Local News

Monee EMA Presidential Service Award Honorees. Photo courtesy the Village of Monee.

Monee Honors EMA Members for President’s Volunteer Service Awards

By Karen Haave Eight Monee Emergency Management Agency members were honored last week as recipients of the President’s  Volunteer Service Awards (PVSA). The PVSA is a national  program that recognizes exceptional volunteers whose work makes real and sustainable differences in their communities. The program honors volunteers as young as five years of age, as well…

Rep. Haas' bill supporting  law enforcement passes State House unanimously. –Photo submitted.

Rep. Haas Passes Bill Supporting Law Enforcement

Recently, House Bill 5174, filed by State Rep. Jackie Haas, passed the House floor with a unanimous vote of 108-0. “Today’s passage of House Bill 5174 is a huge win for law enforcement officers and school safety,” said Rep. Haas. “This bill will incentivize retired law enforcement officers to return to work as school safety…

Rep. Haas honored Poppin Plates Culinary Incubator and owner Fershawnda Green as the April Local Business Spotlight winner. –Photo submitted.

Poppin Plates Culinary Incubator Recognized as April Local Business Spotlight

For April’s local business spotlight, State Rep. Jackie Haas recognized Poppin Plates Culinary Incubator in Park Forest. Rep. Haas spent time touring the business and presented the owner with a certificate of appreciation for her contributions to the community. “I am honored to recognize Poppin Plates Culinary Incubator for my April Local Business Spotlight,” said…

Join Lightways Hospice/Serious Illness Care at Dino-mite 5K Family Fun Run

Proceeds support pediatric care program Runners from across the region are invited to the 11th annual Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care 5K Family Fun Run on Saturday, June 1, at the New Lenox Commons, 1 Veterans Parkway in New Lenox. The event includes a 5K run for ages 14 and older and a Dino…

Former trooper seeks restoration of driving privileges nearly 16 years after fatal crash

Monee Police Blotter: April 15 – 21

April 15, at approximately 6:15 p.m., a traffic stop for no registration ended with Erin Hall, 31, of Monee, being placed under arrest for a Texas Warrant. Ms. Hall was wanted by Texas for violation of probation and possession of a controlled substance. Texas apparently believes that having drugs while you’re on probation means you…

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Legion Post 392 Fish Fry

Peotone American Legion Post 392 will host its last of the season monthly all-you-can-eat fish fry, on Saturday, May 11, 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 Legion Auxiliary, are available…

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Rep. Haas Co-Hosts Rx Drop-Off Event

In conjunction with other community partners, State Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) is co-hosting a prescription drop-off event on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Northfield Square Mall East parking lot, 1600 N. State Rt. 50 in Bourbonnais. “I invite all District 79 area residents to come by and drop off…

St. Agnes students, in Chicago Heights, recently raised more than $1,600 for FHOF's diaper pantry for new moms. –Photo submitted.

St. Agnes Students Raise Funds for Diaper Pantry

Students at St. Agnes School in Chicago Heights raised $1,650 during their Lenten service project to purchase diapers for Franciscan Health Olympia Fields’ diaper pantry for new moms in need. The project, “For the Sake of New Life,” spanned two weeks during Lent, when students filled baby bottle banks with money they earned by giving…

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WCCHC Offering Primary Care Services in Monee

The Will County Health Department and Community Health Center will begin offering primary care medical services at its Eastern Branch Office in Monee, 5601 W. Monee-Manhattan Road, beginning in April. Primary care services at the Eastern Branch office will be available from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., every Wednesday, effective immediately. Appointments are highly recommended…

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Monee Police Blotter: April 8 – 16

April 8, at approximately 8:45 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 5800 block of Monee-Manhattan Road, to investigate an unwanted person. Upon the officer’s arrival, they spoke to the manager of the business, who said a male, who previously was told not to return because of past disturbances, showed up and caused another…

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields –Photo submitted.

Franciscan Health Outpatient Therapy Hosting Fall Prevention Seminar

Franciscan Health Outpatient Therapy is hosting a free fall prevention seminar in Frankfort in May. The event will feature Franciscan Health Doctor of Physical Therapy Ramil Reyes and Franciscan Health Physical Therapy Assistant Mohamed Rashad, who will discuss how aging impacts musculoskeletal and balance systems, share tips on how to maintain an active lifestyle, and…

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Join the Movement Against Sexual Violence: Clove Alliance Seeks Volunteers

Clove Alliance, the leading organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence in the Kankakee region, is calling for community members to join its ranks as volunteers. The organization is gearing-up to provide comprehensive 40-hour Sexual Violence Crisis Intervention Training, commencing on April 29, at Clove Alliance’s main office, 1440 West Court Street in Kankakee.…

The sisters drove to French lick, Indiana, to view the total eclipse. –Photo submitted.

Sisters Took an Eclipse Trip

By Karen Haave The excitement over the solar eclipse was not lost on four Monee sisters, who drove to Indiana to experience it first-hand. Eliese “Lisa” Diercks, Christi Holston, Sheila Langenfeld and Nancy Langenfeld take what they have dubbed “The Sister Trip” every year, and this time decided it would be to French Lick to…

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Angel’s Helping Hands Now an Alternative

By Karen Haave The Crete Police Department and Crete-Monee School officials have joined forces with Angel’s Helping Hands to offer at-risk youth an alternative to school discipline or arrest. “Angel’s Helping Hands is a pilot diversion program tailored for at-risk youth,” CPD Chief Scott Pieritz explained. “We partnered with them through the Crete-Monee High School…

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Monee Police Blotter: April 2 – 7

April 2, at approximately 4:45 p.m., an officer on patrol observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the parking lot of a business in the 25600 block of Friendship Drive. The officer learned the registered owner had an active warrant out of Will County for traffic offenses. Louis P. Shuttlesworth, 51, of Chicago, was placed into…

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Rep. Haas Passes Multiple Bills Through Committee

Recently, State Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) passed four bills through committees, with all scheduled to be read and debated on the House floor. “I am proud to say four bills I filed have moved out of committee this week,” said Rep. Haas. “All of these bills received unanimous, bipartisan support. These bills will support law…

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Rotary Jigsaw Puzzles Still Available

In need of a gift? The Bradley-Bourbonnais Rotary Club still has their annual jigsaw puzzle available for purchase, with a limited number of puzzles available at Joy’s Hallmark, Ba Da Bloom Flower Shoppe, the Kankakee County Museum, King Music, Rubber Rose Books and Prints, the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Stefari’s West, as well…

Dr. Fulton Porter named FHOF Vice President of Medical Affairs and CMO. –Photo submitted.

FHOF Names New Vice Presidents

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields has added two new vice presidents to its ranks. Fulton Porter III, MD, FACP, FHM, is the new Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, and Michael Randall is the new Vice President of Strategy and Business Development. “We at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields are…

National News

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Illinois News

Capitol Briefs: Senate advances elections bill, measure targeting ‘predatory’ lending
Capitol Briefs: Senate advances elections bill, measure targeting ‘predatory’ lending
Democrats muscle through changes to ballot access, advisory questions
Democrats muscle through changes to ballot access, advisory questions
Law enforcement community honors fallen officers at Illinois Capitol
Law enforcement community honors fallen officers at Illinois Capitol
Democrats muscle through changes to ballot access, advisory questions
Democrats muscle through changes to ballot access, advisory questions
After 3 years, state poised to enforce law aiming to end lending discrimination
After 3 years, state poised to enforce law aiming to end lending discrimination
Capitol News Illinois partners with ‘Illinois Lawmakers’ program to bring it back to air
Capitol News Illinois partners with ‘Illinois Lawmakers’ program to bring it back to air
Election officials to weigh whether Darren Bailey and GOP operative Dan Proft illegally coordinated
Election officials to weigh whether Darren Bailey and GOP operative Dan Proft illegally coordinated
Advocates renew push to tighten firearm laws aimed at protecting domestic violence victims
Advocates renew push to tighten firearm laws aimed at protecting domestic violence victims
Prairie Band Potawatomi becomes 1st federally recognized tribe in Illinois
Prairie Band Potawatomi becomes 1st federally recognized tribe in Illinois
Capitol Briefs: State unveils report on racial disparities among homeless populations
Capitol Briefs: State unveils report on racial disparities among homeless populations
Immigrant advocates tout new report showing benefits of state-funded health plans
Immigrant advocates tout new report showing benefits of state-funded health plans
Capitol Briefs: State unveils report on racial disparities among homeless populations
Capitol Briefs: State unveils report on racial disparities among homeless populations

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Area News

Harold Robinson Mugshot (002)

Robinson Sentenced to 28 Years in Stepson Stabbing Death

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Harold Robinson, 57, of Bolingbrook, was sentenced recently by Circuit Court Judge Carmen Goodman to 28 years in prison for the 2017 stabbing death of his stepson. Robinson was found guilty of Second Degree Murder (a Class 1 Felony) following a bench trial that concluded November 28, 2023,…

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Will County Families Invited to Kids’ Fair on Presidents’ Day

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant invites families to attend a fun-filled Kids’ Fair on Monday, February 19, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Troy Middle School, 5800 W. Theodore Street, Plainfield. The free event features interactive and educational activities from local organizations, businesses, and government agencies. “This event is a great event for mom, dad,…

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Will County, City of Joliet Begin Local Truck Traffic Talks with IDOT

Will County and City of Joliet officials began preliminary discussions with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) on reducing truck traffic on local roads. These discussions kicked-off on January 31, with a meeting between the Will County Executive Office, Mayor of Joliet Terry D’Arcy, State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., and Sec. of Transportation Omer Osman.…

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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…