Crime in Manteno, Surrounding Areas
By Melanie Holmes
Emotions run high in the face of crime. No one should have to face the wrong end of a gun barrel just for doing their job, but it does happen – as this area knows full well in light of the recent loss of Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and the critical injury to Officer Tyler Bailey.
As 2022 dawns, it may feel as though crime is on an uptick. Just a week ago, Manteno Police Sgt. Sean Prophet asked local businesses to review their procedures in light of a string of recent armed bank robberies in Northern Illinois. Soon after Sgt. Prophet’s notice, a North Riverside man was arrested as a suspect in two of those robberies (BMO Harris Bank-Homewood and Chase Bank-Bolingbrook). These two hold-ups occurred in late December/early January, and there were others.
Having an interstate exit so close to Manteno homes and businesses means taking extra measures to be safe. Village government and business folks at the time I-57 opened in 1969 knew it would change the town, and it did. Different types of criminal activity began not long after it opened.
In what appears to have been a close call, my aunt, Vera Renchen, who once lived just north of the Eagles Landing/Walden Lake area on N 1000E Road, told of being followed home one evening after dark. This was the mid-1970s. Rather than pull into her driveway, she drove back into town. Vigilance was required then, as now.
Last April, a scam-turned-home-invasion occurred on the outskirts of town, not far from the on/off ramps for I-57. Men in yellow vests pretended to be utility workers and rang the bell of an elderly person in broad daylight. Once the door was opened, they forced their way in. The resident was not injured, though thoroughly shaken up.
At the time, this newspaper printed Manteno PD’s advice, as signs in town remind: “#9PM Routine.” MPD recommends developing a 9 p.m. routine to lock your car as well as double-check exterior home doors; the latter should be locked during most daytime hours. Also, since automatic garage door opener codes can be spoofed, the door between an attached garage and a home’s interior is what stands between you and a criminal – thus, lock it.
When crime collides with your world or that of a community member, we wonder: What’s being done to keep people safe? Working in a bank, gas station, or jewelry store clearly comes with certain risks. And it can calm the nerves to know that employers are engaging in best practices for safety.
While not every manager or business owner has solicited the advice of a security professional, all need to make solid efforts to protect employees. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation issues advice to this end. Some recommendations include: 24/7 security systems, high-definition cameras (with outside wiring encased to resist being cut), ample lighting inside and out, and appropriate signage. Signs such as, “Premises under Surveillance” or “Employees Have No Access to Safe” can deter a would-be burglar looking for an easy mark. In addition, any business where cash is handled should train employees on what to do in the face of a robbery.
Exactly one year ago, my own daughter faced a gun in her workplace. In Chicago, a man burglarized the store in which she worked, demanding cash and products. Could more have done before that occurrence? Yes. Definitely. Suffice it to say that security was stepped up afterward.
Whether at home or in the workplace, it behooves all of us to be smart about safety. Get to know neighbors and watch out for each other. And always, if you see something, say something.
Illinois News
Classifieds
Bourbonnais Library Hosting Read for the Gold
Spread the loveAll ages summer reading challenge! This year, Bourbonnais Public Library’s summer reading challenge is called Read for the Gold. The program will run from Saturday, June 1, to Wednesday, July 31, with readers of all ages invited to participate. Read for the Gold offers tiers for kids, tweens and teens, and adults. Look…
Rev-Up Summer at Tractor Discovery Day!
Spread the loveGet ready for an exciting journey into America’s farming past at Tractor Discovery Day, on June 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Tractor Supply Co., 2161 E Laraway Road in New Lenox. Join the Will County Threshermen’s Association (WCTA) for a fascinating exploration of vintage tractors that will ignite your passion…
KCHD Investigating Outbreak of Salmonella
Spread the loveThe Kankakee County Health Department (KCHD) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella, a bacteria that is a common cause of food poisoning. As of May 14, KCHD has identified eight individuals with Salmonella infections who ate prepared food from Cracker Barrel, at 50 Ken Hayes Drive,…
Liquor on Sunday Mornings, but Limited
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Liquor will be sold on Sunday mornings in Manteno. But it will be regulated. And it will be limited. At the May 6 meeting, the board allowed for alcohol to be sold Sunday mornings, but not by businesses. The board is allowing non-profit organizations to sell liquor at events from…
Local Farmers Markets
Spread the loveTo help our readers, here are some Farmers Markets that are or will soon be available for your shopping convenience. If you know of a particularly good one that we’ve not listed, please feel free to email “The Vedette,” at newsdesk@thevedette.com, so we can add it to our weekly list. Happy shopping! •Beecher:…
Lady Panthers Squeak Past Coalers, 2-1
Spread the loveBy Jim Piacentini On Monday, May 6, the Manteno Lady Panthers had a fight on their hands with the Coal City Coalers. It was a tight game, but the Panthers came out on top in the end, with a 2-1 home conference victory. The Panthers were led by Ava Peterson, who went 1-2,…
34th Annual Rhubarb Festival May 19
Spread the loveThe Kankakee County Museum at Small Memorial Park, 801 S. Eighth Avenue in Kankakee, will host their 34th annual Rhubarb Festival on Sunday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s festivities include a wide variety of vendors, a dime toss, kids’ zone, pie-eating contest, live entertainment, plus tours of the…
Manteno Holds Successful Inaugural Spring Showcase
Spread the loveThe Spring Showcase: Garden and Arts Festival, a fun event for the entire family, was held on Sunday, May 5, at the Square in Downtown Manteno, much to the delight of the community. This first ever Spring Showcase was created to enable the community to come together and enjoy the beauty of spring…
Uplifted Care Community Grief Center Free Workshop/ Grief Support Service
Spread the loveThe Honoring Mothers Workshop will be held on Saturday, May 18, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. This free workshop is a safe space for anyone, who has lost their mother, to be able to join others who have experienced a similar loss. Through activities and discussion, attendees have an opportunity to connect with…
FHOF Cardiology Hosting Free Smoking Cessation Meetings
Spread the loveFranciscan Health Cardiology Olympia Fields is hosting free weekly smoking cessation group meetings aimed at helping smokers kick the habit. Meetings help smokers learn proven strategies for success in quitting for good, develop a personal plan for quitting, minimize withdrawal symptoms, and begin living a new, healthy lifestyle. The group meetings are held…
Uplifted Care Community Grief Center Vet-to-Vet Café May 15
Spread the loveAll Veterans are invited to UpliftedCare Community Grief Center to attend the Vet-to-Vet Café, from 9 – 11 a.m., on Wednesday, May 15. Veterans will have an opportunity to meet other community veterans, share stories, access resources, and make new connections. Coffee and light snacks are provided. For more information or to register,…
KRRC Donates $800 to Manteno Legion
Spread the loveRecently, the Kankakee River Running Club (KRRC) donated $800 Springfest 5K Run/Walk profits to the Manteno American Legion. Springfest was held on April 13 in Manteno. The Running Club also donated a Monical’s Family Pleaser pizza and Certificate of Appreciation to the Manteno Police Department for their yearly support and route assistance during…
River Valley Metro Ridership Milestone
Spread the loveOn Tuesday, April 30, River Valley Metro Mass Transit surpassed 14 million rides since it began serving the community in 1999. “This number reflects the need in our community for safe and reliable public transportation,” said Managing Director Siron Sims. “Whether the need is to get to work, school, appointments, shopping, or social…
Mother’s Day Basket Bingo May 11
Spread the loveMark your calendar for “Mother’s Day Basket Bingo,” the bi-annual basket bingo fundraiser for Flight Club Survivor. This fun event will be held on Saturday, May 11, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and bingo at 6 p.m., at 209 W. Dixie Highway in Grant Park. Tickets are $20 per person for the…