Monee Police Department knows how to get the job done, including fundraising for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which benefits Special Olympics Illinois athletes. The award-winning team earned just under $10,000 in the annual Polar Plunge in Manteno. –Photo courtesy Chief Scott Koerner.

Monee Police Department’s steadfast dedication to Special Olympics Illinois this year helped propel Illinois to the top of SOI fundraising list.

Village Trustee Scott Youdris told the board of trustees last week Illinois ranks number one in the world for SOI fundraising.

“Illinois law enforcement officers raised more than $5.1 million, with Monee contributing $22,000 towards that effort,” he said.

“Special Olympics has always received great support from Monee. It’s been a favorite of ours and our residents. This is just an example of what this great program has meant statewide, not just in Monee.

“So congratulations to anybody who donated,” he said. “Congratulations to our officers for the time they’ve put in the Polar Plunges and Dunkin Donuts Cop on a Rooftop.” 

Monee PD also participated in Tip-A-Cop this year, acting as servers at Schoop’s Hamburgers restaurant.

Also in his report, Youdris noted trick-or-treaters will be out on Friday, and cautioned drivers to be extra careful, because Halloween costumes can limit the kids’ vision.

At the same time, he said that with the first frosts coming now, snow and ice are not far behind. 

“Be prepared for weather,” he said.

“Check your vehicles for cold weather gear, and remember bridges and open roads tend to freeze up faster and become iced up faster, so be extra careful.”

Also during the meeting, the board:

  • Viewed a video of the recent Marie LeFevre-Bailly Park dedication that included an animated message from the statue, created via AI. Members of the board applauded the video, calling it “cool, but freaky at the same time.”
  • Approved the purchase of a 2025 Ford F-150 four-wheel drive pick-up truck from Dazzio Ford for $51,456.70 for the Building Services Department. Village Administrator Ruben Bautista noted Dazzio Ford honored the state bid price. The original invoice was $59,145.
  •  Bid farewell to New Life Physical Therapy owner David Kooyenga. He told the board that after 20 years, he is closing his business. He said he wanted to thank the residents of Monee and surrounding communities for their support over the past two decades. Village Trustee Chuck Rakis commented he had been a patient at New Life Physical Therapy. “I’m really sad to see you go,” he said. Mayor Therese Bogs agreed. “I know several of my patients (at her dental practice) rave about you. Sorry to see you go.”