Tocarra Eldridge-Robinson and her husband, Aaron Robinson, pose at the KCC Foundation Magic of Giving event on April 13. –Photo submitted.

Tocarra Eldridge-Robinson and her husband, Aaron Robinson, pose at the KCC Foundation Magic of Giving event on April 13. –Photo submitted.

Tocarra Eldridge-Robinson Receives John Fulton Distinguished Alumnus Award

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Providing a warm meal or blanket and caring for those in need are examples of how Tocarra Eldridge-Robinson leads by example. She shows others that despite the circumstances we may go through, we need to keep moving forward and giving back to the community.

A 2003 graduate of Kankakee Community College, Eldridge-Robinson received the John Fulton Distinguished Alumnus Award on April 13. She also has been nominated by the KCC Foundation for the 2023 Illinois Community College Trustees Association Distinguished Alumni Award.

“Tocarra is a true KCC success story,” said Kari Nugent, KCC vice president for advancement, marketing, and public relations. “Her work with Still I Rise elevates young adults and gives them hope.”

Eldridge-Robinson has an array of personal and professional achievements. She is the founder and executive director of Still I Rise, a nonprofit organization that empowers youth and young adults to create a positive and healthy change in society. This dynamic and innovative leadership development organization provides comprehensive and cohesive programs, including health and wellness, youth entrepreneur, arts and culture, financial literacy, and workforce development. Still I Rise works with youth and emergent adults cultivating empowerment and education, as well as providing life skills to enhance their future.

Still I Rise has been recognized frequently since its founding in 2014. Awards and honors include: 2021 Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year Award, 2021 NAACP President’s Award, 2019 and 2022 Best of Kankakee Award.

Additionally, Eldridge-Robinson is a published author, journalist for a national publication, talk show host, and recording artist.

If you know of a KCC graduate who has achieved success and distinction in their field, performed humanitarian service to benefit society, supported education and community colleges, and who has overcome life’s obstacles, please contact the KCC Alumni Association and share their story at https://foundation.kcc.edu/alumni/.


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News Around Kankakee County

Underground Railroad, Genealogy Upcoming Topics at Library

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Spread the loveHidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on the Underground Railroad: The Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, welcomes Illinois Road Scholar Connie Martin, who will speak on “Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on the Underground Railroad.” The free program will be held on Thursday, February 1, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Martin will share…


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Forest Preserve’s Site Hosts February 3 Wedding Open House

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.
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Spread the loveWhen 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…


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Boil Advisory Guidance for Food Establishments

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Spread the loveA boil advisory has been issued for areas of Kankakee County, including Kankakee, Bradley, Bourbonnais, Grant Park, Manteno, Aroma Park, Limestone, University Park, and Green Garden. Guidelines for Food Establishments: When a boil water advisory is issued that affects a food service establishment and the local health department does not indicate food service…


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A Boil Advisory Issued for Kankakee County

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Spread the loveA boil advisory has been issued for areas of Kankakee County, including Kankakee, Bradley, Bourbonnais, Grant Park, Manteno, Aroma Park, Limestone, University Park, and Green Garden. A “Boil Advisory” is a notice issued to water consumers to boil all drinking and culinary water for at least five minutes before use. A boil advisory…


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Frankie’s Pizzeria January Local Business Spotlight

Rep. Haas presented a certificate to Frank Aprile, naming Frankie's Pizzeria her January Local Business Spotlight. –Photo submitted.
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Spread the loveFor her January local business spotlight, State Rep. Jackie Haas recognized Frankie’s Pizzeria in Monee. Rep. Haas spent time touring the business and presented the owner with a certificate of appreciation for their contributions to the community. “This month, we are honored to recognize Frankie’s Pizzeria in Monee because of their incredible employees…


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Legion Fish Fry February 10

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Spread the loveMark your calendars for Saturday, February 10, when Peotone American Legion Post 392 will host their monthly fish fry, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., or sold out, at 109 E. North Street in Peotone. Tickets for the all-you-can-eat perch or catfish dinner are $15 and include French fries, cole slaw, bread, and butter.…


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January News from the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration Team

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Spread the loveA 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,…


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Will County EMA Issues Wilmington Flash Flooding Update

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Spread the loveThe 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…


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Flash Flood Warning Issued for Southwestern Will County

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Spread the loveThe 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…


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Bourbonnais to Receive State Money for Park Improvements

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Spread the loveBy Stephen Nelson The Bourbonnais Village Board approved an agreement with Kankakee County for improvements at a village park at its January 16 meeting.  The agreement will allow Bourbonnais to get Illinois Department of Commerce funds that are administered by county government. Finance Director Tara Latz said the $50,000 grant will be used…


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Manteno Ice Rink Now Open

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Spread the loveEven though temperatures were still way below normal this weekend, Josh Allum and Dan Osmolski, both from Peotone,  made their way down to the ice rink at Legacy Park to hone their hockey skills. Look for the rink to have many more skaters as temperatures rise this week.   Spread the love


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United Way’s 2024-2025 Grant Application Process Is NOW OPEN!

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Spread the loveUnited Way’s annual Community Investment process is open to Kankakee and Iroquois County serving nonprofit organizations. United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties is pleased to announce their 2024 – ’25 Community Investment Fund grant application process now is open. These grants are aimed at empowering high-quality 501c(3) nonprofit programs dedicated to enhancing…


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Peotone Men: Attend Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference

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Spread the loveChrist Community Church, in Peotone, is organizing a group of local men to attend the Focal Point Ministries Iron Sharpens Iron one-day conference on Saturday, March 16, at First Nazarene Church, 12725 Bell Road, Lemont, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference is open to all men, including teens. Group registration, through…


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Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on Underground Railroad at Library

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Spread the loveKankakee Public Library welcomes Illinois Road Scholar Connie Martin, who will present a program on “Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on the Underground Railroad” on Thursday, February 1, at 6 p.m. Ms. Martin shares the connections of Negro Spirituals with meanings and interpretations of songs used in regions of the South, which signaled…


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Park Forest House Museum Celebrating Valentine’s Day, 75th Anniversary

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Spread the lovePark Forest House Museum members invite you to “Step Back into a 1950s Valentine’s Day,” on display from February 3 – March 9. The museum is open Wednesday and Saturday, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., plus at other times by appointment, at 227 Monee Road – inside St. Mary’s Catholic Church. One room…


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