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Gregory Sentenced to 35 Years for Brutal 2017 Bludgeoning, Sexual Assault, and Fire

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Timothy Gregory, 43, of Joliet, was sentenced recently to 35 years in prison in the 2017 bludgeoning with a hammer and sexual assault of his brother’s girlfriend and arson of his brother’s home. Gregory pled guilty to Attempt Murder (a Class X felony), Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (a…

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Monee Police Blotter: September 4 – 10

September 4, at approximately 4 p.m., Kevin Washington, 49, of South Bend, was arrested on a Will County warrant for criminal trespass. Washington was located on Monee-Manhattan Road after causing a disturbance at the Quality Inn. He was processed and bonded. September 5, at approximately 10 a.m., officers cleared up a disturbance at the Red…

–Photo submitted.

Former School Bus Driver Christian Shepherd Found Guilty in Second Murder for Hire Plot

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced a jury recently found Christian Shepherd, 44, of Ottawa, guilty of four counts of Solicitation of Murder for Hire (a Class X felony), in the second case against Shepherd involving murder-to-hire plots in which he attempted to hire fellow inmates to murder a victim he was charged with…

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Nicor Gas, Local Fire Departments Promote Natural Gas Safety

Public education program now in its 18th year, coincides with National Fire Prevention Week. Nicor Gas is committed to the safety of every customer and community it serves and is partnering with local fire departments across its Northern Illinois service territory for an annual public education program. This year marks the 18th year of Nicor Gas’…

Photo courtesy Bradley Police Department.

Leader Haas Joins Community Leaders at Unveiling of Sgt. Marlene R. Rittmanic Memorial Highway

On Friday, September 1, House Assistant Minority Leader Jackie Haas joined community leaders to honor the life of Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic (End of Watch: December 30, 2021) with the unveiling of the Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic Memorial Highway at the 315 overpass on I-57. Sgt. Rittmanic was killed in the line of duty…

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Monee Police Blotter: August 28 – September 2

August 28, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Michael Hall, 38, of Riverdale, was arrested for driving while revoked and no insurance. He also was found to have an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in Logan County. He was processed and bonded. August 29, at approximately 6 p.m., officers took a fraud report from a subject…

New Manteno Police Department –Photo submitted.

Village of Manteno Police Department Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility to Enhance Public Safety

The Village of Manteno and Manteno Police Department announce the opening of its brand-new, cutting-edge facility, designed to provide enhanced public safety services. This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in the village’s commitment to serving and protecting its growing community and citizens. Village Administrator Chris LaRoque describes the new facility as “A major investment…

New Manteno Police Department –Photo submitted.

Village of Manteno Police Department Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility to Enhance Public Safety Saturday

The Village of Manteno and Manteno Police Department are proud to announce the opening of its brand-new, cutting-edge facility, designed to provide enhanced public safety services. This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in the village’s commitment to serving and protecting its growing community and citizens. Village Administrator Chris LaRoque describes the new facility as…

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Monee Police Blotter: August 21 – 26

August 21, at approximately 3:33 p.m., Joann Harris, 42, of Riverdale, was arrested for driving while revoked after a minor crash at the Amazon lot. She was processed and bonded. August 22, at approximately 4:15 p.m., a Governors Highway traffic stop for suspended plates, led to the arrest of Quentin Lackey, 20, of University Park,…

The audience listened as the Chief Lemming read letters of support received from the community regarding Bob Hiem. –Photo submitted.

Bob Hiem Receives Volunteer Certificate of Recognition

At the Monday, August 28, Beecher Village Board meeting, Bob Hiem was recognized by the village board and Police Chief Terry Lemming for his distinguished service as the EMA Director and as a volunteer in the community.

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Beecher Police Blotter: August 2 – 28

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely accusations, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. August 2, officers served an active order of protection on a subject living in the 500 block of Oak Street. August 21, Glendon Oiler, 44, of the 20 block of Dixie Highway, Momence, was…

–Photo submitted.

Judge Denies Motion to Reconsider 40-Year Sentence for Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault Offense

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that Circuit Judge Vincent Cornelius denied a motion to reconsider sentence by Jeffery Davis, 33 of Joliet, who was sentenced recently to 40 years in prison for two counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, Class X felonies. Davis pleaded guilty to the offense on December 20, 2022. The…

–Photo submitted.

Rutledge Guilty of First Degree Murder in 2019 Shootings in Joliet’s Cathedral Area

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Circuit Judge Carmen Goodman recently found Matthew Rutledge, 41, of Joliet, guilty of three counts of First Degree Murder (a Class M felony), one count of Attempt First Degree Murder (a Class X felony), and one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm (a Class X felony) in…

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Beecher Police Blotter: August 4 – 16

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely accusations, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. August 4, Thamas Ramos, 32, of the 2900 block of Bonaparte, Chicago, was stopped at Dixie Highway and Corning Road for an equipment violation and found to have no valid driver’s license. She was…

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Monee Police Blotter: August 14 – 20

August 14, at approximately 4:15 p.m., officers took a fraud/deceptive practice report from a local business when it was discovered that more than $130,000 in fake checks had been written against their accounts. The checks appeared to be copied from recent checks that had been mailed out by the company. The thefts were thwarted at…

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News Around the Area

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–Photo submitted.

Gregory Sentenced to 35 Years for Brutal 2017 Bludgeoning, Sexual Assault, and Fire

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Timothy Gregory, 43, of Joliet, was sentenced recently to 35 years in prison in the 2017 bludgeoning with a hammer and sexual assault of his brother’s girlfriend and arson of his brother’s home. Gregory pled guilty to Attempt Murder (a Class X felony), Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (a…

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ISP Arrest Multiple First Degree Murder Suspects

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 1 East Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) arrested 43-year-old Jerell T. Burnett of Chicago, 44-year-old Antoine D. Lovelace of Elgin, and 29-year-old Cody J. Matthews of Marengo, on charges of First Degree Murder (Class X Felony), Aggravated Unlawful Restraint (Class X Felony), and Concealment of…

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County Board Passes Paratransit Study

The Will County Board announced the passage of the Access Will County (Paratransit) Study with the amended resolution that provides the county board with oversight, as part of the executive form of government. With an 11-10 vote, Republicans passed the study, which allows the county executive’s office to move forward with the creation of a…

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TB on the Rise

By Karen Haave An uptick in the number of Tuberculosis (TB) cases nationwide has alarmed a Will County Board member, who wants to quell the disease many have thought was eradicated. Julie Berkowicz, Will County Board District 10, is working to bring awareness about the infection that, if untreated, can be fatal. It is contagious…

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The Barn on Rte. 45 Investigated

By Andrea Arens “The Barn” located at 27631 S. Rte. 45 in Peotone is being investigated for operating a liquor business without a license. The property, owned by Raymond Dettmering, was served a search warrant of The Barn and his residence on Saturday September 9. The search was conducted by the Illinois State Police and…

–Photo submitted.

Former School Bus Driver Christian Shepherd Found Guilty in Second Murder for Hire Plot

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced a jury recently found Christian Shepherd, 44, of Ottawa, guilty of four counts of Solicitation of Murder for Hire (a Class X felony), in the second case against Shepherd involving murder-to-hire plots in which he attempted to hire fellow inmates to murder a victim he was charged with…

WIB Director Caroline L. Portlock. –Photo submitted.

Will County Workforce Investment Director Elected State Association Leader

Caroline L. Portlock, director of the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Will County, has been elected president of the Illinois Workforce Partnership (IWP), which represents local workforce development leaders throughout Illinois from 10 Economic Development Regions and 22 Workforce Innovation Boards. “I am both excited and humbled for the opportunity to lead this group of…

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Will County Health: Be Aware of Rabies; 3 Bats Test Positive

The Will County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds the public to be aware of the potential for exposure to rabies from infected animals. Rabid bats recently have been detected in Joliet, Plainfield, and Homer Glen. Bats are the most common source of potential infection in Illinois, and exposures from…

Pictured at the presentation of the 25-year proclamation are, left to right: Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Problem Solving Court Coordinator Dr. Scott DuBois, and County Board Members Vince Logan and Judy Ogala. –Photo submitted.

25 Participants Graduate Diversionary Courts Program

County Honors Drug Court’s 25 Years with Proclamation State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that 25 people graduated from the Will County Problem Solving Courts in a September 7 ceremony at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet. The event also celebrated the Drug Court’s 25th anniversary, which was marked with a proclamation by the Will County…

Angel Casillas –Photo submitted.

Casillas Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Scott’s Law Violation Crash

Serious and ongoing injuries sustained by ISP Trooper Brian Frank. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced at a news conference on September 5 that Angel Casillas, 23, of Joliet, was sentenced to 15 months in prison by Circuit Court Judge Bertani-Tomczak for the vehicular crash resulting from a Scott’s Law violation that left Illinois…

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Will County Hosting Waste Tire Collection Event

The Will County Resource Recovery and Energy (RRE) Division will host several recycling events in September, with one in conjunction with the Will County Fairground Association. A Waste Tire Collection Event is scheduled for Saturday, September 16, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Will County Fairgrounds, 710 S. West Street, in Peotone. Only…

Will County Hosting Four September Recycling Events

The Will County Resource Recovery and Energy (RRE) Division will host several recycling events in September, including three collection events and an educational seminar. “These community recycling events are a great opportunity for residents to responsibly dispose of items during fall cleaning,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “Our Land Use Department works to ensure…

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Capitol News

State’s high court opens new interactive learning center

State’s high court opens new interactive learning center

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – In 1946, the Illinois Supreme Court heard a case that would eventually become a landmark in American legal history. The public school district in Champaign, like many other districts in Illinois at the time, allowed a group of local religious leaders to use their schools to…

As state Supreme Court weighs another BIPA lawsuit, lawmakers mull child data privacy framework

As state Supreme Court weighs another BIPA lawsuit, lawmakers mull child data privacy framework

By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois [email protected] In Springfield on Thursday, the medical industry went to court. The Illinois Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a pair of class action suits brought by two suburban nurses, Lucille Mosby and Yana Mazya, who allege their employers violated the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act, a landmark 2008…

Biden administration responds to calls from Pritzker, other leaders, for help in migrant crisis

Biden administration responds to calls from Pritzker, other leaders, for help in migrant crisis

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – The Department of Homeland Security will speed up the processing of work authorizations for asylum seekers and extend Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelan migrants, actions that could help thousands of migrants who have arrived in Illinois in recent months. Those moves were announced by the Biden…

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

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

By BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois [email protected] Matt Mitchell, the former Illinois State Police trooper who caused a high-speed, distracted-driving crash that killed sisters Kelli and Jessica Uhl, has asked to delay his Sept. 20 hearing for the reinstatement of his driver’s license. Henry Haupt, a spokesperson for Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, said…

As SAFE-T Act goes live, murder suspects previously eligible to post bond are held in jail

As SAFE-T Act goes live, murder suspects previously eligible to post bond are held in jail

By BETH HUNDSDORFER & HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois [email protected] In courtrooms around the state early this week, judges conducted the first hearings under a new system that determines whether a defendant will be jailed while awaiting trial based on dangerousness and risk of fleeing prosecution, rather than their ability to post bail. The abolition…

New State Police rules for assault weapons permits will take effect Oct. 1

New State Police rules for assault weapons permits will take effect Oct. 1

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans who own weapons that can no longer be purchased or sold in the state under its new assault weapons ban will soon be able to register those weapons so they can legally keep them. The law, officially known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act, bans…

Ahead of cash bail’s end, state’s replacement pretrial justice system takes shape

Ahead of cash bail’s end, state’s replacement pretrial justice system takes shape

By JERRY NOWICKI & HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois [email protected] Beginning Monday, state courts in Illinois will be prohibited from jailing individuals who are accused – but not convicted – of crimes simply because they cannot afford to post bail while they await trial. Monetary bond will be abolished in favor of a system that…

Disparately resourced public defenders prepare for the end of cash bail in Illinois

Disparately resourced public defenders prepare for the end of cash bail in Illinois

By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois [email protected] Illinois on Monday will become the first state to fully abolish cash bail through an act of the legislature — a major criminal justice overhaul spurred by the advocacy of a progressive faction of the Democratic Party that’s grown increasingly powerful in recent years. The reform goes into…

‘Thunderdomes of controversy and strife:’ Giannoulias testifies before U.S. Senate committee

‘Thunderdomes of controversy and strife:’ Giannoulias testifies before U.S. Senate committee

By JENNIFER FULLER Capitol News Illinois [email protected] Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias was in Washington, D.C. this week to testify before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee regarding a new state law aimed at deterring book bans. LISTEN TO THIS STORY: Capitol News Illinois · IL Secretary of State testifies before U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee…

Illinois House Speaker’s staff could test limits of Workers’ Rights Amendment

Illinois House Speaker’s staff could test limits of Workers’ Rights Amendment

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – Efforts to form a union by staff in House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s office could provide an early and unexpected test of the new Workers’ Rights Amendment to the Illinois Constitution. Brady Burden, a staffer in the speaker’s office who is part of the organizing committee…

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Will County Forest Preserve

The Forest Preserve District of Will County will offer a Harvest Hustle Virtual 5K in October. Choose one of 11 designated trails to run your own race and submit your finished route online. –Photo by Forest Preserve staff.

Harvest Hustle Virtual 5K Kicks-Off Forest Preserve’s October Lineup

Start October off on the right foot by participating in the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Harvest Hustle Virtual 5K. Other programs focus on litter removal, butterflies, and birds. Registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Here is the lineup… Meet a Beekeeper, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., Sundays, October 1 and November 5,…

Check out the gathering of migrating pelicans at Pelican Watch on September 23, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. –Photo by Forest Preserve staff.

Yes, There Really are Pelicans in Will County!

See for yourself at Pelican Watch! If you are unaware pelicans visit Will County each year during spring and fall migration, prepare to get the lowdown on these big and beautiful birds during the annual Pelican Watch on Saturday, September 23. The free, family-friendly Forest Preserve District of Will County event celebrates the return of…

Say goodbye to summer with a fishing derby at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook. Two sessions of the Summer Sendoff Fishing Derby are set for 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 23. –Photo by Forest Preserve staff, Anthony Schalk.

Forest Preserve Programs Feature Fossils, Fishing, Seated Bird-Watching

Say goodbye to summer with a wide variety of late September Forest Preserve District of Will County programs. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org Here is the lineup… Fossils of Will County, Zoom webinar, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 20: Join Donald G. Mikulic for a fascinating look at…

–Photo submtted.

Forest Preserve District of Will County Headlines

Check out the latest headlines from Forest Preserve District of Will County. Recent stories will let you know the topic of this month’s “Buzz” nature show, the 10 trails included in this year’s self-paced Woods Walk hiking challenge, and how to order native trees and shrubs online from The Nature Foundation of Will County. Check…

The Forest Preserve District of Will County will offer an evening Nature Play Day program highlighting squirrels and seeds on September 12, at Plum Creek Nature Center. The program is for children ages three-to-five. –Forest Preserve photo, Glenn P. Knoblock.

Recycle a Bike, Paddle to See the Sunrise at Forest Preserve Programs

Forest Preserve District of Will County programs in mid-September feature paddling, bike recycling, a bird hike, and a squirrel program for kids. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org Here is the lineup… Nature Play Day After Hours – Squirrels and Seeds, from 6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 12, Plum Creek Nature Center,…

Forest Preserve Closures Continue…

Due to dangerous temperatures and a high heat index, the Forest Preserve District of Will County has suspended all boat rentals at Monee Reservoir for Thursday, August 24. The preserve and visitor center concessions building will remain open with cold drinks, snacks, ice cream, and bait, but boat rentals are temporarily suspended, but are expected…

Forest Preserve’s Outdoor BYOB Bingo Program Canceled Due to Heat Warning

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has canceled the outdoor BYOB Bingo program scheduled for Wednesday, August 23, at Hickory Creek Preserve, due to an excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service. Heat indices of 110-115 degrees are expected on Wednesday, and the extreme heat will “significantly increase the potential for heat…

Take a hike to explore what is underneath a prairie during the program “Underneath IV – The Prairie,” at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Hidden Lakes Nature Center in Bolingbrook September 9. –Forest Preserve District photo, Cindy Cain.

Get Your Hands Dirty, Learn About Forest Bathing with Forest Preserve Programs

Get your hands dirty exploring a prairie or sign up for a forest bathing program on the water during upcoming Forest Preserve District of Will County programs. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Here is the lineup… Mindful Paddle, from 4-6 p.m., Friday, September 8, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township: The Conservation…

Celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day with the Forest Preserve District of Will County on September 2 at Kankakee Sands Preserve. –Photo courtesy of Paul Dacko.

Celebrate World River Day, International Vulture Day with Forest Preserve

Join the Forest Preserve District of Will County in September to celebrate rivers, turkey vultures, fly fishing, and Potawatomi culture. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Here is the lineup… I Spy Something Fly – Visitor center hours, September 1 – 17, at Monee Reservoir Visitor Center, Monee Township: Grab an…

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