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Looking Back

By Arline Adamsick The Manteno News: December 12, 1974 “Christmas Greetings from the 1910 Era Revive Memories” “Christmas greetings were once sent on postcards and pictured above are three fine examples from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Williams. These cards, postmarked 1910 and 1911, are typical of the colorful cards of that era.…

It looks like Santa had a visitor at his cozy little house in Manteno. –Photo by Dan and Diane Gerber.

Christmas in Manteno

Manteno certainly was buzzing on Saturday, December 7, as the Village of Manteno, Manteno Chamber of Commerce, and the Community Arts Council of Kankakee County, celebrated the Christmas Season with Christmas in Manteno at the Square on Second. The well attended event had plenty for everyone, including a business walk, food, entertainment, sleigh rides, a…

MHS's tapestry sofa throws make great Christmas gifts. Get yours now! –Photo submitted.

MHS Selling Last of Tapestry Sofa Throws; On Sale Now!

Christmas Sale! Ten color-woven tapestry sofa throws, a forever heirloom, are available from the Manteno Historical Society. Valued at $75, they normally are $60, but are on sale this Christmas for only $50. Don’t wait, there are only 10 left. They will make great Christmas gifts. Call Jeff Jarvis at 815-933-2055.

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Basketball Highlights

Beecher: On Tuesday, December 3, the Beecher Bobcats faced conference foe Gardner-South Wilmington and brought home a victory on the day, winning 60-51. The Bobcats led at the end of each quarter, despite the Panthers outscoring them 18-14 at the end of two, and 16-15 by the end of the third. The Bobcats put the…

Panthers Lila Prindeville and Maddie Gesky led the Panthers to victory. –Photo by Jim Piacentini.

Lady Panthers Top Wilmington, 27-17

On Thursday, November 5, in a home conference contest, the Panther girls’ basketball team started off tough against the Wilmington Wildcats and had an 11-point lead, 20-9, at the half. The Wildcats fought back but to no avail, only outscoring the Panthers by one, 8-7, in the second half. The Panthers took the game, 27-17.…

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Unions Announce Labor Alliance for Public Transit

Coalition is first of its kind, cross-sector group uniting more than 30 unions. The Illinois AFL-CIO and Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) have announced the launch of the Labor Alliance for Public Transit, an historic, first of its kind coalition with more than 30 local unions working in tandem to preserve and expand access to…

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MFPD Responds to Peotone Barn Fire

On Monday, December 2, at approximately 6:50 p.m., the Manhattan Fire Protection District (MFPD) was dispatched to a reported fully involved barn fire in the 4000 block of Church Road in Peotone. The first units arrived on scene within five minutes of the initial call for service. Fire crews reported heavy smoke and flames showing…

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Six Money Moves to Make in December

The Illinois CPA Society offers six year-end money moves to make to create some tax-time savings. Before getting bogged down by the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the hunt for perfect gifts to give your loved ones, show yourself some love by gifting yourself a tax break. With the end of the…

Panther Lila Prindeville helped lead the Panthers to victory. –Photo by Jim Piacentini.

Lady Panthers Beat Blue Devils, 46-31

Tuesday, December 2, started off rough for the Lady Blue Devils, as they faced the Manteno Panthers in conference competition on the road. It seemed they couldn’t even buy a basket in the first quarter, and the Panthers led 12-0 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Lady Blue Devils…

Beecher Elementary School celebrated their Exemplary School Designation recently. In order to receive this award, the State of Illinois looks at different areas including ELA and math proficiency and growth, science proficiency, and absenteeism. BES ranked in the top 10 percent of all schools in this area. The district could not be prouder of the staff and students!! –Photo submitted.

Congratulations, BES!

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Recycling Wind Turbine Blades: A Farmer’s Ingenuity

By Tod Bowman Wind turbine blades play a crucial part in clean energy generation, but their disposal poses a growing challenge. Luckily, innovative solutions provide new ways to keep them out of landfills. As the wind industry grows, there is an increasing need for replacement of older wind turbine blades with larger, more efficient ones.…

It's looking a lot like Christmas at the Park Forest House Museum. –Photo submitted.

‘Step Back into 1950s’ Holidays at Park Forest House Museum

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, invites you to “Step Back into a 1950s Christmas,” from December 4 through January 4. A museum visit provides a wonderful inter-generational experience. Bring the kids, grandkids, and grandparents. Operated by the Park Forest Historical Society, the museum is…

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Beecher Community Library News

Call the library at 708-946-9090 for programs that require registration. Youth Services A new hot chocolate take-and-make craft is available. Pick-up during library hours. Christmas Card Making: Kids can make a Christmas card at the library and mail it off. Drop in anytime. Elf on a Bookshelf: Children can find Libby the Elf in the…

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College News

Carthage College recognized Dane Hagen as a student government leader. Hagen, from New Lenox, is serving as Sophomore Senator for Carthage College’s Student Government during the 2024-’25 academic year. Student Government gives students the responsibility to work with administration and faculty to ensure a high quality of life for all students, academically and socially.

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Letter to the Ed.: Rizzo

Dear Editor: I recently attended the Republican Caucus for Green Garden Township. There was a challenge to the incumbents who were seeking the nomination for township offices. The challengers were successful. Congratulations and thank you for offering your time to serve as Green Garden Township officials, if elected this coming spring. The issue that seemed…

Annette Parker recently was sworn-in as Will County Clerk. –Photo submitted.

Parker Sworn-In as Will County Clerk

Newly-elected Will County Clerk Annette Parker was sworn in and took office earlier this week. County Clerk Parker, a Republican, won the November 5 General Election. She was sworn in by Will County Judge Art Smigielski on Monday, December 2, and immediately assumed the duties of the County Clerk during a lengthy meeting involving the…

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IPPA Donates Pork to Fight Hunger

As part of the Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois campaign, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has donated more than one million pounds of pork to food banks since 2008. By donating recently to the Midwest Food Bank, the IPPA now is closer to its goal of 100,000 pounds available for families…

DCFS Director Marc Smith answers questions during a House committee virtual hearing on Friday. Smith was questioned about child deaths, DCFS worker safety and inappropriate placements of DCFS wards during the 3-plus-hour meeting. (Credit: blueroomstream.com)
Legislators Question DCFS Director on Contempt Citations, Child Deaths, Employee Safety
Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie outlines a package of proposed constitutional amendments during a virtual news conference Tuesday. (Credit: Blueroomstream.com)
Senate Republicans offer ‘voter empowerment’ amendments
House Majority Leader and chief budgeteer Greg Harris, D-Chicago, speaks during budget discussions during a legislative session at the Bank of Springfield Center in the state capital in May 2020. Harris is not seeking re-election this year, and will lead a House budget negotiating team during the remainder of his term to “pass the mantle.” (Credit: Justin L. Fowler of the State Journal-Register of Springfield)
Speaker names new house budget negotiation team
Dan Johnson (left), a lobbyist representing the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, and Rep. William Davis, D- Hazel East Crest, discuss how House Bill 4217 would increase diversity in wind and solar jobs during a virtual hearing Tuesday. (Credit: ilga.gov)
Bill focuses on increasing supplier diversity in wind and solar projects
Gov. JB Pritzker announces that the state is investing $32 million to help rebuild the I-80 interchange during a virtual news conference Thursday. The interchange is expected to alleviate congestion and improve safety for drivers. (Credit: Office of Gov. JB Pritzker)
Next Phase of Construction Along I-80 to Begin
MANTENO TRIVIA SLIDE...M HOLMES 1.19.22
Manteno Trivia: January 27
(Pictured from left) Hazel Crest Police Chief Mitchell Davis, Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow and Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey were among the law enforcement officials who testified Friday before the House Public Safety and Violence Prevention Task Force. (Credit: Blueroomstream.com)
Task Force Hears from Law Enforcement on Rising Crime Rate
Blue Devil Basketball logo
Lady Devils Win, 55-24, in ICE-8 Conference Play Against Streator
Gov. JB Pritzker says he is "cautiously optimistic" the recent COVID-19 surge  is now declining. The governor gave a virtual update Wednesday in Chicago. (Credit: Blueroomstream.com)
Latest COVID-19 surge has likely peaked, Pritzker says
Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, introduced a resolution to repeal the SAFE-T Act last week, one year after it passed the House. Windhorst is pictured here participating in a virtual news conference about the legislation Thursday. (Credit: blueroomstream.com)
Republicans Announce Effort to Repeal SAFE-T Act; Democrats Call It ‘All for Show’
Students in Aaron Taylor's classroom at Carl Sandburg Elementary School in Charleston type a New Year's Day poem on Jan. 7. (Credit: Charleston CUSD 1)
Teacher Shortage at Crisis Level in Central Illinois  
Credit: Paul Simon Public Policy Institute
Better Politics, Smarter Government: Illuminating Illinois’ triumphs and travails through literature
St. Rose of Lima Chapel
St. Rose of Lima Chapel to Hold Monthly Mass
As most Illinois schools are 100% remote or in a hybrid model, some teachers reluctant to get COVID-19 vaccination
State Officials Cut COVID Schools’ Isolation Time
Amazon faces new antitrust lawsuit
Monee Village Board: $11 Million from Amazon, Board/Staff Communications
Manager of Public Works, Robert Hennke, addresses the board at the Monday January 10th meeting.
Despite Questions, Full-Time Public Works Employee Hired
Beecher High School
Beecher School Board Advises Caution With Covid
money background
Monee TIF Surplus
Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic, 49, of Kankakee, was killed in the line of duty.
Local Business Bare Blue for Bradley Police Department
Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, introduces another proposal in support of the EV industry during a virtual meeting Tuesday of the House Energy and Environment Committee. (Credit: blueroomstream.com)
Bill Would Require New Residential Buildings Be Ready to Accommodate EV Charging