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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…
Harbor House Announces Inaugural ‘Light the Way Award’ Recipient Brook Coutant
Harbor House is honored to announce Brook Coutant received the inaugural Light the Way Award on February 13, at the Kankakee County First Responders Appreciation Brunch. Coutant received this award in recognition of her effective emergency response, as well as actively contributing to the well-being and empowerment of survivors of domestic violence. Coutant embodies the…
Aqua Proposing a $14.2M Rate Hike
By Karen Haave Water and sewer bills for Will County residents served by Aqua Illinois will be going up if the company’s proposed rate hike is approved later this year. Aqua has applied for a $19.2 million rate hike for the 14 counties it serves in Illinois, including Will. Shane Gustafson, Morreale Communications, said water-only…
Kultivators Begin Yearly Event Planning
The Kankakee Kultivators Garden Club met at the Kankakee Library on February 8, with planning beginning for several upcoming events. Mark your calendars and save the date for these future events. March and April: Kultivator members begin selling gift cards for Benoit Greenhouse, Kankakee. Proceeds help fund the many projects of the club, as well…
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…
Manteno Village Board Revises Public Participation
By Andrea Arens In a consent agenda with no discussion and no dissension, the Manteno Village Board unanimously voted to revise the public participation rules for village board meetings. The revised ordinance provides that each speaker addressing the board be given three minutes, but once the three minutes is over, if the speaker does not…
Kankakee Police Accepting Applications for Citizens Police Academy
The City of Kankakee Police Department is thrilled to announce the launch of the Citizen Police Academy, an engaging program designed to foster a better understanding between our community and the dedicated men and women who serve and protect. Chief Christopher Kidwell stated: “The Citizen Police Academy is an invaluable opportunity for residents to gain…
Upcoming Programs at Kankakee Public Library
Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, recently announced its upcoming programs. Free Puzzle Exchange Launches at Library: The library recently launched a free puzzle exchange, which is located on the third floor and is available to the public during regular library hours. No library card is required, and donations also are welcome at any…
Seeking Entries for Annual ‘Brave, Bold, Believed Art Show’
Clove Alliance is seeking submissions for its fourth annual “Brave, Bold and Believed Art Show,” an evening to celebrate and honor the journey of survivors and their efforts to end sexual violence. Artists are encouraged to create an original design in keeping with the themes of empowerment, strength, resilience, and survivorship. Students in seventh through…
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…
Rep. Haas Celebrates IBHE Grants for Olivet Nazarene University
Following the announcement of the recipients for this year’s Independent Colleges Capital Investment Grant Program, State Rep. Jackie Haas released the following statement: “I am delighted Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais is receiving more than $10 million in grant funding from the Independent College Capital Investment Grant Program,” said Rep. Haas. “Olivet Nazarene is a…
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…
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Area News
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.…
Sip Your Way Through Kankakee County!
Visit Kankakee County is excited to introduce the newest adventure awaiting exploration in the area: The Kankakee County Craft Beverage Trail. This unique experience invites locals and visitors alike to embark on a journey through 13 local establishments, each showcasing their own inventive craft beverages, ranging from meticulously crafted cocktails and espresso delights to refreshing…
Kankakee to Celebrate Grand Opening of Ricky Rockets Travel Center
After years of anticipation, the City of Kankakee is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Ricky Rockets Travel Center, a state-of-the-art facility that promises to revolutionize the fuel and convenience store experience in our community. The grand opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday, March 5, at 11 a.m., at the Ricky Rockets Travel…
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…
New KCC Academic Affairs VP Selected
The next vice president for academic affairs at Kankakee Community College has more than 20 years of experience as a higher education administrator. Beginning May 20, Dr. Quincy Rose-Sewell will become KCC’s chief academic officer, responsible for administering the college’s credit and non-credit instruction, plus workforce development programs. She will be responsible for the management…
Harbor House Announces Inaugural ‘Light the Way Award’ Recipient Brook Coutant
Harbor House is honored to announce Brook Coutant received the inaugural Light the Way Award on February 13, at the Kankakee County First Responders Appreciation Brunch. Coutant received this award in recognition of her effective emergency response, as well as actively contributing to the well-being and empowerment of survivors of domestic violence. Coutant embodies the…
Kultivators Begin Yearly Event Planning
The Kankakee Kultivators Garden Club met at the Kankakee Library on February 8, with planning beginning for several upcoming events. Mark your calendars and save the date for these future events. March and April: Kultivator members begin selling gift cards for Benoit Greenhouse, Kankakee. Proceeds help fund the many projects of the club, as well…
Manteno District 6 County Board Member Resigns
By Stephen Nelson At the February 13 Kankakee County Board meeting, it was announced District 6 (Manteno) Republican County Board Representative Ray Fairfield will resign from the position on Friday February 16. “A decision on the appointment of a replacement will have to wait for 60 days after the effective date of the resignation,” said…
Women United Breakfast Returns March 20
Eighth annual Women United Breakfast at ONU’s Chalfant Hall in Bourbonnais, March 20. The 2024 Women United Breakfast on Wednesday, March 20, at Olivet Nazarene University, will feature an exciting lineup of local female speakers, sharing their insights on creating space for inclusion, as well as addressing burnout prevention and nurturing one’s well-being in a…
Four Blue Devils Sign KCC Commitment Letters
On Thursday, February 8, four Peotone High School athletes took part in a signing ceremony at the high school, along with an assistant soccer coach from Kankakee Community College in attendance. A big “Blue Devil Congratulations” is in order for Adeline Graffeo, Gino Petrizzi, Ashley Renwick, and Van Wehrmann, who next year will exchange their…
Kankakee Police Accepting Applications for Citizens Police Academy
The City of Kankakee Police Department is thrilled to announce the launch of the Citizen Police Academy, an engaging program designed to foster a better understanding between our community and the dedicated men and women who serve and protect. Chief Christopher Kidwell stated: “The Citizen Police Academy is an invaluable opportunity for residents to gain…
Upcoming Programs at Kankakee Public Library
Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, recently announced its upcoming programs. Free Puzzle Exchange Launches at Library: The library recently launched a free puzzle exchange, which is located on the third floor and is available to the public during regular library hours. No library card is required, and donations also are welcome at any…
KRLBA Completes First Acquisition, Sale
Members of the board of directors for the Kankakee Regional Land Bank Authority (KRLBA) announced the completion of their first acquisition and sale of a distressed property in Kankakee. The multi-unit property, 831 S. Washington Avenue, was acquired by the KRLBA through a deed in lieu of foreclosure. KRLBA abated taxes and released a request…
Seeking Entries for Annual ‘Brave, Bold, Believed Art Show’
Clove Alliance is seeking submissions for its fourth annual “Brave, Bold and Believed Art Show,” an evening to celebrate and honor the journey of survivors and their efforts to end sexual violence. Artists are encouraged to create an original design in keeping with the themes of empowerment, strength, resilience, and survivorship. Students in seventh through…
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…