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Crete PD posed before their run in the Manteno Lake. –Photo by Karen Haave.

Crete, Monee Take the Plunge

By Karen Haave Law enforcement teams from Crete and Monee were among the hundreds of participants to take a dip in the icy waters of Lake Manteno for Polar Plunge 2024. Both teams are award-winners recognized for the record amounts of money raised to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Monee Police Department’s Sgt. Teresa Cancialosi said…

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Monee Police Blotter: February 28 – March 1

February 28, at approximately 7:57 a.m., Monee Officers received four burglary reports of semi-trailers at the Pilot Travel Center that had been burglarized. After investigating, they found four separate semi-trailers with locks and seals that had been cut. This occurred on the Pilot North lot. Various items were removed from the trailers of the semis.…

Monee Police Department took the plunge on march 2. Photo by Jim Piacentini.

Polar Plunge Raises $190K-Plus!

By Andrea Arens The annual Manteno Polar Plunge, once again, surpassed its goal and raised more than $190K for Special Olympics. The Manteno Polar Plunge is an event that is conducted as a fundraiser for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which is the single largest fundraising movement for Special Olympics. Police departments from Monee, Crete,…

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Radetski Sentenced to Seven Years for Child Pornography, Indecent Solicitation of a Child

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Joshua Radetski, 46, of Lake Zurich, was sentenced recently to three years in prison for Child Pornography (a Class 2 felony) and 4 years for Indecent Solicitation of a Child (a Class 3 felony). Radetski pled guilty and was sentenced by Circuit Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak. On October 7,…

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Watson Found Guilty of First Degree Murder in 2018 Shooting Death

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that Elijah Watson, 28, of Joliet, was found guilty recently in the 2018 shooting death of Nathan Ballard. Watson was found guilty by Circuit Judge Vincent Cornelius of First Degree Murder and Unlawful Use of a Weapon (a Class 2 felony) following a five-day bench trial. Co-defendant Anthony…

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

Beecher Police Blotter: February 16 – March 1

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely accusations, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. February 16, Jasmin Reynoso, 23, of the 4200 block of Talman Avenue, Chicago, was stopped in the 300 block of Dixie Highway for a vehicle equipment violation and found to have no driver’s license.…

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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Garvey Sentenced to 35 Years in Death of Eight-Month-Old Daughter

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that Shanquilla Garvey, 30, of Joliet, was sentenced recently to 35 years in prison in the 2017 death of her eight-month-old daughter Cherish. Garvey pled guilty to First Degree Murder (a Class X felony) before Circuit Judge Daniel Rippy. On December 20, 2017, Garvey was living at the…

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Beecher Police Blotter: February 7 – 21

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. February 7, Timothy Darragh, 55, of the 200 block of Quail Hollow Drive, Beecher, was stopped at Foxhound Trail and Timbers Bluff Trail for a vehicle equipment violation and found to have a…

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…

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,…

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

Peotone Police Blotter: February 10-15

February 10: Peotone Police responded to the report of a dispute in the 300 block of Glenview. Officers spoke with the individuals involved, who advised they had been arguing, but everything was OK and calmed down, and they did not require any assistance. February 10: A complainant walked into the Peotone Police Department requesting to…

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

Beecher Police Blotter: January 29 – February 7

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely accusations, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. January 29, Antonio Montoya, 55, of the 2200 block of Albany, Chicago, was stopped at Dixie Highway and Chestnut Lane for having a loud muffler and found to have a revoked driver’s license. He…

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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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Kankakee Police Accepting Applications for Citizens Police Academy

The City of Kankakee Police Department is thrilled to announce the launch of the Citizen Police Academy, an engaging program designed to foster a better understanding between our community and the dedicated men and women who serve and protect. Chief Christopher Kidwell stated: “The Citizen Police Academy is an invaluable opportunity for residents to gain…

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News Around the Area

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–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…

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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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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Capitol News

Pritzker agency heads questioned on $1.1 billion revenue proposals

Pritzker agency heads questioned on $1.1 billion revenue proposals

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker’s revenue and budget directors took questions from a legislative panel Thursday on his proposals to generate another $1.1 billion in the upcoming fiscal year through various tax changes.  Pritzker’s proposed spending plan anticipates $52.9 billion in revenue, with new funds raised by increasing…

House panel opens hearings on Pritzker’s health insurance reforms

House panel opens hearings on Pritzker’s health insurance reforms

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – A panel of Illinois lawmakers began hearing testimony Wednesday on Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposals for sweeping changes in the state’s health insurance industry.  The changes, which Pritzker first unveiled in his State of the State address in February, would limit the ability of companies to deny…

House panel opens hearings on Pritzker’s health insurance reforms

House panel opens hearings on Pritzker’s health insurance reforms

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – A panel of Illinois lawmakers began hearing testimony Wednesday on Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposals for sweeping changes in the state’s health insurance industry.  The changes, which Pritzker first unveiled in his State of the State address in February, would limit the ability of companies to deny…

Capitol Briefs: Lawmakers push bills addressing water quality, free school meals

Capitol Briefs: Lawmakers push bills addressing water quality, free school meals

By COLE LONGCOR ALEX ABBEDUTO & ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Lake Michigan is Illinois’ largest drinking water supply, serving almost 6.6 million people in the state.  Legislators including Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, are working to increase research and monitoring of Illinois’ water resources, including the lake.  “Just note with climate change,…

With recession fears subsiding, new state economic forecast expects ‘firm but steady growth’

With recession fears subsiding, new state economic forecast expects ‘firm but steady growth’

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – The state’s two main fiscal forecasting agencies agree: Illinois’ finances will see a strong close in the final 3 ½ months of the fiscal year before things tighten a bit next year. It’s a picture laid out in Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget proposal last month, and…

Capitol Briefs: Chicago school board, student teacher pay, local food measures all advance in Springfield

Capitol Briefs: Chicago school board, student teacher pay, local food measures all advance in Springfield

By PETER HANCOCK & JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – By 2026, Chicago will have a fully elected school board for the first time in its history if Gov. JB Pritzker signs a measure that cleared both chambers of the General Assembly this week.  Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Senate President Don Harmon,…

Capitol Briefs: Chicago school board, student teacher pay, local food measures all advance in Springfield

Capitol Briefs: Chicago school board, student teacher pay, local food measures all advance in Springfield

By PETER HANCOCK & JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – By 2026, Chicago will have a fully elected school board for the first time in its history if Gov. JB Pritzker signs a measure that cleared both chambers of the General Assembly this week.  Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Senate President Don Harmon,…

Unions back measure protecting employees who skip religious or political work meetings

Unions back measure protecting employees who skip religious or political work meetings

By ALEX ABBEDUTO  Capitol News Illinois  abbeduto@capitolnewsillinois.com  SPRINGFIELD – Democrats in the Illinois Senate on Wednesday advanced a measure that would prohibit Illinois companies from requiring employees to attend work-related meetings about politics or religion. Senate Bill 3649, which is backed by organized labor, passed the Senate Labor Committee 11-4. Backers have dubbed it the…

State commission says Illinois underfunds public universities by $1.4 billion

State commission says Illinois underfunds public universities by $1.4 billion

By COLE LONGCOR Capitol News Illinois Clongcor@capitolnewsillinois.com A state commission created in 2021 has issued a new report calculating that public universities in Illinois are underfunded by approximately $1.4 billion.  The Commission on Equitable Public University Funding is made up of 34 members, including legislators, representatives from public universities, and members of advocacy organizations.  It…

With feds citing ‘extensive cooperation,’ judge gives ex-Sen. Terry Link 3 years’ probation

With feds citing ‘extensive cooperation,’ judge gives ex-Sen. Terry Link 3 years’ probation

By HANNAH MEISEL & DILPREET RAJU news@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – On an August day in 2019, then-Democratic state Sen. Terry Link stood outside of a suburban Wendy’s and solicited a bribe from his colleague in the Illinois House. “What’s in it for me, though?” Link asked then-state Rep. Luis Arroyo, who’d asked to meet up to…

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Will County Forest Preserve

Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Cynthia Clampitt will present the history of corn during a program entitled "How Corn Changed Itself and Then Changed Everything Else," at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 23, at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. –Photo courtesy of Cynthia Clampitt.

Forest Preserve Programs Highlight Farm Life, History of Corn, Women in Nature

Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of March 18. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Armchair Historians – Riverview Farmstead, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville: Through pictures and artifacts, an interpretive naturalist will share the stories of…

Four active eagle nests are being monitored this winter in the Forest Preserve District of Will County. –Forest Preserve photo, Chad Merda.

Will County Forest Preserve Active Eagle Nests Climb to Four

A fourth active eagle nest has been detected in the Forest Preserve District of Will County this winter, one more than in previous years, and all four have nesting eagle pairs incubating eggs. “This is the first time we’ve had four active nests actually on preserve property,” said Joel Craig, a Will County Audubon member,…

Learn how maple syrup is made and take a taste of the finished product during the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Maple Syrup Magic on Saturday, March 16, at Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township. –Forest Preserve photo

Forest Preserve Hosts Trail Cleanup, Maple Syrup Event, St. Paw-trick’s Day Dog Program

Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of March 11. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Nature Play Day After Hours – Maple Syrup, from 6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township: Toddlers and their parents will learn about the magic…

Join the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Cruise the County Challenge, which runs March 1 through May 31. –Forest Preserve photo, Chad Merda.

Cruise the County with Forest Preserve’s Springtime Biking Challenge

The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s 2024 Cruise the County biking challenge is underway. Participants are being challenged to ride four designated trails from March 1 through May 31, record the routes on a smartphone fitness app, and submit proof to the Forest Preserve’s website, via an online submission page at ReconnectWithNature.org. Those who…

A special exhibit called ‘Raising Riverview,' focusing on Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville and its agricultural history, will be on display at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville March 1 through May 31. –Forest Preserve photo, Anthony Schalk.

‘Raising Riverview’ Exhibit Explores Will County’s Farm Roots

The new exhibit that opened Friday, March 1, at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville will take visitors back in time to Will County’s agricultural roots and early Wheatland Township settlers. The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s “Raising Riverview” Riverview Farmstead Exhibit runs through Friday, May 31. “This exhibit highlights one of our…

Search for signs of early wildflowers on a Where the Wildflowers Are hike, offered by the Forest Preserve District of Will County on Sunday, March 10. –Forest Preserve photo, Anthony Schalk.

Forest Preserve Programs Feature Campfire Songs, Bird Hikes, Wildflower Walks

Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of March 4. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Campfire Sing-along and Hike, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, March 8, Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, Homer Glen: Explore the sights and sounds of Messenger Woods at night, while hiking along…

A Canada lynx was part of last year's Mammal Madness program. Check out live mammals from Big Run Wolf Ranch at this year’s Mammal Madness on March 2 at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center.  –Photo by Forest Preserve staff, Anthony Schalk.

Check Out Forest Preserve’s Mammal Madness for Hair-Raising Adventure

How much do you know about your fellow mammals, especially those that might be out and about while you’re snuggled in bed and snoozing? Probably not as much as you think, and that’s why the Forest Preserve District of Will County is beefing-up this year’s Mammal Madness event at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in…

Get ready to Cruise the County with the Forest Preserve District of Will County starting March 1. Bike four designated trails before May 31 to earn a giveaway. –Photo by Forest Preserve staff, Chad Merda.

Go on a Spring Break Safari or Cruise the County with March Forest Preserve Programs

Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of February 26. Register online on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org. Spring Break Safari, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays, plus from noon-4 p.m. on Sundays, March 1-April 30, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township: You won’t need to travel far for a…

Tara Neff, of Joliet, has taken over as executive director of the Nature Foundation of Will County. Neff said she plans to look for new sources of funding to support Forest Preserve District of Will County activities. A new garden tour fundraiser is set for July 13, and gardens are being sought now for the event. –Photo by Forest Preserve staff, Glenn P. Knoblock.

Nature Foundation Kicks-Off 2024 with New Leader, New Garden Tour Event

The Nature Foundation of Will County is starting 2024 with a new leader, a new garden tour event, and a schedule packed with plant sales and online seminars. Tara Neff, of Joliet, has taken over as Foundation Executive Director, succeeding Cindy Harn, who will remain on with the organization in charge of native plant sales…

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