Megann Horstead

Oswego

News Reporter at Daily Chronicle

News Reporter for @Daily_Chronicle - Shaw Local | @NorthCentralCol Alum | Beginning Guitarist | Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Articles

Where to celebrate Pride in DeKalb County

6 days ago | shawlocal.com | Megann Horstead

DeKALB – Pride Month is almost here, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate if you live in the DeKalb area. The festivities kick off May 30 with Pride Palooza, a new event put on by Youth Outlook and Family Service Agency’s School-Based Services and Youth Programming. But the party doesn’t stop there. There’s marches, festivals, variety shows, drag shows, special film screenings and more.
‘My tragedy is their triumph’: 5 years on, DeKalb mother of slain son Ezra Hill Jr. finds solace in community

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Megann Horstead

DeKALB – Every year, when school lets out for spring break, it is a painful reminder for Andrea Elion. It comes as a moment of loss because her son, Ezra Hill Jr., was killed in a 2019 shooting. “He passed in March, spring break,” Elion said. “It was probably like the second day of spring break. I do struggle with [it] every year because I teach in DeKalb.
Organizers say DeKalb Pride Palooza showcases strengths of diversity: ‘We’re stronger with numbers’

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Megann Horstead

DeKALB – Union resident Zoe Whetham said celebrating Pride remains just as important in 2025 as it was in 1969 at the onset of the Stonewall Riots. The riots gave birth to what ultimately became the Gay Rights Movement. “We’re stronger with numbers,” Whetham said. “If we start [dialing] back and we stop celebrating, we’re in a worse position than we were before because we’re not uniting.
Pride Palooza coming to DeKalb

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Megann Horstead

DeKALB – It’s almost summertime, and school’s out of session. The organizers behind a new family-friendly event are looking to kick off Pride Month, which is usually observed every year in June. Youth Outlook and Family Service Agency’s School-Based Services and Youth Programming are teaming up to host the inaugural Pride Palooza. It all takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday at Bethlehelm Lutheran Church, 1915 N. First St., DeKalb.
Proposed edible tasting room for DeKalb dispensary gets early support

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Megann Horstead

DeKALB – Got bud? The city of DeKalb wants to help one local dispensary in making that pitch to consumers easier to act on. DeKalb city leaders moved one step closer this week to allowing Excelleaf Dispensary, 305 E. Locust St., to open what its founders are calling a “tasting room.” No decision was made on the proposal, but consensus was reached for city staff to bring an ordinance back for consideration at a later date.
A’Jah Davis continues to score in life, helping next generation of hoopers

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Megann Horstead

DeKALB – A’Jah Davis once believed that following her hoop dreams meant going overseas to play basketball. That was until this past fall when the DeKalb native decided to come back home. Davis, a standout NIU women’s basketball star and lifelong DeKalb resident, said she started to realize it was time for a homecoming. “I played a season, and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Davis said.
DeKalb School District 428 details new guidelines for conference travel

2 weeks ago | shawlocal.com | Megann Horstead

DeKALB – The DeKalb School District 428 Board outlined new guidelines for professional development conference travel amid questions from two new board members over protocol. One of the trips, meant for professional development, according to the district, already had been authorized by the previous school board. When it came time to authorize payments, two newly elected officials spoke up.
DeKalb County health officials give tips on avoid tick-borne illness this season

2 weeks ago | shawlocal.com | Megann Horstead

DeKALB – The DeKalb County Health Department is backing a monthlong awareness campaign in June to help the community stave off ticks and protect themselves from Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a typically contracted from the bite of infected ticks. More than 500,000 people diagnosed and treated each year, according to local health officials.
DeKalb Park Board seats new members

2 weeks ago | shawlocal.com | Megann Horstead

DeKALB – DeKalb Park Board of Commissioners this month added three new members, swearing in Dean Bourdages, Tia Anderson, and Michelle Foster. The new commissioners won election in April, beating out two incumbents, Dag Grada and Doug Eaton, for the seats. Also at the meeting, those in leadership positions underwent reorganization, with the election of board officers.
DeKalb District 428 mulls ways to entice more substitute teachers

2 weeks ago | shawlocal.com | Megann Horstead

DeKALB – To help keep pace with neighboring districts, DeKalb School District 428 is considering increasing pay and benefits for substitute teachers for the 2025-26 school year. Deetra Sallis, the district’s director of human resources, briefed the school board on the matter as an annual request. If approved, the increase would go to subs who are employed annually by the district. “We have some really great, invaluable people in those roles, but we’re seeing it be very transient,” Sallis said.