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Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas That Show You Really Care

(StatePoint) Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to let that special someone know how you feel about them. Whether it be a spouse, a new boyfriend or girlfriend, or a best friend, let these thoughtful gift ideas show them how much you really care. 1. A perfect brew: As most tea and coffee drinkers know,…

Romance scams are on the rise. Image via Statepoint.

Romance Scams on the Rise; Elderly Particularly Vulnerable

(StatePoint) They say, “you can’t buy love,” but scammers have figured out a way to exploit it for profit. Romance scams are at an all-time high and, while victims cross all demographics, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that elders are increasingly targeted. Why? Because they often have retirement savings at their disposal and may…

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Six Reasons Why One Should Get Mental Health Help

By Stan Popovich Many people underestimate the impact mental illness can have on an individual or family. It can be difficult to admit you have a mental health problem in your life. Secondly, it can be just as difficult in getting people you know to understand your situation without making any kinds of judgments. As…

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Illinois AFL-CIO Issues Political Endorsements for Primary

Recently, the Illinois AFL-CIO endorsed candidates for the upcoming March primary, following the recommendations of more than 100 delegates from across the state at the Committee on Political Education (COPE) meeting in Countryside. The voting delegates represented more than 1,500 affiliated unions, in turn serving nearly one million workers throughout the state. Endorsements were confirmed…

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Peotone Men: Attend Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference

Christ Community Church, in Peotone, is organizing a group of local men to attend the Focal Point Ministries Iron Sharpens Iron one-day conference on Saturday, March 16, at First Nazarene Church, 12725 Bell Road, Lemont, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference is open to all men, including teens. Group registration, through Christ Community…

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Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on Underground Railroad at Library

Kankakee Public Library welcomes Illinois Road Scholar Connie Martin, who will present a program on “Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on the Underground Railroad” on Thursday, February 1, at 6 p.m. Ms. Martin shares the connections of Negro Spirituals with meanings and interpretations of songs used in regions of the South, which signaled multiple signs…

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Park Forest House Museum Celebrating Valentine’s Day, 75th Anniversary

Park Forest House Museum members invite you to “Step Back into a 1950s Valentine’s Day,” on display from February 3 – March 9. The museum is open Wednesday and Saturday, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., plus at other times by appointment, at 227 Monee Road – inside St. Mary’s Catholic Church. One room represents a…

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Happy Birthday!!

Very special happy birthday wishes to: January 28: Christy Papp and Gail Strubhar!!! January 30: From St. Paul the Apostle Church – Rev. Roger Kutzner!! Wishing you many, many more!!!! January 31: Tammy Hoffman!! February 1: Ed Saliba!!!

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Bipartisan, Bicameral Illinois Manufacturing Caucus Formed

Will advance issues important to industry and is a key pillar of state’s economy. The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) proudly partnered with members of the General Assembly to form a new bipartisan and bicameral Illinois Manufacturing Caucus, which will highlight the critical role manufacturing plays in the state’s economy and advance issues important to the…

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Worried About the Teacher Shortage? Invest in Your Leaders

By Erika Hunt and Lisa Hood Regional Office of Education #17 The “State of Our Educator Pipeline 2023” report by Advance Illinois underscores the challenges in Illinois’ education system and the urgent need to address the teacher shortage comprehensively. While recruiting more teachers is important, addressing teacher attrition, responsible for 90 percent of the demand,…

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Rep. Haas Hosts Fourth Valentines for Vets

State Rep. Jackie Haas is launching her fourth annual “Valentines for Veterans” program for local veterans. Cards may be dropped off at Rep. Haas’ district office, 370 E. Court Street in Kankakee, through Monday, February 12. The cards will be delivered to veterans residing at the Manteno Veterans Home in time for Valentine’s Day. “This…

Heating bills-Statepoint

Winter Woes! New Survey Finds Most Americans Dread Heating Bills

(StatePoint) From using a hairdryer to warm up their sheets to cuddling with their pet, Americans will do some crafty things to stay warm in the winter – especially if it means they can avoid turning up their thermostat. A new survey conducted by Duck brand, which offers products that provide simple, imaginative, and helpful…

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Chess League at Kankakee Public Library

Looking for a place to hone your chess skills and enjoy a bit of competition along the way? A new season of the library’s regular chess league will launch at the Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, on Saturday, January 20, beginning at 10 a.m. A one-time entry fee of $30 is required, with…

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Will County EMA Issues Update on Kankakee River Conditions

WILL COUNTY – The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) advises residents along the Kankakee River of flash flood conditions throughout the week due to ice jams on the river. Flash flooding has been occurring in unincorporated Will County along the river since the morning of January 15. “Our agency has been working with local…

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Joyce Kicks-Off Seniors’ Valentine’s Day Card Drive

In an effort spread love and uplift the spirits of seniors in the 40th District, State Sen. Patrick Joyce invites residents of all ages to get creative and donate homemade or store-bought valentines. “This card drive is an opportunity for every member of our community to come together and show appreciation for our seniors,” said…

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Simmons Cancer Institute Accepting Research Internship Applications

Applications for the 2024 summer lab internships at Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI) at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine are being accepted through February 26. Four positions will be awarded on a competitive basis to qualified undergraduate college students who plan a career in medicine or research, with a focus on cancer. Established in…

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Riverside Welcomes Katherine LeClear, FNP-BC, to Immediate Care Providers

Riverside Healthcare is pleased to welcome immediate care provider Katherine LeClear, FNP-BC, who completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Saint Francis in Joliet. She then received her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Degree, at Lewis University in Romeoville. Immediate care is intended to provide care for…

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