Manteno Native Releases New Illinois Bucket List Book

Melanie Holmes poses in front of the B. Harley Bradley House, 701 E. Harrison Drive, Kankakee. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this home is mentioned in the new Illinois bucket list book. –Photo submitted.

Melanie Holmes poses in front of the B. Harley Bradley House, 701 E. Harrison Drive, Kankakee. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this home is mentioned in the new Illinois bucket list book. –Photo submitted.

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When Melanie Holmes learned about Reedy Press’ nationwide line of bucket list books and saw there wasn’t one for Illinois, she knew she wanted to write it. As a lifelong Illinoisan and travel enthusiast who has been traveling the state since age seven, according to Holmes, she’s seen a lot. And still, she found much more to see!

“Illinois is so much more than flat expanses of farm fields,” said Holmes. “There’s the driftless zone by Galena, and a national forest that stretches from river to shining river!”

Besides Illinois’ geologic features, all of which afford spectacular chances for fun, there are also unique lodging spots (caboose glamping anyone?), spectacular music and entertainment venues, plus pockets of vibrant culture that make Illinois what it is today.

Holmes says the storyteller in her came out while writing this book. “The book tells Illinois’ story through a collection of experiences,” she said. So, if you think you know all there is to know about the Land of Lincoln, grab a copy of the hot-off-the-press “100 Things To Do in Illinois Before You Die,” and see if your assumption is true. Then, let yourself roam and absorb the best of your area, region, and state.

Holmes begins a 10-city, statewide tour on May 20, including an appearance in her hometown county of Kankakee. Wright-in-Kankakee and the Convention and Visitors Bureau will host Holmes at the B. Harley Bradley House on June 17, at 1 p.m. With limited space, registration is required by emailing Angelina Gear at Angelina@kccvb.com. As an additional means of supporting Kankakee County, Holmes authorized Rubber Rose Bookstore (111 E. Court Street) to handle book sales at the Bradley House event. Rubber Rose also has the book in stock now.


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Illinois News


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Recycled electronics and liquids were accepted at last year’s Residential Electronics and Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event in Beecher. –Photo submitted.

Collection Event to be Held May 11 in Beecher

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Spread the love The Will County Land Use Department’s Resource Recovery and Energy Division will host a collection event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, May 11, in Beecher. Electronics, hazardous waste, and liquids, including motor oil and paint, will be collected. A maximum of two TVs and 15 gallons of paint will…


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Former Illinois State Police trooper who pleaded guilty in relation to deadly crash postpones hearing

Peotone Police Blotter: April 27-May 2

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Spread the love On April 27, there was a disturbance reported in the 300 block of Harlem involving an argument over property while one individual was moving out. The police intervened to ensure the situation remained peaceful until the moving party could finish retrieving their belongings. On April 28, officers responded to a domestic disturbance…


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Attention Seniors: Community Nutrition Network/Senior Services Association Announce Newest Location

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Spread the loveCommunity Nutrition Network and Senior Services Association is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location, New Hope Christian Community Church, 4700 W. Court Street, Monee, which is scheduled for June 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community Nutrition Network and Senior Services Association invites the community to celebrate this…


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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

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Spread the loveWill 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,…


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PHS Track and Field Senior Night April 25

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Spread the lovePeotone High School honored its track and field athletes on Thursday, April 25, at Track and Field Senior Night. Congratulations and good luck to the following athletes! Franco Perez is the son of Janette and Jose Perez and a first-year member of the team. One of Franco’s favorite team memories was riding the…


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PHS Honors Athletes at Soccer Senior Night

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Spread the loveOn Thursday, April 25, Peotone High School honored its seniors at Soccer Senior Night. Congratulations and good luck to the following ladies! Zoie Balaskas, daughter of Nicole and Dino Balaskas, is a four-year member of the soccer team. One of Zoie’s favorite team memories occurred during a regional game when rain washed off…


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Peotone Library News

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Spread the loveSummer Reading Program registration begins Monday, June 3 for all ages. Interested in being a sponsor – stop by or give us a call. Interested in the Homebound Delivery Program? Contact the Adult Services Department for more information and guidelines. Register for events on the website calendar or call the library at 708-258-3436.…


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Mother’s Day Basket Bingo May 11

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Spread the loveMark your calendar for “Mother’s Day Basket Bingo,” the bi-annual basket bingo fundraiser for Flight Club Survivor. This fun event will be held on Saturday, May 11, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and bingo at 6 p.m., at 209 W. Dixie Highway in Grant Park. Tickets are $20 per person for the…


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

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

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Spread the loveLooking 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…


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The Dunkin Grand Opening was celebrated on April 26. A donation check of $500 was given to Victory Reins and lots of other giveaways. Photo by Ed Nelson.

Banquet Liquor Hour Extensions and Fence Variance Denied at Village Board Meeting

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Spread the loveBy Andrea Arens The request to extend the hours of liquor service on the only banquet hall liquor license in town, at Serendipity, was denied. Owner Calthon Whitley requested an extension to serve liquor till 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, on Friday and Sunday till 11 p.m., and on Saturday till midnight. Trustee…


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Park District Referendum Failure Leads to Idea of a Community Group

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Spread the loveBy Karen Haave Peotone Park officials are not feeling the love after the district’s recent failed referendum for a modest tax rate increase. The notoriously frugal community, which rarely allows rate increases for any public body, turned down the proposal in a 260 to 214 vote in the Primary Election on March 19.…


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

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Spread the loveProceeds 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…


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Former Illinois State Police trooper who pleaded guilty in relation to deadly crash postpones hearing

Peotone Police Blotter: April 18-22

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Spread the love April 18 a Peotone Officer was dispatched to BP for the report of a traffic accident. Officer responded and spoke with involved parties, who relayed there were no injuries and minor damage. Parties advised they were going to exchange information and handle between themselves and did not wish for a police report.…


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Legion Post 392 Fish Fry

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Spread the lovePeotone 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,…


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Peotone Library News

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Spread the loveSummer Reading Program registration begins Monday, June 3, for all ages. Interested in being a sponsor – stop by or give us a call. The library now offers a monthly e-newsletter. Sign-up on the website at peotonelibrary.org. Then, at the bottom of the opening page, click on the Newsletter Signup box. Interested in…


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