Manhattan woman Kelsey Cowan is doing her part to help recovering cancer patients ease into the healing process by offering free paramedical tattoos that make them feel a little more like themselves. “I don’t really have it in me to charge people for that,” Cowan said. Not all shops “pay with a smile” for those […]
Author Archives: Stephanie Irvine
Posted inManhattan
Long-awaited Baker Road Bridge Replacement Scheduled
By Stephanie Irvine Baker Road travelers will be pleased to learn the single-lane Baker Road bridge is slated to be rebuilt in the spring of 2025, with construction scheduled to start April 1 — barring any April Fool’s jokes. The proverbial road to replace the bridge has been a long one. Manhattan Township Road Commissioner […]
Posted inManhattan
Manhattan Cop’s Lost Service Weapon Recovered with Spent Round
The individual who found Manhattan Police Commander Michael Holford’s lost service weapon negligently fired a round through his vehicle’s floorboard before calling police to turn in the gun. According to the Joliet Police report detailing the recovery, the individual, a male fast-food delivery driver whose name was withheld, stated he found the gun while picking […]
Posted inOpinion Vedette
Editorial: Unlikely Reporter
By Stephanie Irvine In honor of National Newspaper Week, I’m writing my unlikely story about how I never intended to become a reporter. It’s true — it just kind of happened, albeit not entirely by surprise. Growing up, I was no stranger to newspapers. The Herald News and Chicago Tribune were staples on our kitchen […]
Posted inVedette Schools
Civil Rights Lawsuit Filed Against Manhattan School District
When both the Manhattan School District 114’s Superintendent, Russel “Rusty” Ragon, and the Director of Human Resources, Communications, and Professional Development, Christine Ruddy, abruptly resigned late last February, their departures were shrouded in mystery and confusion. Their resignation letters were brief and did not indicate a reason for leaving other than personal reasons. A statement […]
Posted inManhattan, Vedette Schools
Civil Rights Lawsuit Filed Against Manhattan School District
By Stephanie Irvine When both the Manhattan School District 114’s superintendent, Russel “Rusty” Ragon, and the Director of Human Resources, Communications, and Professional Development, Christine Ruddy, abruptly resigned late last February, their departures were shrouded in mystery and confusion. Their resignation letters were brief. They did not indicate a reason for leaving other than […]
Posted inManteno
Community Outraged by Wildcat Organization’s Upset
The public demanded answers after longtime Manteno Wildcats volunteer and Athletic Director Mike Barry was dismissed on June 3. Barry, a 14-year volunteer with the youth football organization, was set to start his 15th season when he was notified of his dismissal by then-President James Neally. Barry felt he was let go from the Wildcats […]