Local News

Crete Area Chamber of Commerce

October Crete Area Chamber Events

Mark those calendars for the following up-coming events that are sure to be of interest. Garage Sale Days will be held October 13 and 14. Sign-up at www.cretechamber.com/events or pick-up an application at Old Plank Trail Bank, Crete Library, or village hall. To be included on the address list, information must be received by Tuesday,…

Crete Library

Crete Library News

Thursday, September 28 Manga Club for Teens, from 3 – 4 p.m., grades sixth/12th: Join us to discuss “Haikyu!!: Vol. 1.” Register. STEAM Tots – Brain Games, from 6 – 7 p.m., ages three/five: Join us as we test our brains through fun experiments and activities involving the senses! Register. Friday, September 29 Retro Movie…

Monee's Wildflower Garden will feature their first Fall Fest, running through Sunday, October 22. Pictured is owner, Anna Carmine, whose vision for a U-Pick wildflower space became reality in July 2021 and has blossomed into a play-space for kids, with a grain-bin-turned-slide, a chicken-coop-themed jungle gym, jump pillow, and more. Check their website for hours or call 708-966-3021. –Photos by Melanie Holmes

Visit Fall Fest at Monee’s Wildflower Garden

Rep Haas

Haas Appointed to Critical Public Safety Task Forces, Working Groups

In 2023, House Assistant Minority Leader Jackie Haas was appointed to three different task forces to improve public safety in Illinois. This year, she has been appointed to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Workgroup, the Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women, and the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task…

Dr. Kara Coglianese speaks to the crowd at the Toast To Crete. Photo by Jim Piacentini

Fully Staffed Crete Police Department Will Focus on Traffic Enforcement

Crete Police Chief Scott Pieritz told the village board last week that, with a fully staffed department, more attention will be focused on traffic enforcement issues. During his report at the September 11 meeting, Pieritz said focus has been turned back to proactive traffic enforcement as one of the village’s objectives. He noted the police…

IL State Senator Napoleon Harris

Sen. Harris Announces Nearly $7.6 million in Local School Funding

State Sen. Napoleon Harris III is excited to announce $7.6 million in additional funding will be awarded to local schools to help move toward fair and equitable school systems in Illinois. “As a father, I want to ensure all our children have the opportunity to receive an excellent education,” said Harris. “The state’s budget serves…

It's harvest time, and that means more farm equipment on roadways. Early on a weekday morning, approaching the curve on Rt. 45 just north of Manteno, many motorists might be tempted to pass this tractor - which would spell danger and disaster. Harvest time means slowing down on roadways, which is a great way to honor farmers. Drive safe; stay safe! –Photo by Melanie Holmes.

Watch for Farm Equipment – It’s Harvest Time

Crete Public Library

Crete Library News

Thursday, September 21 Senior Day, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., adults: Join us for presentations on scams and frauds, fall safety in the home, health and fitness, lunch, and trivia. Register. Preschool Pals, from 1 – 2 p.m., ages four/five: During this independent storytime experience, children enjoy spending time with other pre-schoolers while listening…

Football Ball on Grass

Great Week for Bobcat Soccer!

Monday through Thursday, September 11 – 14, the Beecher Bobcat Soccer Team managed to keep their opponents at zero points – yes, that’s ZERO goals, while scoring 26 goals for themselves during the four contests. On Monday, September 11, the Bobcats faced non-conference foe Reed-Custer and led at the half, 2-0. They then added 3…

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It’s Halloween at the House Museum

From September 16 – November 4, vintage Halloween decorations are on display in the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, located at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 227 Monee Road. The museum is open Wednesday and Saturday, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., or at other times by appointment. Display items include Gurley Halloween candles, die-cut decorations, and…

Volleyball Logo.PEOTONE

ILHS, PHS Weekly Volleyball Highlights

ILHS: On Tuesday, September 12, Illinois Lutheran High School hosted Clifton Central in an RVC match. Clifton jumped out to an early lead in the first set to go up 14-8. The Chargers were able to get to within 3 at 19-22, but a Clifton side out and 2 straight points gave the set to…

IL State Senator Napoleon Harris

Sen. Harris Pleased; $850,000-Plus in local Back to Business Grants

Restaurants and hotels in the 15th District are set to receive more than $850,000 in grants, thanks to the support of State Sen. Napoleon Harris III. “Our businesses and hotels drive our local economy,” said Harris. “We are all still in the process of recovering from the pandemic. The Back to Business grant program is…

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Area News

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Gregory Sentenced to 35 Years for Brutal 2017 Bludgeoning, Sexual Assault, and Fire

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Timothy Gregory, 43, of Joliet, was sentenced recently to 35 years in prison in the 2017 bludgeoning with a hammer and sexual assault of his brother’s girlfriend and arson of his brother’s home. Gregory pled guilty to Attempt Murder (a Class X felony), Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (a…

Illinois State Police Logo

ISP Arrest Multiple First Degree Murder Suspects

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 1 East Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) arrested 43-year-old Jerell T. Burnett of Chicago, 44-year-old Antoine D. Lovelace of Elgin, and 29-year-old Cody J. Matthews of Marengo, on charges of First Degree Murder (Class X Felony), Aggravated Unlawful Restraint (Class X Felony), and Concealment of…

Will County Board Logo

County Board Passes Paratransit Study

The Will County Board announced the passage of the Access Will County (Paratransit) Study with the amended resolution that provides the county board with oversight, as part of the executive form of government. With an 11-10 vote, Republicans passed the study, which allows the county executive’s office to move forward with the creation of a…

Vedette logo

TB on the Rise

By Karen Haave An uptick in the number of Tuberculosis (TB) cases nationwide has alarmed a Will County Board member, who wants to quell the disease many have thought was eradicated. Julie Berkowicz, Will County Board District 10, is working to bring awareness about the infection that, if untreated, can be fatal. It is contagious…

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The Barn on Rte. 45 Investigated

By Andrea Arens “The Barn” located at 27631 S. Rte. 45 in Peotone is being investigated for operating a liquor business without a license. The property, owned by Raymond Dettmering, was served a search warrant of The Barn and his residence on Saturday September 9. The search was conducted by the Illinois State Police and…

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Former School Bus Driver Christian Shepherd Found Guilty in Second Murder for Hire Plot

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced a jury recently found Christian Shepherd, 44, of Ottawa, guilty of four counts of Solicitation of Murder for Hire (a Class X felony), in the second case against Shepherd involving murder-to-hire plots in which he attempted to hire fellow inmates to murder a victim he was charged with…

WIB Director Caroline L. Portlock. –Photo submitted.

Will County Workforce Investment Director Elected State Association Leader

Caroline L. Portlock, director of the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Will County, has been elected president of the Illinois Workforce Partnership (IWP), which represents local workforce development leaders throughout Illinois from 10 Economic Development Regions and 22 Workforce Innovation Boards. “I am both excited and humbled for the opportunity to lead this group of…

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…

Pictured at the presentation of the 25-year proclamation are, left to right: Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Problem Solving Court Coordinator Dr. Scott DuBois, and County Board Members Vince Logan and Judy Ogala. –Photo submitted.

25 Participants Graduate Diversionary Courts Program

County Honors Drug Court’s 25 Years with Proclamation State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that 25 people graduated from the Will County Problem Solving Courts in a September 7 ceremony at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet. The event also celebrated the Drug Court’s 25th anniversary, which was marked with a proclamation by the Will County…

Angel Casillas –Photo submitted.

Casillas Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Scott’s Law Violation Crash

Serious and ongoing injuries sustained by ISP Trooper Brian Frank. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced at a news conference on September 5 that Angel Casillas, 23, of Joliet, was sentenced to 15 months in prison by Circuit Court Judge Bertani-Tomczak for the vehicular crash resulting from a Scott’s Law violation that left Illinois…