–Photo submitted.

Franciscan Health Family Birth Center Olympia Fields Redesignated Gold Infant Safe Sleep Hospital

The Franciscan Health Family Birth Center Olympia Fields has been redesignated as a Gold Infant Safe Sleep Hospital, the highest level of certification issued by Cribs for Kids. “I commend our Family Birth Center team for the hard work and dedication that went into earning and maintaining our Gold Safe Sleep status,” Franciscan Health Olympia…

Captain Super Grin shares oral health tips with children at interactive theater programming. –Photo submitted.

‘Land of Smiles’ Brightens Student Smiles in Will County

On Friday, September 29, Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation Land of Smiles program visited 350 pre-kindergarteners through third grade students at Wood View Elementary School. Land of Smiles is a free, dynamic educational initiative that aims to empower children with essential oral health habits. The program has been designed not just to educate but also…

Columbine High School shooting survivor Heather Martin will serve as a keynote speaker for the trauma symposium hosted by Franciscan Health Crown Point later this month. –Photo submitted.

Franciscan Health Crown Point Hosting Trauma Symposium

Columbine High School shooting survivor among keynote speakers. Franciscan Health Crown Point is hosting a two-day trauma symposium aimed at helping attendees understand trauma in its various forms. “Understanding the connections between physical trauma and psychological trauma and how the two impact one another can lead to better outcomes for patients, families, healthcare professionals, first…

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Lions Club Hosting Free Hearing, Retinal Screenings

One of the top priorities of the Lions Clubs is the preservation of hearing and eyesight. To help protect the hearing and vision of adults in our community, the Beecher Lions Club is sponsoring free hearing and retinal screenings on Saturday, October 28, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Beecher Fire Department, 711 Penfield…

It's flu shot time! –Photo submitted.

When Should I get a Flu Shot?

As we enter fall, the emails from your workplace or pharmacy may start to pop up in your inbox – “It’s time for a flu shot!” But how early is too early to get the yearly jab? It depends, says Jason Kole, DO, an emergency department provider at OSF HealthCare. Dr. Kole says every influenza…

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,…

Will County Health Department Monee

Will County Health: Be Aware of Rabies; 3 Bats Test Positive

The Will County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds the public to be aware of the potential for exposure to rabies from infected animals. Rabid bats recently have been detected in Joliet, Plainfield, and Homer Glen. Bats are the most common source of potential infection in Illinois, and exposures from…

Rep Haas

Leader Haas Promotes Suicide Prevention Awareness During Suicide Prevention Month

With September designated as Suicide Prevention Month, House Assistant Minority Leader Jackie Haas is recognizing this awareness month and promoting suicide prevention. She encourages 79th District constituents and all Illinoisans to “Be the One” to Help Save a Life. “As a social worker, I have seen people in the difficult circumstances mental illness can present…

Riverside Expansion

Riverside Healthcare Celebrates Primary Care Month in September

Riverside Healthcare is proud to celebrate Primary Care Month this September. As a leading healthcare provider in the region, Riverside recognizes the vital role primary care plays in promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of our community. Primary Care Month serves as an annual reminder of the importance of keeping up with your health,…

–Graphic submitted.

Sugar Substitutes/Weight Loss Aren’t Friends

Key Takeaways: Sugar substitutes don’t help with weight loss, according to a review by the World Health Organization. Sugar substitutes can cause food cravings and possibly more food consumption. Instead, consume foods with naturally occurring sugars, like fruit, or unsweetened food and beverages. If you’re thinking about using sugar substitutes to help with weight loss,…

–Photo submitted.

Bullying Isn’t Just on the Playground

Bullying is seen as a young person problem, but it can happen in senior living facilities. Shunning, gossip, vandalism, and more have been reported. Senior bullying may stem from personal biases, untreated mental health issues, or just general crankiness. Senior facilities should have anti-bullying policies and access to mental health professionals for residents, while families…

–Photo submitted.

Guard the Game: Link Between Athletes – Heart Screenings

Key takeaways: Speak to your child’s pediatrician about heart screenings; Heart conditions should be monitored by a cardiologist; Know your family health history. As children go back to school, doctors’ offices are filled with kids needing check-ups, immunizations and, in some cases, heart screenings. This is particularly the case for athletes, according to Frank Han,…

As shown in this model, the WATCHMAN implant is inserted into the patient’s left atrial appendage (LAA) in the heart through a small incision in the inner thigh, reducing the risk of stroke in AFib patients. –Photo credit Boston Scientific Corp.

New AFib Procedure Available at Franciscan Health

Implant can eliminate the need for long-term blood thinners. A procedure now offered at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields can allow cardiac patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) to eliminate the use of long-term blood thinners and live more active lifestyles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), AFib is the most common type…

Will County Health Department Monee

First Human Case of West Nile Virus Detected in Will County

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Will County is a 74-year-old male from Naperville, who has been diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease. He became ill the first week of August, was hospitalized, and is recovering. The Will County Health Department’s Environmental Health…

–Photo submitted.

Back to School Lunches: Eating Smart

Back to school season has arrived. In addition to the nightly rituals of homework and making sure things are ready for the next day comes the daily “what will they eat for lunch” discussion. For some, that can be a struggle. Being hungry has an enormous impact on a student’s ability to learn, so make…

–Photo submitted.

Will County Urges Residents to Stay Safe, Cool During Extreme Heat

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and the Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) urge residents to take precautionary steps and be aware of local cooling center locations. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Wednesday and Thursday, with dangerous levels of heat expected. “We are urging residents not to take risks…

–Photo submitted.

Riverside Medical Center Earns Great Community Hospital Distinction by Becker’s

Riverside Medical Center is proud to announce it has been recognized as a “Great Community Hospital” by Becker’s Hospital Review, a leading source of healthcare news and information. Being named to this list is a testament to Riverside’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to its community. “We are delighted and honored to receive…

Former Illinois State Police trooper who pleaded guilty in relation to deadly crash postpones hearing
Manteno Police Respond to Stabbings; Suspect in Custody
Former Illinois State Police trooper who pleaded guilty in relation to deadly crash postpones hearing
Peotone Police Blotter: March 15 – 22
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Longtime Crete Code Enforcement/Animal Control Supervisor to Retire
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Monee Adding Businesses
Beecher Trustee Resigns; Board Still Trying to Pare Down Price
The new digital only version of The Panther shared its first edition in early March. –Photo courtesy Manteno High School.
New Journalism Organization ‘The Panther’ Debuts at MHS
Village officials and contractors posed for an official picture before groundbreaking actually commences in a couple of weeks. –Photo submitted.
Peotone Village Board Discussed Increasing Spending Authority
Former Illinois State Police trooper who pleaded guilty in relation to deadly crash postpones hearing
Peotone Police Blotter: March 3-14
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Green Garden Moving Ahead with Renovations
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VEDETTE SPORTS REPORT
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Monee Eighth Grader Proposes a Community Garden
Pics from the Monee Historical Soc. presentation on the railroad and history of Monee.  Christi Holston is standing and Rachel White is seated on the left. Photo by Karen Haave.
History of Monee Shaped by Railroad
Crete PD posed before their run in the Manteno Lake. –Photo by Karen Haave.
Crete, Monee Take the Plunge
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Thies Park Improvement Bid Won by Bourbonnais Company
Beecher Bobcat Adyn McGinley –Photo by Jim Piacentini.
Bobcats Made History
Manhattan Police Chief Jeff Wold to attend FBI Command Course. –Photo submitted.
Police Chief Wold Selected for FBI Command Course
Monee Police Department took the plunge on march 2. Photo by Jim Piacentini.
Polar Plunge Raises $190K-Plus!
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Crete to Celebrate Earth Day 2024 with Week Long Celebration
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Frustrated; Beecher Back to the Drawing Board
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Monee Honors CREW Award Recipients