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Crete Library News

Thursday, October 12 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 finger plays, and playing games. Register. Anime Club, from 3 – 4:30 p.m., grades sixth/12th: Join us for a screening of “Inuyasha.” Snacks and…

Judy Ogalla photo

Ogalla Statement on Asylum Grant Application

By Judy Ogalla As the Chair of the Will County Board, I support Mayor D’Arcy’s request to have Joliet Township withdraw their asylum grant application. I am very concerned the County’s Health Department, the Sheriff’s Department, as well as many other county departments can efficiently and monetarily support thousands of asylum seekers. In my opinion,…

Hermoine, a gentle loving dog, was the victim of abuse - do you know her owners or who used her for paintball target practice? Call Will County Animal Control at 815-462-5633 with information. –Photo submitted.

County Animal Control Seeking Info on Washington Township Dog Abuse Case

The Will County Animal Control Department is seeking the public’s assistance in providing information that could lead to identifying suspects of an animal abuse case, including information about the owner or possible perpetrators. The dog was found wandering on a local farm in unincorporated Washington Township, near the Village of Beecher, with clear signs of…

Comedian and breast cancer survivor Tracy DeGraaf is scheduled to perform at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields' Tickled Pink event October 25 in Flossmoor. –Photo submitted.

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Hosting ‘Tickled Pink’

Free breast cancer event features comedy, information, and much more. Franciscan Health Olympia Fields invites women to laugh and learn about breast cancer at the free Tickled Pink event on October 25 in Flossmoor. The event features a panel discussion with physicians and healthcare providers, appetizers, one drink (cash bar thereafter), chair massages, healthcare screenings,…

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Bishop Hicks to Celebrate Mass at St. Boniface

On Saturday, October 7, St. Boniface Catholic Church in Monee will host the Bishop of Joliet, Bishop Ronald Hicks. Bishop Hicks will celebrate Mass at 5:30 p.m., along with concelebrant Father Roger Kutzner, pastor of St. Boniface. They will be assisted by Deacon Mark Otten. All are cordially invited to take advantage of this opportunity…

–Photo submitted.

Battery Plant Announcement Brings New Energy to 40th Senate District

There’s an exciting new energy in Kankakee County from our ongoing work to embrace the next generation of technology to power our economy. I was excited to join top leaders in Manteno earlier this month to announce a new, $2 billion electric vehicle battery giga-factory coming to the region. With production beginning next year, Gotion…

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Crete Library News

Thursday, October 5 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 pre-schoolers, while listening…

Pictured, from left, are Judy Chinski, Rep. Haas and Judy’s daughter, Judy Ann. –Photo submitted.

Polk-A-Dot Drive In: Haas’ September Local Business Spotlight

For September’s local business spotlight, State Rep. Jackie Haas recognized Polk-A-Dot Drive In of Braidwood, which serves delicious drive-in food, including hot dogs, milkshakes, and hamburgers. The establishment began operating in the 1950s as a small bus parked in a lot. “A drive-in is an iconic American establishment, and Braidwood’s Polk-A-Dot Drive In is a…

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Park Forest Historical Society Fall News

Annual Meeting, Election,”Revisiting Utopia” Documentary Update, 25th Anniversary of Museum   Join the Park Forest Historical Society on Sunday, October 1, at 2:30 p.m. in Ryan Hall, St. Mary’s, 227 Monee Road, for their annual meeting and board member election, along with the program. The program will feature the documentary film “Revisiting Utopia,” race relations growing…

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Manteno Veterans’ Home Invites Volunteers to Support Its Programs

The Veterans’ Home at Manteno invites volunteers to join its force of more than 50 volunteers to assist with a wide range of services and programs for residents. Opportunities include serving food, escorting residents to appointments, leading projects, playing games, and maintaining and organizing donated goods. Immediate needs include transporting residents to church services on…

Upcoming events

St. Paul UCC Hosting Annual Pork Chop Dinner

Mark those calendars and get tickets now for St. Paul United Church of Christ’s annual pork chop dinner on Saturday, October 14. The event will be held from 4-6 p.m. at the church, 5323 W. Margaret Street in Monee, and is carry-out only. The menu consists of two grilled pork chops, two sides, roll, and…

Crete Area Chamber of Commerce

October Crete Area Chamber Events

Mark those calendars for the following up-coming events that are sure to be of interest. Garage Sale Days will be held October 13 and 14. Sign-up at www.cretechamber.com/events or pick-up an application at Old Plank Trail Bank, Crete Library, or village hall. To be included on the address list, information must be received by Tuesday,…

Crete Library

Crete Library News

Thursday, September 28 Manga Club for Teens, from 3 – 4 p.m., grades sixth/12th: Join us to discuss “Haikyu!!: Vol. 1.” Register. STEAM Tots – Brain Games, from 6 – 7 p.m., ages three/five: Join us as we test our brains through fun experiments and activities involving the senses! Register. Friday, September 29 Retro Movie…

Monee's Wildflower Garden will feature their first Fall Fest, running through Sunday, October 22. Pictured is owner, Anna Carmine, whose vision for a U-Pick wildflower space became reality in July 2021 and has blossomed into a play-space for kids, with a grain-bin-turned-slide, a chicken-coop-themed jungle gym, jump pillow, and more. Check their website for hours or call 708-966-3021. –Photos by Melanie Holmes

Visit Fall Fest at Monee’s Wildflower Garden

Rep Haas

Haas Appointed to Critical Public Safety Task Forces, Working Groups

In 2023, House Assistant Minority Leader Jackie Haas was appointed to three different task forces to improve public safety in Illinois. This year, she has been appointed to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Workgroup, the Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women, and the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task…

Dr. Kara Coglianese speaks to the crowd at the Toast To Crete. Photo by Jim Piacentini

Fully Staffed Crete Police Department Will Focus on Traffic Enforcement

Crete Police Chief Scott Pieritz told the village board last week that, with a fully staffed department, more attention will be focused on traffic enforcement issues. During his report at the September 11 meeting, Pieritz said focus has been turned back to proactive traffic enforcement as one of the village’s objectives. He noted the police…

IL State Senator Napoleon Harris

Sen. Harris Announces Nearly $7.6 million in Local School Funding

State Sen. Napoleon Harris III is excited to announce $7.6 million in additional funding will be awarded to local schools to help move toward fair and equitable school systems in Illinois. “As a father, I want to ensure all our children have the opportunity to receive an excellent education,” said Harris. “The state’s budget serves…

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Park District Referendum Failure Leads to Idea of a Community Group
Brad (left), Karen (middle), and Dylan (right) Bothwell pose for a picture in their greenhouse. Photo by Stephanie Irvine.
Farmer’s Market Begins at Manhattan’s Bothwell Farms
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VEDETTE SPORTS REPORT
District Attorney John Motylinski explains how the GEMT program works with ambulance rates. Photo by Stephanie Irvine.
MFPD Fire Station Updates on Schedule
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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