PFHS presents "Catch the Twain" on May 19. –Photo submitted.

Here’s What’s Happening at the Park Forest Historical Society

The Park Forest Historical Society cordially invites area residents to its Park Forest Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Reception, on Sunday, April 14, at 3 p.m., in Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest. Please join us for this happy occasion. Congratulations to Sam Beber, Gregory C. Randall, Vernice Johnson-Warren, Betsy Williams, Janette Rodriguez…

April Legion Fish Fry

Legion Fish Fry

At a Glance: Peotone American Legion Post 392 will host its monthly all-you-can-eat while dining in, fish fry on Saturday, April 13, from 4:30 to 6:30p.m. or until sold out. Tickets are $15 for either perch or catfish and include French fries, cole slaw, bread, and butter. Don’t forget delicious desserts, from the Legion Auxiliary,…

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YWCA, The Grow Center, and Project SUN Present ‘LATE: A Love Story’

Rachelle Zola, at 75 years old, is walking from Chicago to Montgomery, Alabama, to confront the pervasive realities of racism and amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized and silenced. Rachelle will perform her one-woman play, “LATE: A Love Story” and host a discussion about the stories she has to tell, on Saturday,…

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Clove Alliance Hosts ‘Supporting Survivors with Disabilities’ Presentation

Clove Alliance is proud to announce a one-day interactive presentation titled “Communication and Collaboration,” focused on supporting survivors of sexual violence with disabilities. This event, tailored to community professionals, will take place on Friday, April 19, from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at Kankakee Community College. Keynote speaker, Leanne Mull, MHA, co-director of Blue Tower…

–Photo submitted.

When Legislation Becomes a Personal Commitment to Reform

As State Senator, I advocate every day for the people I represent to address the problems affecting their families, their neighbors, their businesses, and schools. This month, I became an advocate for my family and many others like us, who deserve better health care insurance coverage. I couldn’t help but tear up a bit when…

Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen at the March 18 board meeting. Photo by Stephanie Irvine.

Manhattan Board Approves New Well House, Works Toward Finalizing Budget

By Stephanie Irvine The Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees met on Monday, March 18, for their bimonthly board meeting, holding the meeting a day earlier than usual to accommodate voting for the 2024 general election. The mayor and all trustees, except for Tom Doyle, were present, with Trustee Justin Young attending virtually. Discussion regarding the…

Chief Steve Malone reviews the past year’s operations after the consolidation.  –Photo by Stephanie Irvine.

Manhattan Fire Board Reviews Consolidation, Talks 2023 Data at March Meeting

By: Stephanie Irvine The Manhattan Fire Protection District’s Board of Trustees met on Monday, March 18, where they had a brief presentation from the district’s accountant James Howard, followed by a detailed review of 2023, presented by Chief Steve Malone and Deputy Chief Dave Piper. Monthly Accounting Report Howard reported the district is well within…

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Elizabeth Packard: The Woman Who Wouldn’t Be Silenced

Join Laura Keyes, as Elizabeth Packard, for this informative and inspiring presentation on “Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard – The Woman Who Wouldn’t Be Silenced,” on Saturday, April 20, from 2 – 3:30 p.m., at the Kankakee County Museum in Small Memorial Park, 801 South Eighth Avenue in Kankakee. Tickets are $10 for general admission or…

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Manhattan-Elwood Quilt Group ‘Rescue ME’ Crafters’ Resale

Mark your calendars – we are back for our 10th “Rescue ME Resale.” The Manhattan-Elwood Quilt Group is hosting its Rescue ME Crafters’ Resale on Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Manhattan Township Office, 230 Wabash Street, in Manhattan. This resale will feature quilting, sewing, and needlework supplies. Purchase a…

Manhattan FPD

From the Desk of Fire Chief Steve Malone:

The Manhattan Fire Protection District and the Peotone Fire Protection District accomplished something rare in local government. After a two-year intergovernmental agreement, the two fire districts were fully consolidated into one, effective January 1, 2023. This was a monumental task but, in the end, the citizens will see the short-term and long-term benefits from this…

–Nancy Addison, botanist and club member, presented a program on pruning and shrub care. –Photo submitted.

Kultivators Garden Club Tackles ‘Pruning/Shrub Care’

The Kankakee Kultivators Garden Club met Thursday, March 14, at the Kankakee Library. The program, “Pruning and Shrub Care,” was presented by Nancy Addison, a trained botanist and member of the Kultivator’s Club since 1998. Nancy was instrumental in the planning of the Column Garden, at the Kankakee County  Museum. Nancy’s first statement was dramatic:…

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Manteno Announces ‘Spring Showcase: Garden and Arts Festival’

Spring is in the air, and the Village of Manteno is proud to announce its first ever “Spring Showcase: A Garden and Arts Festival” set for Sunday, May 5, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Spring Showcase, an all-day community celebration of spring and the arts, was created with the intent to enable the…

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Manteno’s Veterans Home Hosting Volunteer Fair

Your help is needed! As part of National Volunteer Week, the Illinois Veterans Home at Manteno is inviting veteran service providers, community organizations, and individuals to a volunteer fair to learn more about volunteer opportunities, while enjoying refreshments from local food trucks. The fair will include volunteer representatives and volunteers to share their experiences at…

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Register for Springfest 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk

Area residents are invited to register for the Kankakee River Running Club’s Spring 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk, on Saturday, April 13, beginning and ending at Manteno American Legion Post, 117. N. Walnut. Opening ceremonies are at 8:40 a.m. and include the playing of the “National Anthem” and Posting of Colors by Boy Scout Troop 382,…

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‘Brave, Bold, and Believed’ Art Show Holding Opening Night

Join Clove Alliance for the opening night of its fourth annual Brave, Bold, and Believed Art Show, as they celebrate and honor survivors’ journeys, as well as their efforts to end sexual violence. Opening night will be held on Thursday, April 4, from 4:30 -6:30 p.m., at the Kankakee County Museum. The evening features works…

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Semi-Annual Craft Show at Veteran’s Home May 3-4

Mark your calendars now for the semi-annual Manteno Illinois Veterans’ Home Craft Show on Friday and Saturday, May 3 – 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Veterans Hall at the home. There will be craft and décor items for all seasons, patriotic, beach, and holiday items, wreaths, garden and yard décor, and so…

Dr. Autorino is seeing patients in Kankakee. –Photo submitted.

Riccardo Autorino, MD, PhD, Joins Riverside Urology Specialists

Riverside Healthcare is pleased to welcome board-certified urologist Riccardo Autorino, MD, PhD. Dr. Autorino brings more than 20 years of experience to Riverside’s team of urology specialists, who treat a variety of urologic conditions, including prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer, kidney and bladder stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and more. He completed his Doctor of Medicine…

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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
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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