–Photo submitted.

From Sen. Joyce

The holidays are the perfect time for the gift of reflection, to be thankful for our loved ones and our progress during the past year. A year ago in this space, I told you about the untimely passing of my Illinois Senate colleague, Sen. Scott Bennett. Just 45 years old, Scott suffered a collapse from…

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Crete Library News

Thursday, January 4 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. Friday, January 5 Retro Movie Fridays, from 2:30 – 4:45 p.m., all ages: Showing “An American Tail” (rated G). Drop in. Saturday, January…

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Crete Still Talking About Golf Carts

By Karen Haave Crete village officials last week continued discussion about legalizing the use of golf carts on local streets. Focus was on how they would be licensed and inspected, registered and regulated, and where they could and couldn’t travel. While village officials are in favor of investigating how it can work – or not…

–Photo submitted.

Joyce Law Helps Address Firefighter Shortage Beginning Next Year

A new law led by State Sen. Patrick Joyce to help solve Illinois’ firefighter shortage will go into effect January 1. “Firefighters, both full-time and volunteer, are essential first responders, and we cannot afford to continue to see declining numbers in these positions,” said Joyce. “This law is a step in the right direction to…

Fire and police personnel, ambulances, a medical helicopter, plus heavy-duty tow trucks all were involved in safely extricating a victim trapped in the truck's cab after an accident at Rt. 394 and Goodenow Road. –Photo by Jim Piacentini.

Vehicle Accident with Injury at Rt. 394/Goodenow Road

On Monday, December 18, at 8:13 a.m., the Crete Township Fire Protection District was dispatched for a reported vehicle accident with injuries at Rt. 394 and Goodenow Road. The original dispatch consisted of a still alarm response from Crete Township, which included two ambulances, one engine, and one chief officer. The first unit arrived on…

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Rep. Haas Celebrates District 79 Library Grants

Following the School District Library Grant program announcement made by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Rep. Jackie Haas released the following statement: “I am thrilled seven libraries in District 79 have been selected to receive grants through the Illinois Secretary of State Office’s School District Library Grant program,” said Rep. Haas. “Libraries are…

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Crete Library News

Thursday, December 28 Manga Club for Teens, from 3 – 4 p.m., grades sixth/12th: Join us to discuss “Black Butler: Vol. 1,” by Yana Toboso. Register. Film Club, from 5:30 – 8 p.m., adults: Enjoy watching “Christmas Vacation” on the library’s big screen, with refreshments and a short discussion following the movie. Drop in. Friday,…

Congratulations, Rep. Haas, on being selected the Osteopathic Medical Society's 2023 Legislator of the Year. –Photo submitted.

Rep. Haas Receives Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society Legislator of the Year Award

Recently, State Rep. Jackie Haas received the Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society’s 2023 Legislator of the Year Award. “It is an honor to receive the Legislator of the Year Award from this organization,” said Rep. Haas. “The Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society does incredible work in advocating for Osteopathic Physicians and their patients. As a licensed clinical…

Rep. Haas chose Broadway Jewelry and Rare Coins to honor for her December Business Spotlight. –Photo submitted.

Broadway Jewelry, Rare Coins December Local Business Spotlight

For her December local business spotlight, State Rep. Jackie Haas chose to recognize Broadway Jewelry and Rare Coins in Bradley. Rep. Haas spent time touring the business and presented the owners with a certificate of appreciation for their contributions to the community. “This month, we are honored to recognize Broadway Jewelry and Rare Coins because…

Earthrise Energy recently awarded the Northern Illinois Food Bank a RISE Grant to help combat hunger in Crete, Manhattan, and Monee. Pictured, left to right, are: Earthrise Energy Development Analyst Loic Wouantou; Lincoln Generating Facility and Crete Energy Venture Plant Manager Brad Keaton; Northern Illinois Food Bank Development Officer, Corporate and Foundation Giving, Jennifer Ackerman; and Earthrise Energy Senior Director of Development Jonathan Pike. –Photo submitted.

Earthrise Energy Awards RISE Grant to Northern Illinois Food Bank

To help families put food on the table this holiday, Earthrise Energy recently awarded an $8,000 RISE Grant to the Northern Illinois Food Bank. The funds will be allocated to four food bank member agencies serving Crete, Manhattan, and Monee to help restock their pantry shelves. “We thank Earthrise Energy and all those helping us…

Along with other festivities, the Crete Country Christmas also had a live nativity scene. Photo by Karen Haave.

Crete Country Christmas Improvements Made a Fantastic Event

By Karen Haave Crete Country Christmas was a little different this year, but the changes only made the 36-year-old event better than ever. Some favorite activities were back, like the popular Reindog Contest. But new this time was a large tent for food vendors, a saloon, and live entertainment. Also added was a Cocoa and…

Jesus Ambriz, of Monee, earned a degree in construction from UW-Stout and was an all-conference football lineman. After two internships with Turner Construction of Chicago, he will begin a full-time job with the company in February. –Photo submitted.

Returning Home During COVID-19 Inspired Ambriz to Earn UW-Stout Degree, Football Honors

Graduating construction major used time with family to gain new perspective on college, shine as a UW-Stout Blue Devil, and focus on career. When Jesus Ambriz thinks back to late summer 2019, he sees a young man who was excited to begin college and play football at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, but one who also…

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Will County Animal Control Offering Free Microchipping in December

The Will County Animal Control Department is offering free microchipping services to dogs and cats owned by county residents throughout December as part of their “Home for the Holidays” Program. “We’re hoping to incentivize pet owners to microchip their pets,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “Having pets microchipped, with updated tags, helps ensure they…

–Logo submitted.

Crete Library News

Thursday, December 21 Preschool Pals, from 1 – 2 p.m., ages four/five: During this independent storytime experience, children will enjoy spending time with other pre-schoolers, while listening to stories, learning songs and finger plays, and playing games. Register. Knot Just for Knitters, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., ages 11/adult: Join us to socialize, while working…

Mrs. Stolarek's Beecher Elementary School first grade students who recently wrote to Santa. –Photo submitted.

Santa Letters from Mrs. Stolarek’s BES First Graders

Recently, the first graders at Beecher Elementary took on a very special project and a most important one, too – the annual writing of letters to that jolly man at the North Pole. After reading some of the correspondence, we think you will agree it was a most important task. This week, The Vedette is…

–Rep. Haas, center, received the CBHA Legislator of the Year Award for 2023. –Photo submitted.

Rep. Haas Receives Illinois CBHA Legislator of Year Award

Recently, State Rep. Jackie Haas received the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois (CBHA) 2023 Legislator of the Year Award. “I am truly honored to receive this award from such an incredible organization,” said Rep. Haas. “As a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years’ experience working in the community, I have been…

–Logo submitted.

Crete Library News

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

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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
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Building Committee Creates Historical Overlay District
Realtor and property owner Jared Gordon talked with Robinson Engineering at the Streetscape Open House.  About 80 people came out for the open house during the worst weather of the week. Photo by Andrea Arens.
Streetscape Construction About to Begin
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Building Committee Declines to Hire Additional Employees
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Behold, Beecher Police Station Will Be Built
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Pritzker’s Grocery Tax Elimination Has Crete President Displeased
Community members exhausted by the number of crashes at 50 and 12000N decided to make a sign in the hopes it would save a life. Photo by Jake Smith.
Two Dead After Another Crash at 50 and County Line
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Vedette Sports Report
Village Board Deciding to See What Turns Up
Save the Gemini Giant Organizer Ryan Jandura posed with Greg Peerbolte, president of the Joliet Area Historical Society upon their successful campaign to keep the Giant in Wilmington. –Photo by Stephanie Irvine.
Gemini Giant to Stay in Wilmington, New Home on South Island
Monee/St. Paul's Dartball team membersDirk Wieringa, Ron Mansmith and Bob Paterson show off their trophy. Photo submitted.
Dartball Making a Comeback; Local Team Crowned Champions
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Apartment Complex Has Manteno Principal Concerned
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Monee Water Main Improvement Project Bids Approved