Local News

Gotion Holding Job Fairs at KCC’s Riverfront Campus, North Extension Center

Gotion, Inc., will hold two local job fairs to recruit workers for the electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant to be located in Manteno and has positions in all employment segments, not just manufacturing positions. The company is looking for a variety of skill sets, said Annie Quach a member of the Gotion Recruiting Team. The…

Join others at Christ Community Church for a fun-filled pre-Valentine celebration. –Photo submitted.

Christ Community Church Hosting Valentine Event

Christ Community Church will host a “Bee” My Valentine social event for adults on Saturday, February 3, from 6 – 8 p.m., at 103 W. Corning Avenue in Peotone. Guests will enjoy an evening of pizza, cupcakes, bottled water, games, prizes, in addition to entertainment. Comedian and Peotone resident Tracy DeGraaf will emcee, as well…

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Monee Police Blotter: December 30 – January 1

December 30, at approximately 8:11 p.m., a traffic stop in the 25900 block of Governors Highway resulted in the arrest of Rebecca Navarro, 36, of the 300 block of Mulberry Street, Manteno, for driving with an expired registration sticker and a suspended driver’s license. Navarro was cited and released with a notice to appear. December…

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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…

Haas

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…

National News

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Illinois News

Pritzker signs measure allowing new small-scale nuclear technology in Illinois
Pritzker signs measure allowing new small-scale nuclear technology in Illinois
Capitol Cast: Halfway through FY '24, CNI's Jerry Nowicki breaks down estimates and predictions
Capitol Cast: Halfway through FY ’24, CNI’s Jerry Nowicki breaks down estimates and predictions
Chicago utility pushes back against state oversight, asks for further rate increase
Chicago utility pushes back against state oversight, asks for further rate increase
State health plan declares racism a public health crisis
State health plan declares racism a public health crisis
For at least 6 months, state failed to act on Carlinville funeral director that mishandled remains
For at least 6 months, state failed to act on Carlinville funeral director that mishandled remains
Supreme Court rules teen bicyclist is covered by father’s auto insurance policy
Supreme Court rules teen bicyclist is covered by father’s auto insurance policy
Dolly Parton Imagination Library officially launches statewide in Illinois
Dolly Parton Imagination Library officially launches statewide in Illinois
What to know about Illinois’ assault weapons ban
What to know about Illinois’ assault weapons ban
Capitol Cast: Filing Day for 2024 primary brings frigid temps and election themes to Springfield
Capitol Cast: Filing Day for 2024 primary brings frigid temps and election themes to Springfield
Supreme Court rules teen bicyclist is covered by father’s auto insurance policy
Supreme Court rules teen bicyclist is covered by father’s auto insurance policy
State high court finds medical personnel exemption to biometric information privacy law
State high court finds medical personnel exemption to biometric information privacy law
Illinois Supreme Court: FOID records exempt from public disclosure
Illinois Supreme Court: FOID records exempt from public disclosure

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Area News

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Will County Launches Long Term Planning Effort for Transportation

“Our Way Forward” plan will serve as a 25-year roadmap for transportation projects. Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and the Will County Division of Transportation announced the county is embarking on a long-term planning effort to guide the next 25 years of transportation projects. The “Our Way Forward 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan” will incorporate…

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Dr. Clyne G. H. Namuo Appointed to Association of Community College Trustees Advisory Committee

Dr. Clyne G. H. Namuo, 10th president of Joliet Junior College, recently was appointed to the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Advisory Committee of Presidents. The ACCT advisory committee of presidents was established to ensure chief executives have a voice in recommending and evaluating educational programs offered by ACCT and is represented by four…

Christina Kupkowski (in the middle) answered questions about the PEL study and the Wilmington-Peotone Road. –Photo by Karen Haave.

Seeking Public Input for Future Wilmington-Peotone Road Improvements

By Karen Haave Planners for the Will County Department of Highways don’t know exactly what improvements will be needed for Wilmington-Peotone Road in the future, but they are pretty sure something will be needed. To that end, they are seeking input from residents and those who frequently travel the 22-mile corridor from Drecksler Road in…

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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…