Northern Star
DeKALB – Mayor Cohen Barnes was sworn into office Monday to begin his term as mayor with hopes of working with council members to continue the “momentum” within the city.
“I really look forward to working with this team, this council in order to continue the momentum that we have going on in DeKalb to make sure that we realize the beauty, the wonder and – what I believe – the greatness that this community has, and I will during my four years, always compassionately be proud of DeKalb,” Barnes said.
Barnes, along with Second Ward Alderperson Barb Larson and City Clerk Sasha Cohen, were all sworn in as new city leaders at Monday’s City Council meeting. Fourth Ward Alderperson Greg Perkins and Sixth Ward Alderperson Mike Verbic were also sworn in for an additional term.
Smith recounts COVID-19 vaccine experience
DeKALB – Mayor Jerry Smith announced Monday that he received the COVID-19 vaccine Thursday at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital.
Smith said during a City Council meeting he was notified Jan. 29 that he could receive his vaccine through Northwestern Hospital and received the shot Thursday. Smith said he was notified again Monday for his second dose.
“I think the system is working although many would consider it sort of a catch-as-catch-can kind of scenario with the folks who are waiting for their vaccines,” Smith said.
DeKalb County has administered 9,439 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and 2,348 residents are fully vaccinated, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Smith addresses COVID-19, social justice in State of the City
DeKALB – Mayor Jerry Smith reflected on the “great momentum” building in DeKalb at his last State of the City address Monday following a year of COVID-19, social justice reform and economic development.
“I’d like to report that the state of our city is good,” Smith said. “We certainly have challenges, especially in the public safety and the housing arenas, but the momentum is evident. I know it. I feel it.”
During Smith’s annual State of the City address, he reflected on how COVID-19 has impacted the community, social justice efforts being implemented in DeKalb and economic development projects such as the incoming Facebook data center.
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