Grant Park is looking forward to hearing from the community on proposed changes and updates to Hilgert Park if the village is awarded grant funding to make them happen. At the January 21 board meeting, resident Valgene Raloff attended the meeting to provide his comment on the proposed layout changes to Hilgert Park in hopes […]
Author Archives: Stephanie Irvine
Posted inVedette We/Us
JJC’s Culinary Arts Program Cooking Up Success
Seven alumni of Joliet Junior College’s Culinary Arts program have attained success and recognition by finding careers at Michelin restaurants, a distinction only the best restaurants achieve. Four of JJC’s distinguished chefs and alumni include: Executive Chef James Bingham, a 2009 graduate; Pastry Chef Tony Kozlowski, a 2011 graduate; Sous Chef Joshua Quade, a 2018 […]
Posted inVedette We/Us
Have Your Dog’s Back
With families all over welcoming new furry family members into their homes, many are unprepared for the challenges of dog ownership – not just potty training, barking, obedience, and grooming – but health concerns down the road, like intervertebral disc disease, lumbosacral syndrome, and osteoarthritis, among others. The United States Humane Society estimates that 69 […]
Posted inVedette We/Us
More Than Skin Deep
When SF Aesthetics opened in Manhattan last spring, many didn’t realize that a dual family practice and walk-in urgent care facility were in the same space, under the name First Care Family Clinic. Many Manhattan residents are finding the facility helpful, with cold and flu season well underway. Several shared their experiences with the family […]
Posted inVedette New News
Sun Not Setting on Will County Solar Developments
With legislation that ties the hands of county officials and bars them from denying solar projects that meet state regulations, Will County is moving full steam ahead with recently proposed solar developments. On January 2, the Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved a 52-acre solar development proposed by New Lenox Community Energy Initiative […]
Posted inVedette Schools
Manhattan School District Superintendent Search Ongoing
The Manhattan School District, recently named a defendant in not one but two federal sexual harassment lawsuits, is pressing forward with its search for a new superintendent. The school district was named a defendant in a civil rights case filed by former HR Director Chris Ruddy on August 30, 2024, alleging discrimination and sexual harassment. […]
Posted inVedette Top News
St. Joe’s Sprinklers Center of Political Feud
The St. Joseph School sprinklers, a hot topic discussed at the last board meeting, came up again, this time at the behest of Paula Gibbs, a member of the public. The topic dominated the last board meeting and spilled over in the days that followed, with social media sparring between trustee candidate Tom Biscan, who […]
Posted inVedette We/Us
MFPD Project Fire Buddies Makes an Impact
The Manhattan Chapter of Project Fire Buddies made the rounds to its six fire buddies from within the District over the Christmas holiday, making sure each Fire Buddy felt extra special. The Manhattan Fire Protection District started its chapter in 2022 and has been brightening the lives of its buddies ever since. The fire buddies […]
Posted inVedette We/Us
Drone Service Huge Help in Finding Lost Dog
Drones have gotten a bad rep lately, with no shortage of peculiar UFO-type sightings and conspiracy theories coloring the perception of low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles. What people may not realize, however, is the FAA-licensed drone flying above might be on a special mission to bring a lost pet home. At least, that was the case […]
Posted inVedette New News
Manhattan Parks Approve Tax Levy, Executive Director’s Contract
The Manhattan Park District passed its tax levy for the upcoming year, which reflects a 6.67% percent increase over last year’s tax revenue. The Park District Board also approved Executive Director Jay Kelly’s three-year contract for $144,432 for 2025, with incremental increases between four and six percent each year of the contract. Kelly’s new contract […]