The KRRC presented the Manteno American Legion with an $800 check from profits obtained at the Springfest 5K Run/Walk. Pictured, left to right, are: Alan Toronjo, Dan Gerber, Legion Commander Sean McNamara, Dave Bolke, and Mark DuFrain. –Photo by Amelia Toronjo.

KRRC Donates $800 to Manteno Legion

Recently, the Kankakee River Running Club (KRRC) donated $800 Springfest 5K Run/Walk profits to the Manteno American Legion. Springfest was held on April 13 in Manteno. The Running Club also donated a Monical’s Family Pleaser pizza and Certificate of Appreciation to the Manteno Police Department for their yearly support and route assistance during the Springfest…

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River Valley Metro Ridership Milestone

On Tuesday, April 30, River Valley Metro Mass Transit surpassed 14 million rides since it began serving the community in 1999. “This number reflects the need in our community for safe and reliable public transportation,” said Managing Director Siron Sims. “Whether the need is to get to work, school, appointments, shopping, or social visits, River…

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Mother’s Day Basket Bingo May 11

Mark your calendar for “Mother’s Day Basket Bingo,” the bi-annual basket bingo fundraiser for Flight Club Survivor. This fun event will be held on Saturday, May 11, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and bingo at 6 p.m., at 209 W. Dixie Highway in Grant Park. Tickets are $20 per person for the family friendly…

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Healing and Investment Key to Growth in Our Communities, State

“Put yourself in their shoes. Have a heart.” As a member of the Illinois Senate’s budget committee on Health and Human Services, I work with my fellow legislators to understand the needs in our communities and try to match resources to meet those needs. These are never easy decisions because homelessness and housing costs, food…

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Pickleball Boosts the Budget in Manteno

By Jeff Vorva The boost in pickleball popularity is helping to boost up the budget. The Manteno village budget shot up from $9.5 million in 2023-24 to $13.6 in 2024-25. The board approved the budget at a special meeting and public hearing on April 22, and officials said $3 million of that increase is due…

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Kankakee Public Library News

Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, recently announced its programs for May. •Lawyers in the Library: In partnership with the Kankakee Public Library, Prairie State Legal Services invites members of the community to meet with a lawyer for free on the second Thursday of every month, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the…

Join Lightways Hospice/Serious Illness Care at Dino-mite 5K Family Fun Run

Proceeds support pediatric care program Runners from across the region are invited to the 11th annual Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care 5K Family Fun Run on Saturday, June 1, at the New Lenox Commons, 1 Veterans Parkway in New Lenox. The event includes a 5K run for ages 14 and older and a Dino…

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Legion Post 392 Fish Fry

Peotone American Legion Post 392 will host its last of the season monthly all-you-can-eat fish fry, on Saturday, May 11, 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, are available…

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Dangerous Intersection A Topic at Board Meeting

By Jeff Vorva The outcry was heard. Manteno Village Board Trustee Diane Dole reported at the April 15 board meeting that there have been a few safety changes at the intersection of 12000 North Road and Illinois Rt. 50, which is north of Manteno but not in the village. “Everyone is thankful to all of…

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‘Success by 6’ Presents Free Trauma/Resilience Summit

Success By 6, a partnership initiative of the United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties and the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, is proud to announce a free Trauma and Resilience Summit on Tuesday, May 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene. This free, full-day conference aims…

Manteno American Legion Commander Sean McNamara is ready to lead participants through the 5K course, just moments before the start. –Photo by Tom Asay.

Springfest 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk a Grand Success

On Saturday, April 13, Manteno American Legion was the site of an extraordinary event – the Springfest 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk. Many thanks to those involved who made this event such a success, including the Manteno Legion, Manteno Women’s Auxiliary, Sons of American Legion, Manteno Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Manteno Police and Fire Departments,…

Shannon Moore is new Assistant Vice President and Community Banking Manager at Federated Bank in Bradley. –Photo submitted.

Moore Joins Federated Bank as AVP Community Banking Manager/Loan Officer

Federated Bank proudly announced the appointment of Shannon Moore as Assistant Vice President and Community Banking Manager, effective January 1. Bringing more than 15 years of extensive experience in the banking and mortgage lending industries, Moore is recognized for his exceptional leadership and commitment to community-focused banking solutions. Prior to joining Federated Bank, Shannon held…

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ECDA, Illinois Hispanic Chamber Partner for MWBE Certification Workshop

Local business owners are invited to attend a ‘How to Become a Certified MWBE in Illinois’ Lunch n’ Learn session on May 7, at 11:30 a.m., at the ECDA office, 275 E. Court Street, Suite 201, in Kankakee. The City of Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency has partnered with the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of…

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Riverside Welcomes Kendree’a Hodges to Immediate Care Providers Team

Riverside Healthcare is pleased to welcome board-certified nurse practitioner Kendree’a Hodges, FNP-BC, to its team of immediate care providers. Hodges completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Capella University in Minneapolis and her Master of Science in Nursing at Anderson University in Anderson, South Carolina. Immediate care is intended to provide care for non-life-threatening…

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Join the Movement Against Sexual Violence: Clove Alliance Seeks Volunteers

Clove Alliance, the leading organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence in the Kankakee region, is calling for community members to join its ranks as volunteers. The organization is gearing-up to provide comprehensive 40-hour Sexual Violence Crisis Intervention Training, commencing on April 29, at Clove Alliance’s main office, 1440 West Court Street in Kankakee.…

The sisters drove to French lick, Indiana, to view the total eclipse. –Photo submitted.

Sisters Took an Eclipse Trip

By Karen Haave The excitement over the solar eclipse was not lost on four Monee sisters, who drove to Indiana to experience it first-hand. Eliese “Lisa” Diercks, Christi Holston, Sheila Langenfeld and Nancy Langenfeld take what they have dubbed “The Sister Trip” every year, and this time decided it would be to French Lick to…

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Clove Alliance Welcomes Community at Business Before Hours April 24

Clove Alliance is opening its doors to the community for “Business Before Hours,” a casual networking event coordinated with the Kankakee Country Chamber of Commerce. On Wednesday, April 24, from 7:30-9 a.m., guests can tour Clove Alliance’s main office building at 1440 West Court Street in Kankakee, enjoy coffee and rolls, and network with other…

Monee EMA Presidential Service Award Honorees. Photo courtesy the Village of Monee.
Monee Honors EMA Members for President’s Volunteer Service Awards
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Solar Farm Closer to Beecher
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Crete Chief Warns of Gypsy Scammers
The Dunkin Grand Opening was celebrated on April 26. A donation check of $500 was given to Victory Reins and lots of other giveaways. Photo by Ed Nelson.
Banquet Liquor Hour Extensions and Fence Variance Denied at Village Board Meeting
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Pickleball Boosts the Budget in Manteno
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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