Community Corner

🌱 How NIU’s new Fermilab partnership could put DeKalb on the quantum map

And check out A Collector's Dream Auction - General Antiques - ONLINE ONLY on the DeKalb Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Greetings DeKalb! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How NIU’s new Fermilab partnership could put DeKalb on the quantum map
  • Which DeKalb groups just shared $10,000 to help vulnerable neighbors?
  • What did DeKalb council decide on the huge Project Vector data center?

Also on today's calendar: A Collector's Dream Auction - General Antiques - ONLINE ONLY and 7 more events.

Find out what's happening in DeKalbfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in DeKalbfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Cloudy and very cold, with a high of 23 and low of 13 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Very cold with a few flurries, temps: high: 23, low: -3.
  • Saturday: Frigid with snow and flurries, with a high of 3 and low of -11 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. NIU joins national quantum research effort led by Fermilab (niu.edu) — Northern Illinois University in DeKalb has become an official research partner in Fermilab’s Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center, backed by renewed federal funding. The move boosts NIU’s quantum research profile, supports graduate students, and could help make DeKalb a regional hub for quantum education and workforce development.
   

2. Projects that support underserved people in DeKalb County get grant boost (shawlocal.com) — New Promise Grants from the DeKalb County Community Foundation are sending $10,000 to six local groups serving underserved residents, including DeKalb Township families and DeKalb CUSD 428 staff. Funding will support mental health training, legal outreach, children’s medical care, hygiene supplies, senior letter-writing, and a belonging-focused neighborhood program across DeKalb County.
   

3. DeKalb City Council approves development of Project Vector (northernstar.info) — DeKalb’s City Council has unanimously approved further development of the massive Project Vector data center on 560 acres in DeKalb County, following hours of resident testimony about noise, light, and environmental impacts. Supporters highlighted prior benefits from Meta’s data center and assurances about water and electricity use, while wildlife advocates and nearby neighbors urged officials not to overlook impacts on animals and residential quality of life.
   

4. FOIA request sent to DeKalb County regarding newly executed contracts on December 10, 2025 (dekalbtimes.com) — A recent FOIA request from the DeKalb Times seeks copies of all DeKalb County government contracts and amendments signed in early 2025 for public works, IT, and professional services. The paper, working with a transparency-focused nonprofit, is asking for electronic records and a fee waiver, and promises continued coverage so residents can better understand how county money is being spent.
   

5. Looking Back for Dec. 10, 2025 (shawlocal.com) — A century of DeKalb life comes into focus through snapshots of local history, from a 1925 night school at Ellwood School to mid-century snowstorms, airport mishaps, and evolving speed limits. The piece also recalls DeKalb’s bustling Sycamore Road retail growth and even a stubborn horse at a village blacksmith, offering residents a nostalgic look at how their community has changed.
   

📸 Around DeKalb

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🗓 Upcoming Events in DeKalb

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📣 DeKalb Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday December 11
  • Sycamore Outreach
    Sycamore Public Library , 103 E State St , Sycamore
    1:00 pm
    • Friday December 12
  • A Wonderful Life - Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson, WI
    DeKalb County Farm Bureau , 1350 W Prairie Dr , Sycamore
  • ROE 16 Technology Roundtable
    DeKalb County Regional Office of Education , 2500 N Annie Glidden Rd Suite C , DeKalb
    12:30 pm
  • Cookies with Santa
    Sycamore Park District , 480 Airport Rd , Sycamore
    4:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Ryder System posted a job opening for Forklift Operator Material Handler in Dekalb. Apply here.
  • Northern Illinois University posted a job opening for English Instructor (Creating a Pool for Anticipated Openings) (21528) in Dekalb. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near DeKalb here.

Ok DeKalb! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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