ECDA Hosting Home Health Hazard Reduction Workshop
The Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA) will host a workshop on Thursday, March 21, at 5:30 p.m., in the ECDA office, 200 E. Court Street, Suite 410, Kankakee. This free workshop, which is open to the public, will review home maintenance checklists to begin building a plan that keeps your home safe and…
‘Mess of Feelings’ Workshop March 16
A Mess of Feelings Workshop will be held on Saturday, March 16, from 10 – 11:30 a.m., at the Grief Center, 3115 N. 1000 West Road, Bourbonnais. This workshop will give grieving individuals and families the chance to understand how messy feelings related to grief can be. UpliftedCare’s grief counselor will walk attendees through some…
Kankakee Cultivators to Meet March 14
Ready to get the yard and garden ready for spring? Join the Kankakee Kultivators Garden Club on Thursday, March 14, to learn more about pruning and shrub care, with guest speaker Nancy Addison. The program will be held at 1 p.m., in the third floor meeting room, at Kankakee Public Library. The Kankakee Kultivators, a…
Manteno Easter Egg Dash March 23
The Village of Manteno will host its annual Easter Egg Dash for residents on Saturday, March 23, at Heritage Park, 500 W. Cook Street. From 10 – 10:50 a.m., participants can enjoy photos with the Bunny, along with an array of spring themed activities. The Easter Egg Dash begins promptly at 11 a.m., and includes…
Preserving Legacies of Love Key Part of February
We all strive to be remembered for making a difference, and for showing others we appreciate all they have done to help us be successful. I had two important opportunities to show that legacy of love during the past month. As I have written here many times, I am proud to be an Illinois…
Kankakee Public Library News
Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, recently announced several of its upcoming programs in March. For more information on upcoming events, check out the library’s Facebook page, visit lions-online.org, or call 815-939-4564. Bingo, Books, and BP: Join others in the community on Friday, March 8, from 10 a.m. – noon, at the library, for…
Clove Alliance Hosting Cosmic Bingo
Clove Alliance is excited to announce the return of their signature event, COSMIC BINGO, on Friday, March 22, at the Kankakee Fairgrounds Expo Center. This unique bingo night, with a cosmic twist, is for adults 18 and older! With laser and black lights, loud music, and glow sticks, this interactive bingo event promises to be…
Riverside Expands Primary Care Team in Manteno
Jenna Cella, DO, specializes in family medicine. Riverside Healthcare is pleased to welcome board-certified family medicine physician Jenna Cella, DO. Dr. Cella completed her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, then completed her family medicine residency at Franciscan Health in Olympia Fields. In addition to her…
Legion Fish Fry March 9
Area residents are invited to Peotone American Legion Post 392’s monthly all-you-can-eat fish fry on Saturday, March 9, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., or until sold out. Tickets are $15 for perch or catfish and include French fries, cole slaw, bread, and butter. You might also want to try a special dessert for only $2,…
Rep. Haas Celebrates IDOT District 79 Vehicle Procurement
Following the announcement of $57.1 million awarded in new paratransit vehicles on behalf of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), State Rep. Jackie Haas released the following statement: “I am thrilled the Illinois Department of Transportation has awarded a total of 11 new vehicles to transit providers in the 79th District through their Consolidated Vehicle…
‘Battles and Triumphs: The Human Condition’ Closing Soon
Local artist Brian Marcotte is inviting the community to join him at the Kankakee County Museum, 801 S. Eighth Avenue, on March 9, from 3-5 p.m., for a closing reception and last chance to see his art show – “Battles and Triumphs: The Human Condition,” currently on display in the George Grey Barnard Exhibit. This…
Kankakee River Valley Regatta Seeking Sponsors for Summer Event
Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey! After a 10-plus year hiatus, the Kankakee River Valley Regatta is making its triumphant return, August 30 – September 1. The event is promising a massive gathering of more than 35,000 spectators, a sea of boating enthusiasts, passionate fans, and fearless race drivers with their dedicated teams.…
Manteno Park Improvement Approved by Village Board
By Stephen Nelson The Manteno Village Board meeting on February 20 had a light agenda, but trustees did approve the purchase of netting for the baseball fields at Heritage Park. The improvement will cost the village $23,990. Installation work will be performed by Do-All Fence, Inc., of Mokena. Congratulations were in order for Sergeant Zairius…
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.…
Economic, Community Development Agency Hosting Tax 101 Workshop for Business Owners
Local business owners are invited to attend ‘What Tax Info Should I Have as a Business Owner?’ business workshop on March 5, at 5:30 p.m., in the ECDA Conference Room, 200 E. Court Street, Suite 410, in Kankakee. Economic and Community Development Agency’s Economic Development Navigator Leonel B. Jaramillo will deliver this free tax education…
Rep. Haas Responds to State of the State Address
SPRINGFIELD – Following the State of the State Address, State Rep. Jackie Haas released the following statement: “This year’s budget address was disappointing as it is again far from balanced, with a deficit of $775 million for FY25. Instead of proposing cuts to address this deficit, we are seeing increased spending for programs we simply…
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…
Illinois News
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Area News
Uplifted Care Community Grief Center Vet-to-Vet Café May 15
All Veterans are invited to UpliftedCare Community Grief Center to attend the Vet-to-Vet Café, from 9 – 11 a.m., on Wednesday, May 15. Veterans will have an opportunity to meet other community veterans, share stories, access resources, and make new connections. Coffee and light snacks are provided. For more information or to register, please call…
55th Annual KCC Commencement Ceremony May 11
Nearly 450 degrees and certificates will be conferred at the 55th annual Kankakee Community College Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 11, in the George H. Ryan Gymnasium in the college’s Activities Building. The speaker at KCC’s ceremony will be 2012 graduate Fawn Hendershott, who is executive director of UpliftedCare, a non-profit that provides…
River Valley Metro Ridership Milestone
On Tuesday, April 30, River Valley Metro Mass Transit surpassed 14 million rides since it began serving the community in 1999. “This number reflects the need in our community for safe and reliable public transportation,” said Managing Director Siron Sims. “Whether the need is to get to work, school, appointments, shopping, or social visits, River…
Kankakee Public Library News
Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, recently announced its programs for May. •Lawyers in the Library: In partnership with the Kankakee Public Library, Prairie State Legal Services invites members of the community to meet with a lawyer for free on the second Thursday of every month, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the…
KCC Announces 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Kankakee Community College is proud to announce the recipient of the John Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award for 2024. This honor recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions of alumni, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in their respective fields. A 2012 KCC graduate, Eric Peterson, CEO and founder of Project Headspace and Timing, received the…
‘Success by 6’ Presents Free Trauma/Resilience Summit
Success By 6, a partnership initiative of the United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties and the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, is proud to announce a free Trauma and Resilience Summit on Tuesday, May 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene. This free, full-day conference aims…
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…
ECDA, Illinois Hispanic Chamber Partner for MWBE Certification Workshop
Local business owners are invited to attend a ‘How to Become a Certified MWBE in Illinois’ Lunch n’ Learn session on May 7, at 11:30 a.m., at the ECDA office, 275 E. Court Street, Suite 201, in Kankakee. The City of Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency has partnered with the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of…
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…
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.…
Ryan Marion Appointed Manteno County Board Representative
By Stephen Nelson At the Tuesday, April 9, Kankakee County Board meeting, Chairman Andy Wheeler announced the appointment of Ryan Marion to fill the vacated seat formerly held by Ray Fairchild, who resigned his board seat in February without offering the board any official reason for his decision. The county board voted 19-4 to appoint…
Clove Alliance Welcomes Community at Business Before Hours April 24
Clove Alliance is opening its doors to the community for “Business Before Hours,” a casual networking event coordinated with the Kankakee Country Chamber of Commerce. On Wednesday, April 24, from 7:30-9 a.m., guests can tour Clove Alliance’s main office building at 1440 West Court Street in Kankakee, enjoy coffee and rolls, and network with other…
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…
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…
News for Uplifted Care Community Grief Center
The free Chain of Blessings Workshop will be held on Saturday, April 20, from 10 – 11:30 a.m., and provides an interactive experience for individuals and families to remember the blessings their loved ones gave them. Participants will make a chain of things their loved ones taught them, special characteristics they had, and anything else…