WLBK Radio Dekalb Illinois FM 98.9 AM 1360

01/24/2025

WLBK Local News: (For the long version, listen to 98.9 FM or 1360 AM).

The DeKalb County Sheriff's office is looking for the driver of a dark colored sedan in connection with a hit and run last Friday night. According to the Sheriff's office, a 33-year-old Elgin man was heading east on Plank Road - near Lowell Lane - at around 11:20 PM when a sedan attempted to overtake his Toyota Camry in a no passing zone. Police reports say the passing sedan got back into the east bound lane prematurely and struck the front of the Camry causing the Toyota to enter the ditch with a blown front tire. Deputies were not able to track down the driver of the other car. The Sheriff's office says criminal charges are pending.

Allstate Insurance has announced that its raising home insurance rates by over 14% this winter for people who live in Illinois. The new insurance rates will take effect on Feb. 24th, and will impact about a quarter million customers. The new price hike comes after the company implemented a 12% raise last year. The company said the increase is due to more instances of severe weather and higher repair costs.

A Sycamore woman was hurt in a two vehicle, crash Wednesday afternoon east of Sycamore. The DeKalb County Sheriff's office reports at around 2:20 PM, a 41-year-old female was driving her Hyundai Elantra east on Route 64, approaching County Line Road near Maple Park, when a truck stopped at County Line and 64 pulled out in front of it. The driver of the truck, 40-year-old Phillip Cassata of Bloomingdale was not hurt. The driver of the car was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Cassata was cited for failing to yield.

A Sycamore woman was cited after she left the scene of a car crash. The DeKalb County Sheriff's office reports on Wednesday morning at 7 police responded to a single vehicle crash, however nobody was in the small SUV. The driver then notified police about the crash and told authorities a friend picked her up. The 41 year old is charged with leaving the scene of a crash, improper lane usage and failing to reduce speed.

The Illinois Board of Higher Education approved a fiscal year 2026 recommended budget that increases taxpayer costs. The approved budget proposal recommends an overall 4% increase, which equates to just over $108 million, in higher education funding, excluding the State University Retirement System. The board is also recommending a 2% increase in funding for community colleges, adult education and career and technical education.

A Republican State Senator says migrant sanctuary policies enacted by Illinois Democrats are putting people’s lives in jeopardy. Illinois law prohibits local and state law enforcement from communicating with federal immigration authorities. Governor J.B. Pritzker said violent criminal aliens should be deported, but the Trump administration plans to go after others in the country illegally. Republican State Senator Chapin Rose said the policies enacted by Democrats are “getting people killed.” Last weekend in Urbana, two women were killed in a crash and the driver fled. The suspect was later arrested near the Mexico border. It was reported the suspect was in the country illegally. DeKalb city leaders said earlier this week in a media release, "Local residents need not fear that federal authorities will be notified after the DeKalb Police pull them over for a traffic violation or respond to a 911 call for help".

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is clarifying the role of Illinois law enforcement agencies and the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Raoul says civil immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government, adding that state law doesn’t grant local law enforcement the authority to enforce federal civil immigration laws. That includes participating, supporting or assisting in any capacity with federal immigration enforcement operations unless federal agents have a criminal warrant or federal law specifically requires it.

After less than two years, Hy-Vee is saying goodbye to Wahlburgers. In addition, Hy-Vee is changing all its in-store restaurants with updated menus starting in February. Wahlburgers’ opened in September of 2023 in Sycamore. A closing date has not been pinpointed. Hy-Vee will continue to operate Market Grille and Market Grille Express locations across the Midwest. Wahlburgers is owned by chef Paul Wahlberg his brothers, well-known actors Donnie and Mark Wahlberg. It was the focus of an A&E reality television show that aired from 2014-2019.

The Illinois State Board of Education is advising local school officials be prepared in the event federal immigration officials arrest illegals on school grounds. Capitol News reports the agency posted what it calls non-regulatory guidance on its website this week. It advises districts that they should adopt policies on how to respond to immigration enforcement actions. That action came after the new Trump administration rescinded a Biden-era policy that limited enforcement in schools, playgrounds and child care centers. State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders says schools are prohibited from tracking or asking about the immigration status of students or their parents.

Information provided in this report has been obtained from area authorities, including but not limited to local police, fire and emergency dispatch officials. Information is sourced only from official sources of public information unless otherwise stated. Subjects listed who have been charged or cited for crimes have not been proven guilty in court and all acts are alleged.

01/24/2025

our thanks to the GENOA-KINGSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL "WOVEN CLUB" for stopping by the radio station this morning....they are a very "close knit group" and they left us in "stiches".....you can catch interview this SUNDAY AT 10:15AM on FM98.9/AM1360 WLBK

01/21/2025

WLBK Local News: (For the long version, listen to 98.9 FM or 1360 AM).

Two people were injured after a one vehicle crash east of DeKalb. According to the DeKalb County Sheriff's office, just after 10:00 AM Sunday an Acura was heading west on Pleasant Street near Fenstermaker Road when the S-U-V suddenly drove into the ditch on the northside - got back on the road and then drove off the road on the south side and crashed into a utility pole. Police say the driver 28-year-old Andriela Patterson of Chicago and her passenger 30-year-old Marquante Walker also of Chicago were not impaired but they were tightlipped about what had occurred as they wouldn't provide an explanation to deputies. Patterson and Walker were taken to KCH with minor injuries.

An 11-year-old pianist from River Forest, Illinois, is the winner of this year’s Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra Montzka Young Artists Concerto Competition. The January 4th competition featured 22 musicians age 11 to 17. The youngest participant Dylan Zhang impressed the judges with his performance of Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, and one other piece by Beethoven. Because of this achievement, Zhang will perform with K-S-O at the Arthur Montzka Memorial Concert on February 22nd. The concert will take place in the Boutell Concert Hall at NIU.

The City of DeKalb has been awarded a grant by the Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative to improve the community tree canopy. The nearly $255,000 grant is among around 40 given to nonprofits, government entities and other groups through Inflation Reduction Act. The funding can be used for projects that increase tree canopy, improve forest health, and create or enhance community forestry programs. Through this grant, DeKalb will plant 50 trees designed to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases. These trees will replace 40 dead trees. Also, 738 parkway trees will be trimmed.

Governor Pritzker is vowing resist if federal agents and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement engage in what he calls unlawful activity. The governor also responded to President Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship. Pritzker released a statement saying Trump’s executive order to strip birthright citizenship from people born in this country is unconstitutional.

Glacial weather has prompted some school districts to close all schools and offices today, Jan 21st. Genoa Kingston, Hiawatha, Sycamore and North Boone Schools are all closed for today. All DeKalb 428 Schools and Indian Creek Schools are on "Remote Learning" Protocol today. Also, all Meals on Wheels programs in DeKalb County have been canceled for today. Meals will NOT be delivered out of the Sycamore/DeKalb or the Sandwich kitchens. The dangerously cold wind chills around 30 below could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.

Governor Pritzker is scheduled to sign a bill that would require people with intellectual and developmental disabilities be paid the full minimum wage in Illinois. The governor is signing the Dignity in Pay Act in Chicago. The measure will end Illinois’ certificate program, which allows some employers to pay people with disabilities less than the minimum wage.

Information provided in this report has been obtained from area authorities, including but not limited to local police, fire and emergency dispatch officials. Information is sourced only from official sources of public information unless otherwise stated. Subjects listed who have been charged or cited for crimes have not been proven guilty in court and all acts are alleged.

01/20/2025

WLBK Local News: (For the long version, listen to 98.9 FM or 1360 AM).

The DeKalb Police Department announced it will begin patrolling DeKalb Transit buses this month. The patrols will be conducted on a voluntary basis by officers as overtime detail. A press release from the department says the transit patrols will not impact the department’s overall policing. Mike Neuenkirchen is the Transit Manger for the City of DeKalb. He said, the patrols will provide a safer riding experience. Costs for the transit patrols will be underwritten through the City of DeKalb Public Transit Division’s federal transit assistance grants. This program is part of a federal initiative to assist local transit agencies in implementing safety and security on public transit.

Legislation in Indiana would create a commission to take in the Illinois counties that have voted to secede from the Land of Lincoln. Last election, seven more Illinois counties joined 26 others–including Fayette County–to greenlight a proposal to explore splitting from the state. Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston says they are excited about having that conversation this year. The measure would create the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said Indiana is a low wage state. Illinois counties do have the power to secede, and such a move would require approval from the Illinois General Assembly and U.S. Congress.

Former Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health Dr. Ngozi Ezike faces a $150,000 fine for an ethics violation. Capitol News reports Ezike headed the department between 2019 and 2022 before becoming President and CEO at Sinai Chicago hospital. She allegedly negotiated the position with Sinai while still IDPH director. The hospital system receives state grant money and is regulated by I-D-P-H.

The Illinois State Board of Education is seeking more than 11-billion-dollars for the upcoming fiscal year. The board approved the spending plan this week, which is a nearly five-percent increase over this year’s budget. It is unclear how much Illinois will set aside for public education considering the General Assembly will be in charge of passing a state budget that already faces a possible deficit of more than three-billion-dollars. Governor Pritzker will unveil his budget proposal for the next fiscal year next month.

The city of DeKalb issued an alert exhorting people to steer clear of the 1600 block of East Lincoln Highway yesterday while first responders aided an injured driver. Jason Leverton is the deputy Chief of police for the DeKalb PD. He said the crash happened at roughly 10:40 AM. He said a west bound car was heading west on Rt. 38 and drifted into the oncoming lanes. He said the car was speeding and hit a truck head on and the driver of the car was airlifted to a Rockford hospital. He said the driver of the truck was not injured. Leverton said the road was closed for about 3 hours.

A Robbery occurred in DeKalb this month. The DeKalb Police Department said the crime happened Jan. 11th just after 10 at night. According to a press release from the DeKalb PD, Police were flagged down by a male in the 800 Block of Ridge Drive. The male told police the assailant pulled a gun on him and the department says items were taken. During the investigation, Police searched a home in the 700 block of Meridian Court in DeKalb and recovered a stolen gun, along with clothing and numerous articles used the night of the robbery. Police arrested a 17 year old male from DeKalb. He was driven to River Valley Justice Center in Joliet.

A DeKalb woman is charged with attempted murder after a stabbing early Saturday. The DeKalb County Sheriff's office reports deputies were called Saturday morning at 4:00 of a male stabbing victim at Suburban Apartments building 17. The victim was taken to K-C-H and then airlifted to St. Anthony's in Rockford with life-threatening injuries. Police arrested 23 year old Iesha Gilmore. She's charged with aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery and attempted murder.

An Illinois city has been named the hottest housing market in the country. According to Realtor.com, Rockford ranked No. 1 on the list in December. In Rockford last month, the median list price was just $242,000, and homes are moving quickly, typically spending just 43 days on the market.

It is a bitter cold Martin Luther King Junior Day and Inauguration Day. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect statewide with wind chills approaching 30 below in some areas. The risk of home heating fires and carbon monoxide incidents increases. The state Fire Marshal recommends checking furnaces and alarms. Warming centers are open in DeKalb including Hope Haven and Unitarian Universalist Church on 4th and Locust. Residents should take precautions like leaving water running slowly to prevent frozen pipes and stocking vehicles with emergency supplies if you travel.

Information provided in this report has been obtained from area authorities, including but not limited to local police, fire and emergency dispatch officials. Information is sourced only from official sources of public information unless otherwise stated. Subjects listed who have been charged or cited for crimes have not been proven guilty in court and all acts are alleged.

01/17/2025

We had so much fun today with TD Ryan at WLBK Radio Dekalb Illinois FM 98.9 AM 1360 discussing our women's rights rally! Join us tomorrow at the Dekalb County Courthouse from 9a-11a.

01/13/2025

WLBK Local News: (For the long version, listen to 98.9 FM or 1360 AM).

A DeKalb man is accused attempting to strangle his girlfriend. Arrest documents say DeKalb police responded to a home on Williams Way at around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon. The victim told police her boyfriend attempted to strangle her 5 to 6 times. While the victim was speaking with officers, the accused, 26-year-old charged towards her. Police say they had to restrain the male multiple times. He was taken to DeKalb County Jail.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation is accepting applications for Community Needs Grants and Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants. The Community Needs Grants program now offers funding of up to $20,000, while the new "Build the Future Grants program" provides up to $100,000 for eligible projects. The Wurlitzer Grants support music education for nonprofit and public sector organizations throughout northern Illinois. Nonprofit and public sector organizations are encouraged to apply by visiting dekalbccf.org/grant-programs. The application deadline for these grants is March 1st.

Green energy could be getting a boost in Illinois. Capitol News reports legislators in Springfield passed a bill that gives regulators more flexibility to fund renewable energy projects. Critics say the bill going to the governor’s desk, shifts the financial risk for these projects to customers which means more expensive bills. The energy bill also directs the Illinois Commerce Commission to study energy storage technology and issue a report this spring. That’s meant to guide a future bill incentivizing the technology later this year. The bill is more narrow than its proponents hoped it would be, although they expect to return later this spring with a broader follow-up bill.

The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association is recognizing Human Trafficking Prevention Month throughout January, recognizing the role the hospitality industry plays in identifying and working to put an end to this crime. Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a proclamation designating Jan. 11 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Illinois. The initiative is part of efforts by state officials to raise awareness and enhance education on prevention methods.

Sycamore Police Chief Jim Winters announced last month he is retiring. The city of Sycamore said it hired the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police to help find a replacement. Sycamore Mayor Steve Braser told WLBK there are eight candidates. He said the department didn't have any current employees with enough management experience for the position.

A rig slid off the road south of Malta and slammed into a large tree on Friday. The DeKalb County Sheriff's office reports at around 11AM a Mack Tractor Trailer was heading west on Fairview near University Road when it entered the north ditch and struck a tree. The Mack had to be towed. The 30 year old driver was not injured. He was cited for driving too fast for the snowy conditions.

A Sandwich man is facing drug charges after police seized co***ne, methamphetamine and other drugs. According to Sandwich Police Chief Kevin Senne a search took place at around 4 a.m. on December 17th at a home in the 200 block of East College Street in Sandwich. Authorities entered the home of 41-year-old Joshua Chavez and found several bags of suspected narcotics including around $1,700 in cash. Senne says a second search warrant was executed at a storage facility in the 900 block of East Church Street. That led to the seizure of more suspected drugs. Chavez was taken to the DeKalb County Jail in Sycamore. Chavez was previously arrested and imprisoned on drug charges in LaSalle County but he was paroled a year ago.

Voting is now open to select a new Illinois flag. The redesign contest runs through Feb. 14, and You can pick from one of the Illinois Flag Commission’s Top 10 new designs, or one of three former flag designs. The Illinois Flag Commission will count the votes and report its findings and recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by April 1st. Members of the General Assembly will then vote on whether to adopt a new flag, return to a previous version of the flag or retain the current flag. If you would like to vote search “ILLINOIS FLAG COMMISSION” and then click VOTE.

Information provided in this report has been obtained from area authorities, including but not limited to local police, fire and emergency dispatch officials. Information is sourced only from official sources of public information unless otherwise stated. Subjects listed who have been charged or cited for crimes have not been proven guilty in court and all acts are alleged.

01/10/2025

01/10/2025

Our thanks to Mrs. Heitzig and the kids from North Grove School for stopping by WLBK today to tell us what LEADERSHIP really is.......the future looks bright!

01/08/2025

WLBK Local News: (For the long version, listen to 98.9 FM or 1360 AM).

A Shabbona male is facing multiple s*x assault charges. According to arrest documents, the DeKalb County Sheriff's office said the crimes occurred in Shabbona beginning in July of 2021 and most recently as three months ago. In addition, there was an incident that happened inside a parked vehicle in Schaumburg in October. The victim was between 10 and 13 at the time of the alleged assaults. The accused is a 44-year-old. He denied the allegations in November. The male was arrested January 3rd.

Illinois property taxes are among the most expensive in the US. The website Smart Asset recently looked at 342 cities across the country with populations greater than 100,000. The cities are ranked by the median real estate taxes paid by homeowners with a mortgage as a proportion of the median annual housing payments. Researchers found Peoria led the entire country with the highest property tax rate in 2023 at 2.6% of the median $169,000 home value, with a median tax bill of $4,455 a year. Rockford came in second at 2.4% and a median tax bill of $3,452. Other Illinois cities making the list included Elgin (7th), Aurora 8th, Joliet 13th and Springfield 16th.

Some Illinois farmland owners have recently received random solicitations in the mail to sell their property. Some communications even include a purchase agreement. Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs Bill Bodine says landowners should research the solicitor or even retain an attorney before signing any papers.

Early voting for the consolidated primary is just 8 days from now with the consolidated election 40 days off. There are about 22,163 active registered voters and they will determine the fate of write-in Mayoral candidate Linh Nguyen. Linh is the only person that sent a declaration of intent to be a write in candidate as she is seeking to get on the April 1st ballot. The last day to file a notarized Declaration of Intent to be a Write-In Candidate was December 19th. According to the DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder Nguyen needs 20 write-in votes to advance. You can vote early beginning January 16th thru February 24th at the clerk’s office Sycamore. The consolidated election is where you vote for city councils, mayor, school boards, park boards and other local elected officials. The February primary is limited to registered voters within DeKalb. If you plan to vote on Primary Election day...February 25th, you have two options as far as locations, the Clerk and Recorders' office in Sycamore or at the Red Roof Inn and Suites in DeKalb.

The Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill that would transfer Shabbona Lake State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation during yesterday's Lame Duck session. State Rep. Brad Fritts expressed concern over Senate Bill 867. He said "This is going to be the first Native land within the state of Illinois...And I look forward to building a relationship with the tribe as we move forward. But I'm just incredibly disappointed with the way that it was handled." Fritts criticized the sponsor for disregarding residents' concerns and ignoring community feedback. The bill now goes to the Governor's desk.

A new report reveals Chicago area traffic is among the worst in the country. The mobility analytics company Inrix reports that Chicago drivers lost 102 hours to traffic jams last year, tying the Windy City with New York City. The national average is 43 hours of sitting in traffic. The time to make a trip into downtown Chicago from the suburbs increased by 13% last year.

Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is returning to her 89th District to meet with constituents across northwest Illinois. Her district-wide tour will begin on January 13th. Her district, which covers primarily Carroll and Jo Daviess Counties as well as portions of: Boone, DeKalb, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago. The tour will include stops at the Elizabeth Town Hall January 13th, Pearl City Library and Lena Library on Jan 15th, and Winnebago Library on Jan. 17th.

Information provided in this report has been obtained from area authorities, including but not limited to local police, fire and emergency dispatch officials. Information is sourced only from official sources of public information unless otherwise stated. Subjects listed who have been charged or cited for crimes have not been proven guilty in court and all acts are alleged.

01/06/2025

WLBK Local News: (For the detailed version, listen to 98.9 FM or 1360 AM).

Scammers are calling people in DeKalb County urging them to deposit money into an account. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office said scammers are calling citizens from the phone number 815-826-9542 and claiming to be Lt. Rood or Chief Burgh and asking for money to be deposited into a Bitcoin account regarding a "legal matter." A press release from the office says the grifters engage the victims in conversation for extended periods and threaten people with arrest if they don't comply. You are reminded that no Sheriff's Office employee will ever ask you for money or Bitcoin over the phone to resolve any legal matter.

If you live in western DeKalb County your State office holder is hosting a telephone townhall. Rep. Brad Fritts of Dixon and House Republican Leader Tony McCombie of Savanna will be hosting a joint event this evening beginning at 5:30. The town-hall will focus on the budget and ethics reform. Constituents will also be able to ask questions. Dial (217) 336-5711 to participate. If you have questions beforehand, you can call Leader McCombie’s office at (815) 291-8989.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture along with the University of Illinois Extension, is hosting Certified Livestock Manager Training. Two training options are being offered this year, seven in-person workshops and an online training, which will provide Illinois livestock producers the manure management training to adhere to requirements of the state's Livestock Management Facilities Act. On of the workshop dates is in DeKalb County. It's February 19th at the U of I Extension office in Sycamore.

An Earlville man and a Somonauk man are accused of burglarizing at least 6 storage lockers in Hinckley. The Hinckley Police Department says it responded to the 800 Block of East Lincoln Ave. on Jan. 2nd. Police say between December 28th and January 2nd, multiple storage units were breached and had items stolen out of them. At around 6:30 PM this past Thursday, a vehicle with two males entered the property. One male began breaking into a storage unit with a grinder and the other acted as a lookout. Police arrested 23-year-old Nicholas Remy of Somonauk and 34-year-old Robert Remy of Earlville. Police searched the home of Nicholas in Somonauk and recovered a motorcycle and other stolen property. Both men are charged with burglary, attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools. Robert was also cited for driving with a revoked license.

A man was cited after the car that he was hauling detached from the dolly and struck a fence. This happened Friday night just after 6:00 northwest of Sycamore. Deputies say a Honda pickup was hauling a Mini Cooper on a dolly when the driver, a 20-year-old from DeKalb turned south onto Five Points Road from North Grove Road. The Mini Cooper fell from the dolly during the turn. The driver was cited for an unsafe load.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is currently accepting applications for the this year's D-C-F-S Scholarship Program. Through the program, a minimum of 53 academic scholarships will be awarded to current and former youth in care for the upcoming school year, with four awards reserved for the children of veterans and two awards presented to students pursuing degrees in social work in honor of Pamela Knight and Deidre Silas, two DCFS caseworkers who were killed in the line of duty.

Jurors return today after an 18-day Christmas break at the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. The jury last reported to the Dirksen Federal Building on December 19th, when Madigan’s attorneys called Illinois Appellate Court Justice David Ellis to the witness stand. St. Xavier University Professor David Parker observed that Ellis went from being Madigan’s counsel to the appeals court bench in 2014.

A Mattoon man is being recognized as a hero for helping a driver escape a burning car. Anthony Crum was driving Nov. 6th, when he saw a car on fire on the side of the road. Crum said he thought the smoke-filled car was empty until he heard pounding on the windows. Crum grabbed a baseball bat from his car, smashed in a window, and pulled the driver out.

Information provided in this report has been obtained from area authorities, including but not limited to local police, fire and emergency dispatch officials. Information is sourced only from official sources of public information unless otherwise stated. Subjects listed who have been charged or cited for crimes have not been proven guilty in court and all acts are alleged.

01/03/2025

WLBK Local News: (For the entire version, listen to 98.9 FM or 1360 AM).

DeKalb city leaders held a meeting on New Year's Eve at the NIU Rec. Center to update tenants displaced by the Dec. 22nd fire. The fire occurred just after 5:00 PM at 1024 W. Hillcrest Dr. and 903 and 934 Greenbrier Rd. City Manager Bill Nicklas told residents that 1024 W. Hillcrest has been condemned and will be demolished due to a partial collapse. The Greenbrier Rd. buildings remain uninhabitable, with utility issues complicating efforts to restore them. He did say the structure at 930 is in the best shape of the three. Since all three buildings share utility connections through the basement of the building set for demolition, new lines will need to be installed. He said a timeline for when tenants can return will be clearer once those utilities are restored.

A DeKalb man was arrested after speeding early New Year's Day. The DeKalb County Sheriff's office reports deputies pulled over a 2013 Lexus at around 3:38 AM New Year's morning on Pleasant Street west of Peace Road. Deputies say the 75 year old was charged with driving at least 20 MPH over the limit and two counts of DUI. He was issued a notice to appear in court.

OSF Healthcare has announced a new masking requirement for all employees, patients and visitors. Officials cite an increase in respiratory illnesses like Wuhan virus, influenza and RSV as the reason. The health system is also allowing only two visitors per patient at a time.

The visitation for DeKalb landlord and developer Jim Mason is set for this evening a Christ Community Church in DeKalb from 4 till 7. The real estate magnate died on December 22nd. Local veteran Michael Embrey said he’ll be buried with full military honors. Mason brokered a talk show on WLBK. The funeral will be held tomorrow (Sat) morning at 11:00 AM at Christ Community Church in DeKalb. Jim Mason was 79.

The federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan will restart Monday. Madigan’s defense team began presenting its case December 19th. St. Xavier University Professor David Parker says that much of the material presented by prosecutors was introduced in previous trials.
Madigan was speaker of the Illinois House for more than 35 years.

The Midwest is about to become frigid. A large arctic air mass will descend on the state Friday and will drop temperatures into the single digits for many areas next week. Most of Illinois is not expected to get above freezing in the next couple of weeks. An incoming storm system is expected to bring an opportunity for accumulating snow Sunday and Monday, with southern Illinois expected to receive the brunt of the storm. In DeKalb, the high for tomorrow (Sat) is 20, with at wind chill of 5 below zero.

Workers in Illinois who provide personal care to family members are protected from employment discrimination based on family responsibilities as of Jan. 1. This means that Illinois employers cannot make recruitment, hiring, promotion, renewal of employment, training, discharge, discipline or other decisions regarding the conditions of employment... based on an employee or prospective employee’s actual or perceived provision of personal care for a family member. Illinois is now one of less than 10 states to provide employment protections for family caregivers.

Information provided in this report has been obtained from area authorities, including but not limited to local police, fire and emergency dispatch officials. Information is sourced only from official sources of public information unless otherwise stated. Subjects listed who have been charged or cited for crimes have not been proven guilty in court and all acts are alleged.