Crete PD posed before their run in the Manteno Lake. –Photo by Karen Haave.

Crete, Monee Take the Plunge

By Karen Haave Law enforcement teams from Crete and Monee were among the hundreds of participants to take a dip in the icy waters of Lake Manteno for Polar Plunge 2024. Both teams are award-winners recognized for the record amounts of money raised to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Monee Police Department’s Sgt. Teresa Cancialosi said…

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Crete Library News

Thursday, March 14 Preschool Pals, from 1 – 2 p.m., ages four/five: During this independent storytime experience, children enjoy spending time with other preschoolers, while listening to stories, learning songs and fingerplays, and playing games. Register. Anime Club, from 3 – 4:30 p.m., grades sixth/12th: Join us for a screening of “MUSHI-SHI.” Snacks and bottled…

CAPITOL RECAP: Illinois Democrats hoping to host 2024 nominating convention

DeLuca Continues Work to Lower Property Taxes

Introduces plan to prohibit taxpayer-funded guaranteed income programs.  As part of his continued efforts to lower property taxes and the need to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars, State Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, has introduced a measure that would prohibit governments from using taxpayer money to fund guaranteed income programs. “We must focus our limited resources…

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Preserving Legacies of Love Key Part of February

We all strive to be remembered for making a difference, and for showing others we appreciate all they have done to help us be successful. I had two important opportunities to show that legacy of love during the past month.   As I have written here many times, I am proud to be an Illinois…

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Crete to Celebrate Earth Day 2024 with Week Long Celebration

By Karen Haave The Village of Crete will mark Earth Day 2024 with a week-long event from April 22 to 27. Police Chief Scott Pieritz noted during the February 26 board of trustees meeting that the village has previously celebrated Earth Day with an October Clean-up Day. “Several years ago, I created Crete Community Clean-up…

The Strategic Planning Workgroup is comprised of an inclusive group of parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and community members. –Photo submitted.

CM 201-U Holds First Strategic Planning Workgroup Meeting

Crete-Monee School District 201-U held its first Strategic Planning Workgroup meeting on Thursday, February 22, with approximately 50 members participating. During the session, participants discussed the importance of strategic planning, the process that will be used to create the strategic plan, and the district’s mission and vision. The group also reviewed feedback from focus groups…

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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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Crete Library News

Thursday, March 7 Knot Just for Knitters, from 1 – 2 p.m., ages 11/adult: Join us to socialize while working on knitting, crocheting, or any other type of needlework project. Drop in. Preschool Pals, from 1 – 2 p.m., ages four/five: During this independent storytime experience, children enjoy spending time with other preschoolers, while listening…

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Rep. Haas Celebrates IDOT District 79 Vehicle Procurement

Following the announcement of $57.1 million awarded in new paratransit vehicles on behalf of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), State Rep. Jackie Haas released the following statement: “I am thrilled the Illinois Department of Transportation has awarded a total of 11 new vehicles to transit providers in the 79th District through their Consolidated Vehicle…

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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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Joyce: Budget Proposal Sets Framework for Uplifting Illinois Families

State Sen. Patrick Joyce released the following statement after hearing the governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget: “Today’s budget address had funding suggestions our state needs to continue to prioritize, such as education, public safety, and economic development. The governor’s proposal sets a framework for us to begin having conversations to develop a final plan.…

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Crete Library News

Thursday, February 29 Manga Club for Teens, from 3 – 4 p.m., grades sixth/12th: Join us to discuss “Wonder Cat Kyuu-chan: Volume 1.” Copies of the book will be available in advance at the library. Register. Friday, March 1 Retro Movie Fridays, from 2:30 – 4:45 p.m., all ages: Showing “Beauty and the Beast” (rated…

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Rep. Haas Responds to State of the State Address

SPRINGFIELD – Following the State of the State Address, State Rep. Jackie Haas released the following statement: “This year’s budget address was disappointing as it is again far from balanced, with a deficit of $775 million for FY25. Instead of proposing cuts to address this deficit, we are seeing increased spending for programs we simply…

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Joyce Measure to Expand Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve Passes Committee

State Sen. Patrick Joyce introduced a measure before the Senate Judiciary Committee recently that would expand the Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve in Will County. “The transfer of this portion of land would be a big win for the Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “By acquiring more land, there would be an…

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DeLuca Works to Protect Family Farms; Supports Plan to Overhaul Estate Tax

Wanting to ensure family farms can be passed from one generation to the next without unreasonable tax burdens, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, is backing an overhaul of the state’s estate tax specific to farms. “When a loved one passes, we don’t want state taxes to force families to sell land, lose equipment, and break up…

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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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Traffic Study and Planning Dominate Village Discussion
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Vedette Sports Report
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Crete Community to Host Clean Up Day
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No More Potholes on Blue Devil Drive
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Dangerous Intersection A Topic at Board Meeting
No Golf Carts For Crete
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Beecher School Board Tosses Around Idea of a Referendum
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Beecher Board and Lions Club Hash Out Bike and Burnout Show
Sgt. Matt Moore, new Officer Daniel Napoli, and Mayor Peter March. Photo by Andrea Arens.
Peotone Hires New Officer
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VEDETTE SPORTS REPORT
Dixie’s Special Day. Photo submitted by Project Fire Buddies.
Project Fire Buddies Holds Spa Day for Peotone Girl Amid Father’s Cancer Battle
An example of the design of the Hometown Heroes banner for Manhattan. –Image by Village of Manhattan.
Manhattan Honors Veterans with Banner Program
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Angel’s Helping Hands Now an Alternative
Peotone residents Maura Culver (left) and Paula Prium (right) with Village President Peter March. –Photo by Karen Haave.
Streetscape to Start in Peotone
Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen celebrated a birthday just before the Village board meeting on April 1. Photo by Stephanie Irvine.
Budget, Property Lines, and Safety Topics at Village Meeting
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Crete’s Winter Coat Drive Unnecessary After All
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Outdoor Lighting Might Not be a Problem in Monee Anymore
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VEDETTE SPORTS REPORT
Former trooper seeks restoration of driving privileges nearly 16 years after fatal crash
Peotone Police Blotter: March 29-April 3
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Crete’s Officer Hunt Retires