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A pond teeming with wildlife on a beautiful summer morning proved to be a winning combination for Jon Flodstrom of Frankfort, who won June's portion of the Forest Preserve District of Will County's Preserve the Moment photo contest. Normally, the pond's dragonflies flit away from him as he tries to take their photos. But on one particular morning a few weeks ago, he timed it just right to get a shot of a "docile" widow skimmer dragonfly perched on a branch near a pond in...
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced on Friday, July 3, 2020 that its Stage 2 Return To Play Guidelines have been approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and can be instituted by IHSA schools on July 5. The IHSA also announced that it will no longer reference the guidelines as the Stage 2 Return To Play Guidelines, and will instead will refer to them as the Phase 4 Return To Play Guidelines, matching the verbiage used by the state in its Restore Illinois plan. The IHSA Stage 1 Return To...
Roughly a year ago, the city of Crest Hill did a survey in which it polled its residents on a direction looking for a direction for rebranding the city. I understand I am a little late to be counted for the survey, but as a longtime resident, I have a suggestion. How about, Crest Hill – A city of hypocrisy. Then we need a motto. I got it – "Not only is the grass greener on the other side; it's taller, too." Catchy, I know, but what is important is that it is sincere and rea...
While Mental Health Awareness Month has been historically observed throughout the month of May, the Coronavirus pandemic is bringing about questions of whether 2020 should be designated as Mental Health Awareness year. Or even further, perhaps we are entering what should be a Mental Health Awareness decade. "We really haven't seen this kind of monumental disruption to our lives since World War II," stated Will County Health Department Behavioral Health Director Dr. Joseph...
On just the third day of legislative session since March 5, Senate Republicans called a socially distanced outdoor news conference Friday morning to argue for a more collaborative approach to state government and pandemic response going forward. "This discussion needs to go beyond 2:30 in the afternoon press conferences," Sen. Minority Leader Bill Brady said outside the Capitol, referencing the daily COVID-19 news briefings held by Gov. JB Pritzker. Brady, of Bloomington,...
It is said that those who live in glass houses, should not throw stones. MSNBC reporter Cal Perry learned that the hard way on Memorial Day when Bolingbrook resident Andy Olson called him out on the streets of Lake Geneva, Wis. The video has gone viral with millions of views over many different platforms and was even retweeted by Donald Trump, Jr. During his report, Perry, who was wearing a mask, talked about people on the streets not wearing masks to protect themselves from...
Several protesters called for the resignation of Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk as he attended a Black Lives Matter rally on the corner of Larkin Avenue and Jefferson Street Tuesday. On Sunday night as rioting and looting took place around the city, O'Dekirk was videotaped in a scuffle with two men, who were later forcibly arrested by Joliet Police. "I understand that everyone has to defend themselves – self-preservation is the first thing. But he put himself in that p...
The Village of Romeoville has purchased 30 acres of land and is leasing an additional 30 acres across from the post office along 135th Street. The property will be used as open space for sports like soccer and baseball. The plans also call for a dog park on the property. "Residents have been requesting a dog park for some time now and we are very happy to announce plans for one," stated Mayor John Noak. "This will also add more park space to our ever growing offerings." A...
VVSD Early Childhood Center Renamed to Honor Dr. James A. Mitchem, Jr. The Valley View Community Unit School District 365U Board of Education approved the renaming of the Valley View Early Childhood Center in honor of retiring VVSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. James A. Mitchem, Jr. Effective with Dr. Mitchem's retirement on June 30, 2020, the VVEC will become the Dr. James A. Mitchem Early Childhood Center in recognition of his four decades of distinguished service to VVSD....
Attorney General Kwame Raoul has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced in a news release Tuesday, and the governor plans to get retested as well. "After experiencing minor symptoms over the weekend, I consulted with my health care provider using telehealth services. Upon the advice of my doctor, I was tested yesterday and informed today that I have tested positive for COVID-19," Raoul said in a news release. Raoul said in the statement his symptoms remain mild and...
SPRINGFIELD - New permanent regulations that govern licensed firearms dealers in Illinois have finally been approved 18 months after Gov. JB Pritzker signed the bill into law. The General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, or JCAR, gave its okay to the rules at a meeting Tuesday in Springfield. The Firearms Dealers License Certification Act passed the General Assembly in May 2018, when Republican Bruce Rauner was governor. But knowing he was likely to veto...
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Republican Party wants to be excluded from the state's social gathering restrictions, as it alleged in a federal lawsuit that churches and political demonstrations already enjoy such exclusions. Throughout the year, the party holds a state convention, strategy meetings and candidate rallies - all with more than 10 people present. Under Gov. JB Pritzker's May 29 executive order addressing the continued spread of COVID-19, those in-person gatherings...
SPRINGFIELD – Anyone who cast a ballot in the last three years or who registered to vote or changed addresses after the March primary will be sent an application to vote by mail after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill expanding the program Tuesday. In a news release, Pritzker's office said the program is aimed at ensuring "safe and active participation in the 2020 general election during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic." Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1863 and House Bill 2238, w...
Joliet Catholic Academy announced its commitment to resume on-campus classes for the 2020-2021 school year beginning this fall in August, while keeping the health and safety of all students, faculty and staff as its top priority. The co-educational Catholic college prep high school located at 1200 N. Larkin Ave. in Joliet is working through several plans of action for reinstating campus operations with the final determination of how and when to open this summer based on...
Lawrence M. “Larry” Walsh lost his battle with cancer and died June 3 at age 72. Walsh battled complications of prostate cancer for more than five years. He was first treated for prostate cancer in late 2014 and continued to receive medical care in the following years. In late 2018, he again began chemotherapy treatments for a reoccurrence of the cancer. Walsh was a strong supporter of cancer research and a proud participant of the annual Will County Relay for Life. He alw...
A small group of peaceful protesters were turned away from demonstrating at Crest City Hall Tuesday night. The reason they were given was that Crest Hill Mayor Ray Soliman issued an emergency order to reinstate a curfew that had previously been lifted for the city. Crest Hill Police Officer Justin O'Brien calmly explained the situation to the group. "We didn't have the curfew until 10 minutes," he told the group. "(The mayor) has the power to put out an emergency order and he...
"I will see you in church," said Scott Greene as he sent supporters to their cars just before the skies opened with storms to close out the Reopen Illinois rally he organized on the corner of Rte. 59 and Black Road in Shorewood. The truck driver from Elwood was making reference to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's hesitance to reopen places of worship amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as the state nears Phase 3 of Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan – a plan that is moving too slow for many...
The Village of Romeoville presents the Route 66 Drive-In Movie Theater. Join them for a family-friendly movie in the open space behind the Romeoville Athletic and Event Center (680 Townhall Drive) starting around 9 p.m. Show dates are June 12, June 26, July 11, July 24 and August 10. Movies will include The Secret Life of Pets II and Frozen II. "By keeping families in their cars, we can safely conduct this free summer activity," said Mayor John Noak. "A whole new generation...
The Village will be celebrating Independence Day on July 3 with three fireworks shows. To allow residents to view these from their homes, fireworks will be shot off in three separate locations starting at 9:30 p.m., effectively tripling the number of pyrotechnics that are usually displayed. "We continue to be innovative with programs and events," stated Mayor John Noak "By spacing out three shows around the community, we hope that everyone can remain home and still see a...
Memorial Day weekend is here. Normally, this is the time of year when community and municipal pools open, however, COVID-19 restrictions are still in place which means a later than usual opening. It's likely that many people will be enjoying private pools, and the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) wants residents to pool safely this summer. "With so many people working from home right now, it's important to be focused on those enjoying the water, especially children,"...
Let the games begin. Seven of our local breweries and bottle shop want you to sign up to be a part of their Suburban Beer Hunt happening now. Skeleton Key Brewery (Woodridge) along with Alter Brewing Company (Downers Grove), Black Horizon Brewing Company (Willowbrook), Miskatonic Brewing Company (Darien), Pollyanna Brewing Company (Lemont), Whiskey Hill Brewing Company (Westmont), and Orange and Brew Bottle Shop & Tap Room (Downers Grove) came up with a new and exciting way...
Don't pack away your hiking gear just yet. Starved Rock State Park is looking to re-open their gates to the public at the start of June. Illinois' most popular state park is excited to receive the green light and have visitors back into their space. They are taking important steps to reassure the safety of their staff and guests. The plan includes a deep cleaning in all rooms, cabins, restaurants and in the lodge area to prepare for guest to come back in. They have installed...
The sounds of the historic pipe organ have been coming from the Rialto Square Theatre for years, and you can enjoy them live on Facebook for the next three Fridays at 12 p.m. Tune in this Friday, May 22 for Taylor Trimby – former staff organist at the Rialto. Currently, Taylor serves as the treasurer of the Chicago Area Theatre Organ Enthusiast (CATOE) and on their work crew. Recently he was elected as the Executive Secretary for the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS). E...
In anticipation of updated public health guidelines via the Governor's Restore Illinois Program, the Joliet Area Historical Museum will reopen the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site on Monday, June 1st at 9 a.m. The Prison will be open seven days per week and offer self-guided tours for the first time since its 2018 reopening. Executive Director Greg Peerbolte explains that with nationwide shelter-in-place protocols giving Americans a new perspective on confinement, it is an...
District 99 students took the optional National German Exam in late 2019 and earned recognition for their performance. Fifteen students from North High and 17 students from South High earned awards based on their level in class (see lists below). North High German Test Winners German Level 2 Gold: William Bennion and Joseph Kapsch German Level 2 Silver: Nicholas O'Shea German Level 2 Bronze: Jake Rohde, Maeve Miller, Karan Shetty German Level 2 Achievement: Amanda Tatge,...