor | September 14, 2023

DeKALB – DeKalb residents are being encouraged to paint the town red, blue, yellow, green and whatever colors they want. Part of the DeKalb Public Art Initiative, Paint-a-Plug is a program that lets any citizen, organization or business create a...

A gas station pump sits at its station. Illinois gas prices have lowered approximately 6 cents compared to last week. (Northern Star File Photo)

Illinois gas prices lower than last week

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | September 13, 2023

Currently, the cheapest gasoline price in DeKalb is $3.49 per gallon at Casey's. The most expensive according to GasBuddy is $4.09 per gallon. Compared to Illinois' average gas price of $3.95, DeKalb's lowest price is cheaper by 46 cents. The price...

A DeKalb High School student walks across stage to receive the DHS Alumni Scholarship award. This DeKalb student, along with 136 others in the county, earned scholarships from the DeKalb County Community Foundation. (Courtesy of the DeKalb County Community Foundation)

DeKalb County students receive $196,000 in scholarships

By Joseph Howerton, Video Editor | September 13, 2023

DeKALB – 137 DeKalb County students were awarded with over $196,000 in scholarship funds in 2023. The DeKalb County Community Foundation partners with local organizations and philanthropists in redistributing charitable assets through DeKalb County. College...

A sign for Classic Books sits on the wall of a Garage. Classic Books is a bookstore in downtown DeKalb. (Northern Star File Photo)

Classic Books: A garage bookstore, DeKalb staple

By Devin Oommen, News Reporter | September 12, 2023

DeKALB – Wearing a shirt that reads “So many books, so little time,” Charles Sigwart is surrounded by stories but also full of his own. Sigwart is the owner of Classic Books, which sells used books that mostly range in price from $3 to $6. Take...

Firefighters from the DeKalb Fire Department take out tools from their fire engines with the sign “#ProudlyDeKalb” displayed on the engine’s ladder. A fourth fire station is expected for the City of DeKalb. (Rachel Cormier | Northern Star)

DeKalb makes way for 4th fire station

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | September 12, 2023

DeKALB – The building of a fourth fire station in DeKalb is in motion with plans to potentially break ground by spring 2024. Collaborations between the DeKalb City Council and the DeKalb Fire Department have gone into the timely approval of a fourth...

City Manager Bill Nicklas explains the location of the projected warehouses in relation to Peace Road and neighboring warehouse properties. (Rachel Cormier | Northern Star)

Rezoned property, room for more business

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | September 11, 2023

DeKALB – The approved zoning plans for a 130-acre property at the northeast corner of Peace Road and E. Gurler Road projects the possibility for more large manufacturers in DeKalb. The proposed development by developer, Steven Goldin, would rezone...

Two girls run to get their kites in the air on Sunday at DeKalb Kite Fest. The DeKalb Park District held its 18th annual DeKalb Kite Fest at Kiwanis Park. (Rachel Cormier | Northern Star)

DeKalb Kite Fest takes off

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | September 10, 2023

DeKALB – Everyone thinks you need a strong wind for kites to fly, but that didn’t stop anyone at the DeKalb Kite Fest this Sunday. The 18th annual DeKalb Kite Fest took off at 11 a.m. Sunday, filling Kiwanis Park and the sky with multicolored kites...

The Sept. 1 fire at the former Fanatico restaurant building was deemed an arson, and three people were arrested. (Getty Images)

Former Fanatico restaurant fire deemed arson

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | September 8, 2023

Editor’s note: This piece will be updated as soon as more information becomes available. DeKALB – Sept. 1, the building that formerly housed the Fanatico restaurant, 1215 Blackhawk Road, was set on fire. 38-year-old Rasim Spaijoski reportedly...

The Illinois Capitol Building sits in the sun. The SAFE-T Act, going into effect on Sept. 18, will eliminate cash bail in Illinois. (Getty Images)

Illinois to become first US state to eliminate cash bail

By Gabby Crabtree, News Editor | September 8, 2023

DeKALB – July 18, 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court voted a 5-2 ruling to pass the SAFE-T Act. This bill will be going into effect on September 18, 2023, during a press conference.  The SAFE-T Act is filled with many different changes to the Illinois...