–Logo submitted.

30th Annual Irish Fest March March 1 – 2

Manhattan is getting ready to explode Friday and Saturday with the 30th annual Manhattan Irish Fest, March 1 and 2. The Irish American Society of County Will (IASCW), once again, is the official fest host, in cooperation with the Village of Manhattan. Here are the highlights: Live entertainment under the main tent Friday night, from…

–Photo submitted.

Joyce: Budget Proposal Sets Framework for Uplifting Illinois Families

State Sen. Patrick Joyce released the following statement after hearing the governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget: “Today’s budget address had funding suggestions our state needs to continue to prioritize, such as education, public safety, and economic development. The governor’s proposal sets a framework for us to begin having conversations to develop a final plan.…

–Logo submitted.

DeLuca Underscores Need to Respect Taxpayers in Response to Budget Address

State Rep. Anthony DeLuca issued the following statement after Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave his annual budget address: “As we begin the budgeting process, it’s critical we prioritize a responsible plan that respects taxpayers, supports our law enforcement, and invests in our schools. We must take a balanced approach that listens to our area’s residents and…

–Photo submitted.

Joyce Measure to Expand Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve Passes Committee

State Sen. Patrick Joyce introduced a measure before the Senate Judiciary Committee recently that would expand the Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve in Will County. “The transfer of this portion of land would be a big win for the Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “By acquiring more land, there would be an…

–Logo submitted

DeLuca Works to Protect Family Farms; Supports Plan to Overhaul Estate Tax

Wanting to ensure family farms can be passed from one generation to the next without unreasonable tax burdens, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, is backing an overhaul of the state’s estate tax specific to farms. “When a loved one passes, we don’t want state taxes to force families to sell land, lose equipment, and break up…

–Graphic submitted.

Emergency Blood Shortage: Give March 12

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, March 12, from 1 to 6 p.m., in the Assembly Hall…

–Photo submitted.

Joyce Responds to Proposed Aqua Illinois Rate Increases

In response to Aqua Illinois filing a request with the Illinois Commerce Commission to increase the rate they charge for water, State Sen. Patrick Joyce issued the following statement recently: “Aqua Illinois recently filed for a water rate increase that could cause unnecessary financial hardships on families. Now is not the time to place another…

Scholarship logo

PHS Senior Scholarships Available; Deadlines Approaching

The following scholarships recently were announced and are available for Peotone High School seniors. All application links are online on the PHS website. Go to the Student Services tab and click on “Scholarship Opportunities” to view all scholarships and qualifications. The deadline for most scholarships is March 8, unless otherwise indicated. •Alec J. “Mugs” Mulvihill…

Rep. DeLuca addresses House members recently concerning HB 4135. –Photo submitted.

DeLuca’s Effort to Develop Solar Regulations Protecting Homeowners Advances

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Representing the voice of homeowners concerned about the effects of sprawling commercial solar farm developments, State Rep. Anthony DeLuca passed a plan out of a House committee recently that would institute minimum 500-foot setbacks between homes and solar properties. DeLuca will hold the proposal from a full House vote while negotiations continue…

Village of Manhattan logo

Manhattan to Adopt Ordinance Prohibiting Recreational Use of Nitrous Oxide

Village officials in Manhattan are addressing a concerning issue related to the recreational use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. The substance is being sold in local vaping shops and liquor stores, and individuals are purchasing it with the intention of inhaling it to induce euphoria or a high. Nitrous oxide is typically…

Earthrise Energy recently awarded a $20,000 RISE grant to the Conservation Foundation. –Photo submitted.

Earthrise Energy Awards $20,000 to the Conservation Foundation

Helping to restore open space in Manhattan. Earthrise Energy recently awarded a $20,000 RISE grant to the Conservation Foundation, an Illinois environmental nonprofit organization, to help lay the groundwork to activate and restore 40 acres of protected land in Manhattan. The property, along the Manhattan Creek, is owned by the Village of Manhattan and is…

Gotion Holding Job Fair at KCC February 10

On Saturday, February 10, Gotion, Inc., will hold a job fair to recruit workers for the electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant to be located in Manteno. The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., in the Iroquois Room, Room D152, at Kankakee Community College’s Riverfront Campus, 100 College Drive in Kankakee. Representatives…

Rudy Gonzalez poses with his family. –Photo submitted.

25 Participants Graduate Diversionary Courts Program

Program Alum Rudy Gonzalez tells graduates, “If you’ve been through this program, you have everything you need” State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced 25 people graduated from the Will County Problem Solving Courts in a January 25 ceremony at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet. The graduation brings to 859 the total number of participants who…

–Photo submitted.

Rebuilding Illinois Key Part of Manufacturing Caucus Agenda

Our hard work to Rebuild Illinois is paying off, and I am excited to be part of a new group that will create more opportunities for our families and communities to grow and succeed. I recently was named one-of-four leaders in the Legislature of the new Illinois Manufacturing Caucus. This group will partner with the…

Relay for Life logo

Relay for Life Kankakee County Kick-off March 18

American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Kankakee County kicks-off to help end cancer at its 29th annual event on March 18 at Bourbonnais Municipal Center. Although the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Kankakee County, presented by Riverside Healthcare, is not until June 8, work is beginning now to build the celebration that…

–Graphic submitted.

Legion Fish Fry February 10

Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 10, when Peotone American Legion Post 392 will host their monthly fish fry, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., or sold out, at 109 E. North Street in Peotone. Tickets for the all-you-can-eat perch or catfish dinner are $15 and include French fries, cole slaw, bread, and butter. You’ll also…

–Photo courtesy of Illinois STAR.

January News from the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration Team

A Message from Caroline Wade, STAR Executive Director… Happy New Year from the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) team! The year is flying by as we continue to ramp up and prepare for the launch of enrollment later this spring. It will be an exciting year with the development of a new, enhanced version…

–Logo submitted.

Rep. Ozinga Hosts Annual Valentines for Vets Program

State Rep. Tim Ozinga is launching his annual “Valentines for Veterans” program for local veterans. Cards may be dropped off at Rep. Ozinga’s district office, 11019 Front Street, Suite 1W, in Mokena, through Monday, February 12. “There is always more we can do to support our veterans,” said Rep. Ozinga. “This program is a way…

–Photo submitted.

Joyce Applauds $13,000+ Funding for Local Will County School Libraries

To provide resources to libraries through books, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology, and programs, State Sen. Patrick Joyce announced five school districts in Will County will receive more than $13,000 in funding. “Libraries provide students with many tools to be successful, whether it’s books, technology, or other media sources,” said Joyce. “We need to ensure our…

National News

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Illinois News

Cook County judge orders Trump removed from GOP ballot but holds decision pending appeal
Cook County judge orders Trump removed from GOP ballot but holds decision pending appeal
‘This place is horrific’: 10-week-old complaint details ‘filthy’ conditions at Centralia funeral home
‘This place is horrific’: 10-week-old complaint details ‘filthy’ conditions at Centralia funeral home
Capitol Briefs: Pritzker touts manufacturing training funding, announces cultural districts
Capitol Briefs: Pritzker touts manufacturing training funding, announces cultural districts
New birth center to open on Chicago’s South Side as Pritzker touts proposed maternal health spending
New birth center to open on Chicago’s South Side as Pritzker touts proposed maternal health spending
Pritzker proposes over 2B in spending growth, backed by tax increases for corporations, sportsbooks
Pritzker proposes over 2B in spending growth, backed by tax increases for corporations, sportsbooks
Pritzker to call for health insurance reforms in State of the State address
Pritzker to call for health insurance reforms in State of the State address
Transmission line monopoly back on agenda at Statehouse after Pritzker’s veto
Transmission line monopoly back on agenda at Statehouse after Pritzker’s veto
Ahead of Pritzker’s budget address, pressures that mounted last year intensify
Ahead of Pritzker’s budget address, pressures that mounted last year intensify
Pritzker to mull tightening fiscal landscape in budget address this week
Pritzker to mull tightening fiscal landscape in budget address this week
Brandy Renshaw enjoys working on the farm alongside her father, Steve Williams. –Photo courtesy of Brandy Renshaw.
Illinois Farmer Appears in New TV Show Spotlighting Women in Ag
Capitol Brief: Lawyers hope for Illinois Supreme Court answer to Trump ballot question
Capitol Brief: Lawyers hope for Illinois Supreme Court answer to Trump ballot question
Judge denies McCann’s request for home confinement, orders him held in custody
Judge denies McCann’s request for home confinement, orders him held in custody

[tribe_events_list limit="30" category="frankfort"]

Area News

–Photo submitted.

Winters Sentenced to Life in Prison

Sentenced for predatory criminal sexual assault/aggravated criminal sexual abuse of five-year-old. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Vincent Winters, 58, of Joliet, was sentenced to his natural life in prison by Judge Sarah Jones for the predatory criminal sexual assault of a five-year-old girl in 2017. On November 16, 2023, a Will County jury…

Rudy Gonzalez poses with his family. –Photo submitted.

25 Participants Graduate Diversionary Courts Program

Program Alum Rudy Gonzalez tells graduates, “If you’ve been through this program, you have everything you need” State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced 25 people graduated from the Will County Problem Solving Courts in a January 25 ceremony at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet. The graduation brings to 859 the total number of participants who…

–Photo submitted.

Darrius Brown Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Aggravated Domestic Battery

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Circuit Judge Carmen Goodman recently sentenced Darrius Brown, 42, of Plainfield, to nine years in prison for a 2018 attack on his then-girlfriend. Brown was sentenced to nine years in prison for Aggravated Domestic Battery (a Class 2 felony), as well as four years for Aggravated Unlawful Restraint…

–Graphic submitted.

Will County Hosting Virtual Open Houses on Long Range Transportation Plan

The Will County Division of Transportation (WCDOT) will host two virtual open houses to gather feedback on the future of transportation priorities in Will County. The feedback will be incorporated in the ongoing “Our Way Forward 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan,” which will guide the next 25 years of county-wide infrastructure projects. “This is a…

Bailey Testerman and her fiancé Kole El-Talabani of Kankakee tied the knot at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon in August. They chose the site because of its eco-friendly vibe, beautiful setting, and all-inclusive wedding space. Check out why this Forest Preserve District of Will County wedding venue is so popular during a Four Rivers Wedding Open House, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, February 3. –Photo courtesy of Bailey Testerman.

Forest Preserve’s Site Hosts February 3 Wedding Open House

When Bailey Testerman was first scouting out wedding venues, the bride-to-be said she was looking for a site that was as “green” as possible. “The health of our planet is incredibly important to me…,” she said. “I wanted to reduce the environmental impact of our wedding as much as possible. Choosing an environmentally conscious venue…

Water levels were dangerously high earlier in the week and even after warm water siphons were added, the river flooded closing streets and businesses in Wilmington. Photo by Will County EMA.

Will County Emergency Management Agency Issues Update on Flash Flooding in Wilmington

The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and City of Wilmington officials responded to flash flooding in downtown Wilmington on the evening of January 25. The flooding occurred suddenly on the North and South Islands, due to rapidly increasing water levels on the Kankakee River. Will County EMA issued a mass notification message to residents,…

–Logo submitted.

Will County EMAgency Issues Update on Kankakee River Conditions

Launches public reporting survey to assess residential and business property damage. The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is reporting a significant reduction in water levels on the Kankakee River, as most ice jams have cleared between the City of Wilmington and the Des Plaines River confluence. Following the expiration of a Flash Flood Warning…

–Photo courtesy of Illinois STAR.

January News from the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration Team

A Message from Caroline Wade, STAR Executive Director… Happy New Year from the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) team! The year is flying by as we continue to ramp up and prepare for the launch of enrollment later this spring. It will be an exciting year with the development of a new, enhanced version…

–Photo submitted.

Desiderio Chosen as the Deputy City Manager

Joliet City Manager Beth Beatty recently announced she has chosen City Clerk Christa M. Desiderio to be her new Deputy City Manager. Christa has been Joliet’s City Clerk for the past 12 years and has more than 23 years of municipal government experience. “Christa is the best choice to help me in managing our city…

Will County EMA Issues Update on Wilmington Flash Flooding

Kankakee River Update: January 27 A significant reduction in water levels has been reported on the Kankakee River, as most ice jams have cleared between the City of Wilmington and the Des Plaines River confluence. Water levels were recorded at 6.89 feet at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 27. The National Weather Service has expired…

Will County EMA Issues Update on Flash Flooding in Wilmington

January 26 Kankakee River Update: The ice jams have cleared on the river, but water levels remain high, and a Flash Flood Warning remains in effect. Rt. 53 currently is open to traffic, but this is subject to change dependent on river conditions. Residents still are urged to monitor conditions and be cautious about possible…

Will County EMA Issues Wilmington Flash Flooding Update

The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and City of Wilmington officials responded to flash flooding in downtown Wilmington on the evening of January 25. The flooding occurred suddenly on the North and South Islands, due to rapidly increasing water levels on the Kankakee River. Will County EMA issued a mass notification message to residents,…