[pro_ad_display_adzone id="83526"]

–Photo submitted.

Talbot Sentenced to Six Years in Lockport Drug Induced Homicide

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that Steve Talbot, 36, of Joliet, has been sentenced to six years in prison for selling heroin and fentanyl to a 24-year-old woman, who died of an overdose in Lockport in 2016. Talbot pled guilty to one count of Drug Induced Homicide, a Class X felony, and was…

Police blotter logo

Beecher Police Blotter: November 7

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. November 7, Maurice Lowry, 30, of the 8000 block of South Pulaski Road, Chicago, was stopped at Church Road and Dixie Highway for having only one headlight, speeding, and also found to be…

Monee PD logo

Monee Police Blotter: November 4 – 11

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. November 4, at 12:39 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Amazon Warehouse, 6605 W. Monee-Manhattan Road, in reference to a theft. Upon their arrival, they were met by the loss prevention officer and…

Glasgow

Francimore Guilty of Murder, Armed Robbery in 2018 Shooting Death

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that a jury found Anthony Francimore, 25, of Joliet, guilty in the shooting death of Nathan Ballard in 2018. The jury deliberated for approximately three-and-a-half hours before finding Francimore guilty of First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery (a Class X felony), following a five-day trial over which Circuit…

Vedette logo

Beecher Looking at Options for Police Station

By Jeff Vorva Village of Beecher officials figured it would take approximately $4 million to build a new police station. But after analyzing the bids, this project is going to cost in the neighborhood of $6 million. That’s not a neighborhood they can afford to move into. All signs are pointing to the village scaling…

Village of Manhattan logo

MPD Awarded IDOT Traffic Enforcement Grant

The Manhattan Police Department recently announced it was awarded a Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant to conduct additional traffic safety enforcement efforts. The STEP program focuses on high-visibility enforcement and strategies aimed at saving lives and preventing injuries by reducing traffic crashes. “We’re pleased to receive this grant to step-up…

Glasgow

Christensen Sentenced to 9 Years for Impaired Driving in Fatal I-55 Crash

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that Erik Christensen, 51, of Wilmington, was sentenced recently to nine years in prison for driving while under the influence of alcohol and causing a fatal crash on I-55 in November 2020 that resulted in the death of 33-year-old Nicholas Ercolini. Christensen pled guilty to Aggravated Driving Under…

Vedette logo

Quite a Night for Manteno as Public Works Department Burglarized

On Monday, October 16, just after midnight, a Village of Manteno Department of Public Works vehicle was stolen from the DPW facility at 10555 N. Maple Street, Manteno. The vehicle stolen was involved in a vehicle pursuit in the Village of Wilmington, where the pursuit was terminated. Manteno Police were contacted by Wilmington Police as…

Monee PD logo

Monee Police Blotter: October 9 – 14

October 9, at approximately 5:45 p.m., a traffic stop on Monee-Manhattan Road resulted in the arrest of Kenneth A. Zavoral, 45, of Midlothian. Zavoral was stopped for driving with expired/invalid registration, with further investigation revealing other arrestable violations. K9 “Cap” was walked around the vehicle for an open-air sniff for narcotics that possibly were located…

Will County Offering Fire Extinguisher Recycling

The Will County Resource Recovery and Energy (RRE) Division is offering free fire extinguisher recycling, with year-round drop-off locations available in New Lenox, Peotone, and Wheatland Township. “Homeowners and businesses should frequently check the expiration date on fire extinguishers,” said County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “This service offers an environmentally friendly option for recycling those expired…

Vedette logo

Crete PD One Officer Shy of Being Fully Staffed

By Karen Haave Crete Police Department is looking for one more new officer, with the unexpected resignation of one officer last month. Police Chief Scott Pieritz said during the village board meeting on October 23 that the officer was in his second month of field training when he submitted his resignation via email. “I have…

Police blotter logo

Monee Police Blotter: October 23 – 27

October 23, at approximately 6:42 p.m., a traffic stop on Ridgeland resulted in the arrest of Amari N. Thelmon, 27, of the 7400 block of S. Kimbark Avenue, Chicago, for driving with a suspended license, no valid insurance, and passing on the left oncoming traffic. He was cited and released. October 24, at approximately 6:08…

Beecher Police Department Swears-In Chaplains

People tend to think of chaplains being used in war time – assisting soldiers in their faith. In the Beecher Police Department, chaplains also are used to promote the mental health and well-being of police officers, victims, and those who call for help. The new chaplains will be conducting ride-alongs with police officers and consoling…

Monee PD logo

Monee Police Blotter: October 2 – 5

October 2, at approximately 6:11 p.m., a traffic stop on Monee-Manhattan Road resulted in the arrest of Jeremiah B. Dawson, 22, of Matteson, for driving with no valid driver’s license and no insurance. He was cited and released. October 2, at approximately 1:30 p.m., officers met with a victim of an Instagram scam. The victim…

–Photo submitted.

Ware Sentenced to 25 Years

Set fire to landlord’s home with two people inside. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Dion Ware, 53, of Crest Hill, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for setting fire in 2021 to the single-family home in Crest Hill in which he was a renter. Ware was found guilty of Aggravated Arson (a…

[pro_ad_display_adzone id="96793"]

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

[pro_ad_display_adzone id="96793"]

[pro_ad_display_adzone id="83527"]

News Around the Area

[pro_ad_display_adzone id="83501"]

[tribe_events_list limit="25" category="beecher"]

–Logo submitted.

Will County EMA Issues Update on Kankakee River Conditions

WILL COUNTY – The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) advises residents along the Kankakee River of flash flood conditions throughout the week due to ice jams on the river. Flash flooding has been occurring in unincorporated Will County along the river since the morning of January 15. “Our agency has been working with local…

Community News Logo

School Safety Summit 2024: ‘Preparedness and Prevention’

The Will County Regional Office of Education, in collaboration with the DuPage Regional Office of Education, Education Innovation Service Center, and NISSAA – Northern Illinois School Safety Administrator Association, is proud to announce the inaugural School Safety Summit to be held in Will County – a dedicated event focused on bolstering school and community resilience…

–Graphic submitted.

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…

JJC logo

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…

–Photo submitted.

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…

Will County Board logo

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…

Vedette logo

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…

–Photo submitted.

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…

–Graphic submitted.

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…

Community News Logo

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…

[pro_ad_display_adzone id="83529"]

Capitol News

State opens migrant shelter, Pritzker talks supplemental spending plan

State opens migrant shelter, Pritzker talks supplemental spending plan

By CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS news@capitolnewsillinois.com The state opened another shelter for migrants in Chicago on Wednesday, its latest step in dealing with an influx of more than 30,000 asylum seekers sent to Illinois from states on the southern U.S. Border since summer 2022. The new shelter is slated to host about 220 migrants in a…

New state task force aims to promote state’s Underground Railroad history

New state task force aims to promote state’s Underground Railroad history

By ALEX ABBEDUTO   Capitol News Illinois  abbeduto@capitolnewsillinois.com  The Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force met for the first time Tuesday to begin devising a strategy for sharing, growing and celebrating the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois.  The task force was created last year under a bill sponsored by Sen. David Koehler, D-Peoria, and…

Lawmakers clear path for assault weapon registration rules

Lawmakers clear path for assault weapon registration rules

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – New permanent rules will soon go into effect spelling out how people who own assault weapons and related items that are now heavily regulated in Illinois can register them with the Illinois State Police. The legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules voted along party lines Tuesday…

As recreational cannabis sales again hit record, Illinois AG calls for federal rescheduling

As recreational cannabis sales again hit record, Illinois AG calls for federal rescheduling

By CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS news@capitolnewsillinois.com As Illinois’ recreational cannabis industry once again reported record sales for 2023, the state’s attorney general is calling on the federal government to reclassify the substance.  The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency classifies cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, meaning the federal government believes it has “no currently accepted medical use…

Tracy Katz Muhl appointed to fill seat of resigned Rep. Jonathan Carroll

Tracy Katz Muhl appointed to fill seat of resigned Rep. Jonathan Carroll

By ALEX ABBEDUTO  Capitol News Illinois abbeduto@capitolnewsiillinois.com Tracy Katz Muhl, a Northbrook school board president and Northfield Township Democratic committeeperson, will fill former Democratic Rep. Jonathan Carroll’s 57th district seat. Carroll resigned earlier this month, saying in a written statement it was “in the best interest” of his family’s “physical and mental health.” Illinois law…

State health department warns respiratory illnesses are on the rise

State health department warns respiratory illnesses are on the rise

By CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS news@capitolnewsillinois.com Cases of COVID-19, flu and RSV are “circulating widely,” according to the Illinois Department of Public Health and officials in the department are urging people to exercise caution and get vaccinated if they are able. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that as of Dec. 30, 18…

As online DMV services plagued by no-shows, secretary of state launches changes

As online DMV services plagued by no-shows, secretary of state launches changes

By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com  Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launched an online appointment system in September for Illinois drivers needing to come to a driver’s services facility, ostensibly to reduce wait times.  The “Skip-The-Line” program introduced upgrades to the secretary of state’s website as well as a shift in policy, requiring appointments to…

Winter weather expected in much of Illinois this week

Winter weather expected in much of Illinois this week

By CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS news@capitolnewsillinois.com Much of Illinois is expecting its first major snowstorm of the season this week. The National Weather Service in Chicago on Monday issued a winter weather advisory for northeastern Illinois, including Chicago, and a winter weather warning for much of northwestern Illinois. Parts of central Illinois will also see some…

State health department warns respiratory illnesses are on the rise

State health department warns respiratory illnesses are on the rise

By CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS news@capitolnewsillinois.com Cases of COVID-19, flu and RSV are “circulating widely,” according to the Illinois Department of Public Health and officials in the department are urging people to exercise caution and get vaccinated if they are able. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that as of Dec. 30, 18…

Illinois Supreme Court considers constitutional questions in 2019 murder case

Illinois Supreme Court considers constitutional questions in 2019 murder case

By CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS news@capitolnewsillinois.com The Illinois Supreme Court this spring will decide whether law enforcement should have read a woman her Miranda rights during an investigation into her son’s death. Macon County mother Jessica Logan and her legal team hope to overturn her 2021 conviction in which a jury found her guilty of murdering…

[pro_ad_display_adzone id="83494"]

Will County Forest Preserve

Annette Parker, left, took over as president of the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners in December. She succeeds Meta Mueller, right. –Photo submitted.

Parker Takes Over as Forest Preserve Board President

Annette Parker of Crest Hill took over in December as president of the Board of Commissioners for the Forest Preserve District of Will County. She will serve a one-year term and succeeds Meta Mueller of Aurora. During a board reorganization meeting in December 2022, it was decided by board commissioners that Parker and Mueller would…

–Logo submitted.

Forest Preserve Cancels January 13 Eagle Watch Due to Winter Storm

The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Eagle Watch event scheduled for Saturday, January 13, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, has been canceled due to the winter storm, and it will not be rescheduled. Because this is prime bald eagle viewing season, however, visitors are invited to stop by Four Rivers next…

Winter Storm Causes Forest Preserve Closures

Forest Preserve District of Will County visitor centers will be closed to the public on Friday, January 12, due to the winter storm. Preserves also are closed and will open if operations crews can clear the parking lots and entrance roads of snow and police determine the preserves are safe for visitors. Updates will be…

–Logo submitted.

Live Bird Shows at Forest Preserve’s Eagle Watch Canceled Due to Illness

Due to illness, Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center has canceled its scheduled live bird presentations at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Eagle Watch. The Forest Preserve has been unable to find a replacement for the presentations. However, the rest of the Eagle Watch event is scheduled to go on as planned on Saturday, January…

Sign up for a Forest Preserve District of Will County Volunteer Morning program. First-quarter dates have been released. –Photo by Forest Preserve staff, Chad Merda.

Forest Preserve Announces First-Quarter Volunteer Morning Programs

Lend Mother Nature a helping hand this year at Forest Preserve District of Will County Volunteer Morning Programs. This is a great way to meet other nature enthusiasts, as well as be outside making a difference in your community. Space is limited, and registration is required. To get started, complete a waiver online at ReconnectWithNature.org.…

Craft a handheld animal habitat in an Altoids tin during Crafting a la Cache on January 27 at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. –Photo by Forest Preserve staff, Jenna Krukowski.

Forest Preserve Programs Feature Crafts, Living History 101 and Soup-er Chili Hike

Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of January 22. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Eye Spy a Snowflake, from 8 a.m. to sunset, Saturday, January 27, through Sunday, February 11, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon: Come to Four Rivers to search for…

Celebrate bald eagles at the Forest Preserve District’s Eagle Watch on January 13 at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. –Photo courtesy of Paul Dacko.

Sink Your Talons into Forest Preserve’s Eagle Watch on January 13

Celebrate all things eagle during the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s annual Eagle Watch, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, January 13, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. In addition to eagle-watching, the event will feature live bird presentations, Talon Talks, guided hikes, family crafts, an Eagle Eye Scavenger Hunt,…

See mammals up close during the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s annual Mammal Madness program on March 2 at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. This is just one of many special events and exhibitions the Forest Preserve District has planned for 2024. Events range from an Eagle Watch in January to a Pelican Party in the fall and include art, history, music, and food truck programs in between. –Photo by Forest Preserve staff, Anthony Schalk.

Mark Your Calendars Now: Forest Preserve District of Will County Announces 2024 Event Schedule

Now that 2023 has come to a close, it’s time to mark your calendars with all the exciting events and exhibitions the Forest Preserve District of Will County has planned in 2024. “The lineup includes something for everyone,” said Lydia Pond, director of the Forest Preserve District’s visitor services department. “Events and exhibitions are offered…

If you want to book a picnic or camping trip in 2024, Forest Preserve District of Will County permits go on sale January 2. –Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock.

Forest Preserve District’s 2024 Picnic, Camping Permits on Sale January 2

Forest Preserve District of Will County 2024 picnic and camping permits will go on sale January 2 on a first come, first served basis. Permits will be available at 8 a.m. online at ReconnectWithNature.org and in person at Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. At 10 a.m. January 2, in-person permits may be purchased at…

[pro_ad_display_adzone id="83494"]

Story Idea

Email us your story ideas and tips. We are always looking for a good story. Contact our news desk: newsdesk@thevedette.com

Advertise

Advertise with us! We reach every household in Monee - delivered to almost 4,000 homes each Thursday.

Printing & Photography

Are you looking for a local printer or photographer? We offer printing and photography services at reasonable prices.

Get In Touch!

We would love to hear from you.

p 708.258.3473
office@thevedette.com