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…

Upcoming events logo

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…

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Merchant Street MusicFest Announces Music Education Scholarships

Merchant Street MusicFest, in collaboration with King Music and the Dave King Memorial Music Fund, is pleased to announce the inaugural MSMF Music Education Scholarship to be awarded at this year’s fest on Saturday, July 27. The scholarship award is for eight free weeks of music lessons, after which the recipient will have the option…

–Graphic submitted.

Riverside Healthcare Presents Baby and Beyond Fair: A Celebration of Growing Families

Riverside Healthcare is excited to announce the upcoming Baby and Beyond Fair, an event tailored for expectant parents, those planning future pregnancies, and families with young children. The fair offers many resources, interactive presentations, and community engagement opportunities, all aimed at supporting families on their journey from pregnancy through early childhood. The Baby and Beyond…

04.12.24 Z1W Child Pornography_E.Regan

ISP Arrest Mokena Man for Child Pornography Possession

Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 arrested 75-year-old Edward R. Regan, of Mokena, for five counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony). On April 11, ISP agents executed a search warrant at a residence in the 11000 block of Daniel Trail in Mokena. Evidence of child pornography was gathered…

–Graphic submitted.

BPL Hosting Interview, Book Signing with Amy Kemp

Join us on Monday, April 29, at 6 p.m., as library director and long-time Bourbonnais resident Kelly McCully interviews local author Amy Kemp about her new book, “I See You: A Guide for Women to Make More, Have More, and Be More — Without More Work.” Bring your books to have them signed or purchase…

Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen celebrated a birthday just before the Village board meeting on April 1. Photo by Stephanie Irvine.

Budget, Property Lines, and Safety Topics at Village Meeting

By Stephanie Irvine At the Village of Manhattan’s bimonthly meeting on April 2, the board held a public hearing for its Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget, attended to new business, and held an executive session. The village’s budget has been a topic of discussion as the board worked through changes at previous meetings. A presentation was…

Emma Bialko has been recognized as a State FFA Proficiency Winner and a District Star Winner. –Photo submitted.

Emma Bialko Takes FFA’s State Proficiency, District Star Wins

A member of the Peotone FFA Chapter of the Illinois Association FFA, Emma Bialko was selected as the State FFA Proficiency Winner in Equine Science Placement. Illinois FFA recognizes students in 48 different areas based on their work-based learning (SAEs). FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through record keeping, leadership, and scholastic…

–Logo submitted.

Federal Funding Secured to Reduce Eastern Will County Truck Congestion

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly and Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant announced the approval of $500,000 in federal appropriations for the Eastern Will County Truck Routing Project. The project, aimed at reducing congestion in Eastern Will County, is part of the Fiscal Year 2024 government appropriations packaged approved by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden.…

Amy Pfeifer has been selected as St. Patrick Wilton Center's Woman of the Year. Congratulations! –Photo submitted.

Amy Pfeifer Honored as St. Patrick’s Woman of the Year

St. Patrick Council of Catholic Women, in Wilton Center, announced that Amy Pfeifer has been selected as their Woman of the Year for 2024. Amy and her husband, Chris, live in Braidwood, along with her four adult children and three Labrador retrievers. She grew up in St. Patrick’s Parish and, for the past six years,…

Register now for the Superhero 5K and two-mile walk on May 4. –Photo submitted.

Be a Superhero for Families with Sick Children!

A Superhero 5K and two-mile walk will be held on Saturday, May 4, at 8 a.m., at Perry Farm in Bourbonnais. Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children under 12 years. Costumes are encouraged. Registration and race information may be found at www.runforjoy.org. Register by April 13 to guarantee a race t-shirt. Honored…

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KPL Hosting ‘An Evening with Rodney Freeman’

Librarian, archivist, filmmaker, and former Kankakee resident Rodney Freeman will be speaking at the Kankakee Public Library on Thursday, April 11, at 6 p.m. Freeman’s documentary “Are You a Librarian: The Untold Story of Black Librarians” is set for release in early 2025. Amidst the rising challenges of book banning and censorship, Freeman’s documentary sheds…

–Chanel Smith joins Riverside Team. –Photo submitted.

Riverside Welcomes Chanel Smith, FNP-C, to Team of Immediate Care Providers

Riverside Healthcare is pleased to welcome board-certified nurse practitioner Chanel Smith, FNP-C, to its team of immediate care providers. Smith completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing at Governors State University in University Park. Immediate care is intended to provide care for non-life-threatening injuries and ailments, such as colds,…

–Graphic submitted.

USF Blood Drive April 23

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Help those in need as the University of St. Francis (USF) hosts its next American Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, April 23, from 1 to 6 p.m., in the Assembly Hall…

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

Mark your calendars – They are back for their 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 features quilting, sewing, and needlework supplies. Purchase a bag…

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MSD 114 March Updates: Tax Levy Unchanged, Interim Superintendent Pacheco Un-Retires

By Stephanie Irvine The Manhattan School District 114 held a special meeting on the evening of March 20. The purpose of the special meeting was to address two items regarding taxes. The first agenda item, presented by Interim Superintendent Ron Pacheco, was to inform the board of the 2023 tax levy extension for fiscal year 2025,…

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

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

The 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, Janette Rodriguez…

April Legion Fish Fry

Legion Fish Fry

At 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 Legion Auxiliary,…

National News

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Illinois News

State Senate advances bill to ban food additives linked to health problems
State Senate advances bill to ban food additives linked to health problems
State Senate advances bill to ban food additives linked to health problems
State Senate advances bill to ban food additives linked to health problems
Education leaders seek added state funding to help districts accommodate influx of migrants
Education leaders seek added state funding to help districts accommodate influx of migrants
Solar investments take center stage as questions loom on state’s renewable future
Solar investments take center stage as questions loom on state’s renewable future
Capitol Briefs: Lawmakers, advocates again call for affordable housing tax credit
Capitol Briefs: Lawmakers, advocates again call for affordable housing tax credit
Advocates renew push to tighten firearm laws aimed at protecting domestic violence victims
Advocates renew push to tighten firearm laws aimed at protecting domestic violence victims
Capitol Briefs: Pritzker appoints first-ever Prisoner Review Board director; Chicago advances migrant funding
Capitol Briefs: Pritzker appoints first-ever Prisoner Review Board director; Chicago advances migrant funding
INVESTIGATE MIDWEST: Farmers have clamored for the Right to Repair for years. It’s getting little traction in John Deere’s home state
INVESTIGATE MIDWEST: Farmers have clamored for the Right to Repair for years. It’s getting little traction in John Deere’s home state
Capitol Briefs: Bill creating new early childhood agency among 244 to advance
Capitol Briefs: Bill creating new early childhood agency among 244 to advance
Lawmakers, cannabis industry calls for ban on ‘delta-8’ and other psychoactive hemp products
Lawmakers, cannabis industry calls for ban on ‘delta-8’ and other psychoactive hemp products
As state continues to inventory lead pipes, full replacement deadlines are decades away
As state continues to inventory lead pipes, full replacement deadlines are decades away
Illinois Senate advances changes to state’s biometric privacy law after business groups split
Illinois Senate advances changes to state’s biometric privacy law after business groups split

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Area News

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…

The Renken family take a moment for a happy family photo with their newest addition - Lucy! –Photo submitted.

Adoptions Now Available Through WCAPS

Will County Animal Protection Services (WCAPS) has launched their new adoption program, allowing residents to adopt pets directly through the department. The adoption program follows sweeping changes to Will County animal welfare policies in response to a nationwide increase in animal shelter populations. “This is the first time in agency history we’ve been able to…

Justin Regular

Justin Regular Sentenced to 30 Years for UP Murder

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Justin Regular, 23, of University Park, was sentenced recently to 30 years in prison for First Degree Murder in the 2020 shooting death of Chikiris Murphy. Regular pled guilty on March 11 and was sentenced on April 3, by Circuit Judge Sarah Jones. On January 6, 2020, 23-year-old…

–Graphic submitted.

JSO Announces Final Concert of 2023-2024 Season

The Joliet Symphony Orchestra (JSO) is pleased to announce the final concert set of its 2023-2024 Season with Artistic Director and Conductor Dr. Sean Paul Mills leading a program of works by Louis Joseph Ferdinand Herold, Johann Nepomuk Hummel, and Antonin Dvorak, and featuring trumpet soloist Gilmar Cavalcante. Titled “Rejoice!” the JSO will perform Louis…

–Graphic submitted.

Newquist Will County Board Spotlight of the Month

Will County is one of two counties in Illinois that has the county executive form of government, with its board consisting of 22 members, representing each of the 11 county board districts. Each month they publish the “Will County Board Spotlight of the Month” that features one of its board members. It is their desire…

04.12.24 Z1W Child Pornography_E.Regan

ISP Arrest Mokena Man for Child Pornography Possession

Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 arrested 75-year-old Edward R. Regan, of Mokena, for five counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony). On April 11, ISP agents executed a search warrant at a residence in the 11000 block of Daniel Trail in Mokena. Evidence of child pornography was gathered…

–Logo submitted.

WCHD Reports Second Positive Measle Case

The Will County Health Department (WCHD) has confirmed an additional positive case of measles in Will County, and the department’s communicable disease staff is working to collect additional details to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to measles, provide education, and recommend appropriate measures. Additionally, the WCHD is in close contact with…

–Logo submitted.

Federal Funding Secured to Reduce Eastern Will County Truck Congestion

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly and Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant announced the approval of $500,000 in federal appropriations for the Eastern Will County Truck Routing Project. The project, aimed at reducing congestion in Eastern Will County, is part of the Fiscal Year 2024 government appropriations packaged approved by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden.…

–Graphic submitted.

USF Blood Drive April 23

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Help those in need as the University of St. Francis (USF) hosts its next American Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, April 23, from 1 to 6 p.m., in the Assembly Hall…

Save the Gemini Giant Organizer Ryan Jandura posed with Greg Peerbolte, president of the Joliet Area Historical Society upon their successful campaign to keep the Giant in Wilmington. –Photo by Stephanie Irvine.

Gemini Giant to Stay in Wilmington, New Home on South Island

By: Stephanie Irvine Beloved Wilmington Rt. 66 icon the Gemini Giant, which stood outside the Launching Pad restaurant on historic Rt. 66 since the early 1960s, has sold at auction for a stunning $275,000. The winning bidder, Customer ID# 213226, turned out to be a friendly bidder. A press release issued by City of Wilmington…

A Fishing Tackle Swap Meet was organized by Jim Argus at the Will County Fairgrounds. –Photo by Karen Haave.

Fishing for a Good Time

By Karen Haave A Fishing Tackle Swap Meet lured anglers to the Will County Fairgrounds recently for a first-of-its-kind event featuring new, used, vintage, and antique fishing gear. Hundreds of tackle boxes were on display, much of their contents handmade. Some of the lures were 50-to-60 years old, desirable for collections not used for actual…

–Logo submitted.

County Community Health Center Welcomes Genoa Healthcare Pharmacy

Will County Community Health Center and Genoa Healthcare have partnered to provide pharmacy services for the Will County community in one convenient location – within the Will County Community Health Center at 1106 Neal Avenue in Joliet. We are pleased to introduce our new on-site pharmacy services from Genoa Healthcare,” said Mary Maragos, CEO of…