Local News

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From Sen. Joyce

The holidays are the perfect time for the gift of reflection, to be thankful for our loved ones and our progress during the past year. A year ago in this space, I told you about the untimely passing of my Illinois Senate colleague, Sen. Scott Bennett. Just 45 years old, Scott suffered a collapse from…

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Monee to Lose Early Voting Location to University Park

By Karen Haave Beginning with the March 19 Presidential Primary Election, Monee residents will lose the ease of early voting close to home. Monee Clerk Doneshia Codjoe reported during the village board’s December 13 meeting Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry’s office has sent notification that early voting services will be moved to the University…

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Joyce Law Helps Address Firefighter Shortage Beginning Next Year

A new law led by State Sen. Patrick Joyce to help solve Illinois’ firefighter shortage will go into effect January 1. “Firefighters, both full-time and volunteer, are essential first responders, and we cannot afford to continue to see declining numbers in these positions,” said Joyce. “This law is a step in the right direction to…

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Rep. Haas Celebrates District 79 Library Grants

Following the School District Library Grant program announcement made by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Rep. Jackie Haas released the following statement: “I am thrilled seven libraries in District 79 have been selected to receive grants through the Illinois Secretary of State Office’s School District Library Grant program,” said Rep. Haas. “Libraries are…

Weather dampened the Wreaths Across America ceremony but did not stop it. –Photo by Karen Haave.

Wreaths Across America Honors Heroes

By Karen Haave Disappointing weather put a damper on the Wreaths Across America ceremony in Monee on Saturday morning, but nothing would prevent the annual remembrance of the community’s military heroes. Christi Holston, president of the Monee Historical Society and the St. Paul Cemetery, where the ceremony took place, gave the opening remarks. “Welcome and,…

Congratulations, Rep. Haas, on being selected the Osteopathic Medical Society's 2023 Legislator of the Year. –Photo submitted.

Rep. Haas Receives Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society Legislator of the Year Award

Recently, State Rep. Jackie Haas received the Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society’s 2023 Legislator of the Year Award. “It is an honor to receive the Legislator of the Year Award from this organization,” said Rep. Haas. “The Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society does incredible work in advocating for Osteopathic Physicians and their patients. As a licensed clinical…

Rep. Haas chose Broadway Jewelry and Rare Coins to honor for her December Business Spotlight. –Photo submitted.

Broadway Jewelry, Rare Coins December Local Business Spotlight

For her December local business spotlight, State Rep. Jackie Haas chose to recognize Broadway Jewelry and Rare Coins in Bradley. Rep. Haas spent time touring the business and presented the owners with a certificate of appreciation for their contributions to the community. “This month, we are honored to recognize Broadway Jewelry and Rare Coins because…

Earthrise Energy recently awarded the Northern Illinois Food Bank a RISE Grant to help combat hunger in Crete, Manhattan, and Monee. Pictured, left to right, are: Earthrise Energy Development Analyst Loic Wouantou; Lincoln Generating Facility and Crete Energy Venture Plant Manager Brad Keaton; Northern Illinois Food Bank Development Officer, Corporate and Foundation Giving, Jennifer Ackerman; and Earthrise Energy Senior Director of Development Jonathan Pike. –Photo submitted.

Earthrise Energy Awards RISE Grant to Northern Illinois Food Bank

To help families put food on the table this holiday, Earthrise Energy recently awarded an $8,000 RISE Grant to the Northern Illinois Food Bank. The funds will be allocated to four food bank member agencies serving Crete, Manhattan, and Monee to help restock their pantry shelves. “We thank Earthrise Energy and all those helping us…

Jesus Ambriz, of Monee, earned a degree in construction from UW-Stout and was an all-conference football lineman. After two internships with Turner Construction of Chicago, he will begin a full-time job with the company in February. –Photo submitted.

Returning Home During COVID-19 Inspired Ambriz to Earn UW-Stout Degree, Football Honors

Graduating construction major used time with family to gain new perspective on college, shine as a UW-Stout Blue Devil, and focus on career. When Jesus Ambriz thinks back to late summer 2019, he sees a young man who was excited to begin college and play football at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, but one who also…

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Monee Police Blotter: December 5 – 11

December 5, at approximately 3:20 p.m., a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Daveon Smith, 21, of the 1100 block of W. Merchant Street, Kankakee, for driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license. Smith was cited and released with a notice to appear. December 7, at approximately 3:17 p.m., officers responded to a…

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Will County Animal Control Offering Free Microchipping in December

The Will County Animal Control Department is offering free microchipping services to dogs and cats owned by county residents throughout December as part of their “Home for the Holidays” Program. “We’re hoping to incentivize pet owners to microchip their pets,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “Having pets microchipped, with updated tags, helps ensure they…

Mrs. Stolarek's Beecher Elementary School first grade students who recently wrote to Santa. –Photo submitted.

Santa Letters from Mrs. Stolarek’s BES First Graders

Recently, the first graders at Beecher Elementary took on a very special project and a most important one, too – the annual writing of letters to that jolly man at the North Pole. After reading some of the correspondence, we think you will agree it was a most important task. This week, The Vedette is…

Monee Police Blotter: November 28 – December 1

November 28, at approximately 5:35 p.m., a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Antoine Monroe, 26, of the 2700 block of W. Potomac, for driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, operating an uninsured vehicle, and failing to yield. Monroe was cited and released with a notice to appear. November 29, at approximately…

Crozehead Cooperage was inducted into Illinois Made Program. –Photo submitted.

Monee’s Crozehead Cooperage Inducted into Illinois Made Program

Crozehead Cooperage, a handcrafted barrel-making company in the Village of Monee, has been inducted into the Illinois Made program by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Illinois Made is a group of local businesses that best exemplify authentic experiences and one-of-a-kind products boosting Illinois’ destination value. Crozehead Cooperage,…

–Rep. Haas, center, received the CBHA Legislator of the Year Award for 2023. –Photo submitted.

Rep. Haas Receives Illinois CBHA Legislator of Year Award

Recently, State Rep. Jackie Haas received the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois (CBHA) 2023 Legislator of the Year Award. “I am truly honored to receive this award from such an incredible organization,” said Rep. Haas. “As a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years’ experience working in the community, I have been…

Dan Seggebruch gave details about  the donations the family made to the Monee Historical Society and Crete Area Historical Society recently. He is holding a timber taken from one of the original buildings constructed 170 years ago on the Monee homestead. That spinning wheel in the photo is real, presumably used by his great-great-great-grandmother. –Photo by Karen Haave.

Seggebruch Family Marks Anniversary with Donation

By Karen Haave A prominent Will County family has marked the 170th anniversary of its ancestors’ arrival in America, with donations to two local historical societies. Fourth and fifth generation descendants of the Seggebruch family gathered for a presentation of personal artifacts to the Monee Historical Society and to the Crete Area Historical Society. Among…

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Illinois Office of Tourism Names Cranky Mike’s Popcorn to Illinois Made Program4

Governor J.B. Pritzker, alongside the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), elected officials, and industry leaders, proudly unveiled the latest inductees into the Illinois Made program, including Cranky Mike’s Popcorn in Momence. This year marks a significant milestone, as 48 exceptional small businesses, often referred to as ‘Makers,’ have been welcomed into the…

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry is excited about the new Will County state-of-the-art election equipment that will be in place for the 2024 elections. –Photo submitted.

New State-of-the-Art Election Equipment Demonstration Planned

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry is inviting the public to a demonstration of new state-of-the-art election equipment that will be used to cast and count ballots in next year’s Primary and Presidential Elections. County Clerk Staley Ferry and her team will conduct demonstrations of the new ballot counters, ADA-compliant ballot-marking devices, and poll books…

National News

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Illinois News

As dual credit participation grows in Illinois, study shows gaps widening
As dual credit participation grows in Illinois, study shows gaps widening
Unions look to state for solutions after year of higher ed labor action
Unions look to state for solutions after year of higher ed labor action
Prohibition on book bans, right to sue for ‘deepfake porn’ among new laws taking effect Jan. 1
Prohibition on book bans, right to sue for ‘deepfake porn’ among new laws taking effect Jan. 1
Federal judge declines to stay assault weapons ban ahead of Jan. 1 registration deadline
Federal judge declines to stay assault weapons ban ahead of Jan. 1 registration deadline
Prisoner Review Board releases final Illinoisan serving life sentence for ‘three-strikes’ drug offense
Prisoner Review Board releases final Illinoisan serving life sentence for ‘three-strikes’ drug offense
Illinois Supreme Court rules Chicago not liable for pothole on street not ‘intended’ for cyclists
Illinois Supreme Court rules Chicago not liable for pothole on street not ‘intended’ for cyclists
Public health officials urge caution around respiratory illnesses
Public health officials urge caution around respiratory illnesses
Capitol News Illinois, ProPublica to continue award-winning reporting partnership
Capitol News Illinois, ProPublica to continue award-winning reporting partnership
ANALYSIS: Pritzker urges ‘careful’ approach as current-year surplus could be followed by deficit
ANALYSIS: Pritzker urges ‘careful’ approach as current-year surplus could be followed by deficit
State regulators once again flex muscle in rejecting utilities’ grid plans, lessening rate hikes
State regulators once again flex muscle in rejecting utilities’ grid plans, lessening rate hikes
U.S. Supreme Court refuses to block assault weapons ban as full legal challenges progress
U.S. Supreme Court refuses to block assault weapons ban as full legal challenges progress
After pushing for law targeting ‘crisis pregnancy centers,’ attorney general backs off legal fight
After pushing for law targeting ‘crisis pregnancy centers,’ attorney general backs off legal fight

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Area News

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O’Brien Sentenced to 10 Years in 2019 Wife’s Attempted First Degree Murder Stabbing

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Patrick O’Brien, 63, of Naperville, was sentenced recently by Circuit Judge John Connor to 10 years in prison in the attempted first degree murder of his wife. O’Brien was found guilty August 29, of Attempt First Degree Murder (a Class X felony) and Aggravated Domestic Battery (a Class…

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Will County Coordinating with Municipalities, State on Texas Bus Arrivals

The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is working to provide information and coordinate with municipalities and state agencies as the Chicagoland region is experiencing an increase in buses transporting asylum-seekers from the State of Texas. “Our municipalities have seen an increase in buses from Texas disembarking passengers at Metra stations and other locations throughout…

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Solar Farm Near Frankfort Rejected By Will County Board

By Stephen Nelson After listening to an hour and a half of negative public comment from residents near a proposed solar farm on West 104th Street at the end of Kuse Road in Green Garden Township, the Will County Board at its December 21 meeting, voted almost unanimously (16-1) to deny a special use permit for…

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Former School Bus Driver Christian Shepherd Sentenced to 74 Years in Murder-for-Hire Plot

Shepherd previously sentenced to 76 Years in second murder-for-hire plot. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that Christian Shepherd, 44, of Ottawa, was sentenced recently by Circuit Judge David Carlson to 74 years in prison in a murder-for-hire plot in which he attempted to hire a fellow inmate to murder a victim he was…

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Will County Seeks Public Input on Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant is asking the public to participate in a survey that will help the county identify infrastructure needs for electric and other alternative fuel vehicles. The survey results will support a comprehensive plan to prepare the county to proactively meet growing demand for sustainable transportation options. “There is a fast-growing demand…

Pictured with State’s Attorney James Glasgow is Victim Witness Advocate Emma Rannells, who received the Diane Mains Award from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) –Photo submitted.

Emma Rannells Receives AAIM Service Award

State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that Victim Witness Advocate Emma Rannells has received the Diane Mains Award from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) for her dedication in assisting impaired driving crash victims and their families. “In addition to prosecuting impaired driving cases, my office provides victims much-needed support throughout the criminal justice process,” Glasgow…

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Will County Animal Control Offering Free Microchipping in December

The Will County Animal Control Department is offering free microchipping services to dogs and cats owned by county residents throughout December as part of their “Home for the Holidays” Program. “We’re hoping to incentivize pet owners to microchip their pets,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “Having pets microchipped, with updated tags, helps ensure they…

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry is excited about the new Will County state-of-the-art election equipment that will be in place for the 2024 elections. –Photo submitted.

Will County Clerk Holds Lottery Determining Primary Top Candidate Ballot Spots

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry held a lottery on Wednesday, December 13, to determine which candidates will appear in the top ballot position in certain races in the March 19, Primary Election. The lottery, held in the Will County Board Room, involved those candidates who filed petitions simultaneously at the start of the business…

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Rockett Sentenced to 12 Years in Fatal Girlfriend Shooting

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Ben Rockett, 71, of Joliet, was sentenced recently to 12 years in prison in the 2021 shooting death of Sonja Underwood. Rockett pled guilty to Armed Habitual Criminal (a class X felony) before Circuit Judge Carmen Goodman. On the evening of March 30, 2021, Rockett and girlfriend Underwood…

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry is excited about the new Will County state-of-the-art election equipment that will be in place for the 2024 elections. –Photo submitted.

New State-of-the-Art Election Equipment Demonstration Planned

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry is inviting the public to a demonstration of new state-of-the-art election equipment that will be used to cast and count ballots in next year’s Primary and Presidential Elections. County Clerk Staley Ferry and her team will conduct demonstrations of the new ballot counters, ADA-compliant ballot-marking devices, and poll books…

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Bertino-Tarrant Announces Re-election Campaign

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant filed petitions with the Will County Clerk’s office this week, officially kicking-off her re-election campaign. Pledging to continue prioritizing public safety, balanced budgets, and an open and transparent government, Bertino-Tarrant points to her promises made and kept in her desire to seek a second term. “When I ran for county…

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Darrius Brown Convicted of Aggravated Domestic Battery for 2018 Attack

Brown previously convicted of aggravated domestic abuse of child’s mother, sentenced to eight years in prison. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Circuit Judge Carmen Goodman on Monday, November 20, found Darrius Brown, 42, of Plainfield, guilty of Aggravated Domestic Battery (a Class 2 felony), Aggravated Unlawful Restraint with a Deadly Weapon (a Class…