New News.
WC Health Department Holding Immunization Clinic January 28
WC Health Department hosting vaccination clinic; no out-of-pocket costs for infant RSV up to eight months and COVID-19 all ages.
New year, new board for Grant Park
The Village of Grant Park is starting 2026 with as many new board members as old, but is tending to business as usual…
Daycare operator buys Monee Education Center
A daycare operator has emerged as the buyer of the shuttered Monee Education Center.
A life of service Tom Ivanoff remembered
Thomas Ivanoff lived a life of service and self-reliance, from Navy duty and public service to ranching and gunsmithing.
2025 Municipal Elections
Mayor Bogs Sweeps into a Second Term
If municipal election outcomes are any indication of resident satisfaction, Monee voters are very happy with their village right now.
Gesky Defeated By LaMore in Manteno Mayor Race
Final tallies of ballots by the Kankakee County Clerk’s Office show Annette LaMore will be the new mayor in Manteno.
Adrieansen’s Team Wins in Landslide Victory in Manhattan
Campaign season has ended in Manhattan, likely a welcome sight for many after a long, contentious battle between two slates.
New Mayor Elected in Peotone
With a bigger turnout than the previous two consolidated elections, just over 20 percent of the 4,100 population of Peotone.
Your town. Our Beat.
Peotone.
Rita Ann (Toepper) Hartmann, 82
Rita Ann (Toepper) Hartmann, Eolia, Missouri, and formerly of the Peotone area, passed away January 4, 2026. Services January 19.
Peotone eyes future funding, works on Overlay District
The Peotone Village Board approved at their Jan. 12 meeting a resolution to apply for grant funding, signaling improvements on…
Thomas “Tom” Ivanhoff, 95
Thomas “Tom” Ivanhoff, 95, of Cody, Wyoming, and formerly of Peotone, died December 25, 2025, with services held January 12.
Manteno.
George Gray, 71
Geroge Gray, 71, Lowell, Indiana, passed on January 14, 2026. Visitation and services on January 24, starting at 10 a.m.
Manteno Short-Term Rental Ordinance Passes
The Manteno Village Board passed the short-term rental ordinances, with several amendments, at Manteno’s November 17 board meeting
Aqua to merge with American Water
Aqua America’s parent company appears to be headed toward a merger with American Water Works Company, Inc.
Manhattan.
Manhattan woman killed in collision with school bus
The driver of a passenger vehicle is dead following a collision with a Manhattan School District 114 school bus.
Manhattan adds new snowplow chassis to fleet
The Village of Manhattan unanimously authorized the purchase of a 2027 International HV507 SFA Chassis snowplow truck.
48 Hours with MFPD
In seconds, the peaceful night was interrupted by a flashing red ceiling light bouncing off the painted cinderblock half-walls, followed…
Crete.
Crete-Monee school officials reviewing holidays
Crete-Monee school officials are mulling a change in the district’s 2026-27 calendar that would designate MLK, Presidents Day, Casimir Pulaski Day,…
Berkot’s adding gaming machines to Crete store
Berkot’s will be opening a gaming section in its new store in Crete.
Elroy H. Luecke, 98
Elroy Luecke, Crete, passed December 12, 2025. Visitation December 17, 10 – 11 a.m., funeral follows at Zion Lutheran, Grant Park.
Mayhem.
Beecher Police: January 6 – 10
Beecher Police Blotter, January 6 – 10, contains charges for suspended license, vehicle equipment violation, domestic battery, and no valid license.
Monee Police: January 4 – 7
Monee Police Blotter, January 4 – 7, contains charges for speeding, no insurance, suspended registration, driving in wrong lane, suspended license.
Woldhuis Farms Sunrise Greenhouse open after fire
Most of the damage was limited to one greenhouse, and the nursery can continue normal retail operations while cleanup takes place.
Your Sports. All Heart.
Bloom transfer Joe Jones finds a home at Crete-Monee
Three-sport athlete Joe Jones is a productive inside scorer for the Warriors.
Manteno’s Maddie Gesky breaks program scoring record
Maddie Gesky scored 15 points in a win over Herscher on Jan. 18, giving her 1,042 for her career and breaking Jodi Miller’s…
Vedette sports report: Manteno, McNamara play for a good cause
Manteno and Bishop McNamara raised money for Harbor House, a Kankakee nonprofit that helps families affected by domestic violence.
Peyton Bisping, Peotone never tire of playing defense
Peotone held a fifth straight opponent under 30 points and reached .500 for the first time this season with a win over Herscher.
Vedette sports report: Freshman Jada Franklin makes her mark for Crete-Monee
Through the first dozen games of her high-school career, freshman Jada Franklin was leading Crete-Monee in scoring.
We/Us
Wreaths Across America provide more than decorations
For those who support Wreaths Across America, the ribbon-festooned evergreens placed on veterans graves over the holidays were more than just…
Christmas cheer takes over campus in SXU showstopper
Saint Xavier University hosted its annual Christmas Music Spectacular on Dec. 7, featuring student ensembles and festive performances that united campus…
South Side streets transform into Winter Wonderland as snow falls
South Side streets blanketed in snow Saturday as kids played, residents shoveled, and crews worked to keep travel safe.
