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Joyce Law Helps Address Firefighter Shortage Beginning Next Year
A new law led by State Sen. Patrick Joyce to help solve Illinois’ firefighter shortage will go into effect January 1. “Firefighters, both full-time and volunteer, are essential first responders, and we cannot afford to continue to see declining numbers in these positions,” said Joyce. “This law is a step in the right direction to…
Rep. Haas Celebrates District 79 Library Grants
Following the School District Library Grant program announcement made by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Rep. Jackie Haas released the following statement: “I am thrilled seven libraries in District 79 have been selected to receive grants through the Illinois Secretary of State Office’s School District Library Grant program,” said Rep. Haas. “Libraries are…
Lincoln-Way Area Restaurants Invited to Spice-Up Frankfort Chili Cook-Off
The Village of Frankfort is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated “Fire and Ice” Winter Social, an electrifying event set to warm hearts and taste buds alike, returns on Saturday, February 3, in downtown Frankfort. As part of the festivities, the village will host a Chili Cook-Off that promises to be the highlight of the event.…
Earthrise Energy Awards RISE Grant to Northern Illinois Food Bank
To help families put food on the table this holiday, Earthrise Energy recently awarded an $8,000 RISE Grant to the Northern Illinois Food Bank. The funds will be allocated to four food bank member agencies serving Crete, Manhattan, and Monee to help restock their pantry shelves. “We thank Earthrise Energy and all those helping us…
Rep. Ozinga Honors Shark Shredding as December’s Local Business Highlight
For his December local business highlight, State Rep. Tim Ozinga chose to highlight Shark Shredding in Mokena. Rep. Ozinga spent time touring the business and presented the owners with a certificate of appreciation for their contributions to the community. “I am proud to honor Shark Shredding and Document Management Services, Inc., as my December Local…
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…
Joyce Applauds $200,000 Manhattan Park District Funding
With support from State Sen. Patrick Joyce, Manhattan Park District will receive a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for recreational development projects at Round Barn Farm. “Investing in our parks and trails is an investment in the well-being of our communities,” said Joyce. “These are spaces for folks to engage in…
Illinois Office of Tourism Names Cranky Mike’s Popcorn to Illinois Made Program4
Governor J.B. Pritzker, alongside the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), elected officials, and industry leaders, proudly unveiled the latest inductees into the Illinois Made program, including Cranky Mike’s Popcorn in Momence. This year marks a significant milestone, as 48 exceptional small businesses, often referred to as ‘Makers,’ have been welcomed into the…
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…
Kankakee County Museum Presents Gallery of Trees and More
The Kankakee County Museum, 801 S. Eighth Avenue, Kankakee, invites area residents to the annual Gallery of Trees. Celebrating 45 years of this beloved local tradition, this year the Museum is filled with more than 35 trees decorated by area non-profit organizations, based on favorite themes from the past 45 years. Traditionally, more than 3,000…
Sen. Joyce: Modernizing Thinking, Technology to Power Future
Creating public policy requires constantly adapting what we have done before to what we need to do today and for tomorrow. Sometimes, that means rethinking a position that can hit close to home. Since 1987, Illinois has had in place a moratorium on additional construction of nuclear power generation facilities. Concerns about the hazards of…
Crete Country Christmas is Coming to Town This Weekend!
Organizers have so much in store for the community at the Crete Country Christmas, December 1 – 3, and hope you’ll join them to celebrate the season. It seems there’s something for everyone – young and old, including a Grinch 5K, Breakfast with the Grinch, Santa visits, a Cocoa and Cookie Crawl, Holiday House Walk,…
Support USF’s ‘Francis Fund’ Giving Tuesday, November 28
If you ever wanted to support the pursuit of a higher education for students at the University of St. Francis (USF), you have the opportunity to do so on Tuesday, November 28, a day known globally as Giving Tuesday. Join fellow Saints worldwide as they come together to celebrate USF students and encourage giving to…
‘Miracle on 8th – a Kris Kringle Market’ December 9
The Community Arts Council of Kankakee County and the Kankakee County Historical Society are excited to bring the community a magical experience this holiday season! Mark your calendars for “Miracle on 8th: A Kris Kringle Market” being held on Saturday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the museum grounds, 801 S. Eighth…
MPD Awarded IDOT Traffic Enforcement Grant
The Manhattan Police Department recently announced it was awarded a Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant to conduct additional traffic safety enforcement efforts. The STEP program focuses on high-visibility enforcement and strategies aimed at saving lives and preventing injuries by reducing traffic crashes. “We’re pleased to receive this grant to step-up…
Lighting of the Green: Frankfort’s Most Anticipated Holiday Tradition Returns
It’s that time of year when the Village of Frankfort welcomes the community to come together to kick-off the holiday season in grand style. The annual Lighting of the Green promises to be a remarkable event, filled with festive lights, music, and the cheerful spirit of the holidays. This season’s Lighting of the Green…
Manhattan Approves Master Plan for Downtown Redevelopment
Manhattan Trustees approved a downtown redevelopment master plan that will be a formal guiding document as the village continues working to improve the downtown area. The plan was approved at the Tuesday, October 17, board meeting and seeks to balance attracting new businesses, while maintaining the small-town charm, a trademark of the Manhattan community. “The…
75th Anniversary Turkey Raffle at Peotone American Legion November 17
Peotone American Legion Post 392, the Peotone American Legion Auxiliary, and the Manhattan/Peotone Consolidated Fire Protection District will co-host the 75th Anniversary Turkey Raffle at the Peotone American Legion Post Hall, North and Railroad Streets, on Friday, November 17, from 4:30 – 9 p.m. This event had a one-year hiatus in 2022 and is making…
Manhattan the Latest to Adopt Streetscape Plan
By Andrea Arens Just last week, the Village of Manhattan unanimously approved an expansive streetscape plan. The plan, designed by the Farnsworth Group, encompasses all of their downtown area and improvements to U.S. Rt. 52. The entire plan is a concept broken into phases, with the plan being paid for entirely by private investment and…
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Area News
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
Darrius Brown Convicted of Aggravated Domestic Battery for 2018 Attack
Brown previously convicted of aggravated domestic abuse of child’s mother, sentenced to eight years in prison. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Circuit Judge Carmen Goodman on Monday, November 20, found Darrius Brown, 42, of Plainfield, guilty of Aggravated Domestic Battery (a Class 2 felony), Aggravated Unlawful Restraint with a Deadly Weapon (a Class…
JJC Becomes Statewide Leader in Dual Credit Enrollment
Joliet Junior College has established itself as a statewide leader in dual credit enrollment, *reporting a record 23.93 percent increase in dual credit enrollment hours compared to fall 2022. This is the first milestone since the October 2022 introduction of the 12x12x12 program, an aggressive dual-credit initiative envisioned by JJC President Dr. Clyne Namuo that…
Support USF’s ‘Francis Fund’ Giving Tuesday, November 28
If you ever wanted to support the pursuit of a higher education for students at the University of St. Francis (USF), you have the opportunity to do so on Tuesday, November 28, a day known globally as Giving Tuesday. Join fellow Saints worldwide as they come together to celebrate USF students and encourage giving to…