Illinois’ Governor says he is cooperating in the federal investigation into former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. J.B. Pritzker visited Northern Illinois University on Thursday to talk about lowering the cost of higher education, but he also addressed the indictment handed down against Michael Madigan oncharges of bribery and racketeering.
Madigan maintains his innocence. Pritzker says he answered questions from federal investigators and has not been accused himself of any wrongdoing.
In other news, Governor Pritzker announced Tuesdaythat the state’s health director is stepping down.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike is leaving her position after serving three years as the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Ezike was the first Black woman to be appointed to the position and previously worked in Cook County’s healthcare system for over 15 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Ezike delivered information about the virus, guidelines and vaccines in both English and Spanish. Ezike was known to be a calming figure during the early weeks and months of the pandemic. She addressed Illinoisans in an emotional speech Tuesday.
Ezike’s last day as the state’s top doctor will be March 14.
Entertainment
If you are a parent of a student in elementary or middle school who enjoys or is interested in making art, March 16 is the perfect opportunity for them to express their creativity at the Night Sky Watercolor program at Sycamore Library, where they can learn the steps to watercolor a night sky and a forest of pines.
All supplies are included and no previous art skills are needed. This event is hosted by Jenny from the local art studio “Bleu Palette” and is free. You can find the tickets to this event online.
If you’re looking to have some fun family time, April 10 is LEGO club day. Located at Sycamore Public Library, you can simply come in and enjoy a family LEGO building session. This event supplies LEGOs and is completely free.
On April 13 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. there will be “Sycamore Taste of Spring,” organized by “Discover Sycamore,” which will begin at Blumen Gardens. You can enjoy an evening of wine in Downtown Sycamore. At Blumen, you will receive your custom wine glass, tasting lanyard and the list of downtown businesses participating in the event. For more information you can visit dekalbcountycvb.com
Sports
The Sycamore girls basketball team recently placed second in state. The team fell just short of the state champion title. They were undefeated in the Interstate 8 conference this season.
Coach Adam Wickness says the team achieved their goals and played some great games.
"It can't just always be about the big goal," Wickness said. "Sometimes it has to be about the baby steps it takes to get to the big goal."
Wickness says a handful of senior players will be graduating this year.
The 2022 IHSA Boys Basketball Playoffs will be scheduled at 7:00 p.m on March 4. The two teams that will be playing are DeKalb High School and Larkin High School.
Weather
Temperatures have started to increase as we count down the days until spring.
Today is mostly cloudy with a high of 35. We’ll be experiencing some warmer temperatures in the 50s and 60s this weekend, but low temperatures will persist throughout next week. Along with those low temperatures, on Monday there is a 51% chance of snow. The rest of the week continues with partial sun and temperatures in the 50s.
Contributions by Kurt Bitting, Nanette Nkolomoni, Allyson White, Allison Formeller, and Amanda Woo