Archive for: March 2011

Video Clips from DeKalb Alderman Races

From the stage of the Egyptian Theatre, candidates (except Eric Calmeyer) for the open seats on the first, third, fifth and seventh wards in the City of DeKalb prepared and presented their cases for representing their respective constituents on the city council. The challenges for providing local government services haven’t been greater. But in contrast to all of the bleak economic forecasts the few voters in attendance heard from some thoughtful and capable candidates up for the challenges facing DeKalb. Read more →

How is your sump pump working?

Service Now DeKalb

If you’ve ever experienced a flooded basement, you already know how much damage it can cause. Even a small amount of water leaking into your basement can cause thousands of dollars in damage, not to mention hazardous mold and mildew growth.

If your basement is at risk of flooding, a sump pump is generally considered to be the best safeguard. Anyone who has a sump pump also needs a battery backup sump pump. At some point the main pump will fail as a result of a power outage, main pump failure, float switch failure or the inability to keep up with the incoming water capacity. A backup pump is an inexpensive insurance policy eliminating the headaches and cost associated with a flooded basement.

Though sump pumps are generally installed to prevent basement flooding, they can also be used to ameliorate dampness by lowering the water table under the foundation.

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we specialize in and frequently perform sump pump installations, so you can rest assured that your sump pump will be installed by an experienced member of our staff. After a survey of your home’s environment and construction, we will recommend the best product to secure your home and belongings against water damage.

Whether you have already suffered the misfortune of basement flooding or just want to make sure you never do, we can help. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please contact our Ben Franklin Plumbing Company in DeKalb today!

Service Now DeKalb

Put up or shut up.

John Acardo told the audience at last night’s candidates forum at the Egyptian Theatre that only 238 early votes have been cast for the entire county so far for the April 5th Consolidated Elections. He told me in a brief conversation during the meet and greet session that the state board of elections was downgrading their voter turnout projections statewide to 17% of registered voters.

So that means 83% of registered voters think things are just running along fine and dandy? Then what’s all this talk about high taxes, layoffs and service cuts? Read more →

Opening Day!

Green Tree Golf Course

Tomorrow is April 1st and the beginning of many fun things to do around DeKalb County. Baseball season is starting! Friday is a great day to go to Pizza Pros in DeKalb to watch the Cub’s Opener.  The game starts at 1:20 on Friday. Pizza Pros will have great food and drink specials going on during the game.  Enter to win a Cubs Jersey Giveaway!

Green Tree Golf Course will open for the 2011 season on April 1st. Seasonal Passes on sale now. Enjoy their full service club house with sandwiches and beverage bar. The Clubhouse and Courtyard Banquet Room are also open for event rentals.

Shabbona’s Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental will also open Friday, April 1st. Pokanoka’s Restaurant is undergoing remodeling, and will reopen Saturday, April 16th. That is also the date of their 2011 Walleye Open. Pokanoka’s will open with dollar days specials on April 16th.

Kirkland Candidates Discuss Issues

Candidates for village, park, school and library boards in Kirkland discussed the issues facing their community in a town hall style forum held at the Kirkland Fire Department facility. The forum was sponsored by the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and was moderated by Ken Brooks, chamber president.

The candidates were given nine questions in advance of the forum to have prepared answers for. Members of the audience were then given opportunity to ask questions of the candidates directly. Read more →

Meet Me Downtown

Gather your friends and ‘Meet Me Downtown’ DeKalb on Thursday, March 31, from 5-7pm. Check-in in front of Eduardo’s to receive information on all the participating businesses and register to win  fantastic prizes. Stroll from business to business, meet the merchants, enjoy some goodies, win some prizes, take advantage of specials and check out the new and expanded businesses and say hello to your old favorites.

There are so many new and exciting things happening Downtown DeKalb. Take this opportunity to see the new and expanded businesses Downtown and meet the people who make those businesses happen.

Since you’re already downtown, plan to go to the second of two Candidates Nights at the Egyptian Theatre, beginning at 7pm, the Chamber is inviting all of the candidates running for the DeKalb Community Unified School District #428 to participate. There will be a candidate meet and greet from 6pm until 7pm in the theatre lobby.

Doggie Daycare Eggstravaganza Easter Party

Hop on over to Huckleberry’s Wednesday, April 20th

for a Doggie Daycare Eggstravaganza Easter Party!

Our furry friends will enjoy a hunt for eggs filled with dog treats around the daycare

and play other eggstastic games throughout the day.

Call 815-899-3435 for reservations

Huckleberrys Pet Parlor

Getting Your Car Serviced in the Real World of Sycamore

Bockmans Auto Care

We get a lot of questions about servicing your car at AutoNetTV. One that we get asked the most is: Do you have to take your car to the nearest Sycamore dealer for service and repair? We’ve all asked ourselves that at one time or another. Of course, any new car dealer in Sycamore would [...]Bockmans Auto Care

Ben Franklin Plumbing, Certified Perma-Liner Installer, at the Wisconsin State Capital building in Madison.

Service Now DeKalb

The roof drains out in the balcony in front of the Governor’s office in Madison were leaking rain water into the building every time it rained. The cost to repair this if done conventionally would have exceeded $850,000.

Ben Franklin Plumbing was able to fix the problem by lining the drains for $48,000, saving the state hundreds of thousands of dollars by using the Cured In Place liner system. Also the job was completed in less than a week with minimal business interruptions.

Watch our video below to see how Ben Franklin Plumbing can save YOU time and money fixing your sewer drains WITHOUT DIGGING!

Service Now DeKalb

Candidates Nights in DeKalb this week

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is hosting two Candidates Nights this Wednesday and Thursday evenings at the Egyptian Theatre. Come both nights, listen, learn and vote wisely this April 5th in the Consolidated Election. Government needs the participation of it’s citizens more than ever with this economy and the changes it is forcing.

At the first of two Candidates Nights, Wednesday, March 30th, the Chamber is inviting the City of DeKalb Aldermen from Wards 1, 3, 5, and 7 to participate. The Chamber is also asking the candidates running for Trustee for Kishwaukee College District #523 to participate. The second of two Candidates Nights, Thursday, March 31st, the Chamber is inviting all of the candidates running for the DeKalb Community Unified School District #428 to participate. All of these candidates will go through a question and answer process held on stage.

There will be a candidate meet and greet from 6pm until 7pm in the theatre lobby both evenings and then at 7pm the candidate forums will begin. The Egyptian Theatre is located at 135 N. 2nd St. in downtown DeKalb.

Grace Period Voting Ends; Early Voting Ends

March 29, 2011 marks the end of Grace Period Voting.  Individuals currently not registered to vote have until 6:00 PM on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 to register and vote at the same time.  Early Voting will continue for registered voters until 6:00 PM on March 31, 2011.

On March 30, 2011, equipment and processes will be open for public inspection in anticipation of Election Day on April 5.  During this time, a final testing of the equipment will be conducted and the public and media are invited to attend.  The Public Test will be held at 10:00 AM on March 30, 2011 in the DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder’s office, located at 110 East Sycamore St., Sycamore, IL 60178.

As Election Day rapidly approaches, you can stay up to date on Election information as well as view Election results at the DeKalb County Clerk’s website. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 815.895.7149.

2011 Annual Dinner and State of the County Program

The 2011 DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation’s (DCEDC) Annual Dinner and State of the County Program is scheduled for this Tuesday, March 29th,  at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W. Prairie Drive, in Sycamore. Come to find out about activity in the county over the past year and learn more about our local businesses and organizations through their exhibits. Also, have the opportunity to network over a pasta dinner with others who have an interest in the area.

Cost is $30 per person and includes the program and pasta bar buffet.  Exhibits will be on display from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. The Pasta Bar Buffet will run from 4:30 to 6pm. Program begins at 6pm. Please visit www.dcedc.org to sign up. Questions? Please call 815/895-2711 or contact Hoyle@dcedc.org.