CUSD 5 Has Something to Celebrate!

Coach Carlile poses with former and current and softball players. Congratulations on your recent honor! –Photo submitted.  Congratulations!

Coach Carlile poses with former and current and softball players. Congratulations on your recent honor! –Photo submitted. Congratulations!

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Recently, Manteno School District 5 had some special news to celebrate. Here’s what was happening in Manteno…

During the March Manteno School Board meeting, Coach Josh Carlile was recognized for his recent induction into the Illinois Coaches Association Softball Hall of Fame. Josh has been on staff since 2003, taking over the head softball coaching position in 2006. He is currently a Manteno Middle School science teacher, athletic director, and head softball coach for both middle school and high school girls softball. –Photo submitted.

Manteno School District is honored to announce two of the district’s amazing educators, Sean Hoffman and Jamie VanDongen, who were recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as “Those That Excel.” Manteno is so fortunate to have these two individuals on its team and is grateful for all they do for students. Hoffmann, choir teacher and Show Choir Director for both Manteno Middle and High Schools, received a “Special Recognition Award.” He joined the district in 2011 and shares his passion for music with students, but also the community.  –Photo submitted.

Jamie VanDongen, intervention specialist at Manteno Elementary School, received the distinguished “Meritorious Service Award” for her outstanding contributions to the field of education. She has been a teacher at MES since 2018. Here she takes time for a picture with students. –Photo submitted.

Thank you, MHS 2015 alumnus Ethan Kaufman, for providing Junior and Senior Leadership Academy students with practical strategies on financial literacy and the importance of planning for the future. The high school Junior and Senior Leadership Academies are under the guidance of Superintendent Lisa Harrod and Human Resources Director Nancy Kaufman.

Students listen intently to information provided by Kaufman, while attending a Junior/Senior Leadership Academy session. –Photo submitted.


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Illinois News


State spends $73 million to protect Illinois’ only undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline
State spends $73 million to protect Illinois’ only undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline
Appeals court skeptical of Mike Bost’s case to stop ballot counts after Election Day
Appeals court skeptical of Mike Bost’s case to stop ballot counts after Election Day
DCFS hires on-the-spot at hiring events
DCFS hires on-the-spot at hiring events
Capitol Briefs: Advocates push for guaranteed income, child care assistance
Capitol Briefs: Advocates push for guaranteed income, child care assistance
Illinois teacher shortage persists, survey finds
Illinois teacher shortage persists, survey finds
Bills in state Senate would further regulate battery storage and disposal
Bills in state Senate would further regulate battery storage and disposal


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

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

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Spread the loveThe 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,…


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April Legion Fish Fry

Legion Fish Fry

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Spread the loveAt a Glance: Peotone American Legion Post 392 will host its monthly all-you-can-eat while dining in, fish fry on Saturday, April 13, from 4:30 to 6:30p.m. or until sold out. Tickets are $15 for either perch or catfish and include French fries, cole slaw, bread, and butter. Don’t forget delicious desserts, from the…


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Beecher High School was awarded $860 from Riverside's Scores for Schools program. –Photo submitted.

Riverside Healthcare Donates $13,000+ to Local High Schools

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Spread the loveScores for Schools program supports 18 area school athletic programs.  To recognize the accomplishments of area high school athletic programs, Riverside Healthcare donated more than $13,000 to 18 high schools across Kankakee, Grundy, Will, and Iroquois Counties for their 2023 fall sports seasons. “Riverside is grateful to be able to support local high…


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YWCA, The Grow Center, and Project SUN Present ‘LATE: A Love Story’

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Spread the loveRachelle Zola, at 75 years old, is walking from Chicago to Montgomery, Alabama, to confront the pervasive realities of racism and amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized and silenced. Rachelle will perform her one-woman play, “LATE: A Love Story” and host a discussion about the stories she has to tell,…


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Clove Alliance Hosts ‘Supporting Survivors with Disabilities’ Presentation

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Spread the loveClove Alliance is proud to announce a one-day interactive presentation titled “Communication and Collaboration,” focused on supporting survivors of sexual violence with disabilities. This event, tailored to community professionals, will take place on Friday, April 19, from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at Kankakee Community College. Keynote speaker, Leanne Mull, MHA, co-director of…


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When Legislation Becomes a Personal Commitment to Reform

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Spread the loveAs State Senator, I advocate every day for the people I represent to address the problems affecting their families, their neighbors, their businesses, and schools. This month, I became an advocate for my family and many others like us, who deserve better health care insurance coverage. I couldn’t help but tear up a…


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Apartment Complex Has Manteno Principal Concerned

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Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva You might say Matthew Glenn is looking for an exit strategy. Or, at the very least, an exit solution. Before the usual group of citizens spoke to harangue the Manteno Village Board on March 18 about the Gotion EV battery factory, Glenn, the principal at Manteno Elementary School, spoke first…


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Panthers Beat Milford 11-1

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Spread the loveBy Jim Piacentini In Manteno baseball on Tuesday, March 19, the Panthers had a slow first inning against the Milford Bearcats, but the second inning was just the opposite. The Panthers scored 5 and took a demanding 6-0 lead. Manteno then scored 3 runs in the fourth and 2 more in the sixth,…


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BIG Week for Lady Panthers!

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Spread the loveOn Tuesday, March 19, in a non-conference game, the Lady Panthers brought home an 11-3 victory against the Kankakee Kays. The Panthers scored 11 runs, on 13 hits, while committing 4 errors in the 7-inning contest. Kankakee had 3 runs, on 6 hits, with no errors. Ava Peterson, who was credited with the…


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Manteno Fire Protection District

Manteno Firefighters Participate in Training Leading to State/National Certification

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Spread the loveLocal firefighters Zachary Carroll and Danielle Georgelos, from the Manteno Community Fire Protection District, are enrolled in the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) Basic Operations Firefighter/NFPA Firefighter I (BOF) Blended course. This 18-week training program is designed to give firefighters the training needed to operate safely and effectively on the fireground. Unlike a…


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Elizabeth Packard: The Woman Who Wouldn’t Be Silenced

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Spread the loveJoin Laura Keyes, as Elizabeth Packard, for this informative and inspiring presentation on “Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard – The Woman Who Wouldn’t Be Silenced,” on Saturday, April 20, from 2 – 3:30 p.m., at the Kankakee County Museum in Small Memorial Park, 801 South Eighth Avenue in Kankakee. Tickets are $10 for general…


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Former Illinois State Police trooper who pleaded guilty in relation to deadly crash postpones hearing

Manteno Police Respond to Stabbings; Suspect in Custody

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Spread the loveOn March 21, Manteno officers were dispatched to Copelands Route 50 North Bar, in the 100 block of N. Locust Street, in reference to two stabbing victims. Upon arrival, officers located two stabbing victims in the parking lot, but the offender had fled the scene on foot. During the investigation, the suspect was…


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Rep. Haas honored Brickstone Brewery as her March Local Business Spotlight. –Photo submitted.

Rep. Haas: Brickstone Brewery March Local Business Spotlight

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Spread the loveFor her March local business spotlight, State Rep. Jackie Haas recognized Brickstone Brewery in Bourbonnais. Rep. Haas spent time touring the business and presented the owners with a certificate of appreciation for their contributions to the community. “I am honored to recognize Brickstone Brewery for my March Local Business Spotlight,” said Rep. Haas.…


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

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Spread the loveMark your calendars – we are back for our 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 will feature quilting, sewing, and needlework supplies.…


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–Nancy Addison, botanist and club member, presented a program on pruning and shrub care. –Photo submitted.

Kultivators Garden Club Tackles ‘Pruning/Shrub Care’

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Spread the loveThe Kankakee Kultivators Garden Club met Thursday, March 14, at the Kankakee Library. The program, “Pruning and Shrub Care,” was presented by Nancy Addison, a trained botanist and member of the Kultivator’s Club since 1998. Nancy was instrumental in the planning of the Column Garden, at the Kankakee County  Museum. Nancy’s first statement…


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