LOCAL NEWS – THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21st 2019
Jim Leach
The Sycamore City Council appeared to be in favor of maintaining the current city tax levy, which would decrease the tax rate for property owners. According to the Daily Chronicle, the council debated three options at this week’s meeting, and the one favored reduces the taxes a resident would pay by a few cents for the city portion of their bill. Mayor Curt Lang agreed with the alderman, saying the option is best for residents. The first reading of that option will be Dec. 2, and if approved, action would be taken on Dec. 16.
DeKalb school board members were divided on whether or not to approve a welcoming resolution that ensures immigration status of students won’t be disclosed to federal officers. The board took up the matter at Tuesday night’s meeting, but will not vote on the matter until December 3. According to the Daily Chronicle, Superintendent Jamie Craven said the district is already prohibited by state and federal law from disclosing such information, but was approached by members of an immigration advocacy group in August to approve a resolution. Two board members didn’t think a resolution was necessary, while others are in favor of adopting such a resolution.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County will host a mandatory orientation meeting for those interested in occupying a Habitat built home at 7 p.m. December 5 at the Habitat office, located across the street from the McDonald’s in Sycamore. Those interested in a Habitat home must be US residents who need adequate housing, be able to pay a mortgage, and be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County. At the meeting, staff will explain the requirements to become a partner family and applications will be available. The organization is planning to start building its next home in spring 2020.
A DeKalb man has been charged with unauthorized videotaping, recording or live transmission after police found photos of two underage girls on his phone. According to the Daily Chronicle, 35-year-old Matthew Powell was arrested at his home on Monday. The Chronicle reports that police investigated a report made in August, and found several videos and photos focused on the girls’ bodies. Powell admitted to taking the images in an interview with police. He could face 5 years in jail if convicted.