Local News

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Crete Remains Safe and Secure by Statistics

An overview of 2023 Crete  Police Department statistics show the Village of Crete is not immune to crime, but overall remains a very safe and secure community, according to a report from Police Chief Scott Pieritz. In his report to the village board on January 22, Pieritz praised his department’s efforts. “The police department works…

Rep. Haas presented a certificate to Frank Aprile, naming Frankie's Pizzeria her January Local Business Spotlight. –Photo submitted.

Frankie’s Pizzeria January Local Business Spotlight

For her January local business spotlight, State Rep. Jackie Haas recognized Frankie’s Pizzeria in Monee. Rep. Haas spent time touring the business and presented the owner with a certificate of appreciation for their contributions to the community. “This month, we are honored to recognize Frankie’s Pizzeria in Monee because of their incredible employees and customer…

Remembering Park Forest's early days. –Photo submitted.

Park Forest Historical Society News

Show and Tell, Sunday, February 25: Join us on Sunday, February 25, at 2:30 p.m., in Ryan Hall at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, for an informal “Show and Tell” session on YOUR memories of living in Park Forest during the past 75 years. The words “show and tell” themselves evoke childhood memories, but those memories…

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Crete Library News

Thursday, February 1 Knot Just for Knitters, from 1 – 2 p.m., ages 11/adult: Join us to socialize while working on knitting, crocheting, or any other type of needlework project. Drop in. Friday, February 2 Retro Movie Fridays, from 2:30 – 4:45 p.m., all ages: Showing “Cool Runnings” (rated PG). Drop in. Saturday, February 3…

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Crete Library News

Thursday, January 25 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 to stories, learning songs and fingerplays, and playing games. Register. Manga Club for Teens, from 3 – 4 p.m., ages 12–18: Join us to discuss “The Way of the…

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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…

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held January 9 for the new south wing addition, which will house the Bridges program. –Photo submitted.

CM 201-U Unveils New South Wing Addition for Bridges Program

Crete-Monee School District 201-U recently unveiled its newly constructed south wing addition to house the Bridges program. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Tuesday, January 9, with CM 201-U administration, staff, the Board of Education, and local dignitaries participating in the event. Previously located at the Monee Education Center, 5154 Main Street in Monee, the Bridges…

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Crete Creates Ordinance Regarding Unscheduled Buses

By Karen Haave The Crete Village Board has approved an ordinance establishing regulations for unscheduled intercity buses, and the discharge of passengers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of residents and visitors to the Village of Crete. Like those being passed in numerous other area villages, the ordinance sets strict criteria needed to control…

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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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Crete Library News

Thursday, January 18 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 to stories, learning songs and fingerplays, and playing games. Register. Knot Just for Knitters, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., ages 11/adult: Join us to socialize while working on knitting,…

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Crete Latest to Create Ordinance Aimed at Controlling Unannounced Buses

By Karen Haave Transportation firms making unscheduled deliveries of asylum seekers to train stations just outside of Chicago might want to reconsider drop-offs within the Village of Crete. A tough new ordinance aimed at controlling unannounced buses was included on Monday’s agenda for officials’ consideration during  the board of trustees meeting. Its title is a…

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Illinois Lutheran Announces Semester Honor Roll Students

Illinois Lutheran High School and Junior High School recently announced students named to its first semester honor rolls. Congratulations to the following students! High School High Honors: Tristan Biesterfeld, Morgan Hokanson, Denise Kennedy, Melinda Mercer-Podbielski, Juanita Stuenkel, Marisol Tafolla, Kailey Van Es, Kimberly Danielewicz, Mikah Harris, Sean Reposa, Azaylia Sanchez, Grace Chilo, Ashley Gunderson, Dawveed…

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Area News

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Will County Coordinating with Municipalities, State on Texas Bus Arrivals

The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is working to provide information and coordinate with municipalities and state agencies as the Chicagoland region is experiencing an increase in buses transporting asylum-seekers from the State of Texas. “Our municipalities have seen an increase in buses from Texas disembarking passengers at Metra stations and other locations throughout…

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Solar Farm Near Frankfort Rejected By Will County Board

By Stephen Nelson After listening to an hour and a half of negative public comment from residents near a proposed solar farm on West 104th Street at the end of Kuse Road in Green Garden Township, the Will County Board at its December 21 meeting, voted almost unanimously (16-1) to deny a special use permit for…

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Former School Bus Driver Christian Shepherd Sentenced to 74 Years in Murder-for-Hire Plot

Shepherd previously sentenced to 76 Years in second murder-for-hire plot. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that Christian Shepherd, 44, of Ottawa, was sentenced recently by Circuit Judge David Carlson to 74 years in prison in a murder-for-hire plot in which he attempted to hire a fellow inmate to murder a victim he was…

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Will County Seeks Public Input on Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant is asking the public to participate in a survey that will help the county identify infrastructure needs for electric and other alternative fuel vehicles. The survey results will support a comprehensive plan to prepare the county to proactively meet growing demand for sustainable transportation options. “There is a fast-growing demand…

Pictured with State’s Attorney James Glasgow is Victim Witness Advocate Emma Rannells, who received the Diane Mains Award from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) –Photo submitted.

Emma Rannells Receives AAIM Service Award

State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that Victim Witness Advocate Emma Rannells has received the Diane Mains Award from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) for her dedication in assisting impaired driving crash victims and their families. “In addition to prosecuting impaired driving cases, my office provides victims much-needed support throughout the criminal justice process,” Glasgow…

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Will County Animal Control Offering Free Microchipping in December

The Will County Animal Control Department is offering free microchipping services to dogs and cats owned by county residents throughout December as part of their “Home for the Holidays” Program. “We’re hoping to incentivize pet owners to microchip their pets,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “Having pets microchipped, with updated tags, helps ensure they…

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry is excited about the new Will County state-of-the-art election equipment that will be in place for the 2024 elections. –Photo submitted.

Will County Clerk Holds Lottery Determining Primary Top Candidate Ballot Spots

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry held a lottery on Wednesday, December 13, to determine which candidates will appear in the top ballot position in certain races in the March 19, Primary Election. The lottery, held in the Will County Board Room, involved those candidates who filed petitions simultaneously at the start of the business…

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Rockett Sentenced to 12 Years in Fatal Girlfriend Shooting

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Ben Rockett, 71, of Joliet, was sentenced recently to 12 years in prison in the 2021 shooting death of Sonja Underwood. Rockett pled guilty to Armed Habitual Criminal (a class X felony) before Circuit Judge Carmen Goodman. On the evening of March 30, 2021, Rockett and girlfriend Underwood…

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry is excited about the new Will County state-of-the-art election equipment that will be in place for the 2024 elections. –Photo submitted.

New State-of-the-Art Election Equipment Demonstration Planned

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry is inviting the public to a demonstration of new state-of-the-art election equipment that will be used to cast and count ballots in next year’s Primary and Presidential Elections. County Clerk Staley Ferry and her team will conduct demonstrations of the new ballot counters, ADA-compliant ballot-marking devices, and poll books…

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Bertino-Tarrant Announces Re-election Campaign

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant filed petitions with the Will County Clerk’s office this week, officially kicking-off her re-election campaign. Pledging to continue prioritizing public safety, balanced budgets, and an open and transparent government, Bertino-Tarrant points to her promises made and kept in her desire to seek a second term. “When I ran for county…