Skip to content
Marion Announces Manteno Village/Chamber of Commerce Departure
Sarah Marion, IOM - President and CEO Manteno Chamber of Commerce, poses with Angie Whitcomb IOM, chair of the Midwest Board of Regents and Matt R. McCormick, IOM, CCE, chair of the Board of Trustees for the Institute of Organization Management. –Photo submitted.
By Madeleine Willis
Sarah Marion announced her departure from the Village of Manteno and the Manteno Chamber of Commerce in a press release to the Manteno Vedette on January 3. Marion’s last day will go into effect March 1. In her departure from the village, she will be starting her own organizational consulting business.
Marion was quoted in the press release, “It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve the village, Chamber, its membership, and the business community. I hold this job so dear to my heart, so it was not an easy decision to close this chapter.”
Marion wrote that her role has helped her grow both personally and professionally.
Josh Stauffenberg, along with the other members of the board, support Marion in her new venture and wish her the best
Village Administrator, Chris LaRocque, will be interviewing new candidates to fill Marion’s position.
LaRocque wrote in an email to The Vedette, “Sarah has taken this position to an amazing level, and our expectation will be to continue to grow the Chamber and develop new events and programs to help the village and Chamber continue to flourish.”
The ideal candidate would be self-motivated, outgoing, and organized, LaRocque wrote. He also wrote that filling Marion’s shoes will not be an easy task.
As for new candidates, LaRocque wrote they are looking for people who are positive, excited, and progressive thinkers.
“This is a very unique job that offers potential for a person to think freely and present various new programs and events or enhancements to existing ones.”
Marion has been with the village since 2016 and, during her time, the Manteno Chamber has seen a 44 percent increase in membership growth.
As a community member, Marion holds Manteno close to her heart and will continue to be active in the community.
“Sarah will be truly missed for all she’s done, and we’re hopeful we can find a replacement who will be up for the challenge and able to achieve the high standards Sarah has provided during her years of service,” LaRocque wrote.
Marion did not respond to requests for comment.
Classifieds
Two Dead After Another Crash at 50 and County Line
Spread the loveThe Kankakee County Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police Troop 5 released a press release on March 28 that they are investigating a double fatality accident. The accident occurred on March 28, 2024, at 12:48 p.m., at the intersection of 12000 North Road and Illinois Rt. 50 just north of Manteno. Preliminary investigation…
Here’s What’s Happening at the Park Forest Historical Society
Spread the loveThe 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,…
Legion Fish Fry
Spread the loveAt 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…
Riverside Healthcare Donates $13,000+ to Local High Schools
Spread the loveScores for Schools program supports 18 area school athletic programs. To recognize the accomplishments of area high school athletic programs, Riverside Healthcare donated more than $13,000 to 18 high schools across Kankakee, Grundy, Will, and Iroquois Counties for their 2023 fall sports seasons. “Riverside is grateful to be able to support local high…
YWCA, The Grow Center, and Project SUN Present ‘LATE: A Love Story’
Spread the loveRachelle Zola, at 75 years old, is walking from Chicago to Montgomery, Alabama, to confront the pervasive realities of racism and amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized and silenced. Rachelle will perform her one-woman play, “LATE: A Love Story” and host a discussion about the stories she has to tell,…
Clove Alliance Hosts ‘Supporting Survivors with Disabilities’ Presentation
Spread the loveClove Alliance is proud to announce a one-day interactive presentation titled “Communication and Collaboration,” focused on supporting survivors of sexual violence with disabilities. This event, tailored to community professionals, will take place on Friday, April 19, from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at Kankakee Community College. Keynote speaker, Leanne Mull, MHA, co-director of…
When Legislation Becomes a Personal Commitment to Reform
Spread the loveAs State Senator, I advocate every day for the people I represent to address the problems affecting their families, their neighbors, their businesses, and schools. This month, I became an advocate for my family and many others like us, who deserve better health care insurance coverage. I couldn’t help but tear up a…
Apartment Complex Has Manteno Principal Concerned
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva You might say Matthew Glenn is looking for an exit strategy. Or, at the very least, an exit solution. Before the usual group of citizens spoke to harangue the Manteno Village Board on March 18 about the Gotion EV battery factory, Glenn, the principal at Manteno Elementary School, spoke first…
Panthers Beat Milford 11-1
Spread the loveBy Jim Piacentini In Manteno baseball on Tuesday, March 19, the Panthers had a slow first inning against the Milford Bearcats, but the second inning was just the opposite. The Panthers scored 5 and took a demanding 6-0 lead. Manteno then scored 3 runs in the fourth and 2 more in the sixth,…
BIG Week for Lady Panthers!
Spread the loveOn Tuesday, March 19, in a non-conference game, the Lady Panthers brought home an 11-3 victory against the Kankakee Kays. The Panthers scored 11 runs, on 13 hits, while committing 4 errors in the 7-inning contest. Kankakee had 3 runs, on 6 hits, with no errors. Ava Peterson, who was credited with the…
Manteno Firefighters Participate in Training Leading to State/National Certification
Spread the loveLocal firefighters Zachary Carroll and Danielle Georgelos, from the Manteno Community Fire Protection District, are enrolled in the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) Basic Operations Firefighter/NFPA Firefighter I (BOF) Blended course. This 18-week training program is designed to give firefighters the training needed to operate safely and effectively on the fireground. Unlike a…
Elizabeth Packard: The Woman Who Wouldn’t Be Silenced
Spread the loveJoin Laura Keyes, as Elizabeth Packard, for this informative and inspiring presentation on “Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard – The Woman Who Wouldn’t Be Silenced,” on Saturday, April 20, from 2 – 3:30 p.m., at the Kankakee County Museum in Small Memorial Park, 801 South Eighth Avenue in Kankakee. Tickets are $10 for general…
Manteno Police Respond to Stabbings; Suspect in Custody
Spread the loveOn March 21, Manteno officers were dispatched to Copelands Route 50 North Bar, in the 100 block of N. Locust Street, in reference to two stabbing victims. Upon arrival, officers located two stabbing victims in the parking lot, but the offender had fled the scene on foot. During the investigation, the suspect was…
Rep. Haas: Brickstone Brewery March Local Business Spotlight
Spread the loveFor her March local business spotlight, State Rep. Jackie Haas recognized Brickstone Brewery in Bourbonnais. Rep. Haas spent time touring the business and presented the owners with a certificate of appreciation for their contributions to the community. “I am honored to recognize Brickstone Brewery for my March Local Business Spotlight,” said Rep. Haas.…
Manhattan-Elwood Quilt Group ‘Rescue ME’ Crafters’ Resale
Spread the loveMark your calendars – we are back for our 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 will feature quilting, sewing, and needlework supplies.…