Kankakee Library News
Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 20. Regular business hours resume on Tuesday, February 21, at 9 a.m.
Figure Drawing: Practice figure drawing in an encouraging and laid back atmosphere at the library on Wednesday, February 22, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Figure drawing improves hand-eye coordination and observational skills, no matter one’s art style. This is not a class but simply is a welcoming environment where participants will not need to share work unless they want to. A suggested donation of $3-$5 is requested.
It is recommended to bring a large pad of newsprint, additional charcoal, pencils, or pastels. Call 815-937-5444 for more information. Artists of all skill levels and mediums are welcome. It is recommended for ages 16 and up.
Soul Collections Book Discussion: Join with others at the free monthly Book Discussion – Soul Collections, which highlights black authors and themes. On Thursday, February 23, at 5:30 p.m., in the third floor meeting room, the group will meet to discuss thoughts on “The Nickel Boys,” by Colson Whitehead.
In this Pulitzer Prize-winning follow-up to his book “The Underground Railroad,” Colson Whitehead brilliantly dramatizes another strand of American history through the story of two boys unjustly sentenced to a hellish reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida.
For more information, visit the Kankakee Public Library’s Facebook page, check out its website at www.lions-online.org, or contact the library at 815-939-4564.
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Future Fundraising Efforts to Support Officer Bailey and Sergeant Rittmanic
Spread the loveBy Eric Peterson While many businesses have already stood together to raise much-needed funds for the families of fallen Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and severely injured Officer Tyler Bailey, there are several other opportunities for community members to show their support. January 23, from 2– 6 p.m.: Northfield Square Mall will use the former…
Crime in Manteno, Surrounding Areas
Spread the loveBy 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…
Chess League Begins a KPL
Spread the loveInterested in competing with other chess players? Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, will sponsor a chess league, beginning on Saturday, January 22, at 10 a.m. Registration is $20, call 815-939-4564 to reserve a space, and a full schedule will be provided. Note: Playoffs are April 2 and 9. Cash prizes will…
Manteno Girls Basketball Goes from Cold to Hot!
Spread the loveIt was rather cold in Manteno on Monday, January 10, in more ways than one, when the Wilmington Wildcats handed a stiff defeat to the Panther Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team, 30-55. Shooting just 26 percent from the floor, the Panthers also only registered one three-pointer, but to their credit, they came away with…
Manteno Police Officers Graduate ISP Academy
Spread the loveBy Melanie Holmes Congratulations go to three recent hires for the Manteno Police Department who completed the Illinois State Police (ISP) Academy in November, including Jonathan Dokter, Miranda Sinadinos, and Jacob Nelson. These officers completed 560 hours (14 weeks) of intensive training – a standard of training that has increased during the past…
United Way Opens 2022-‘23 Grant Applications
Spread the loveLocal nonprofit agencies encouraged to apply for funding. United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties announced the 2022-2023 grant applications are open. Thousands of generous community members make annual gifts to United Way’s Community Investment Fund. Each year, volunteers oversee the distribution of these gifts via grants to local organizations working to create…
Kankakee Library Returns to Walk-In Services
Spread the loveKankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, will return to walk-in services only until further notice. For the safety of patrons and staff, masks are required while inside the library, and patrons are asked to please maintain social distancing, as well as utilize the hand sanitizer provided throughout the library. There is no…
Kankakee County Coat/Glove Drive Underway
Spread the loveDonations now accepted at Kankakee Public Library or Made for Me Boutique. United Way encourages residents to donate new or gently-used coats and gloves to benefit both adults and children living near the Strong Neighborhoods Elm House in Kankakee. Donation drop-off bins are available until Wednesday, January 26, at the Kankakee Public Library…
Manteno Trivia: January 13
Spread the loveBy Melanie Holmes In a previous edition, we featured a visual clue – a photo of a cement marker along a country road whose crown is topped with toys – and asked if anyone could identify the location of the marker. We also asked, “What’s the story behind it?” Since that trivia column…
Farm Bureau Foundation 2022 Scholarship Applications Available
Spread the loveThe Kankakee County Farm Bureau Foundation is offering scholarships to support those furthering their education in an agriculturally related field of study. Scholarships for graduating high school seniors will be $1,500 each this year. To compliment the scholarships available to graduating high school seniors in 2015, the program expanded to include support for…
Kankakee Public Library Returns to Curbside Pick-Up Service
Spread the loveDue to staff shortages, the Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, is closing to the public and returning to curbside pick-up only. Monday through Friday, patrons may call the library at 815-937-6901 to reserve materials and choose a pick-up time slot. Hours for service are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2…
Village Board Approves $391K to Remodel Police Department
Spread the loveBy Eric Peterson The Village of Manteno held its biweekly board meeting on January 3. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence led by Mayor Nugent, was had by all in honor of critically injured officer Tyler Bailey and fallen officer Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic of the Bradley Police Department., Early on…
AMITA Welcomes First Baby of 2022
Spread the love AMITA Health St. Mary’s proudly announced its first baby born in 2022. Baby Carmen Olivia Muñoz arrived on January 1, at 11:25 a.m. She weighed seven pounds, four ounces, and was 19.25 inches long. The proud parents are Deanna Diaz and Ivan Muñoz of St. Anne. Dr. Valerie Goldfain ushered the little…
Panthers Fall to Blue Devils, 44-70
Spread the loveOn Monday, January 3, the Panthers succumbed to the rival Blue Devils, 44-70, in a conference match-up at home. At one point, Manteno had a six-point lead before heading to the half tied at 25-25. That all changed in the second half, as Peotone took over the game for the win. Manteno was hurt…
Death Penalty Sought; Sgt. Rittmanic Honored
Spread the loveBy Andrea Arens Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe is seeking the death penalty for suspects Darius Sullivan and Xandria Harris. Rowe appeared in court Monday and is seeking life sentences for Sullivan and Harris. He’s also requesting federal murder charges to be filed against Sullivan and Harris and for federal prosecutors to…