JSO Concert to feature French-based piano soloist Haley Myles. –Photo submitted.

Joliet Symphony Orchestra Opens 20th Season September 28-29

The Joliet Symphony Orchestra (JSO) is pleased to announce the opening concert set of its 2024-2025 Season with Artistic Director and Conductor Dr. Sean Paul Mills leading a program of works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Robert Schumann, while featuring Lyon, France-based piano soloist Haley Myles. Titled “Precision,” the JSO will perform…

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Singer, Songwriter Aiofe Scott Returns to USF September 19

Award-winning folk singer and songwriter Aiofe Scott returns to the University of St. Francis (USF) on Thursday, September 19, at 7 p.m., in the Sexton Auditorium (Moser Performing Arts Center), as part of the university’s Music at Moser series. The Dublin, Ireland-based performer, who was born into the legendary Black Family, is an established artist…

–Photo submitted, StatePoint.

Check Out These Recommendations for Perfect Fall Getaway

(StatePoint) Anyone who loves fall weather should make plans to come to Kentucky. When October and November roll around in the Bluegrass State, native Kentuckians and visitors alike have their eyes on the tree line, waiting for the first hints of autumn colors. While the anticipation might seem almost too much to bear, the breathtaking…

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USF Alumni Art Exhibition Open through October 3

The University of St. Francis (USF) Art Gallery welcomes the community to enjoy its newly-opened USF Alumni Exhibition. The exhibition, which is open through October 3, follows other recent exhibitions including Roger Carlson: INNOCENT DAWN and Paul Erschen: LEACH FIELD. Artists with works featured in the USF Alumni Art Exhibition include: Blake Allen ’03, Jessica…

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Visit Chicago Southland Releases Updated Railfan Brochure

Visit Chicago Southland’s long-published Railfan brochure has been updated, with 10,000 copies have printed and ready for distribution. The Railfan brochure remains a comprehensive and dependable source, as Chicago Southland is one of the most densely packed railroad regions in the United States, making it a top destination for railfans. “Whether you’re a seasoned rail…

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United Way Annual Celebration Returns September 12!

United Way invites residents to attend their upcoming annual celebration on Thursday, September 12, from 5-7:30 p.m., at Deer Ridge Barn in Kankakee. Attendees will enjoy a relaxed evening at the beautiful event venue, with a buffet style dinner catered by The Country Table, cash bar, live music by Matt Shipley, and a brief presentation…

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Visit Kankakee County Tourism Contributes to Record Tourism Growth in Illinois

County generated $6.7million in direct local tax revenue, $167.7 million in visitor spending. Visit Kankakee County announced the area generated a local economic impact of $167.7 million and contributed to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2023. In addition, tourism contributed $6.7 million in local tax revenue, while directly supporting 1,239 jobs in…

'Contingent Existence #5,' by Jennifer Steensma Hoag –Picture submitted.

Schingoethe Center of Aurora University presents ‘Waterways’ Exhibition

The Schingoethe Center of Aurora University presents “Waterways,” an original exhibition co-curated by Dr. Natasha Ritsma, director of the Schingoethe Center, and Doug Stapleton, art curator of the Illinois State Museum, from Tuesday, August 27 – Thursday, December 12. This interdisciplinary exhibition will showcase photographs, sculptures, prints, and installation pieces by more than 40 artists…

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Lions Club Presenting All American Day Car Show, Burnout Event, Drone Show

On Saturday, August 24, the Beecher Lions Club is sponsoring it’s “All American Day,” an all-day event on Gould Street in downtown Beecher. The event will include a car show and a military tribute with military vehicles, including artillery on display from the Illinois National Guard. Performers for the military tribute include the Beecher High…

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Get ‘Red Gala’ Tickets Now

We the People of Kankakee County, a group of local businesspeople, is continuing plans for The Red Gala, with ticket sales ending on September 7. Proceeds from this formal “red” event go to local fire departments throughout the county. Held at the Quality Inn on Saturday, September 21, and beginning with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres…

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Wright at Twilight

Wright at Twilight is BACK! Make plans to join family and friends on Thursday, September 5, from 5-8 p.m. The popular event, sponsored by Wright in Kankakee, takes place at Frank Lloyd Wright’s B. Harley Bradley House, on the bank of the beautiful Kankakee River, 701 S. Harrison Avenue in Kankakee. Local musicians Jerry Downs…

Visit Piglets on Parade at the Illinois State Fair. –Photo submitted.

Visit Piglets on Parade at Illinois State Fair

Once again, Illinois State Fair attendees will have the opportunity to visit the popular Piglets on Parade at the Birthing Center, sponsored by the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), which allows fairgoers to see newborn piglets up close. “Educating those around us and promoting agriculture is what stewards of agriculture do each day,” said JoBeth…

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Taste of Frankfort Returns in September

Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle is announcing his popular fall fundraiser will return this September. Ogle and his fundraising committee will host the event – Taste of Frankfort, on Tuesday, September 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at CD and ME, 23320 South LaGrange Road in Frankfort. The annual event features a wide variety of food…

Photo credit by Bry Visuals.

Christkindlmarkets Chicago and Aurora Coming November 22

Expanded festivities, partner giveaways, cultural fun Organizers of the Christkindlmarket are excited to announce the return of this beloved holiday tradition for the 28th season at Daley Plaza in Chicago and its third year at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. Both admission-free markets will open on November 22, and feature a delightful array of vendors and…

Chicago Southland Convention Visitors Bureau

Visit Chicago Southland Receives International Designation

Visit Chicago Southland was awarded the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) designation by Destinations International, in recognition of the organization’s commitment to industry excellence and meeting the industry standard for performance and accountability of destination organizations around the world. “We are delighted to welcome Visit Chicago Southland to our esteemed DMAP community,” stated Don Welsh,…

Chicago Southland Convention Visitors Bureau

Visit Chicago Southland Promotes Kislowski to Executive Vice President

Visit Chicago Southland has promoted Kim Kislowski to Executive Vice President. Kislowski – a Visit Chicago Southland employee for 34 years – began as an intern and became Marketing Manager in 1990. Since then, she has advanced to Director of Marketing in 2012 and Vice President of Marketing in 2022. “Throughout all the changes in…

Peter Klingensnyth, also of Crete, shows off his shiny 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo, which he has owned for five years. The all original Monte Carlo has a 400 small block. They made just under 4,800 of this model. –Photo by Jim Piacentini.  

Crete Car Cruise Highlights

The roots of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail stretch back 40 years ago to a visionary farmer. –Photo by Nathan Lambrecht/©Journal Communications.
On the Trail of Good Times: Savor the Flavors, Scenery of Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Randi Lynn Quigley in front of her new office in Manhattan. Photo by Stephanie Irvine.
Local Realtor Dreams Big
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Manteno’s LaRocque to Wear Multiple Hats
State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’
PEOTONE POLICE BLOTTER: August 23-September 2
The Blue Devils brought. home another win on the road. –Photo by Lori Lonard.
Devils take Marengo, 42-13
A Mason County cornfield matures as the start of harvest looms near in some areas. A good portion of the Illinois corn crop (10 percent) already was mature as of August 26, which was seven points ahead of the average pace. –Photo by Catrina Rawson of FarmWeek.
Heat Wave Ignites Crop Maturation Process, Sparks Concerns
First Baptist Manteno’s new Pastor, Roy Worley. –Photo by Andrea Arens.
Come Meet Pastor Roy Worley
The Panthers entrance set the vibe for a win over the Indians on August 30. Photo by Julie Levesque.
Panthers Capture Win over Indians
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Civil Rights Lawsuit Filed Against Manhattan School District
Crete PD Looking at New Tools to Assist
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Vedette Sports Report
Manhattan Village Board issued a proclamation that September is Suicide Awareness Month. Photo courtesy the Village of Manhattan.
Manhattan’s Comprehensive Plan Moves Forward
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Vedette Sports Report
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Civil Rights Lawsuit Filed Against Manhattan School District
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Monee Fall Fest to Look Just a Little Different
Monee Mayor Therese Bogs and Citizen of the Year, Bill Sawallisch.
Monee Mayor Dr. Therese M. Bogs Seeks Second Term, Reflecting on Progress and Vision
Flag image via pexels
Monee to Host Vietnam Moving Wall
Image via pexels.com
Get Ready for Friday Night Lights
The USDA predicted record-high corn and soybean yields for Illinois and the nation in its August 12 crop production report. But this stretch in Stark County is a reminder there’s a long road to go before harvest begins in earnest. –Photo by Catrina Rawson of FarmWeek.
USDA Forecasts Record Corn and Soybean Yields
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Another New Police Officer for Manteno