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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…

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House Fire in Peotone

Manhattan Fire Department issued a press release yesterday afternoon that at approximately 11:37 AM, the Manhattan Fire Protection District (MFPD) was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire on the 300 block of West Street in Peotone. MFPD said the first units arrived on the scene within 3 minutes of the initial call for service.…

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

Peotone Police Blotter January 25-February 1

January 25, 2024 – Peotone Police were requested to McDonald’s on Oriole Dr reference a drive-thru patron attempting to make payment with a counterfeit $20 bill.  Subject was described to be a male black with an afro, small mustache, gap in front teeth, and wearing a reflective type vest.  Suspect was driving a dark blue…

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

Monee Police Blotter: January 23 – 29

On January 23, at approximately 9:58 p.m., a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Marlon Sanchez, 41, of Blue Island. Sanchez was issued citations for not having a valid driver’s license that was expired for more than one year and equipment violations. Sanchez was released with a notice-to-appear via his citations. January 25, at…

New forensic facility and ISP regional facility. Image via the ISP.

ISP Unveils Final ISP Regional Campus Design

State-of-the-art facilities to house patrol, criminal investigation, forensic services, and crime scene command. JOLIET – The Illinois State Police (ISP) unveiled the design for the new Illinois State Police Regional Campus comprised of the Illinois State Police Forensic Laboratory and Illinois State Police Troop 3 and Zone 1 Headquarters. The buildings were designed to increase…

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Camp I Am Me Promotes Burn Awareness Week

Helps prevent flammable liquid burn injuries. National Burn Awareness Week is February 4-10, and this year’s theme is “Handle with Care, Flammable Liquids Beware.” Camp I Am Me, by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance – a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with severe burn injuries, is highlighting the awareness campaign to support its…

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

Peotone Police Blotter: January 19 – 25

January 23, Peotone Police were requested to Pearl Dodge for a complaint of a stolen vehicle. The Peotone Officer responded and spoke with an employee from the dealership. The officer learned the vehicle was purchased using fraudulent identification and payment. The stolen vehicle then was entered into the national law enforcement database, and the detective…

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

Monee Police Blotter: January 9 – 19

On January 9, at approximately 5:34 p.m., Monee Police responded to a fraud report from a Monee resident, who attempted to download and use an Amazon App on her phone. She encountered problems with the download, so she called the number provided by the app and encountered a person claiming to be an Amazon representative,…

Will County EMA Issues Update on Wilmington Flash Flooding

Kankakee River Update: January 27 A significant reduction in water levels has been reported on the Kankakee River, as most ice jams have cleared between the City of Wilmington and the Des Plaines River confluence. Water levels were recorded at 6.89 feet at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 27. The National Weather Service has expired…

Will County EMA Issues Update on Flash Flooding in Wilmington

January 26 Kankakee River Update: The ice jams have cleared on the river, but water levels remain high, and a Flash Flood Warning remains in effect. Rt. 53 currently is open to traffic, but this is subject to change dependent on river conditions. Residents still are urged to monitor conditions and be cautious about possible…

Will County EMA Issues Wilmington Flash Flooding Update

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,…

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Southwestern Will County

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flash Flood Warning for southwestern Will County, with an elevated risk of flooding along the Kankakee River. The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is anticipating an imminent break-up of the Kankakee River ice jam, which will create increased flood conditions from the City of Wilmington to…

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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…

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

Monee Police Blotter: January 3 – 7

January 3, at approximately 11:36 p.m., Monee Police Officers discovered an unoccupied vehicle at Main Street just east of Egyptian Trail, with obvious signs of being involved in an accident. Officers conducted an investigation that resulted in the arrest of Kaitlyn Schmidt, 28, of Monee, for leaving the scene of an accident. Schmidt was cited…

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Beecher Police Blotter: December 19 – January 1

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely accusations, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. December 19, Terry Stinnett, 54, of the 12600 block of Tall Oaks Drive, Cedar Lake, Indiana, was stopped at Dixie Highway and Miller Street for having an obstructed license plate, which the officer could…

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News Around the Area

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Flash Flood Warning Issued for Southwestern Will County

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flash Flood Warning for southwestern Will County, with an elevated risk of flooding along the Kankakee River. The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is anticipating an imminent break-up of the Kankakee River ice jam, which will create increased flood conditions from the City of Wilmington to…

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Frankfort Township to Be Site of Will County Branch Court

By Stephen Nelson The Will County Board at its January 18 meeting passed a resolution establishing a Branch Court in Frankfort Township. The resolution reads: “WHEREAS, the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois, is in need of a branch Court to hear minor traffic and ordinance violations cases for various municipalities…

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Will County Announces Full Opening of Warm Water Siphon into Kankakee River

Decision follows a declaration of a State of Emergency by County Executive Bertino-Tarrant. WILL COUNTY – The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has coordinated with Constellation Energy to activate all three siphons of warm water from the Dresden Energy Center cooling lake to accelerate the melting of ice on the Kankakee River. This decision…

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Joyce Applauds $13,000+ Funding for Local Will County School Libraries

To provide resources to libraries through books, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology, and programs, State Sen. Patrick Joyce announced five school districts in Will County will receive more than $13,000 in funding. “Libraries provide students with many tools to be successful, whether it’s books, technology, or other media sources,” said Joyce. “We need to ensure our…

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Flash Flood Watch Issued for the City of Wilmington

The City of Wilmington and the Will County Emergency Management Agency are advising residents of potential flash flood conditions due to ongoing ice jams on the Kankakee River. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until temperatures rise above freezing, and the river ice has fully melted. No evacuation orders have been issued at this…

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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…

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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…

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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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Capitol News

Misdeeds by Carlinville funeral home director spur legislative proposals

Misdeeds by Carlinville funeral home director spur legislative proposals

By BETH HUNDSDORFER   Capitol News Illinois  bhundsdorfer@capitolnewsillinois.com  The wrong cremains were buried in a national cemetery. Bodies cremated under the wrong name. The wrong ashes returned to families from coast to coast.  An investigation into the mishandling of human remains has affected at least 80 families so far and continues to ripple out from…

Former lawmaker taken into custody amid delays to his corruption trial after sudden hospitalization

Former lawmaker taken into custody amid delays to his corruption trial after sudden hospitalization

By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Former Republican State Sen. Sam McCann, a onetime third-party candidate for governor, was taken into custody Friday morning ahead of his federal corruption trial on charges he misused campaign funds. The arrest caps a bizarre week that was supposed to have seen his corruption trial begin…

Capitol Briefs: IDOT workers authorize strike; attorney general warns of AI election scams

Capitol Briefs: IDOT workers authorize strike; attorney general warns of AI election scams

By ANDREW ADAMS & JENNIFER FULLER  Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com Several Teamsters unions representing thousands of state highway workers have authorized strikes as contract negotiations between them and the state’s Department of Transportation continue.  The eight local unions that authorized strikes are spread throughout Illinois and represent around 3,800 employees, including drivers, highway maintainers and…

In crisis, she went to an Illinois facility. Two years later, she still isn’t able to leave

In crisis, she went to an Illinois facility. Two years later, she still isn’t able to leave

By MOLLY PARKER  & BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois mparker@capitolnewsillinois.com bhundsdorfer@capitolnewsillinois.com This article was produced for ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network in partnership with Capitol News Illinois.  Kaleigh Rogers was in crisis when she checked into a state-run institution on Illinois’ northern border two years ago. Rogers, who has cerebral palsy, had a mental health breakdown during…

Capitol Briefs: Tax credits for children, manufacturers among new legislative proposals

Capitol Briefs: Tax credits for children, manufacturers among new legislative proposals

By ANDREW ADAMS  COLE LONGCOR & ALEX ABBEDUTO Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com After failing to pass a child tax credit last year, advocates returned to Springfield Wednesday to propose a scaled back version of the policy which they say would still reduce child poverty and spur economic growth.  The proposal, contained in House Bill 4917…

Trump’s Illinois ballot challenge to move forward

Trump’s Illinois ballot challenge to move forward

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – A Cook County judge ruled Wednesday that a case seeking to bar former President Donald Trump from the March 19 Republican primary ballot in Illinois will move forward independently of a similar case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. Following a brief hearing conducted by videoconference,…

Capitol Briefs: Lawmakers introduce police reform measures, advocates look to end tipped wage

Capitol Briefs: Lawmakers introduce police reform measures, advocates look to end tipped wage

By ANDREW ADAMS & ALEX ABBEDUTO Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO — Families of gun violence victims are asking the state legislature to reform how police handle unsolved murder investigations through legislation introduced this week. House Bill 4753, sponsored by Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, would establish a procedure for families to request a review of…

Day in court postponed for former lawmaker who checked into hospital on eve of corruption trial

Day in court postponed for former lawmaker who checked into hospital on eve of corruption trial

By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – On what was supposed to be the third morning of a weeklong corruption trial of former State Sen. Sam McCann, the onetime third-party candidate for governor instead videoconferenced into U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless’ courtroom from his hospital bed.  McCann, who checked himself into Missouri Baptist…

Indicted former lawmaker’s corruption trial up in the air after hospitalization forces delay

Indicted former lawmaker’s corruption trial up in the air after hospitalization forces delay

By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Sporting a 5 o’clock shadow and a slight grimace, former Republican State Sen. Sam McCann held his phone very close to his face as he videoconferenced into a federal courtroom from his hospital bed in St. Louis late Tuesday afternoon. McCann’s sudden hospitalization has muddied the…

State Supreme Court denies state lawmaker’s bid to vacate gun ban ruling

State Supreme Court denies state lawmaker’s bid to vacate gun ban ruling

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com The Illinois Supreme Court has again denied a request from a Republican lawmaker seeking to repeal the state’s assault weapons ban.  Gov. JB Pritzker signed the ban on the sale, possession and manufacture of a long list of firearms, high-capacity magazines and certain accessories in January 2023. State…

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Will County Forest Preserve

Wish Willy the Woodchuck, the Forest Preserve District’s mascot, a happy birthday and learn about woodchucks during a "Nature Play Day After Hours" program for parents and their tots on Tuesday, February 13, at Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township. –Photo by Forest Preserve staff, Chad Merda.

Forest Preserve Programs Feature Woodchucks, Trees, Games

Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of February 12. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Nature Play Day After Hours – Happy Birthday Willy the Woodchuck, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 13, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township: This nature-themed program for…

The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road in Bolingbrook, will be closed for renovations for most of 2024, starting February 19. –Forest Preserve photo, Glenn P. Knoblock.

Hidden Oaks Nature Center to Close for Renovation

Closure begins February 19 and will last for most of 2024. Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook is about to be transformed, but the process will require the facility to be closed for most of the year beginning Monday, February 19. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but promise it will be an…

Forest Preserve District of Will County staff members Floyd Catchpole, land management program coordinator (left), and Andrew Hawkins, director of planning and development, accept an “Excellence in Ecological Restoration” award from Chicago Wilderness Alliance. –Forest Preserve photo.

Forest Preserve Earns Chicago Wilderness Award for Sand Ridge Savanna Restoration Efforts

Extensive, multiyear restoration efforts at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve have been acknowledged with an “Excellence in Ecological Restoration” award from the Chicago Wilderness Alliance. The district received the award on January 17 at a “Celebration of Conservation” banquet at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. The award provides…

Get ready for the NFL’s Super Bowl football game by taking a three-mile hike from Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township to the stunning big bridge that spans a 40-foot ravine in Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. The hike will take place during a Soup-er Bowl Hike to the Bridge on Saturday, February 10. Bring a can of soup or chili to mix into one of two bubbling pots for an after-hike meal by the campfire. Bring a second can of food for the Crete Food Pantry. –Photo by Forest Preserve staff, Chad Merda.

Love and Football in the Air at Forest Preserve District

Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of February 5. Online program registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Winter Sowing for Monarchs, from 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 8, Plum Creek Nature Center: Learn the importance of the monarch butterfly and the ins-and-outs of winter seed sowing.…

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…

This year’s Forest Preserve District of Will County Take It Outside Challenge will be divided into four seasonal competitions. The Winter Workout challenge began Sunday, January 21. –Forest Preserve photo illustration.

Forest Preserve’s 2024 Take It Outside Challenge Debuts with a Twist

If you loved the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Take It Outside Challenge in 2023 or wish you had joined, a new version of the popular program launched on January 21. Last year’s yearlong challenge drew more than 1,200 participants, who completed approximately 115,000 nature-themed missions, ranging from GPS check-ins at various locations, photos…

Learn how to take photos of birds like this nuthatch at Plum Creek Nature Center during a Birds in Art – Photography Tips and Tricks program on February 4. –Photo submitted.

From Soup to Nuthatches, Forest Preserve Offers Wide Range of Programs

Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of January 29. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Birding in the Preserves, Zoom Webinar, from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, February 1: Learn birds and birding from home on this free and all ages virtual hike through a forest…

The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s inaugural Take It Outside Challenge ended on December 31, with multiple participants in a tie for first place. Winners completed 501 nature-themed missions throughout the year to wind up at the top of the leader board. –Forest Preserve illustration.

Hundreds Participate in Forest Preserve’s Take It Outside Challenge

The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s inaugural Take It Outside Challenge ended on December 31, with multiple participants in a tie for first place. Winners completed all 501 nature-themed missions throughout the year by using the free Goosechase app to earn 13,086 points and wind up at the top of the leader board. Missions…

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…

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