Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Sam Buckner
Evangel Football Set to Kick Off 2021 Campaign Saturday at Clarke
Posted: Aug 25, 2021 Evangel (0-0) at Clarke Pride (0-0) Date: Aug. 28 | 1:00 p.m. Location: Dubuque, Iowa | Dalzell Field (3,500) Watch: Heart Network Live Stats: ClarkePride.com Game Notes: Evangel | Clarke Twitter: @Evangel_FB | @EU_Athletics SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Evangel (0-0, 0-0) will open its 45th season of varsity football Saturday (Aug. 28), when it meets the Clarke Pride (0-0, 0-0) for a 1 p.m. contest at Dalzell Field in Dubuque, Iowa.
Buckner Named Heart Conference Offensive Player of the Week
Posted: Oct 12, 2020 KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After helping Evangel rack up 517 yards of total offense and its first victory of the 2020 season Saturday, senior wide receiver Sam Buckner has been honored as the Big Game Heart Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
Evangel Football Falls at Culver-Stockton to Open Season
Posted: Sep 19, 2020 The Basics Score: Culver-Stockton 34, Evangel 17 | Box Score Records: Evangel (0-1, 0-1), Culver-Stockton (1-0, 1-0) Location: Canton, Mo. | Poulton Stadium CANTON, Mo. – The Evangel football team opened its long-awaited 2020 season Saturday with a 34-17 loss to Culver-Stockton, as the Wildcats scored 18 unanswered fourth-quarter points to topple the Crusaders for the first time in six years.
DeKalb County executive committee to urge full board to spurn DeKalb's TIF accord
Sam Buckner for Shaw Media Caption Jeff Whelan (center) talks about city of DeKalb's proposed TIF district with other members of the DeKalb County Executive Committee on Wednesday at the DeKalb County Community Outreach Building in DeKalb. Sam Buckner for Shaw Media Caption DeKalb County Board Chairman Mark Pietrowski Jr. explains how a forensic audit on the city of DeKalb's proposed TIF district would be beneficial Wednesday in DeKalb.
DeKalb city attorney's role questioned
DeKALB – The interim city manager said Tuesday that ultimately, the decision to condemn Lord Stanley’s, Common Grounds and Lord Stanley’s Annex earlier this month was made by the city’s chief building official, Thaddeus Mack. DeKalb resident Michael Haji-Sheikh is among the residents who have complained about how the situation was handled, particularly that City Attorney Dean Frieders was at the center of it. Haji-Sheikh said he was confused by Frieders being present for property inspections.
St. Mary's first-graders rally around classmate diagnosed with leukemia
DeKALB – Marissa Dobie said the outpouring of love and support from St. Mary Catholic School in DeKalb and the community has been overwhelming after her son Jake’s leukemia diagnosis last year. From the gifts and cards to the donated meals to a signed photo and letter from Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, every little thing has meant so much, she said.
SundogIT named as DeKalb Chamber's Business of the Year
DeKALB – Last year was a year of big change for SundogIT. In March, it was granted approval to renovate and relocate into the former Moxie building at 230 E. Lincoln Highway, and it now is fully operational at its new office. This expansion was recognized by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, as it named the company 2017’s Business of the Year during Thursday’s annual Chamber dinner.
SundogIT named DeKalb Chamber's 2017 Business of the Year
DeKALB – Last year was a year of big change for SundogIT. In March, it was granted approval to renovate and relocate into the former Moxie building at 230 E. Lincoln Highway, and it now is fully operational at its new office. This expansion was recognized by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, as it named the company 2017’s Business of the Year during Thursday’s annual Chamber dinner.
SundogIT named DeKalb Chamber's 2017 Business of the Year
DeKALB – Last year was a year of big change for SundogIT. In March, it was granted approval to renovate and relocate into the former Moxie building at 230 E. Lincoln Highway, and it now is fully operational at its new office. This expansion was recognized by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, as it named the company 2017’s Business of the Year during Thursday’s annual Chamber dinner.
DeKalb government bodies update sexual harassment policies
DeKALB – With the rise of the national #MeToo movement, the City of DeKalb continues to stress the importance of sexual harassment prevention and education. DeKalb recently made minor changes to its sexual harassment policy to coincide with a new state law. The city's human resources director, Cris Randall, said the city’s policy was already largely compliant with the law.
Trial set for Sandwich man accused of attempted murder
DeKALB – A Sandwich man charged with attempted murder after a July 2 shooting in Sandwich is set to go to trial next month. Carl R. Russell, 44, of the 1100 block of Lillian Lane, wore a stern look on his face Wednesday morning in DeKalb County court, as his Sycamore-based lawyer, Brian Wright, asked Judge Robin Stuckert for a speedy trial. Stuckert ruled for a motion cutoff Feb. 20 – Russell’s next court date – with a jury trial set to begin March 19.
DeKalb City Council approves 2-cent fuel tax increase
DeKALB – A 2-cent increase to the city’s motor fuel tax to provide more revenue for street maintenance was seen a small sacrifice to the DeKalb City Council as it authorized the measure during Monday’s meeting. With the increase, gas tax revenues are anticipated to generate an additional $300,000 this fiscal year once it becomes effective March 1. The ordinance was approved by a 6-1 vote with 6th Ward Alderman Mike Verbic voting no.
DeKalb City Council approves $1.5 million deficit budget for fiscal 2018
DeKALB – After multiple special meetings and numerous revisions, the DeKalb City Council was handed a fiscal 2018 budget with a $1.5 million deficit, which was passed by a 6-2 vote Monday. The budget has $92.2 million in revenue and $93.7 million in expenditures, a reduction of about $582,000 in revenues and a reduction of about $1.3 million in expenditures from the original budget plan introduced in October.
NIU Board of Trustees re-approves former President Doug Baker's $600K severance package
DeKALB – The $600,000 severance package awarded to former Northern Illinois University President Doug Baker, which was invalidated by a judge last month, was re-approved by the NIU Board of Trustees during its Thursday meeting. The original contract, which trustees approved June 15, was declared null and void by DeKalb County Judge Bradley Waller.
NIU Board of Trustees again approves former President Doug Baker's $600K severance package
DeKALB – The $600,000 severance package awarded to former Northern Illinois University President Doug Baker, which was invalidated by a judge last month, was re-approved by the NIU Board of Trustees during its Thursday meeting. The original contract, which trustees approved June 15, was declared null and void by DeKalb County Judge Bradley Waller.
NIU Board of Trustees again approves former President Doug Baker's $600K severance package
DeKALB – The $600,000 severance package awarded to former Northern Illinois University President Doug Baker, which was invalidated by a judge last month, was re-approved by the NIU Board of Trustees during its Thursday meeting. The original contract, which trustees approved June 15, was declared null and void by DeKalb County Judge Bradley Waller.
Sycamore’s homecoming parade gets rolling
SYCAMORE – Rows of golf carts lined the gymnasium at the Sycamore Armory. There was a bustle of activity as students decorated golf carts, 40 in all, before the Sycamore High School homecoming parade Wednesday evening through downtown. This marks the 18th year the school has decorated golf carts for the parade, eliminating the need to build floats, teacher Leah Koehne said. “It used to be the [homecoming court] candidates rode in the parade in convertibles,” she said.
New route for DeKalb homecoming parade
DeKALB – The homecoming parade is taking a different route this year. The annual celebration of Barbs pride will be staged on McCormick Street and step off at 5:30 p.m., heading north on First Street toward West Dresser Road. It will turn left on West Dresser and end in the back parking lot of DeKalb High School. A chili dinner sponsored by the high school marching band will happen after the parade, and it will be followed by a coronation and pep rally, and then the powder puff game.
4 escape Genoa house fire; cause being investigated
GENOA – They call them man’s best friends for a reason. Two dogs alerted their owners, allowing four people to escape their house unscathed after the attached garage caught fire Thursday night on Oak Drive. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and 10 fire departments were called about 7 p.m. to the scene at 29790 Oak Drive, where the garage was engulfed in flames, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
No one hurt in Genoa garage fire
GENOA – Four people got out of a house safely Thursday night on Oak Drive after the attached garage was engulfed by fire, according to a news release from the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office responded about 7:49 p.m., according to the release, although a dispatcher's report of the fire was heard on the police scanner about 7.
Pink Heals fire truck stops in Sycamore to lift girl's spirits
SYCAMORE – Whoever said fire trucks are just for boys has never taken a ride on Leslie.
No trial date set for DeKalb pastor facing child porn possession charges
SYCAMORE – A DeKalb pastor’s new lawyer has been granted more time to review his client’s child pornography possession case before a trial date will be set. Bob Motta of Aurora-based Motta & Motta LLC appeared in court Wednesday for the first time with Corey Butler, the 36-year-old pastor of Jesus Is The Way Christian Center in DeKalb, and told Chief Judge Robbin Stuckert he needs time to go over discovery he had just received.
Sandwich man pleads not guilty to attempted murder charge
SYCAMORE – Minutes after hearing Carl R. Russell plead not guilty Wednesday to shooting Eric Peterson in his eye, Peterson’s best friend asked a simple question: Why do this to my little brother? “We’ve been best friends since I was 14,” said Blake Caldwell, 26, “and out of our group of friends, he was the kid brother, the youngest.
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce hosts Family Fun Fest
Sam Buckner for Shaw MediaCaptionSam Buckner for Shaw Media Landon Schindewolf, 8, uses a bubble wand Tuesday during Family Fun Fest at Hopkins Park in DeKalb.Sam Buckner for Shaw MediaCaptionSam Buckner for Shaw Media Luke Duffy (left), 8, and J.T. Duffy, 11, practice skateboarding at the Fargo Skateboarding booth Tuesday at Family Fun Fest at Hopkins Park in DeKalb.Sam Buckner for Shaw MediaCaptionSam Buckner for Shaw Media James Davani, 3, touches a plow on a road grader with his...
Planning committee to hear Whiskey Acres proposal, Evergreen Village land transfer
Special-use permit requests for Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. and a roadside pumpkin stand, along with plans for a future forest preserve near Sycamore, will come before the DeKalb County Planning and Zoning Committee on Wednesday. Jamie Walter, president and CEO of the Whiskey Acres estate distillery at 11504 Keslinger Road in Afton Township, is proposing to build a 4,000-square-foot visitors center on the property with space for a tasting room, a break room for staff, offices, and storage.
DeKalb County planning committee to hear Whiskey Acres proposal, Evergreen Village land transfer
Special use permit requests for Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. and a roadside pumpkin stand, along with plans for a future forest preserve near Sycamore, will come before the DeKalb County Planning and Zoning Committee on Wednesday. Jamie Walter, president and CEO of the Whiskey Acres estate distillery at 11504 Keslinger Road in Afton Township, is proposing to build a 4,000-square-foot visitors center on the property with space for a tasting room, a break room for staff, offices and storage.
A gorgeous day for Family Fun Fest
SectionsMoreMarket Place Digital Access Access daily-chronicle.com from all your digital devices and receive breaking news and updates from around the area. Home Delivery Local news, prep sports, Chicago sports, local and regional entertainment, business, home and lifestyle, food, classified and more! Text Alerts Choose your news! Select the text alerts you want to receive: breaking news, prep sports scores, school closings, weather, and more.
Genoa man reflects on DUI crash: 'I'm a survivor'
SYCAMORE – North and south, Russell Runge drove his Prius back and forth, looking for semis as he tried to work up the gumption to kill himself on Route 23, alongside his parents' farm. The 72-year-old Genoa man said he had about a half a bottle of vodka down that morning, May 20, 2014, a dangerous mix with tranquilizers and antidepressants he'd been prescribed. Every time a semitrailer drove toward him, he'd veer toward it a little bit.
Classic cars, bikes ready to roll
SYCAMORE – Downtown Sycamore soon will be bustling with muscle, style and steel when more than 1,000 cars and motorcycles roll into town Sunday for the 18th annual Fizz Ehrler Memorial Turning Back Time Car Show. “We don’t want to live in the past, but we don’t want to forget it,” car show board member Mike Tritle said. “Because if we forget it, we tend to repeat it.” Gates open at 6 a.m., with registration from 7 a.m. to noon.
Classic cars, bikes ready to roll into downtown Sycamore
SYCAMORE – Downtown Sycamore will soon be bustling with muscle, style and steel when more than 1,000 cars and motorcycles roll into town Sunday for the 18th annual Fizz Ehrler Memorial Turning Back Time Car Show. “We don’t want to live in the past, but we don’t want to forget it,” event board member Mike Tritle said. “Because if we forget it, we tend to repeat it.” Gates open at 6 a.m., with registration from 7 a.m. to noon.
DeKalb's Planning and Zoning Commission recommends downtown development project
DeKALB – A rezoning request that would allow for a second luxury apartment building to be built in downtown DeKalb was recommended to the City Council on Wednesday amid concerns from area stakeholders who questioned the project’s effect on neighboring businesses. The estimated $6 million project was proposed by John Pappas, the principal developer of the $7.5 million Cornerstone apartment project, and would require the renovation or demolition of properties at 124 N.
Lidia Juarez's legacy: compassion, service, humor
SYCAMORE – Only two days after a family tragedy that would leave many people shattered, Santana and Zoey Juarez volunteered as altar servers at the Church of St. Mary in Sycamore. It had been less than 48 hours since their mother, Lidia Juarez, 37, was killed by their father, Antonio Juarez, in the parking lot at the Illinois Department of Human Services in Sycamore, where she worked as a caseworker. Antonio was killed hours later in a shootout with police in Lyons, Illinois State Police said.
Whiskey Acres proposes new visitors center
DeKALB – Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., as the only distillery in DeKalb County and the first of its kind in Illinois, draws patrons from far and wide who want a taste of bourbon, vodka or whiskey distilled from “seed to spirit” on the 2,000-acre farm. Connoisseurs and curious drinkers alike could soon have a brand new facility in which to taste their favorite beverages.
Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. proposes new visitors center
DeKALB – Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., as the only distillery in DeKalb County and the first of its kind in Illinois, draws patrons from far and wide who want a taste of bourbon, vodka or whiskey distilled from “seed to spirit” on the 2,000-acre farm. Connoisseurs and curious drinkers alike soon could have a brand-new facility in which to taste their favorite beverages.
DeKalb Municipal Band gets season in swing
Sam Buckner for Shaw MediaCaptionSam Buckner for Shaw Media DeKalb Municipal Band director Kirk Lundbeck conducts the band during its first performance of the season Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Hopkins Park. The band plays every Tuesday at 8 p.m.Sam Buckner for Shaw MediaCaptionSam Buckner for Shaw Media Anne Sobol of Heritage Woods looks through binoculars at the performance on Tuesday, June 13, 2017.
DeKalb High School graduates acknowledge fellow classmates who lost their lives
DeKALB – Three chairs, almost empty, anything but forgotten. When the 400-plus members of DeKalb High School’s Class of 2017 graduated Saturday at Northern Illinois University’s Convocation Center, three names were called for should-have-been graduates who didn’t get the chance to march. Johnathon Ode, Calvin Henry and Moises Cervantes all died before their projected graduation day.
Sycamore High School seniors say goodbye at commencement
Graduate Julianna Koch lined up with her classmates in the hallways of Sycamore High School before the ceremony Sunday. Koch said she was feeling several emotions at once about graduation, and she said she never thought this day would come. “Four years ago, I was just transferring back from private school, home-school [and] back to public school, and I never thought I would actually kind of get to this point with everything that went on familywise,” Koch said.
DeKalb High School graduates acknowledge fellow classmates who lost their lives
DeKALB – Three chairs, almost empty, anything but forgotten. When the 400-plus members of DeKalb High School’s Class of 2017 graduated Saturday at Northern Illinois University’s Convocation Center, three names were called for should-have-been graduates who didn’t get the chance to march. Johnathon Ode, Calvin Henry and Moises Cervantes all died before their projected graduation day.
DeKalb grads acknowledge those lost
DeKALB – Three chairs, almost empty, anything but forgotten. When the DeKalb High School Class of 2017 graduated Saturday at Northern Illinois University's Convocation Center on Saturday, three names were called for should-have-been graduates who didn't get the chance to march. Johnathon Ode, Calvin Henry and Moises Cervantes all died before their projected graduation day.
Sycamore High School seniors say goodbye at commencement
Graduate Julianna Koch lined up with her classmates in the hallways of Sycamore High School before the ceremony Sunday. Koch said she was feeling several emotions all at once about graduation, and she said she never thought this day would come. “Four years ago, I was just transferring back from private school, home-school [and] back to public school, and I never thought I would actually kind of get to this point with everything that went on familywise,” Koch said.
DeKalb celebrates Memorial Day with parade, program
DeKALB – Although having never served in the armed forces, Mark Frank of DeKalb said he comes from generations of military veterans dating as far back as the American Revolution. To honor that sense of service, Frank and his three children were among the numerous spectators at DeKalb's Memorial Day Parade on Monday. "We just wanted to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our liberties," Frank said.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Sam
Contact Sam, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack