Chili Cooks Wanted Quick!

The DeKalb Masons will have their Annual Chili Cook Off this Saturday, May 19th from noon to 4:00pm at the DeKalb Lodge located on the south east corner of East Fairview Street and South 4th Street in DeKalb.  All proceeds benefit Autism Speaks.

More Chili cooks are wanted.  Entering as a cook for $25.00 gets you a free T-shirt, listed in a press release and a chance to be one of the top three winners.  You can still enter to be a cook up to Friday, May 18 but ASAP would be best. The current 16 cooks are John Johnsen, Stan Hyatt, Debbie Witmer, Dean Clark, James Tome, Scott Bellis, Chuck Specter, David Nay, Preston Brown, Eric Stice, Eric Jones, Joe Pinion, Pete Suffield, Frank Beierlotzer, Natale Biundo and Jan Demers.

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IDOT and Law Enforcement Kick Off Click It or Ticket Campaign to Help Save Lives in Illinois

Focus on Nighttime Enforcement During Most Dangerous Times
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois State Police (ISP) today announced their plans to heighten enforcement efforts leading up and through the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Hundreds more safety belt enforcement zones and other patrols are planned over the historically and heavily-traveled holiday weekend. In addition, IDOT also launched a new Click It or Ticket public service announcement to further remind motorists the importance of buckling up.

“IDOT consistently and proactively wants all motorists to be well informed of safe driving practices, including always driving sober and buckling up every trip, every time, and in every seat,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. “Even with last year’s front seat all-time safety belt usage record near 93 percent, our long-standing partnership with law enforcement further solidifies the crystal clear message to motorists to Click It or Ticket both day and night.”

The increase in enforcement has one goal – to save lives during the Memorial Day weekend. Over the past three years, Illinois has seen record lows with regard to vehicle-related fatalities. Enforcement will place a special focus on nighttime activities. Data continues to show that nighttime, from midnight to 6 a.m., is a particularly dangerous time to be on Illinois roadways with more instances of alcohol-related crashes and safety belts less likely to be used. Law enforcement also will be paying particular attention to enforcing the new safety belt law that requires all occupants to buckle up, no matter their seating position.

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Cruise in to Sycamore Tom & Jerry’s Wednesday

Cruise on in to Sycamore Tom & Jerry’s this Wednesday, May 16th for the first of many Cruise Nights this summer! Drive your classic car, your hot rod or your favorite convertible in and show it off! Every Wednesday evening this summer Tom & Jerry’s in Sycamore will be having a cruise night from 5pm to 8pm.

Eat some awesome ribs and chops, freshly grilled outdoors on their patio. Pork chop dinners, pork chop sandwiches and baby back rib dinners will be available from the outdoor grill.

Call your friends and meet there for dinner outside without having to cook! Try their new milk shakes and Avalanches while you’re there. Specials offered every day. Check out their website now. Regular menu also available.

Game Changer

NIU’s plan to implement a second-year residency requirement for incoming students is a game changer for DeKalb. As many as 800 students (by some estimates) could be removed from the private sector rental market. Increased vacancies at that rate could turn DeKalb’s rental housing upside down and that would send investment mortgage lenders into a noose-tightening frenzy.

It could also result in another aww shucks moment for the City of DeKalb’s revenue/expense projections for its re-proposed rental licensing, inspection, nuisance, etc., program.  It certainly warrants reconsideration or refactoring of any rental housing program or investment. Read More→

A Bleak Report from Springfield

Observations and comments about state government by State Representative Robert W. Pritchard.

News from the State House

May 14, 2012 - In this Issue:

  • Insurance Benefit Changed for Retirees
  • State Healthcare Procurement Criticized
  • Legislation Updates Swimming Facilities Act
  • No Resolution Yet for Restoring Child Care Funding
  • Medicaid Reform Bill Likely This Week
  • Auditor Documents Problems at College Illinois!
  • Fallen Firefighters Remembered

Insurance Benefit Changed for Retirees
The legislature is considering a number of major policy reforms this month as it seeks to gain control of state spending while providing critical services and programs. Both the Illinois House and Senate passed legislation this past week that will require retired state employees to pay health-care premiums.

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QuickStart Small Business Start-Up Counseling

Join one of Kishwaukee College’s FREE QuickStart business counseling sessions.  These meetings are designed to help those who are in the beginning stages of starting a business. Counseling sessions will include discussion on: General Start Up Information, Legal Structures (Sole Proprietorship, S-Corp, LLC, etc.), Business Plan Preperation, Financial Projections, Financing Options and Requirements, and Government Regulations.

A QuickStart Small Business Start-Up Counseling session is being held this Friday, May 18th, from 10am – 12pm at Kishwaukee College. Another session will be held on Friday, June 18th from 10am  - 12pm.

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West Side Story at DeKalb High School

DeKalb High School is excited to present their first Musical at its new facility. “West Side Story” is filled with a full cast of talented students, beautiful music played from the new orchestra pit, and a backdrop of New York City streets presented with the new state of the art fly system.

This event will be presented Thursday, May 16th through Saturday, May 19th at 7:00 pm and Sunday, May 20th at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available online through www.dhstickets.com or at the door. $10.00 for general admission, and $5.00 for students, children and senior citizens. Call Angel Smith at 815-754-2120 with questions. DeKalb High School is located at 501 W. Dresser Rd. in DeKalb.