Local News

Former Illinois State Police trooper who pleaded guilty in relation to deadly crash postpones hearing

Monee Police Blotter: February 19 – 24

February 19, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Javier Alvarado, 22, of Oak Lawn. Alvarado was cited for no registration and no insurance. He also was wanted for failure to appear in Will County, was secured, and transported. February 22, at approximately 9:30 a.m., a vehicle wanted for aggravated…

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Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Redesignated Acute Stroke Ready Hospital

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields has been redesignated as an Acute Stroke Ready hospital by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the hospital announced recently. Acute Stroke Ready hospitals serve as the first stop for patients suspected of having a stroke. Franciscan Health Olympia Fields is the only hospital in the South Suburbs with the designation.…

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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,…

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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…

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Franciscan Health Heart, Vascular Institute Echocardiography Lab Achieves Accreditation

The Franciscan Health Heart and Vascular Institute Olympia Fields echocardiography lab has achieved accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (ICA) for adult transthoracic echocardiography. Echocardiography (also known as echo) is a form of non-invasive imaging used to assess different areas of the heart, which can detect heart disease or signs of serious conditions. Early detection…

Former Illinois State Police trooper who pleaded guilty in relation to deadly crash postpones hearing

Monee Police Blotter: February 12 – 16

February 12, at approximately 12:28 a.m., a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Jerrold Dunn Sr., 53, of Park Forest. Dunn was issued citations for disobeying a traffic control device, driving under the influence (DUI), and possession of cannabis less than 10g. He was released with a notice to appear via his citations. February…

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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.…

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Helping Hands Food Pantry

Helping Hands Food Pantry will be open to all area residents (including senior citizens and adults both with or without children who reside within the boundaries of the Peotone School District and are in need of food assistance) on Wednesdays, March 6 and 20, from 1 to 5:30 p.m., at the Community Presbyterian Mission Building…

Haas

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…

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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…

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DeLuca Works to Protect Family Farms; Supports Plan to Overhaul Estate Tax

Wanting to ensure family farms can be passed from one generation to the next without unreasonable tax burdens, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, is backing an overhaul of the state’s estate tax specific to farms. “When a loved one passes, we don’t want state taxes to force families to sell land, lose equipment, and break up…

–Graphic submitted.

Emergency Blood Shortage: Give March 12

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Help those in need as the University of St. Francis (USF) hosts its next American Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, March 12, from 1 to 6 p.m., in the Assembly Hall…

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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…

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Monee Village Board Not Happy About Aqua Proposed Rate Hikes

By Karen Haave A rate hike proposed by Aqua Illinois isn’t sitting well with members of the Monee Village Board. During the February 12 meeting, Trustee Douglas Horne urged “everybody within the sound of my voice” to oppose the increase. “If approved, the bulk sewer rate would increase by 54 percent, going from the current…

Former Illinois State Police trooper who pleaded guilty in relation to deadly crash postpones hearing

Monee Police Blotter: February 6 – 11

On February 6, at approximately 5:33 p.m., a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Marcellus Bearden, 55, of Chicago. Bearden was issued citations for driving with expired license plates, driving while his license was suspended, and operating an uninsured vehicle. He was released with a notice to appear via his citations. On February 8,…

PJHS Present Annie Jr.

PJHS to Present ‘Annie JR.’ March 2-3

Peotone to learn important lessons: ‘You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile’ and ‘The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow.’ Leaping Lizards! Peotone will “stick up its chin and grin and sing ‘Tomorrow!  Tomorrow!’” when Peotone Junior High performs Annie JR., it was announced by Drew Cohen, president of Music Theatre International (MTI). Based on the…

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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…

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PHS Senior Scholarships Available; Deadlines Approaching

The following scholarships recently were announced and are available for Peotone High School seniors. All application links are online on the PHS website. Go to the Student Services tab and click on “Scholarship Opportunities” to view all scholarships and qualifications. The deadline for most scholarships is March 8, unless otherwise indicated. •Alec J. “Mugs” Mulvihill…

National News

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Illinois News

U.S. Supreme Court rules states can’t bar Trump from ballot based on insurrection clause
U.S. Supreme Court rules states can’t bar Trump from ballot based on insurrection clause
Nearly 9 in 10 state-level primaries give voters no choice in candidates
Nearly 9 in 10 state-level primaries give voters no choice in candidates
Capitol Briefs: Pritzker touts manufacturing training funding, announces cultural districts
Capitol Briefs: Pritzker touts manufacturing training funding, announces cultural districts
Native tribe seeks return of ancestral land in Dekalb County
Native tribe seeks return of ancestral land in Dekalb County
His conviction was overturned after 35 years wrongfully served. State law caps his compensation at 14 years.
His conviction was overturned after 35 years wrongfully served. State law caps his compensation at 14 years.
Cook County judge orders Trump removed from GOP ballot but holds decision pending appeal
Cook County judge orders Trump removed from GOP ballot but holds decision pending appeal
‘This place is horrific’: 10-week-old complaint details ‘filthy’ conditions at Centralia funeral home
‘This place is horrific’: 10-week-old complaint details ‘filthy’ conditions at Centralia funeral home
Capitol Briefs: Pritzker touts manufacturing training funding, announces cultural districts
Capitol Briefs: Pritzker touts manufacturing training funding, announces cultural districts
New birth center to open on Chicago’s South Side as Pritzker touts proposed maternal health spending
New birth center to open on Chicago’s South Side as Pritzker touts proposed maternal health spending
Pritzker proposes over 2B in spending growth, backed by tax increases for corporations, sportsbooks
Pritzker proposes over 2B in spending growth, backed by tax increases for corporations, sportsbooks
Pritzker to call for health insurance reforms in State of the State address
Pritzker to call for health insurance reforms in State of the State address
Transmission line monopoly back on agenda at Statehouse after Pritzker’s veto
Transmission line monopoly back on agenda at Statehouse after Pritzker’s veto

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Area News

County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (center), State’s Attorney James Glasgow (right), and Animal Protection Services Department Administrator Anna Payton (left) celebrate the department’s expanded mission following approval of ordinance changes. –Photo submitted.

Will County Responds to National Animal Welfare Crisis

New department name reflects change in direction for county animal services. Responding to a national animal welfare crisis, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant announced a series of ordinance changes that aim to expand the role of the county’s animal services. The changes include renaming the county’s animal welfare department to “Will County Animal Protection Services…

County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, right, and State Rep. Natalie Manley, left, met with Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin, center, to hear updates on legislation that supports Will County’s priorities. –Photo submitted.

Bertino-Tarrant Attends White House ‘Communities in Action’ Series

Visit includes meetings with Sen. Durbin and Congressmen Jackson and Davis. Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant joined elected and community leaders from throughout Illinois at the White House to discuss the positive local impacts of federal investments from the Biden-Harris Administration. “Will County has received historic levels of federal funding under this administration,” said County…

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry’s team prepared for Early Voting, which started on Thursday, February 8, at the Will County Clerk’s Office, 302 N. Chicago Street, in downtown Joliet. –Photo submitted.

Early Voting Began February 8 at Will County Clerk’s Office

Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry reminds voters they may begin casting ballots during Early Voting for the General Primary Election starting on Thursday, February 8, at the Will County Clerk’s Office, 302 N. Chicago Street, in downtown Joliet. Those who wish to vote early may do so from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on…

–Photo submitted.

Winters Sentenced to Life in Prison

Sentenced for predatory criminal sexual assault/aggravated criminal sexual abuse of five-year-old. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Vincent Winters, 58, of Joliet, was sentenced to his natural life in prison by Judge Sarah Jones for the predatory criminal sexual assault of a five-year-old girl in 2017. On November 16, 2023, a Will County jury…

Rudy Gonzalez poses with his family. –Photo submitted.

25 Participants Graduate Diversionary Courts Program

Program Alum Rudy Gonzalez tells graduates, “If you’ve been through this program, you have everything you need” State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced 25 people graduated from the Will County Problem Solving Courts in a January 25 ceremony at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet. The graduation brings to 859 the total number of participants who…

–Photo submitted.

Darrius Brown Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Aggravated Domestic Battery

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Circuit Judge Carmen Goodman recently sentenced Darrius Brown, 42, of Plainfield, to nine years in prison for a 2018 attack on his then-girlfriend. Brown was sentenced to nine years in prison for Aggravated Domestic Battery (a Class 2 felony), as well as four years for Aggravated Unlawful Restraint…

–Graphic submitted.

Will County Hosting Virtual Open Houses on Long Range Transportation Plan

The Will County Division of Transportation (WCDOT) will host two virtual open houses to gather feedback on the future of transportation priorities in Will County. The feedback will be incorporated in the ongoing “Our Way Forward 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan,” which will guide the next 25 years of county-wide infrastructure projects. “This is a…

Bailey Testerman and her fiancé Kole El-Talabani of Kankakee tied the knot at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon in August. They chose the site because of its eco-friendly vibe, beautiful setting, and all-inclusive wedding space. Check out why this Forest Preserve District of Will County wedding venue is so popular during a Four Rivers Wedding Open House, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, February 3. –Photo courtesy of Bailey Testerman.

Forest Preserve’s Site Hosts February 3 Wedding Open House

When Bailey Testerman was first scouting out wedding venues, the bride-to-be said she was looking for a site that was as “green” as possible. “The health of our planet is incredibly important to me…,” she said. “I wanted to reduce the environmental impact of our wedding as much as possible. Choosing an environmentally conscious venue…

Water levels were dangerously high earlier in the week and even after warm water siphons were added, the river flooded closing streets and businesses in Wilmington. Photo by Will County EMA.

Will County Emergency Management Agency Issues Update on Flash Flooding in Wilmington

The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and City of Wilmington officials responded to flash flooding in downtown Wilmington on the evening of January 25. The flooding occurred suddenly on the North and South Islands, due to rapidly increasing water levels on the Kankakee River. Will County EMA issued a mass notification message to residents,…

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Will County EMAgency Issues Update on Kankakee River Conditions

Launches public reporting survey to assess residential and business property damage. The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is reporting a significant reduction in water levels on the Kankakee River, as most ice jams have cleared between the City of Wilmington and the Des Plaines River confluence. Following the expiration of a Flash Flood Warning…

–Photo courtesy of Illinois STAR.

January News from the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration Team

A Message from Caroline Wade, STAR Executive Director… Happy New Year from the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) team! The year is flying by as we continue to ramp up and prepare for the launch of enrollment later this spring. It will be an exciting year with the development of a new, enhanced version…

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Desiderio Chosen as the Deputy City Manager

Joliet City Manager Beth Beatty recently announced she has chosen City Clerk Christa M. Desiderio to be her new Deputy City Manager. Christa has been Joliet’s City Clerk for the past 12 years and has more than 23 years of municipal government experience. “Christa is the best choice to help me in managing our city…