Local News

Adyn McGinley led the charge with 26 points, but it wasn’t enough for a win. –Photo by Jim Piacentini.

Bobcats Made History

By Jeff Vorva “Sad that the ride is over, but what a ride it was!” That sentence found on the Beecher Basketball’s X social media page, complete with the exclamation point at the end of it, put the exclamation point on a wild and historic boys’ hoops season. It was a season that came to…

Former Illinois State Police trooper who pleaded guilty in relation to deadly crash postpones hearing

Beecher Police Blotter: February 16 – March 1

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely accusations, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. February 16, Jasmin Reynoso, 23, of the 4200 block of Talman Avenue, Chicago, was stopped in the 300 block of Dixie Highway for a vehicle equipment violation and found to have no driver’s license.…

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Beecher Community Library News

Call the library at 708-946-9090 for programs that require registration. The library’s Penfield Street parking lot entrance will be closed until spring, but the Maxwell Street entrance is still open. Turn north on Maxwell from Indiana Avenue to get to the library. Youth Services A new hot air balloon make-and-take craft is available! Pick up…

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Frustrated; Beecher Back to the Drawing Board

By Jeff Vorva Beecher officials are not giving up on building a new police station, but something has to give. The price tage is still too high, even after re-bidding. The village was set on spending close to $4 million after a $3.9 million referendum passed on the project, and original bids in 2023 came…

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Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Redesignated Acute Stroke Ready Hospital

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields has been redesignated as an Acute Stroke Ready hospital by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the hospital announced recently. Acute Stroke Ready hospitals serve as the first stop for patients suspected of having a stroke. Franciscan Health Olympia Fields is the only hospital in the South Suburbs with the designation.…

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Legion Fish Fry March 9

Area residents are invited to Peotone American Legion Post 392’s monthly all-you-can-eat fish fry on Saturday, March 9, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., or until sold out. Tickets are $15 for perch or catfish and include French fries, cole slaw, bread, and butter. You might also want to try a special dessert for only $2,…

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Beecher Police Blotter: February 7 – 21

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. February 7, Timothy Darragh, 55, of the 200 block of Quail Hollow Drive, Beecher, was stopped at Foxhound Trail and Timbers Bluff Trail for a vehicle equipment violation and found to have a…

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Beecher Community Library News

Call the library at 708-946-9090 for programs that require registration. The library’s Penfield Street parking lot entrance will be closed until spring, but the Maxwell Street entrance is open. Turn north on Maxwell, from Indiana Avenue, to get to the library. Youth Services A new hot air balloon March make-and-take craft is available! Pick up…

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Franciscan Health Heart, Vascular Institute Echocardiography Lab Achieves Accreditation

The Franciscan Health Heart and Vascular Institute Olympia Fields echocardiography lab has achieved accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (ICA) for adult transthoracic echocardiography. Echocardiography (also known as echo) is a form of non-invasive imaging used to assess different areas of the heart, which can detect heart disease or signs of serious conditions. Early detection…

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Fitness Premier Opens New Beecher Location

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs, the emerging fitness franchise that works to bring high-quality, full-circle fitness and wellness solutions to the communities it serves, has reopened its Beecher club in a new location. The club is now at 500 W. Indiana Avenue, a larger building that accommodates even more fitness equipment and the addition of recovery…

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Beecher Community Library News

Happy Leap Year – February 29!! Call the library at 708-946-9090 for programs that require registration. The library’s Penfield Street parking lot entrance will be closed until spring, but the Maxwell Street entrance still is open. Turn north on Maxwell from Indiana Avenue to get to the library. Youth Services A new hot air balloon…

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Emergency Blood Shortage: Give March 12

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Help those in need as the University of St. Francis (USF) hosts its next American Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, March 12, from 1 to 6 p.m., in the Assembly Hall…

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Area News

Bailey Testerman and her fiancé Kole El-Talabani of Kankakee tied the knot at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon in August. They chose the site because of its eco-friendly vibe, beautiful setting, and all-inclusive wedding space. Check out why this Forest Preserve District of Will County wedding venue is so popular during a Four Rivers Wedding Open House, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, February 3. –Photo courtesy of Bailey Testerman.

Forest Preserve’s Site Hosts February 3 Wedding Open House

When Bailey Testerman was first scouting out wedding venues, the bride-to-be said she was looking for a site that was as “green” as possible. “The health of our planet is incredibly important to me…,” she said. “I wanted to reduce the environmental impact of our wedding as much as possible. Choosing an environmentally conscious venue…

Water levels were dangerously high earlier in the week and even after warm water siphons were added, the river flooded closing streets and businesses in Wilmington. Photo by Will County EMA.

Will County Emergency Management Agency Issues Update on Flash Flooding in Wilmington

The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and City of Wilmington officials responded to flash flooding in downtown Wilmington on the evening of January 25. The flooding occurred suddenly on the North and South Islands, due to rapidly increasing water levels on the Kankakee River. Will County EMA issued a mass notification message to residents,…

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Will County EMAgency Issues Update on Kankakee River Conditions

Launches public reporting survey to assess residential and business property damage. The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is reporting a significant reduction in water levels on the Kankakee River, as most ice jams have cleared between the City of Wilmington and the Des Plaines River confluence. Following the expiration of a Flash Flood Warning…

–Photo courtesy of Illinois STAR.

January News from the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration Team

A Message from Caroline Wade, STAR Executive Director… Happy New Year from the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) team! The year is flying by as we continue to ramp up and prepare for the launch of enrollment later this spring. It will be an exciting year with the development of a new, enhanced version…

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Desiderio Chosen as the Deputy City Manager

Joliet City Manager Beth Beatty recently announced she has chosen City Clerk Christa M. Desiderio to be her new Deputy City Manager. Christa has been Joliet’s City Clerk for the past 12 years and has more than 23 years of municipal government experience. “Christa is the best choice to help me in managing our city…

Will County EMA Issues Update on Wilmington Flash Flooding

Kankakee River Update: January 27 A significant reduction in water levels has been reported on the Kankakee River, as most ice jams have cleared between the City of Wilmington and the Des Plaines River confluence. Water levels were recorded at 6.89 feet at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 27. The National Weather Service has expired…

Will County EMA Issues Update on Flash Flooding in Wilmington

January 26 Kankakee River Update: The ice jams have cleared on the river, but water levels remain high, and a Flash Flood Warning remains in effect. Rt. 53 currently is open to traffic, but this is subject to change dependent on river conditions. Residents still are urged to monitor conditions and be cautious about possible…

Will County EMA Issues Wilmington Flash Flooding Update

The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and City of Wilmington officials responded to flash flooding in downtown Wilmington on the evening of January 25. The flooding occurred suddenly on the North and South Islands, due to rapidly increasing water levels on the Kankakee River. Will County EMA issued a mass notification message to residents,…

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Southwestern Will County

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flash Flood Warning for southwestern Will County, with an elevated risk of flooding along the Kankakee River. The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is anticipating an imminent break-up of the Kankakee River ice jam, which will create increased flood conditions from the City of Wilmington to…

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Frankfort Township to Be Site of Will County Branch Court

By Stephen Nelson The Will County Board at its January 18 meeting passed a resolution establishing a Branch Court in Frankfort Township. The resolution reads: “WHEREAS, the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois, is in need of a branch Court to hear minor traffic and ordinance violations cases for various municipalities…

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Will County Announces Full Opening of Warm Water Siphon into Kankakee River

Decision follows a declaration of a State of Emergency by County Executive Bertino-Tarrant. WILL COUNTY – The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has coordinated with Constellation Energy to activate all three siphons of warm water from the Dresden Energy Center cooling lake to accelerate the melting of ice on the Kankakee River. This decision…

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Joyce Applauds $13,000+ Funding for Local Will County School Libraries

To provide resources to libraries through books, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology, and programs, State Sen. Patrick Joyce announced five school districts in Will County will receive more than $13,000 in funding. “Libraries provide students with many tools to be successful, whether it’s books, technology, or other media sources,” said Joyce. “We need to ensure our…