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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media 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

Proton Tattoo, a tattoo shop for customers in downtown DeKalb, 125 S. Fourth St., sits on a cloudy day. Proton is celebrating 20 years in DeKalb on Oct. 15 with a free party open to the public. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

DeKalb’s first tattoo shop celebrates colorful history

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | September 24, 2023

Proton Tattoo established itself in DeKalb 20 years ago, laying the groundwork for tattooing in a town where tattooing was illegal. The owner, Chris May, started this business with his best friend Jon Bowman from elementary school. It was an arduous battle...