
Save the Date: Illinois Livestock Leadership Institute
The Illinois Livestock Leadership Institute (ILLI) is a combined effort from the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and the Illinois Beef Association (IBA) that provides an opportunity for young men and women to become actively involved in the livestock industry and all of agriculture. This program, sponsored by the two aforementioned organizations, is administered by…

Homeowners/Small Businesses ‘Solar Power Hour’ in Peotone
County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant invites residents to attend a free “Solar Power Hour” in Peotone to learn about the benefits of using solar energy and how to participate in a group buy to reduce costs. “Solar Power Hour” educational events are part of Grow Solar Chicagoland, previously known as Solarize Chicagoland, which offers free hour-long…

Pork Grant Opportunities Available Now!
Pig farmers in Illinois have the opportunity to take part in another round of tree buffer grants. The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is offering this incentive for farmers to implement fresh landscaping on their pig farms. To date, Illinois pig farmers already have planted more than 3,700 trees with this program. “Tree buffers are…

Will Township Previews Annual Budget
By Andrea Arens The Will Township Annual Budget will be available for preview at the Peotone Library in preparation for a vote at the next meeting on June 7. Township Supervisor Brian Cann said last year’s township budget total was $115,239, and the actual expenses were $110,942. This year’s budgeted total is $118,00 and allows…

Monee Township Blood Drive, May 4
Residents are encouraged to give the gift of life at Monee Township’s Blood Drive on Wednesday, May 4, from 3 – 7 p.m., at the Monee Township Building, 26121 Egyptian Trail, Monee. To make an appointment, call 1-800-7TO-GIVE or visit www.versiti.org. Please drink extra water and eat a healthy meal prior to donating. A photo…

Will Township Annual Meeting
By Andrea Arens In a short meeting with about a dozen attendees, Gene Maves was nominated as moderator. Last year’s meeting minutes were approved. Brian Cann, Will Township Supervisor, spoke to the townships funds. Cann mentioned that the road funds ended in the positive due to the mild winters and frugal spending. He said, “Even…

WIll Township Preps for Annual Town Meeting
By Andrea Arens The annual town meeting is approaching on April 12, and the budget will be presented at the May 3 meeting. Will Township Supervisor Brian Cann said, “Judy Ogalla said we should be very proud of our record as far as increasing levies. We haven’t increased levies for three years. We’re living within…

Lenten Prayer Services
Residents are invited to the Clergy Association of Greater Peotone’s Prayer Services each Wednesday in Lent, beginning at 6 p.m. Mark your calendars for the following Wednesdays: March 9 will be held at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Peotone; March 16 – St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Peotone; March 23 – Presbyterian Community…

Tractors for a Cure ‘Cash Bash’
Get tickets now ($50/couple) for the March 12 St. Jude Children’s Hospital fundraiser, from 4 – 9 p.m., at the Will County Atrium. Grand prize is $2,500, in addition to cash prizes, raffles, and a silent auction. Tickets available at Peotone Bowling Alley – Gary Jurres, 708-258-9353; Debbie Werner, 815-478-5182; or Denise Lowe, 815-295-5059.

Volunteers Needed for ‘Point in Time Count’
Volunteers are needed for this year’s Point in Time Count on February 23. The Continuum of Care for Will, Kendall, and Grundy Counties will reach out to people experiencing homelessness on the night of Wednesday, February 23. Volunteers will help provide information and resources to people living on the streets, connect people in need of…

Will County Executive Reminds Residents of Local Warming Centers
As temperatures plummet, and a prolonged deep freeze is anticipated, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant reminds residents to utilize local warming centers, if necessary. A complete list of warming shelters is listed on the home page of the Will County Emergency Management Agency’s website at www.willcountyema.org. “As the weather gets bitterly cold, I urge people…

County Executive Names Three to Boards, Commissions
Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant named three residents to boards and commissions in December, including two for the Rock Creek Drainage District #1 Commission. The appointments were approved by the county board at its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, December 16. Dana Bradley was appointed to the Workforce Investment Board. Bradley serves as Vice President…

Will Township Appoints Heisner to Vacancy
At its board meeting on Tuesday, December 7, the Will Township Board of Trustees appointed Mark Heisner to fill the remaining term of Trustee Andrea Goeke. Andrea and her husband have moved to Tennessee. The board extended their appreciation to Andrea for her faithful tenure and commitment to helping with the needs and concerns of…

Fixing Supply Chain Woes Balancing Act
By Tammie Sloup – FarmWeek The truck driver shortage and congestion at the nation’s largest ports in California often dominate discussions about the supply chain crisis, but experts say that’s oversimplifying the problem. “There is a sequence of events, and I think if you take a broader view on the supply chain, so beyond just the…

Better Politics, Smarter Government: Challenging Illinois to Prepare for the Future
By John T. Shaw Those in government rarely have time to extract themselves from the relentless rush of daily drama and urgent deadlines to think about the future. Former North Carolina Gov. Terry Sanford once observed there is no one in the governor’s office looking out the window and pondering the problems of the future.…

PHS Class of 1955 Celebrates 66 Years!
On Saturday, October 2, the Peotone High School 1955 graduating class celebrated their 66th year of graduation, with a luncheon at Aurelio’s Pizzeria in Frankfort. Due to COVID-19, the 65th reunion was postponed a year. Fifteen classmates, with spouses and children (drivers), attended. Don Schwiesow, class president, welcomed everyone, while Rev. Karen Blatt offered grace…