–Photo submitted.

FHOF Designated Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields has been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois with a Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. The program plays a key role in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s National Health Equity Strategy aimed at reducing racial health…

–Graphic submitted.

Save the Date for Frankfort’s Kick-Off to Summer Celebration

Join friends and neighbors as residents kick-off summertime in Frankfort with an exciting celebration! On Sunday, June 2, downtown Frankfort will come alive with a day where community spirit, entertainment, and summer vibes collide. The event marks the opening of the summer season of the Frankfort Country Market, with the market expanding to feature more…

Pets

Odd Animal Behavior Side Effect of Solar Eclipse

By Phyllis Coulter FarmWeek People are talking about the birds and the bees and the total solar eclipse. But they may be missing the peripheral effects of Monday’s total solar eclipse on animals, especially those in the path of totality. “The side consequences are more impactful on animals than the actual eclipse,” said Angela Green-Miller,…

–Photo submitted.

Franciscan Health Hospitals Hosting Suicide Prevention Courses

Franciscan Health hospitals in Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s South Suburbs are hosting suicide prevention courses in April and May. The entry level question, persuade and refer or QPR Suicide Prevention Courses are based on curriculum developed by the QPR Institute, which aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical, and proven…

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KPL Hosting ‘An Evening with Rodney Freeman’

Librarian, archivist, filmmaker, and former Kankakee resident Rodney Freeman will be speaking at the Kankakee Public Library on Thursday, April 11, at 6 p.m. Freeman’s documentary “Are You a Librarian: The Untold Story of Black Librarians” is set for release in early 2025. Amidst the rising challenges of book banning and censorship, Freeman’s documentary sheds…

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Illinois AFL-CIO, Rail Labor, First Responders Applaud Biden Administration for New Rule on Two-Person Crews

The Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois railroad unions, and Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) applaud the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) for finalizing a new federal rule requiring railroads to maintain minimum two-person crews for most freight and passenger operations. In 2019, the same organizations worked to pass SB 24 (PA 101-294)…

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Happy Birthday/Happy Anniversary!!

Very special happy birthday wishes to: April 12: Trevor Hetzer!! April 14: Deacon Jim Kelly!!!!!!! April 15: Liz Manning!! April 16: Tyler Howe and Lindsay Matthias!! April 19: Brian Biederman and Tom Morrison!! April 20: Tammy Cowger!! Extra special happy anniversary wishes to: April 15: Matt and Rhea Hespen!!

Theodis Pace (center) will serve as honorary chair of ACS Relay for Life of Kankakee County. –Photo submitted.

Pace Serves as ACS Relay for Life of Kankakee County Honorary Chair

The Kankakee County Relay’s Event Leadership Team has selected Theodis Pace to serve as their honorary chair for the Relay for Life of Kankakee County, presented by Riverside Healthcare and Riverside Cancer Institute. It will be held at Bishop McNamara Catholic School on June 8, from 2 – 10 p.m. This year’s theme is Every…

–Graphic submitted.

IARSS Survey: Teacher Shortages Persist in Illinois with Disparities

Many solutions showing progress. Seven years after its debut, Illinois’ popular and comprehensive study shows persistent teacher shortages statewide, with concerning disparities across the state. Schools also are showing a variety of solutions at the local and state levels that are helping them ease the strain on classroom instruction. The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents…

–Chanel Smith joins Riverside Team. –Photo submitted.

Riverside Welcomes Chanel Smith, FNP-C, to Team of Immediate Care Providers

Riverside Healthcare is pleased to welcome board-certified nurse practitioner Chanel Smith, FNP-C, to its team of immediate care providers. Smith completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing at Governors State University in University Park. Immediate care is intended to provide care for non-life-threatening injuries and ailments, such as colds,…

–Graphic submitted.

USF Blood Drive April 23

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Help those in need as the University of St. Francis (USF) hosts its next American Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, April 23, from 1 to 6 p.m., in the Assembly Hall…

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USACE Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study Team Hosting Virtual Public Meetings

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes districts and eight Great Lakes state study partners will host virtual public meeting to provide updates on the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study and obtain the public’s feedback on the shared vision for the study. Each meeting will feature the same core presentation on the study and…

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Manhattan-Elwood Quilt Group ‘Rescue ME’ Crafters’ Resale

Mark your calendars – They are back for their 10th “Rescue ME Resale.” The Manhattan-Elwood Quilt Group is hosting its Rescue ME Crafters’ Resale on Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Manhattan Township Office, 230 Wabash Street, in Manhattan. This resale features quilting, sewing, and needlework supplies. Purchase a bag…

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Coalition of Tipped Workers, Service Operators, Local Businesses Oppose Effort to Eliminate Tip Credit

Legislation would lead to less take-home pay for workers and increased costs  for the hospitality industry and consumers. A coalition of tipped workers, service operators, and local businesses recently urged the General Assembly to reject a flawed proposal that would eliminate the tip credit. HB 5345 would fundamentally alter the way restaurants, bars, breweries, hotels,…

Pets

Brush Those Fangs!

Illinois veterinary professionals celebrate ‘Healthy Pet Month!’ April is recognized every year as Healthy Pet Month by Illinois’ veterinarians, certified veterinarian technicians, and clinic practice professionals, the majority of whom are members of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA). Veterinarians always encourage pet owners to recognize the importance of proactive, preventive health care for…

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Peoria Air National Guard Hosting Career Showcase for Illinois Youth

The 182nd Airlift Wing Recruiting team is scheduled to host a career showcase for Illinois high school students at the Peoria Air National Guard base, Tuesday, April 9. This event will showcase what the Air National Guard is and what it has to offer recruits, while highlighting the different jobs and opportunities available to Illinois…

PFHS presents "Catch the Twain" on May 19. –Photo submitted.

Here’s What’s Happening at the Park Forest Historical Society

The Park Forest Historical Society cordially invites area residents to its Park Forest Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Reception, on Sunday, April 14, at 3 p.m., in Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest. Please join us for this happy occasion. Congratulations to Sam Beber, Gregory C. Randall, Vernice Johnson-Warren, Betsy Williams, Janette Rodriguez…

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
An example of the design of the Hometown Heroes banner for Manhattan. –Image by Village of Manhattan.
Manhattan Honors Veterans with Banner Program
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Angel’s Helping Hands Now an Alternative
Peotone residents Maura Culver (left) and Paula Prium (right) with Village President Peter March. –Photo by Karen Haave.
Streetscape to Start in Peotone
Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen celebrated a birthday just before the Village board meeting on April 1. Photo by Stephanie Irvine.
Budget, Property Lines, and Safety Topics at Village Meeting
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Crete’s Winter Coat Drive Unnecessary After All
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Outdoor Lighting Might Not be a Problem in Monee Anymore
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VEDETTE SPORTS REPORT
Former trooper seeks restoration of driving privileges nearly 16 years after fatal crash
Peotone Police Blotter: March 29-April 3
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Crete’s Officer Hunt Retires
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Building Committee Creates Historical Overlay District
Realtor and property owner Jared Gordon talked with Robinson Engineering at the Streetscape Open House.  About 80 people came out for the open house during the worst weather of the week. Photo by Andrea Arens.
Streetscape Construction About to Begin
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Building Committee Declines to Hire Additional Employees
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Behold, Beecher Police Station Will Be Built
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Pritzker’s Grocery Tax Elimination Has Crete President Displeased