11/27/2024
WLBK Local News: (For the entire version, listen to 98.9 FM or 1360 AM).
DeKalb has a new TIF district. The DeKalb City Council approved a South Fourth Street Tax Increment Finance District this week. The 3 ordinances focus on the redevelopment of the area from Taylor Street along south 4th to the Tollway. 4th ward Alderman Greg Perkins supports the plan. He said the city hasn't addressed the dormant area in at least 50 years. According to the city, a TIF is an economic development tool that helps local governments improve historic districts, restore run-down and blighted areas, or jump-start economically challenged parts of town. Property tax money is collected into a special fund that the City can then invest back into the district under specific rules. Illinois TIF law allows a TIF district to exist for a maximum of 23 years. 7th Ward Alderman John Walker voted against the plan.
Illinois State Police agency completed its investigation on the officer-involved shooting that occurred at Brian Bemis Toyota on October 23. State’s Attorney Rick Amato has also completed a review and has concluded that the officers were justified in their use of force. Last month Police received numerous 9calls during the noon hour of an upset customer who was threatening people with two large knives. Before officers arrived, further statements from callers included information that the individual had broken windows and stabbed an employee. Officer Bollow and Chief Byrd were the first two DeKalb Police officers to arrive. Police encountered Charles Tripicchio, who had a large knife in each hand. Officer Bollow knew Tripicchio from prior calls. In the police cam footage, the male threw one of the knives at Officer Bollow, prompting both officers to fire their handguns at Tripicchio. Tripicchio then steps towards Chief Byrd, prompting officers to shoot again until he spun around and fell down. Tripicchio remains in medical care and is awaiting additional court hearings.
The DeKalb Fire Department announced its annual Red Wreath Program. On Thanksgiving Day, DeKalb firefighters will display wreaths with all red bulbs outside each fire station. If an emergency fire incident related to the season occurs, firefighters will replace a red bulb with a white bulb. This display will continue through January 1st. The department says the leading causes of holiday fires include cooking, candles, electrical short circuits in decorative lighting, and combustible holiday decorations. Chimney fires and heating appliances such as space heaters also are a risk. The goal is to keep the wreaths illuminated in red lights.
This year’s Thanksgiving fest will cost less than last year but will still be more expensive than before the pandemic. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s holiday meal for 10, which is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person. Tasha Bunting, the Director of the Commodity Programs with the Illinois Farm Bureau, says many staples are cheaper this year, including the turkey and fresh vegetables.
Traffic Lanes across several Illinois highways are reopening to allow for an influx in holiday traffic. The Illinois Department of Transportation announced non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 o’clock this afternoon through Sunday night at midnight. Millions of people across the state are expected to be hitting the road for Thanksgiving. Still, some construction closures will remain, but officials are hoping their adjustments will reduce traffic jams.
Jurors have heard the words “quid pro quo” from a cooperating witness at the bribery and racketeering trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Former 25th Ward Alderman Daniel Solis has a deferred prosecution agreement with the federal government for a bribery charge. In a recording from June 23, 2017, Solis told Madigan that Union West developers would likely work with Madigan’s private law firm. Madigan is charged with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct.
A free Community Thanksgiving Day Meal is scheduled for tomorrow from 11 till 2. St. John Lutheran Church is hosting the event. A traditional meal will be served in the multi-purpose room. There is no cost, however, donations will be accepted. You are also invited to join them for a worship service tonight at 7:00pm. The Church is on Brickville Road.
The iconic Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be making several stops in Illinois as part of its tour across the country. This year, the train began its U.S. tour Nov. 22nd in Maine before traveling to more than a dozen states. The train will made a stop in Pingree Grove this morning at 9 a.m., then moved onto Byron for a noon stop. The final Illinois stop will be in Gurnee on Dec. 7 at 5:15 p.m.
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.
