Local News

DeKALB – Jenna Dooley, reporter and morning show producer at WNIJ 89.5 FM, was named “Newsfinder of the Year” by Illinois Associated Press. The award winner is chosen by Illinois AP staff and recognizes one reporter for outstanding cooperation with the news service. AP depends on its members to share news of state-wide interest.

SYCAMORE – The Kishwaukee Family YMCA has hired Lesley Webster as the new aquatics director. She brings more than eight years of experience in aquatics programs and leadership. Webster comes from Two Rivers YMCA, where her responsibilities included conducting ongoing training, safety adherence, member engagement, instructing swim lessons and water fitness classes for children, adults and seniors and parent/tot programs.

DeKALB – On April 23, the mayor of Rockton, a small town 12 miles north of Rockford, met with Northern Illinois University College of Business MBA Fast-Trak students. Mayor Dale Adams offered the MBA students a big new assignment: “Help us promote our village.”

DeKALB – The 3M Foundation donated $250 to Children’s Learning Center in DeKalb in recognition of Jeff Lizer’s commitment to the community. Lizer has donated more than 50 hours to CLC as a volunteer. He has constructed three benches for the day care center’s playground – donating most of the materials – helped secure donations for the center’s 2012 Family Fun Night, and worked to prepare, set up and assist at the 2012 CLC Family Picnic.

DeKALB – Kishwaukee Community Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology. CT scanning, sometimes called CAT scanning, is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions.

KIRKLAND – Hiawatha CUSD 426 eighth graders Madeline Dashney and Braden Watson were recognized at the 13th Annual Student Leadership Breakfast hosted by the Illinois Principal’s Association April 17.

SYCAMORE – Barns and quilts are not something that most people associate with each other. However, there are a few quilt blocks displayed on the sides of barns in DeKalb County. In Greene County, Wis., barn quilts have become so popular they are a tourist attraction. Kris Winkler and Lynn Lokken will talk about their role in this project during the Sycamore History Museum’s program “Barn Quilts” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 8.

DeKALB – Fifty-two local preschoolers will receive personalized bookcases and starter libraries on Saturday, May 4, at the DeKalb-Sycamore Bookcase Project’s second annual awards ceremony.

GENOA – The city of Genoa won the Best Operated Wastewater Treatment Works award from the Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators.

DeKALB – The Lincoln Highway turns 100 years old in 2013. To celebrate, the Illinois Chapter of the Lincoln Highway Association has several activities planned along the Lincoln Highway the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19.

DeKALB – Jon Lehuta doesn't think he's anyone special.

DeKALB – Comic-book enthusiasts love the first Saturday in May.

DeKALB – The Northern Illinois University School of Music presents the spring concert “Broadway Dreams,” featuring the NIU Concert Choir, the University Chorus and guest artist Melissa Dye, on Sunday, April 28. The concert will feature a variety of Broadway show stoppers from “Rent,” “Les Miserables,” “West Side Story,”“Show Boat” and many more.

DeKALB — April 25 through 28, Northern Illinois University School of Theatre and Dance will present a dance concert that demonstrates how dance has changed over time.