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To the School Board, Administration, and Residents of Manhattan School District 114:

Did you know? Multiple independent studies have clearly illustrated that staffing a library with a certified school librarian – not a teacher, aide, or volunteer – correlates directly to increased standardized test scores, even when variables, such as economics and demographics are taken into account. Licensed school library media specialists are rigorously trained to teach…

Donated items were accepted by Helping Hands during a previous Textile and Small Home Goods Collection Event at the Will County Office Building. The annual event will be held from Monday, May 6 to Friday, May 10. –Photo submitted.

Will County Holding Annual Textiles, Small Home Goods Collection May 6-10

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant invites residents to the annual Textile and Small Home Goods Collection Event at the Will County Office Building, 302 North Chicago Street,  Monday, May 6 through Friday, May 10. A wide range of items will be collected for reuse and recycling during the week, including coats, shirts, pants, neckties, hats,…

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Lewis University Recognizes Gentile, Murphy, and Schimick

Lewis University, in Romeoville, recently announced the names of  students who recently received recognition for their academic presentations or placement in college competitions, including local residents Chuckie Gentile and Andrew Murphy of Manhattan, and Rebekkah Schimick of New Lenox. •Manhattan Student Wins 12th in ACCA Calculus Competition: One of Lewis University’s student teams earned first…

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Healing and Investment Key to Growth in Our Communities, State

“Put yourself in their shoes. Have a heart.” As a member of the Illinois Senate’s budget committee on Health and Human Services, I work with my fellow legislators to understand the needs in our communities and try to match resources to meet those needs. These are never easy decisions because homelessness and housing costs, food…

State Rep. Anthony DeLuca speaks in the House Chamber. –Photo submitted.

DeLuca Backs Reforms to Make Health Care More Affordable, Expand Access

Looking to drive down health care costs and expand access for families, State Rep. Anthony DeLuca recently backed an insurance reform plan that prioritizes patients by cracking down on large rate increases, banning “step therapy,” and stopping “junk insurance” plans that provide no real coverage. “These are needed reforms that recognize the challenges individuals have…

Brad (left), Karen (middle), and Dylan (right) Bothwell pose for a picture in their greenhouse. Photo by Stephanie Irvine.

Farmer’s Market Begins at Manhattan’s Bothwell Farms

By Stephanie Irvine The Village of Manhattan currently doesn’t have an official farmer’s market, but the Bothwell family does the work to ensure there is a local market for people to enjoy, stating they just do it for something fun for the community. Beginning April 27, Bothwell Farms will host a weekly farmer’s market at…

Join Lightways Hospice/Serious Illness Care at Dino-mite 5K Family Fun Run

Proceeds support pediatric care program Runners from across the region are invited to the 11th annual Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care 5K Family Fun Run on Saturday, June 1, at the New Lenox Commons, 1 Veterans Parkway in New Lenox. The event includes a 5K run for ages 14 and older and a Dino…

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Legion Post 392 Fish Fry

Peotone American Legion Post 392 will host its last of the season monthly all-you-can-eat fish fry, on Saturday, May 11, 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 Legion Auxiliary, are available…

District Attorney John Motylinski explains how the GEMT program works with ambulance rates. Photo by Stephanie Irvine.

MFPD Fire Station Updates on Schedule

By Stephanie Irvine The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board met on April 15, whereupon the board discussed regular business and updates regarding the Manhattan and Peotone fire stations. Peotone Remodel/Manhattan New Construction Updates District Fire Chief Steve Malone reported the district is officially in Phase 2 of the Peotone Station 81 remodel, expected to be…

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Traffic Study and Planning Dominate Village Discussion

By Stephanie Irvine Traffic studies and a comprehensive plan for the village dominated discussion at the Manhattan Village board meeting. The board was set to approve an updated boundary agreement with the Village of Frankfort that would extend the boundary agreement another 20 years, which is typical of boundary agreement durations. “Previously, the boundary agreement…

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New MJHS Under Budget and Ahead of Schedule

By Stephanie Irvine The Manhattan School District 114 Board met on April 10 and discussed construction of the new junior high school, which is going well and ahead of schedule, with most of the current work happening inside the building. Trustee Scott Mancke reported the district is finishing interior construction, and they are almost ready…

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WCCHC Offering Primary Care Services in Monee

The Will County Health Department and Community Health Center will begin offering primary care medical services at its Eastern Branch Office in Monee, 5601 W. Monee-Manhattan Road, beginning in April. Primary care services at the Eastern Branch office will be available from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., every Wednesday, effective immediately. Appointments are highly recommended…

Shannon Moore is new Assistant Vice President and Community Banking Manager at Federated Bank in Bradley. –Photo submitted.

Moore Joins Federated Bank as AVP Community Banking Manager/Loan Officer

Federated Bank proudly announced the appointment of Shannon Moore as Assistant Vice President and Community Banking Manager, effective January 1. Bringing more than 15 years of extensive experience in the banking and mortgage lending industries, Moore is recognized for his exceptional leadership and commitment to community-focused banking solutions. Prior to joining Federated Bank, Shannon held…

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields –Photo submitted.

Franciscan Health Outpatient Therapy Hosting Fall Prevention Seminar

Franciscan Health Outpatient Therapy is hosting a free fall prevention seminar in Frankfort in May. The event will feature Franciscan Health Doctor of Physical Therapy Ramil Reyes and Franciscan Health Physical Therapy Assistant Mohamed Rashad, who will discuss how aging impacts musculoskeletal and balance systems, share tips on how to maintain an active lifestyle, and…

–Photo submitted.

Riverside Welcomes Kendree’a Hodges to Immediate Care Providers Team

Riverside Healthcare is pleased to welcome board-certified nurse practitioner Kendree’a Hodges, FNP-BC, to its team of immediate care providers. Hodges completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Capella University in Minneapolis and her Master of Science in Nursing at Anderson University in Anderson, South Carolina. Immediate care is intended to provide care for non-life-threatening…

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Join the Movement Against Sexual Violence: Clove Alliance Seeks Volunteers

Clove Alliance, the leading organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence in the Kankakee region, is calling for community members to join its ranks as volunteers. The organization is gearing-up to provide comprehensive 40-hour Sexual Violence Crisis Intervention Training, commencing on April 29, at Clove Alliance’s main office, 1440 West Court Street in Kankakee.…

Dixie’s Special Day. Photo submitted by Project Fire Buddies.

Project Fire Buddies Holds Spa Day for Peotone Girl Amid Father’s Cancer Battle

By Stephanie Irvine The Manhattan Chapter of Project Fire Buddies came through for a local Peotone girl, Dixie Mae Barclay, with the gift of a spa day, but the family needs help from the community now that Dixie’s dad and sole income provider for the family, Tony, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Dixie lives…

An example of the design of the Hometown Heroes banner for Manhattan. –Image by Village of Manhattan.

Manhattan Honors Veterans with Banner Program

By Stephanie Irvine Manhattan American Legion Post 935, in cooperation with the Village of Manhattan, will honor Manhattan veterans with the Hometown Heroes banner program. Applications for a limited number of banners are being accepted through April 30. The banner program, which is new to the village this year, will feature a photo of the…

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Rotary Jigsaw Puzzles Still Available

In need of a gift? The Bradley-Bourbonnais Rotary Club still has their annual jigsaw puzzle available for purchase, with a limited number of puzzles available at Joy’s Hallmark, Ba Da Bloom Flower Shoppe, the Kankakee County Museum, King Music, Rubber Rose Books and Prints, the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Stefari’s West, as well…

National News

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Illinois News

Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, introduces another proposal in support of the EV industry during a virtual meeting Tuesday of the House Energy and Environment Committee. (Credit: blueroomstream.com)
Bill Would Require New Residential Buildings Be Ready to Accommodate EV Charging
Marc D. Smith, director of the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, has been found in contempt by a Cook County judge and ordered to pay $2,000 a day until two DCFS wards were placed in appropriate settings. (Credit: Illinois DCFS)
Cook County judge cites DCFS director for contempt
State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, announced Tuesday that he would seek the Republican Party's nomination for Illinois treasurer this year. The primary election is June 28. (Capitol News Illinois file photo)
Demmer joins the race for state treasurer’s office
Gov. JB Pritzker gives an update on the surge in COVID-19 cases during a news conference Wednesday in Chicago. (Credit: Blueroomstream.com)
COVID Surge Prompts Multiple State Responses
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, holds his first news conference after taking the Oath of Office to become speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives in the 102nd General Assembly on Jan. 13, 2021, at the Bank of Springfield Center. (Credit: Justin L. Fowler of The State Journal-Register)
Welch reflects on first year as House speaker
Madison County Jail in Edwardsville is near capacity. With Illinois Department of Corrections pausing intake into their facilities, county sheriffs say they are feeling strained. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Beth Hundsdorfer)
Illinois DOC Pauses Inmate Intake Due to COVID-19 Surge
State Reps. Jay Hoffman (left), D-Swansea, and Tim Butler, R-Springfield, talk during the lame-duck session for the Illinois House of Representatives on Jan. 12, 2021, at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield. During that session, the House met at the convention center, several blocks from the Statehouse, while the Senate continued to meet in the Capitol under strict testing, masking and social distancing protocols. This year's session was originally scheduled to start this week with three meeting days – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. But leaders announced last week that they will meet only on Wednesday this week and likely will cancel all in-person meetings the following week, Jan. 11-13. (Pool photo by Justin L. Fowler of the State Journal-Register of Springfield.)
Lawmakers Prepare for Shortened 2022 Session
A screenshot depicts the 12th Circuit judicial sub circuit plan approved by Democrats in the Illinois Senate Wednesday night. Several other counties will also have new subcircuits under the plan. (Credit: www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting)
State Senate Approves Remap of Judicial Subcircuits
Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope (left) and former LIGs Julie Porter and Tom Homer testify before the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform at the Capitol in Springfield in February 2020. Pope resigned from the office Wednesday, saying lawmakers have not done enough to reform the state’s ethics laws. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)
Legislative Inspector General Job Now Vacant
21 House Democrats call on Pelosi to remove IRS bank reporting from reconciliation bill
Lawmakers Pass Second Follow-Up Measure to Last Year’s Criminal Justice Reform
Faith-based child welfare controversy may be reignited in Illinois
DCFS Worker Fatally Stabbed During Home Visit
Gov. JB Pritzker provides a COVID-19 update during a news conference Monday in Chicago. Pritzker warned that hospitalizations are as high as they were last winter before vaccines were readily available to the public.(Credit: blueroomstream.com)
Surge of COVID-19 Cases Stresses Illinois Health Care

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Area News

Cervantes-Diaz Mugshot

Cervantes-Diaz Found Guilty of Child Pornography

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Jose Ramon Cervantes-Diaz, 52, of Bolingbrook, was found guilty recently of three counts of Child Pornography (a Class 2 felony) following a bench trial before Circuit Judge Carmen Goodman. Sentencing is scheduled for July 17. In July 2021, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago received information concerning an individual…

Donated items were accepted by Helping Hands during a previous Textile and Small Home Goods Collection Event at the Will County Office Building. The annual event will be held from Monday, May 6 to Friday, May 10. –Photo submitted.

Will County Holding Annual Textiles, Small Home Goods Collection May 6-10

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant invites residents to the annual Textile and Small Home Goods Collection Event at the Will County Office Building, 302 North Chicago Street,  Monday, May 6 through Friday, May 10. A wide range of items will be collected for reuse and recycling during the week, including coats, shirts, pants, neckties, hats,…

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry will hold a lottery on May 7 to determine which political party will have top placement on November ballot. –Photo submitted.

Will County Clerk Holding Lottery to Determine Political Party for Top November Ballot Position

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry will hold a lottery at 9 a.m., on Tuesday, May 7, at the Will County Clerk’s Office, to determine which political party will receive the top ballot position in the November 5 General Election. The chairs of the established political parties have been notified about the lottery, and they…

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JJC Announces Outstanding Faculty Award Winners

Joliet Junior College has named Dr. Jeff Bradford and Charlotte Garrabrant the 2024 Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member and Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member, respectively. Dr. Bradford is a professor in the technical department, while Garrabrant teaches in the EMS/fire science program. Both were submitted for consideration to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) outstanding faculty…

Join Lightways Hospice/Serious Illness Care at Dino-mite 5K Family Fun Run

Proceeds support pediatric care program Runners from across the region are invited to the 11th annual Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care 5K Family Fun Run on Saturday, June 1, at the New Lenox Commons, 1 Veterans Parkway in New Lenox. The event includes a 5K run for ages 14 and older and a Dino…

Hundreds of students receives laptops. Photo submitted.

Local Students Receive Scholarships and Laptops from Plainfield Non-Profit

By Stephanie Irvine Four local students were awarded laptops and scholarships from Plainfield non-profit organization, Vista Learning, at a special award ceremony held in Joliet, IL on April 25.   Manhattan Junior High sixth grader Eva Tolstych, Crete-Monee High School senior Kaycee Berkley, Lincoln-Way West senior Kaylee Towson-Aldridge, and Peotone High School senior Marissa Reed…

USF alumnae named finalists for Golden Apple Award. –Photo submitted.

USF Alumnae Named Finalists for Golden Apple Award

The University of St. Francis (USF) College of Education is proud to announce four of its alumnae have been named finalists for the 2024 Golden Apple Award for Teaching through the Golden Apple Foundation. The USF alumnae are among a list of 30 Pre-K to third grade teacher finalists in contention for the honor. USF…

Jenkins Mugshot

Convicted Sex Offender Quinton Jenkins Sentenced to 23 Years for Child Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Quinton Jenkins, 41, of Joliet, was sentenced recently to 23 years in prison for Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child (a Class X felony). Jenkins pled guilty March 8 and was sentenced April 24 by Circuit Judge David Carlson. On December 1, 2018, Jenkins and the victim’s…

The JJC Cheerleading Team. –Photo courtesy JJC.

JJC Competitive Cheer Places Second in NCA College Nationals Debut

The Joliet Junior College competitive cheerleading team is bringing home hardware in their inaugural season. The Wolves earned a second-place finish during the 2024 NCA and NDA College Nationals competition in Daytona, Florida. Competing in the Intermediate All Girl Junior College category, the Wolves earned a final event score of 83.8241. “We feel proud of…

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Will County Launches Child Care Provider Grant Opportunity

Will County launched a grant opportunity for early childcare providers to improve or expand services, with $225,000 made available for licensed providers to pursue grant funding for educational materials, developmental support services, or improvements to physical space and technology. “Our childcare providers are one of the first experiences for our children,” said Will County Executive…

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WCCHC Offering Primary Care Services in Monee

The Will County Health Department and Community Health Center will begin offering primary care medical services at its Eastern Branch Office in Monee, 5601 W. Monee-Manhattan Road, beginning in April. Primary care services at the Eastern Branch office will be available from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., every Wednesday, effective immediately. Appointments are highly recommended…

Blue pinwheels, symbolizing child abuse prevention, adorn the outside of the new Will County CAC as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. –Photo submitted.

Children’s Advocacy Center Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for State-of-the-Art Facility

Event held during Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) recently celebrated the opening of its new location at 1206 Cedarwood in Crest Hill, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The event was attended by State’s Attorney James Glasgow, County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, members of the Will County Board, Crest Hill Mayor…