ExpandVisitation and memorial services for Kankakeean and former Illinois Gov. George Ryan will be held this week in Kankakee.
KANKAKEE – Funeral arrangements for the late Gov. George Ryan have been set, and the services will be held this week in his hometown of Kankakee.
The visitation service will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Schreffler Funeral Home, Kankakee Chapel, 1900 W. Court St., Kankakee.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, beginning at noon, at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 196 S. Harrison Ave., Kankakee.
Ryan died Friday in his Kankakee Riverview home at the age of 91, surrounded by family.
The former one-term governor and two-term Illinois Secretary of State, Ryan spent about 35 years being involved in Kankakee County and Illinois politics.
Ryan, a Kankakee High School graduate, entered the national stage late in his political career when he took aim at what he described as the “deeply flawed” capital punishment system.
He had grave concerns regarding those who had been placed on death row, as many were being freed from death row based on post-trial evidence which proved they were innocent.
He was the nation’s first U.S. governor to issue a blanket moratorium on further executions in 2000, staying the death sentences of 163 men and women on death row.
Ryan, of course, was confronted by legal matters of his own and was convicted in federal course on a series of corruption charges and was sentenced in September 2006 to federal prison.
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George Ryan speaks about his views on the death penalty during a radio talk show in 2006
George Ryan will be held this week in Kankakee
Ryan — a Republican who served in the Illinois House
lieutenant governor and ultimately as the state’s 39th governor — died Friday at 91
He was known for enacting a state moratorium on the death penalty
eventually leading to its abolition in the state
Ryan was indicted on fraud and racketeering charges and served six years in prison
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Schreffler Funeral Home in Kankakee, according to Ryan’s obituary
A memorial will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church on Thursday at noon
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were inKankakee County Circuit Court Judge Kathy Bradshaw-Elliott courtroom in January
On Thursday Harris was found in direct criminal contempt of court for refusing to testify in the Darius Sullivan trial in 2024
KANKAKEE – Xandria Harris arrived in the courtroom Thursday in an orange jumpsuit
handcuffed in the front and her legs shackled
before a sheriff’s officer undid both and she was seated with her attorneys
It was a stark reminder of the gravity of the case, as Harris, 29, was appearing in Kankakee Circuit Judge Kathy Bradshaw-Elliott’s courtroom in the Kankakee County Courthouse for a bench trial related to a direct criminal contempt of court charge
Harris, of Bradley, was on trial for the direct criminal contempt of court in the case of Darius Sullivan, who eventually was found guilty this past year in the murder of Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and the attempted murder and serious injuring of now-retired Sgt. Tyler Bailey.
Sullivan was sentenced to natural life in prison for Rittmanic’s death and 80 years for the attempted murder of Bailey.
Both Rittmanic and Bailey were shot Dec. 30, 2021, when they answered a call about barking dogs in a vehicle outside the Comfort Inn hotel property near the Northfield Square mall.
Harris refused to answer questions in Sullivan’s trial despite being granted use immunity for her testimony. Use immunity means that her testimony under oath couldn’t be used against Harris in her trial.
Harris is accused of aiding her boyfriend, Sullivan, when he shot Rittmanic and Bailey. She is facing murder and child endangerment charges. Her trial for that case is set for September.
After testimony by Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe and Harris’ defense attorney Cierra Norris on Thursday, Bradshaw-Elliott found Harris in direct criminal contempt of court.
“Because it is in the view of the court and what’s been admitted, the transcript by the state and what’s been stipulated by Ms. Norris, all occurred in my courtroom in front of me,” Bradshaw-Elliott said. “And based on that, I am going to show that the state has proved the petition for adjudication of direct criminal contempt.”
Bradshaw-Elliott summarized that when the state files a use immunity document against a witness, the defense can’t object, and the court can’t deny it based on case law. The state also asked that Harris be allowed to testify outside the presence of the jury.
Both times, Harris refused to answer any of Rowe’s questions during Sullivan’s trial.
“And she at first said, ‘I’m going to take the Fifth,’ ” Bradshaw-Elliott said. “And then I said, ‘You can’t take the Fifth because you’ve been given use immunity.’ And we had several conversations with her, and then I asked her if she was refusing to testify, and she very clearly said she was refusing to testify. And that all occurred in front of me in this courtroom under oath.”
Rowe testified about his attempts to ask Harris questions, saying that he had 148 questions to ask her. He said she was called to testify Sept 23, 2024, in the midst of the People vs. Darius Sullivan trial.
Rowe asked the judge to admonish the witness because she had no right to plead the Fifth Amendment in the case since she had been granted use immunity.
“That would be the evidence, judge, that the state is presenting under case law,” Rowe said Thursday.
Norris argued, as in previous motions in the case, that Harris is a victim of domestic violence.
“The only thing I’d like to add to that is that Miss Harris has never made a statement to police, to the state or to her counsel,” Norris said. “As of today, as to this incident, we’re still just barreling through the large amounts of discovery, as well as building her defense and in contact, and working with her expert for domestic violence.”
A hearing will be at 1:30 p.m. May 9 to set a sentencing date for Harris. Four different dates in July and August were discussed for possible sentencing day.
leaves Chicago's federal courthouse with his son George H
following his conviction on all 22-counts of racketeering and fraud charges in Chicago
a longtime Kankakee resident and politician
Ryan served as the 39th governor of Illinois from 1999 to 2003
He was born in Iowa but grew up in Kankakee
Ryan began his political career by serving on the Kankakee County Board from 1968 to 1973. He then was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1972
Ryan served five years in prison in a corruption case spurred by a 1994 highway crash that killed six children. The truck driver who caused the accident received a license through a bribe from a staffer in Ryan’s office. That occurred when Ryan was secretary of state.
ExpandRiverside Medical Center in Kankakee (Tiffany Blanchette)
When Carl Maronich arrived at Riverside Healthcare in 2006 as the director of communications and marketing, he did not have a set timeline as to how long he would be at the site.
He could never have imagined his largely behind-the-scenes stay would have lasted until mid-2025, for a total of 19 years.
The 63-year-old Maronich will end his Riverside career May 16. A farewell party celebrating Maronich’s Kankakee-based career was held Friday at Hoppy Pig.
A former newspaperman with Shaw Media and the Dixon Telegraph, where he served as a reporter and then a city editor, evolved into a career in the healthcare industry.
Following his news career, Maronich transitioned into a communication position at Dixon’s Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, a post he held for 14 years before planting his roots in Kankakee and Riverside.
Maronich had no idea his stay in Kankakee would be his final stop in the world of being a spokesman.
He did note that when he came on board at Riverside, the marketing department featured a staff of four. It now has a staff of eight.
“I didn’t think it would be this long. Phil (Kambic, Riverside’s president and CEO) had just taken over as CEO. I don’t know if I had in my mind it would be this long, but I’m grateful it was. It’s been a great run.”
Maronich had been contemplating this move for about a year. He moved to Oak Park three years ago and commuting for the Downers Grove North High School and Marycrest College (of Davenport, Iowa) graduate has been a grind.
Between his professional duties and the wide range of community activities, including the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra board and a WKAN Saturday morning radio show, Maronich has also forged his way into the world of entertainment.
In 2021, he earned a Fine Arts master’s degree as a playwright from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He has already penned a handful of plays. He describes this chapter of his life as something of a “different challenge.”
“I don’t know if it’s lucrative. I’m starting to get some traction. I’ve always been interested in writing,” he said.
Maronich is hopeful this will be a smooth transition for all.
Riverside officials have found a replacement for Maronich. The administration has not yet released the name. They stated they don’t want to take away from Maronich’s celebration.
Maronich is not sure how the final two weeks of his Riverside career will be marked. He did make one declaration.
“I’m not sure I’m going to get much done on the last day,” he said.
“I’ve really been blessed to have such a great team around me,” Maronich said.”
Momence will soon have one fewer dining option.
The family-owned Pizza Stone Express restaurant at 119 W. Washington St., Momence, will be closing its doors May 31.
The establishment did not renew its liquor license at the end of April in anticipation of the closing.
The restaurant’s ownership announced its decision in an April 26 Facebook post.
Father-son duo Avelino and Eric Vela took over Pizza Stone Express in February 2017, according to its website.
“It has been a true honor to be able to serve this wonderful community for the past 8 years,” Eric Vela said in the post. “Many deciding factors have went into this and it was not an easy decision by any means. I want to thank each and every one of you for the support over the past 8 years, it has been an incredible journey.”
The owners are encouraging customers to come in by the end of the month and use any gift cards.
With warmer weather upon us, it’s a great time to dine outside in Kankakee. Outdoor dining is now available at 5 Star Wings at 125 W. Station St. in Kankakee.
Owner-operator Troy Clark added outdoor decks on each side of his front entrance that were completed Monday.
“My seating goes from 48 to 78 [patrons],” Clark said.
The decks come with benches so diners can sit and enjoy the outdoors while savoring the wings, chicken, ribs, sandwiches, fish and a variety of side dishes.
Clark said the decks were built by his longtime friend, Nelson Sims, a former Kankakee resident who now lives in California.
“He used to build houses around here,” Clark said. “He and his father, they built like nice houses. He still has family around here.”
5 Star Wings has been at its current location for five years, after three years at a storefront on Court Street.
The decks still need some finishing touches, including signage on the front, facing Station Street.
The restaurant is open every day, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The menu has a variety of southern cooking, including deep-fried Cajun catfish or the perfection of Cajun chicken dinners, catfish nuggets, pork chops and ribeye steaks.
KANKAKEE – When Carl Maronich arrived at Riverside Healthcare in 2006 as the director of communications and marketing, he did not have a set timeline as to how long he would be at the site.
He could never have imagined his largely behind-the-scene stay would have lasted until mid-2025.
A former newspaper man with Shaw Media and the Dixon Telegraph where he served as a reporter and then a city editor, evolved into a career in the healthcare industry.
Carl Maronich, Riverside Healthcare's director of communications and marketing (Lee Provost)
He did note when he came on board at Riverside, the marketing department featured a staff of four. It now has a staff of eight.
“I didn’t think it would be this long. Phil (Kambic, Riverside’s president and CEO) had just taken over at CEO. I don’t know if I had in my mind it would be this long, but I’m grateful it was. It’s been a great run.”
Maronich had been contemplating this move for about a year. He moved to Oak Park three years ago and commuting for the Downers Grove North High School and Marycrest College (of Davenport, Iowa) graduate.
In 2021 he earned a Fine Arts master’s degree as a playwright from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minn.
He has already penned a handful of plays. He describes this chapter of a his life as something of a “different challenge.”
“I don’t know if it’s lucrative. I’m starting to get some traction. I’ve also been interested in writing,” he said.
Riverside officials have found a replacement for Maronich. The administration has not released the name. They said they don’t want to take away from Maronich’s celebration.
“I’m not sure I’m going to get much done on the last day.”
“I’ve really been blessed to have such a great team around me.”
ExpandFresh produce awaits marketgoers at the first Kankakee Farmers' Market of the season on Saturday
A cloudy day didn’t produce a cloudy turnout as hundreds rolled through the first Kankakee Farmers’ Market of the season on Saturday
Over 50 area vendors offered up a range of goods
drinks and treats for attendees and their furry friends
Shortly after the market opened for its 27th season
a free yoga class was led by The Om Well Collective
as live music followed and adoptable dogs from the Kankakee County Humane Foundation arrived to welcome marketgoers
New this year is an expansion onto South Schuyler Avenue to feature more vendors and activities
50 or more vendors will be participating each week
the Mental Health and Wellness Fest will be held May 10 during the market
tips and resources for supporting overall wellness with live music
local artists and activities for the whole family
There will also be free yoga on Schuyler at 8:30 a.m
led by Marissa with Align Light Yoga and Healing Community
For more information and weekly market vendors and events, visit facebook.com/K3FarmersMarket or downtownkankakee.com/events/farmers-market.
May 03, 2025 at 8:56 pm CDTAfter rain washed out the first two scheduled nights of the 2025 season at Kankakee County Speedway, the third time was the charm Friday night for area race fans.
The highlight of the season opener was the Mars Modified Series Tom Pasak Memorial, a 40 lap feature won by Michael Long, who beat out runner up Cole Falloway and Steven Brooks, the defending track champion in the modified division.
Jerrad Krick was the stock car winner Friday night. Defending pro modified track champion Deece Schwartz began his title defense in victory lane, as did fellow defending champion Trevor Bitterling in the factory stock division. Alex Treptow took the sport compact feature, and Phil Bloch was the first to the checkered flag in the Crown Victoria race.
Racing will continue again Friday, when the Badger Midgets come to town.
May 03, 2025 at 12:00 pm CDTThe Kankakee County NAACP Youth Council held elections Monday to appoint its new leadership team. This is a pivotal step in the council’s revitalization efforts after its relaunch earlier this year.
The council’s renewal has been led by youth adviser Veronica Irish, alongside dedicated co-advisers Frances Noble, Sheree McDaye-Harwell and Nikeda Webb. Together, they have worked to reestablish a foundation focused on empowering youth.
Open to individuals ages 10 to 20, the youth council is committed to fostering leadership development, encouraging civic engagement and promoting community service. With its newly elected officers, the council wants to expand its impact and deepen youth involvement throughout Kankakee County.
Ongoing meetings and programming will continue to provide young leaders with opportunities to contribute to positive change in their communities.
ExpandA deck was added at 5 Star Wings in Kankakee for outdoor dining. (Chris Breach)
The decks still need some finishing touches, including signage on the front, facing Station St.
The restaurant is open everyday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
ExpandPrime Healthcare, the new owner of St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, is parting ways with Westwood Obstetrics & Gynecology, which has been the provider of childbirth labor and delivery services the past four years. (Tiffany Blanchette)
KANKAKEE – Once the central point for the delivery of babies in and around Kankakee County, it appears that function will largely end for St. Mary’s.
Prime Healthcare, the new owner of St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, is parting ways with the obstetrics group which has been the provider of childbirth labor and delivery services the past four years.
In an April 11 communication to Westwood Obstetrics & Gynecology Ltd., administration at 555 W. Court St., Kankakee, the contract, which expires at the close of business May 16, will not be renewed.
Having a preferred services agreement with Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital since May 2021, Westwood’s president, Dr. Roger Taylor, said the firm had no indication this decision was forthcoming.
The effect of this mid-May timeline, Taylor said, effectively removes St. Mary’s from being a birthing location.
Taylor said when Westwood signed to be the medical group for St. Mary’s births four years ago, the hospital was performing about 200 births annually. The total was increased to an estimated 500 in following years before it settled at 350 yearly the past two years.
Riverside Medical Center, located only a couple miles west of St. Mary’s, handles the vast majority of Kankakee, Iroquois and even southeast Will County births.
In an email response from Prime to the Daily Journal, Prime confirmed the labor and delivery practice will conclude. A Prime spokesman said there are not enough births to keep the service as a viable option.
“... But the need for maternal care has dramatically declined in our hospital while access to these services is stable within the community at neighboring hospitals,” Prime said.
The decline of births at the hospital resulted in this decision.
“This has led to the difficult, but necessary decision of transitioning OB services to Riverside Hospital and suspending OB services at St. Mary’s Hospital - Kankakee,” Prime said.
The spokesman said the hospital currently sees “just 26 births a month – less than one per day – with yearly births declining by nearly one-third since 2022.
“It is not possible to ensure the highest standards of quality care with such little volume and a service that was entirely dependent on any single physician,” the spokesman said.
Prime said all staff affected by the suspension of OB services will be offered comparable positions elsewhere within the hospital or at other Prime Illinois facilities.
Prime said no other changes are planned at St. Mary’s at this time.
Taylor said when Prime Healthcare acquired St. Mary’s as part of its larger purchase of other health care locations in Illinois, including St. Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet, they were informed no major changes in services would take place for at least 18 months.
That situation was about two months ago, he said. He considers this action a significant change.
Taylor said Westwood offers St. Mary’s a top-notch practice.
“There was no hint of this coming,” he said.
In a news release shared by Westwood, Taylor said the medical practice, founded in 1969, has served generations of Kankakee County women and families, delivering thousands of babies and remained a “cornerstone of women’s health in the region for 55 years.”
Taylor said Westwood was informed in a notice of default on April 18 from Prime Healthcare, which formally acquired St. Mary’s Hospital in March.
“Westwood strongly disputes the claims made in that notice and has formally communicated its disagreement,” Taylor wrote in regard to the notice of default.
“Despite this, Prime has confirmed its intent to end the agreement ... and has not committed to any continuation of funding or service agreement beyond that date,” he said.
No formal transition plan for continuity of care has been shared, he said.
Taylor said Prime suggested the possibility of Westwood resuming operations as an independent medical practice. Taylor said with such a limited notice and no funding, the feasibility of such a transition remains uncertain.
“This is not how we envisioned the end of more than five decades of service,” he said. “We are deeply proud of what we’ve built and the care we’ve provided. But without clarity, support or time to prepare, continuing in this current environment is simply not possible. Our patients deserve better.”
Regarding the potential of more births being handled at Riverside, hospital administration said they are certainly able to handle additional labor and deliveries.
During the past three years, the number of births at Riverside has been approximately 700 per year. Prior to the pandemic, the average was more than 1,000.
“Riverside is certainly able to take on any additional labor and delivery patients,” said Riverside Healthcare President and CEO Phil Kambic. “Whatever changes there are in the local health care services, we have the staffing in both our clinics and at the hospital to meet the community need.
“With the expansion last year of the insurance plans we accept, we are now an option for even more area families. Having these vital services close to home is important, and we are glad to have the highly skilled, experienced staff to provide them.”
ExpandFormer Illinois Gov. George Ryan speaks at his home in Kankakee in this undated photo. Ryan died Friday at his home in Kankakee at the age of 91, surrounded by his family. (AP file)
KANKAKEE – George Ryan and his longtime hometown of Kankakee were nearly inseparable and most could not think of one without thinking of the other.
On a bright sunny Friday morning, the former one-term Illinois Republican governor died inside his South Greenwood Avenue brick home in Kankakee just before noon, his son, George “Homer” Ryan Jr. confirmed to The Daily Journal.
Ryan, who was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, had been ailing for a considerable time and had only recently returned to Kankakee, his son said. Ryan was surrounded by his family, Homer Ryan said.
Ryan was elected as the state’s 39th governor and served from 1999 to 2003.
It was the start of a skyrocketing profile in which he gained international attention for his effort to abolish the death penalty, normalize relations with the neighboring communist-control Cuba, strengthening drunk driving laws and organ donations programs.
Ryan’s 35-year political career began as a member of the Kankakee County Board in 1968, where he later became board chairman.
In 1973, he was elected to represent Kankakee in the Illinois House of Representatives. He served 10 year in the House, including six years as the Speaker of the House.
In 1983, Ryan joined his good friend, Gov. Jim Thompson, of Chicago, and was elected lieutenant governor, a post he held for eight years.
In 1990, he was elected Illinois Secretary of State, an office he held for two terms, before being elected governor in 1997.
Ryan, of course, had his detractors and went through a deep federal investigation and ultimately a seven-month trial in a Chicago federal court which led to his conviction on numerous felony charges stemming from the so-called “license for bribes” scandal and then into his role in the “Ryan’s law” scheme.
The scheme, prosecutors said, allowed he and others to profit from bribing Illinois transportation officials to expedite the issuance of driver’s licenses and motor vehicle registrations to those with convictions.
The 18-count conviction for racketeering, fraud and other charges led to a six-and-a-half-year sentence, of which he served five years, upon his Jan. 30, 2013, release from federal prison.
It was in 2000 when Ryan placed a moratorium on executions in Illinois. In 2003, he received national attention for commuting more than 160 death sentences.
It was in 2002 when Ryan, standing outside of the north entrance to the Kankakee County Courthouse, announced to the hometown audience, who had packed the courthouse property, that his political career had drawn to a close and he would not seek a second term as governor.
The Ryan family moved to Illinois when George was about 5. The family briefly lived in Chicago before settling in Kankakee when they opened a family-owned pharmacy.
George Ryan graduated from Kankakee High School and he was then drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954. He served a 13-month tour in Korea, working in an army base pharmacy.
After discharge and after attending then-Ferris State College of Pharmacy, he returned to Kankakee when he and family, including his brother, Tom; sister, Katie; and her husband, Duane Deann, built his father’s pair of pharmacies into a successful chain of stores.
Ryan and his wife, Lura Lynn Lowe, married in June 1956 and raised a family of five daughters and one son. Lura Lynn died on June 27, 2011.
May 03, 2025 at 8:00 am CDTAscension St. MaryAquarius Fane, Bourbonnais, girl, Alina Genesis-Faith, April 11, first child.
Charles Adams and Samantha Rigsby, Kankakee, boy, Cameron Lee Jo, April 23, sixth child.
Nick Coon and Kalyn Alberts, Ashkum, boy, Luke Andrew, April 23, first child.
Brandon Daniel and Maricela Gonzalez, Kankakee, Orla Mae, April 23, second child.
Aurora Schmidt, Manteno, boy, Archer James, April 26, first child.
Jahees Roby and Angela Perez, Watseka, girl, Anahli, April 20, second child.
Joseph and Michaela Mantarian, Bourbonnais, girl, Eloise James, April 21, first child. The mother is the former Michaela Maris.
Danilo Lebron and Wanda De Los Santos, Kankakee, boy, Dylan Hannier, April 22, third child.
Jayson and Carrie Groff, Irwin, boy, Briggs Michael, April 23, fourth child.
Ciera Hays, Reddick, girl, Atlas Ray, April 23, first child.
Aric Arseneau and Madison Norvell, Kankakee, boy, Joseph Gregory, April 23, first child.
Dylan Spry and Sarah Schneider, Kankakee, boy, Zeke Evan, April 23, third child.
Austin and Ashley Trudeau, Martinton, boy, Wrett Eric, April 23, first child. The mother is the former Ashley Kelly.
Timothy Craft and Olivia Johnson, Kankakee, boy, Benjamin Isaac, April 24.
Christopher and Alexandria De La Rosa, Kankakee, boy, Griffin Eladio, April 24, second child.
Dillon Myslinski and Stephanie Molina, St. Anne, girl, Kylie Diane, April 25, second child.
Mark and Melissa Heikkila, Kankakee, girl, Luna Lorelle, April 25, second child.
Michael Bedoya and Lauren Watters-Bedoya, Kankakee, boy, Beau Ernesto Joshua, April 26, second child.
Larry and Alexanderea Jackson, Monee, boy, Larry Otis III, April 26, second child.
Hector Jr. and Jaahay Reyes, Kankakee, boy, Adriel Ruben, April 26, third child.
Brian Keohane Jr. and Brenna Zimmerman, Fairbury, boy, Bentley James, April 27, first child.
Noah and Angelico Lalumendre, Diamond, girl, Millie Jayne, April 28, first child.
ExpandBradley's 315 Sports Park will open this weekend as it hosts 50 boys' travel baseball teams at the new state-of-the-art complex. (Tiffany Blanchette)
BRADLEY – The first pitch at the 315 Sports Park flew across home plate at about 6 p.m. Friday.
While it was delivered by a youngster and was nothing more than the best fastball the hurler could muster, it was historic nonetheless – weather permitting, of course.
When the brand new baseball crossed home plate it ushered in a dramatically new era, specifically for Bradley, and generally for Kankakee County, in terms of youth sports and economic development.
The age-old, two-word expression commonly tossed about in baseball parks across the United States – Play ball! – has taken on a far greater meaning than anyone could have ever imagined.
In an effort to capitalize on the revenue stream of youth baseball, softball and soccer, Bradley, when all is said and done, will have invested some $47 million in constructing a youth sports complex unlike any other within Kankakee County or in any other complex in this entire region.
This weekend, 50 teams representing travel baseball teams both local and from afar converged at 315 Sports Park, the nearly 127-acre, 12-fully-turfed field complex immediately east of the Bradley Commons shopping center.
A site which only two years ago was a farm owned by Bourbonnais’ Jerry Alexander is now a new mecca for youth baseball, softball and soccer.
That description comes from John Pieritz, of Moline-based JP Sports and Entertainment, the company in charge of recruiting and hosting youth games at the site.
“The impact these parks have on a local community is unreal. What has been built in Bradley is unbelievable. Bradley did not hold back. Teams will be blown away,” Pieritz said.
While weekend No. 1 will attract 50 teams of 9 to 14 year olds. Weekend No. 2, from May 9-11, the slate will grow to 74.
There will be a constant uptick in teams as summer draws closer and as all 12 fields become ready for play. The first weekend will have six fields hosting games.
The 41-year-old Pieritz, who has an admitted love affair with all things baseball, said by the last weekend of June, there are 148 teams scheduled to converge on Bradley.
The weekend of the 50th annual Bourbonnais Friendship Festival, there could be as many as 8,000 players, coaches, umpires, family, friends and casual spectators headed to Bradley to watch baseball.
Pieritz estimated some 2,000 families could be on hand the last weekend of June.
“That’s the impact these facilities can have. When these are done right, they can be very successful and Bradley has done it right,” he said.
It will be up to team JP Sports to turn Bradley’s creation into a local economic engine.
While Bradley leadership will keep its eyes focused on the park’s operation, it will be up to JP Sports to manage the bats and balls.
In its simplest form, Bradley built and owns the site; JP Sports will bring in the teams and the umpires. They will be in charge of all things baseball and softball, including supplying the actual baseballs and softballs.
Bradley makes its money through the rental of the playing fields.
Bradley finance director Rob Romo said the weekend’s play will bring the village $10,000 in rental fees. Through this first season, he is estimating the village will pull in $300,000.
Income will grow in subsequent years, the thought is, as word spreads and as more teams seek to play here.
“We will do our best to make this place a success,” Pieritz said.
He said success is not guaranteed, of course, but Bradley has put everything in place to make it a success.
“The people of Bradley get it. This is a first-class facility,” he said.
Pieritz and his crew manage complexes across the Midwest. Bradley is just part of their portfolio.
“We take this very seriously,” he said of the company founded in 2010. “We have to put on a good event. We do it the right way. We’ve built a reputation and people trust us.”
It was only two summers ago, these acres were growing corn and soybeans.
The farm was owned by Alexander. Bradley Mayor Mike Watson had an idea. He approached Alexander about the availability of the land.
The 126.3-acre plot was purchased in April 2023 by Bradley for $2,550,250, or $20,192 an acre.
Watson never looked back. Alexander may have.
“I think I sold it too cheap,” he said with a chuckle earlier this week.
Alexander has visited the site throughout the construction process. Each visit he said he leaves more impressed.
With development only started about 13 months ago, the speed and development have left Alexander nearly speechless.
“Watson has so much foresight,” Alexander said. “He’s done so much for Bradley.”
But will it be successful? Alexander said he has no idea. This type of development is out of his field of expertise.
“I do know this: This property is totally transformed. I believe this will be great for everyone. I’m just amazed,” he said of the location he had owned for some eight years.
He said the property was initially targeted to be a housing subdivision. When the housing market tanked in 2008, so did that plan.
He eventually acquired it and had it farmed. He simply bided his time.
Watson said the past 18 months have been filled with more decisions than any baseball manager could possibly juggle. He said there will most certainly be an error or two made along the way, but even Gold Glove shortstops botch a grounder every now and then.
He said this first year will come with many learning opportunities.
The mayor could be more relieved to see fields ready for game action.
“Let me say this: I’m happy to get this off our plate,” Watson said of construction. “There will be issues. I know that. We will learn much this first year.”
One thing learned was the cost of construction headed north in a significant way. He had initially targeted a $30 million price tag.
Well known for his number-crunching skills, Watson missed the mark by a whopping 50%.
Prices crept up. So did development ideas. He said the idea was to build the complex correctly the first time.
The site features walking paths, a full-service restaurant, two other food preparation sites at opposite ends of the property, two ponds and a children’s playground, among other features.
He is confident this will be the premier youth sports complex in the upper Midwest.
“It’s class,” Watson said. “We set out to be the premier site. I want this to be the destination of choice.”
Kankakee County’s National Day of Prayer & Action: 5:30 p.m.
Join Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe for an evening of prayer
– will bring together faith and community leaders for worship
prayer and a special March to stand against broken family and violence in the community
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and be a part of the movement for healing and hope in Kankakee County
Kankakee County Speedway opening night: 7:30 p.m.
The Kankakee County Speedway will look to kick off its season with the Midwest Auto Racing Series Modified Championship Tom Pasek Memorial
The main event is the 40-lap MARS Modified Championship
Also in action are the Phantom Harley Davidson Stock Cars
the First Place Oils Sport Compacts and the Action Truck Parts Crown Vic Class
Grandstand admission is $15, with children 11 and younger free, and pit passes are $40 for adults and $20 for ages 5-10 with children younger than 5 free. For information and weather updates or cancelations, visit kankakeecountyspeedway.com
Kankakee Farmers’ Market opening day: 8 a.m
Celebrate the start of the market season with fresh local produce
special opening day activities include yoga on Schuyler from 9-10 a.m.
all-levels outdoor yoga session on Schuyler Avenue – just bring a mat
and live music by Just Another Janice from 10 a.m
Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival: 9 a.m
The Red Carpet Corridor Festival is a two-day celebration along historic Route 66 from Joliet to Bloomington
featuring local events at each participating city
The event returns to Wilmington with a flea and craft market from 9 a.m
food vendors and the Route 66 Band from 11 a.m
Head to the Chamber of Commerce tent downtown near 220 N
The Grand Opening of The Landing Pad Souvenir Shop
This list is part of Shaw Local’s “5 Things to Do” feature. Submit your events for consideration to The Daily Journal’s community calendar at shawlocal.com/daily-journal/local-events
To read more, go to shawlocal.com/tags/5-things-to-do or check out The Scene, our entertainment section, at shawlocal.com/thescene.
ExpandRussella Lazarich is modeling fashions provided by Emma's Elegance in Bourbonnais. Lazarich is owner of A Touch of Glass Cleaning Services and Hansen's Window Covering and Reupholstery. (sub)
The Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra Women’s Guild is presenting Let’s Celebrate Ageless Style fashion show luncheon at 11 a.m. May 15 at the Kankakee Country Club.
Fashions will be provided by local businesses, including Emily Sifrit Designs, Emma’s Elegance and Dress Well Boutique. In addition to the fashion show, several vendors will be displaying their unique items.
Make your reservation by May 7 by contacting Dee at 312-310-8005. Cost is $50 per guest.
The Kankakee Country Club is at 2011 Cobb Blvd. in Kankakee. For more information, call or text Sharon Ouwenga at 815-592-7697.
ExpandParticipants carry signs voicing opposition to gun violence as they travel along Station Street in Kankakee during the 2nd Walk Against Gun Violence on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Tiffany Blanchette)
KANKAKEE – There has been an area of Kankakee which has been a source of violence. While the boundaries have often changed due to shifts in population, the now-1st Ward area – more specifically a six-block area in and around the King Middle School – has remained a focus for many with this issue.
Aaron Clark, director of the Kankakee Forgives program founded in 2018, said shots fired figures have dropped by 44% in this specific area.
On a citywide basis, the trend is even more promising, city leadership has said.
Within the past four years, shots fired data tracked by ShotSpotter technology has dropped from 774 gun shot notifications in 2021 to 359 in 2024.
While it can be certainly argued that one case of gun violence is too many, the 53% drop of shots fired is a correct-moving trend, Mayor Chris Curtis said.
But for the community members, violence prevention organizations, city officials, police and most importantly, the residents, it is still far too prevalent.
It is, however, a giant step forward. It is an achievement worth an acknowledgement, worth celebration.
While the majority of the about 100 people who took part in Tuesday evening’s 1.5-mile Walk Against Gun Violence – which meandered its way from King Middle School through a variety of 1st and 2nd Ward neighborhoods before coming to a conclusion at the Harold and Jean Miner Festival Square Park at the train depot in downtown Kankakee – had not been directly impacted by gun violence, they still felt the need to walk.
Sophia Henderson, 8, carries a sign opposing gun violence alongside her mother Erika Franklin, both of Kankakee, as they walk with about 100 participants along Station Street in Kankakee during the 2nd Walk Against Gun Violence on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Tiffany Blanchette)
In light of Youth Violence Prevention Week which began April 28, the city of Kankakee, along with Kankakee Forgives, Kankakee United, the Illinois Coalition of Community Services and Duane Dean Behavioral Health Center, provided outlets and events, including the walk, for area youth to come together and raise awareness about youth violence.
On a beautiful spring evening and often walking to the chorus of “What do we want? Safe streets! When do we want them? Now!” the mood was most often festive, somewhat of a celebration.
“We want to get people to stop gun violence in general and certainly in Kankakee,” said marcher and city resident Aubrey Williams, 42. “I don’t know the people who’ve been involved, but I know it happens. All I can do is be a part of this and show I care.”
Curtis was at the event along with three Kankakee City Council members, Kelly Johnson, D-6; and Mike O’Brien and David Baron, D-2. Also at the event were Police Chief Chris Kidwell, Deputy Chief Donell Austin and Fire Chief Bryan LaRoche.
About 100 participants walk through Kankakee during the 2nd Walk Against Gun Violence on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Tiffany Blanchette)
When taking office four years ago, Curtis said one of his first requests was helping fund programs to deal with the plague of gun violence. He committed resources to agencies such as Kankakee United and Kankakee Forgives, which have continued to work to get youngsters off the streets and into programs where violence is not welcome.
Curtis said he often hates to note how crime numbers have dropped for fear of jinxing the downward trend.
“Strides are being made,” he said moments before walkers took to the street. “The reality is gun violence has decreased, and it’s decreased city wide.”
But the numbers remain far too great, he said.
“We still need more help. It takes all 24,000 resident to make that happen,” he said.
More specifically, Clark said, it takes camaraderie and community unity. More simply, Clark said, more people must be made aware.
“We’ve made improvements when it comes to violence. I believe we are showing people they don’t have to go out that way,” he said.
He looked out to the marchers as they registered for the walk and received a Stop the Gun Violence orange T-shirt.
“It’s very exciting,” Clark said. “It’s working.”
ExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 11Two young participants walk arm in arm as they near the end of the 2nd Walk Against Gun Violence in Kankakee on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The young residents carried signs opposing gun violence they made in art class. (Tiffany Blanchette)
Jamarius Garner, a 19-year-old, of Kankakee, was at the event. He walked in the first march last year. He has participated in other walks against violence.
“I’m doing this for the community,” he said. “I think the message is starting to get through. If we teach them young, we will have better results. We have to encourage people to do the right things.”
ExpandA Bourbonnais Elementary School District 53 bus waits to pick up students
Bourbonnais — After the theft of catalytic converters from 21 of 24 Bourbonnais School District 53 buses last week
the district is considering new safety measures for its vehicle fleet
District 53 Superintendent Adam Ehrman told Shaw Media that the cost to replace the stolen catalytic converters was “well over” $150,000 in parts
before the cost of shipping and installing them was factored in
“We are not excited about these initial bills that we have
but (we) hope that some of it will be covered by the insurance that we have,” Ehrman said
only one day of school was affected by the crippled fleet
as neighboring schools loaned vehicles to the district to make up for the damaged ones
and they were able to quickly have repairs made
The vandalism initially was discovered Thursday
and classes were back in session by the following day
The incident in Bourbonnais last week has prompted District 53 to increase security at its bus garage in conjunction with the Bourbonnais Police Department
Bourbonnais Elementary School District 53 (Shaw Local News Network)
The district’s safety committee and school resource officer are leading those efforts in conjunction with the Bourbonnais Police Department
“We are methodically reviewing every opportunity to find anything that can be done,” Ehrman said
there are security measures that are in place
barbed-wire fence surrounding the facility was one of the deterrents already present
The facility also is equipped with security lights and cameras
and the property is located away from nearby main roads
“The level and layers of security that we have outweigh almost all
“So it gets very concerning for others as they see what we have already put in place and still were vulnerable to be able to be hit.”
Bourbonnais Police Chief Dave Anderson said the property on Career Center Road near Liberty Intermediate School was accessed by digging under the fence and cutting part of it
“This is still a work in progress,” said Zach Johnston
director of the Tri-County Auto Task Force
We are not at a point where we can take anything to the state’s attorney to file charges
Troy School District 30-C announced that it entered into a contract to electrify its school bus fleet
Bourbonnais is not the only district affected by this problem
The district had to cancel in-person classes for two days after 30 catalytic converters were stolen from its buses
The investigation by the Tri-County Auto Task Force into that incident also still is pending; however
the district has taken measures to prevent a repeat offense
A surveillance photo is seen of the suspect vehicle in the vandalism of Troy School District 30-C buses in February
The catalytic converters were stolen from 30 buses
The suspect vehicle is described as a dark-colored SUV
(Photo provided by the Joliet Police Department)
“We are aware of similar incidents affecting other districts and share the broader concern about this troubling trend,” District 30-C communications director Sarah Wells said in a statement
we took immediate steps to strengthen the security of our transportation facility.”
Those steps taken by District 30-C include upgrading exterior lighting
incorporating new theft-deterrent features
“as well as enhancements to our surveillance camera systems to deter future incidents,” Wells said
“We continue to work closely with local law enforcement as they investigate
and appreciate their hard work and dedication to pursuing this matter,” she said
staff and property remain a top priority for Troy 30-C.”
A bus company in Batavia also suffered a similar theft in February
and Johnston noted that a district near Gurnee was affected early this year
Although the cases still are “a work in progress” and no arrests have been made
Johnston suggested some of the thefts may be related
“This is definitely an organized crew,” he said
and no federal agencies have gotten involved
“We have the resources and the people to do this,” Johnston said
If this becomes something across statewide
When contacted by Shaw Media for any action the state can take on this matter
the Illinois State Board of Education said school districts concerned about bus security should work closely with their local law enforcement agencies
“Local law enforcement knows the unique needs and patterns within their communities and can offer the most relevant guidance for prevention,” the ISBE said in a written statement
“Districts may consider installing security cameras
hiring security personnel or taking other measures recommended by law enforcement to deter theft and vandalism.”
Although Ehrman speculated that most local school districts are probably aware of the incidents at Troy 30-C and now Bourbonnais
not all districts are taking additional security measures
District 204 Superintendent Karla Guseman noted in February that the district’s buses are “stored in a giant warehouse, with cameras monitoring the facility 24/7.”
District 205’s buses are in a fenced-in area at the corner of Farrell Road and Division Street in Lockport.
ExpandKankakee Police Department (Tiffany Blanchette)
KANKAKEE – An early Sunday morning crash in the historic Kankakee Riverview neighborhood resulted in the death of three Kankakee men.
The names of the three Kankakee were released early Sunday afternoon.
The Kankakee County Coroner Bob Gessner identified the victims as: Kiyantis Riley, 45; Philip Birdsong, 48; and Jeffrey Clark II, 41, all of Kankakee.
Riley was the driver of the vehicle, officials reported.
The Kankakee Police Department, Kankakee County Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police are investigating the crash.
All next-of-kin have been notified, Gessner said in a news release.
A preliminary report indicates the 2008 GMC Yukon the men were riding in left the roadway and crashed into a tree, Gessner said.
All three men were pronounced dead at the scene, Gessner said.
The vehicle was traveling west at a high rate a speed, according to a witness.
In a news release, Kankakee Police Chief Chris Kidwell said officers responded about 1:07 a.m. to the crash in the 900 block of South Cobb Boulevard.
The Yukon was engulfed in flames when Kankakee Police and Kankakee Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene.
First responders made attempts to rescue the vehicle’s occupants, but were forced back because of the intensity of the fire.
Kankakee 12, Bloom 11: Alexander Grill’s RBI single plated Bryce Arceneaux for a walk-off Kankakee (5-14, 5-9 Southland Athletic Conference) win Wednesday. Grill was 4 for 5 and also scored a run. Jaden Villafuerte hit a pinch-hit two-run double to tie it two batters before Grill’s winner. Noah Hileman was 3 for 4 with two runs and RBIs apiece. Parker Zubrys had a three-run double. He also earned the win in relief with ⅔ of a perfect inning.
Gardner-South Wilmington 9, Hinckley-Big Rock 8: After the Panthers (6-9) saw their 8-3 lead evaporate with no outs in the top of the seventh, Case Christensen hit a walk-off double in the bottom of the seventh that brought home Reed Millette. Christensen was 3 for 4 and scored three runs. Millette and Logan Conger each went 2 for 4 and scored, Millette scoring twice. Cameron Gray threw a scoreless seventh inning following the five-run barrage to earn the win in relief.
Herscher 7, Watseka 5: After watching Watseka erase their early 5-0 deficit, the Tigers scored runs on a Payten Young triple and a Keegan Andre double in the second to improve to 21-4. Logan Egerton was 2 for 3 with a double, two RBIs and a run. Tanner Jones also had a pair of hits and an RBI. Nash Brubaker pitched a complete game and allowed five runs (two earned) on four hits, a walk and seven strikeouts.
Mason Galyen was 2 for 3 with a double, two runs and an RBI for the Warriors (4-10). Seth Dirks and Andrew Shoemaker each doubled and scored, with Dirks driving in a run. Quinn Starkey threw 5 ⅓ innings of relief, allowing two earned runs on four hits, three walks and three strikeouts.
Milford 13, St. Anne-Donovan 0: Caleb Clutteur’s three-hit shutout included 10 strikeouts of six-inning, walk-free baseball for the Bearcats (10-11). Beau Wright and Lucas Summers each had three hits. Wright doubled, drove in four and scored three runs. Summers had three runs and RBIs apiece.
Brandon Schoth was 2 for 3 for the Cardinals (7-7), with Carter Ponton adding a single.
Reed-Custer 13, Momence 0: The Comets (12-10) stayed hot, winning their third game in as many days by a combined 30-2 margin. Landen Robinson raked two doubles, drove in a run and scored three times. Alex Bielfeldt was 3 for 3 with a double, a run and an RBI. Joe Bembenek and Thomas Emery each had two hits and two RBIs, with Bembenek adding two runs and Emery scoring thrice. Jacob Reardon tossed a pair of perfect innings before Kaden Klein allowed a hit and two walks over three innings.
Shane Cook recorded the lone hit for Momence (5-10).
Coal City 15, Seneca 5: Coal City (16-7) snapped a three-game skid in runaway fashion. A.J. Wills was 3 for 5 with a double and three RBIs. He also allowed four earned runs on six hits, two walks and three strikeouts in six innings. Gabe McHugh was 3 for 5 with two runs and RBIs apiece. Lance Cuddy and Donnie Ladas each had a pair of hits.
Peotone 11, Horizon Science Academy 1: Josh Barta nearly pitched his second no-hitter in as many weeks, allowing an unearned run on a hit and three walks to go with 10 strikeouts in a five-inning complete game as the Blue Devils improved to 7-13. Tyler Leitelt was 3 for 3 with two RBIs and a run. Andrew Barta tripled, drove in three and scored twice.
Hoopeston 12, Cissna Park 2: The Timberwolves (2-14, 1-8 Vermilion Valley Conference) claimed an early 2-0 lead, but saw the Cornjerkers scored a dozen unanswered runs in a six-inning tilt. Jream Renteria and Seth Walder were each 2 for 3 with an RBI. Joah Henrichs singled and scored.
Oak Forest 4, Bradley-Bourbonnais 2: A three-run Oak Forest fifth, including two unearned runs, proved to be the difference at Bradley-Bourbonnais (13-8-1) Wednesday. Olivia Wollman was 2 for 4 with a home run, and also allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits, a walk and three strikeouts in three innings of relief. Abbie Hofbauer was 2 for 2 with a double. Suttyn Hop had an RBI double. Bristol Schriefer had a pair of hits.
Herscher 6, Yorkville Christian 2: The Tigers (13-8) ended a three-game losing streak Wednesday. Chloe Kinkade doubled twice, scored twice and drove in a pair. Keira Ahramovich was 2 for 4 with a double, a run and an RBI. Anistin Hackley also had a pair of hits. Lily Tucek was the winning pitcher after allowing no runs on a hit, three walks and three strikeouts in 4 ⅔ relief innings.
Milford-Cissna Park 14, St. Anne 0: Kami Muehling’s one-hit, two-walk shutout propelled the Bearcats (11-7) Wednesday. She was also 2 for 3 with a triple and three runs. Addison Lucht homered, doubled and scored four runs. Madisyn Laffoon was 3 for 4 with a double, two runs and two RBIs. Lillie Harris was 2 for 3 with a double, two runs and two RBIs.
Jovi Kunsch had the lone hit for St. Anne (2-8).
Peotone 16, Horizon Academy 1: The Blue Devils (12-8) extended their winning streak to six games behind Sophie Klawitter’s one-hitter. All 12 outs she recorded were via strikeout in the four-inning win. Autumn Clay, Caelan Farmer, Layla Johnson and Payton Schnelle each had two hits. Clay and Farmer each scored twice and drove in a pair while Schnelle had a team-high three RBIs.
Seneca 9, Coal City 4: Coal City (15-7) had an 11-8 advantage in the hit department, but had three errors in the field that proved costly in Wednesday’s nonconference tilt. Khloe Picard was 2 for 4 with a home run. Kaycee Graf doubled twice, drove in a pair and scored. Addison Harvey and Masyn Kuder had two-hit games, with Harvey driving in a run and Kuder scoring twice.
Kankakee 4, Thornwood 2: No individual stats were immediately available for the Kays, who are now 12-5 and 7-0 in the Southland Athletic Conference.
beats a pair of Kays teammates to the finish line of the 200 m dash at the All-City track and field meet at Kankakee Monday
KANKAKEE – Kankakee track and field coach Marques Lowe has only been a Kay for seven years
but over that time he’s not only gotten to understand the Kankakee community
“I really liked the energy of the meet,” Lowe said. “I don’t like the crazy stuff that comes with it, but I love how all the teams come out and compete for the city because that’s what it’s all about. My team did what we needed to do today. We hit some big marks, dropped some big times, and that’s what we need to do in this championship peak season.”
There’s perhaps no sprinter to ever grace a local track with more championship pedigree than seven-time individual/relay state champ and two-time team state champion Naomi Bey-Osborne, who won the 200 meters (25.26 s) and was joined by DaMariana Tooles, Essence Bell and Trinity Noble on the blazing fast 4x100 relay (46.85).
Kankakee's Naomi Bey-Osborne secures first place for the Kays in the girls 4x100 relay during the All-City meet at Kankakee High School on Monday, April, 28, 2025. (Tiffany Blanchette)
Bey-Osborne, a University of Illinois commit, said that while she stayed locked in on the track and in the classroom, “life was lifing” and tested her with a difficult path through her personal life this school year. And while the All-American is setting the track ablaze, she’s been able to find solace.
“I might come to the track with an attitude, and by the end of the day I’m happy again,” Bey-Osborne said. “It’s like peace came from being out there. I used to tell people track’s not an escape, until I had to realize track is an escape.”
Bey-Osborne was one of 12 seniors honored after the meet for the Kays’ senior night. She was joined by another then-freshman on the school’s first team state champion of any sport, the 2022 Class 2A State champion girls track and field team, senior TaLeah Turner.
Turner won the high jump (1.39 m) and the triple jump (10.66), with teammate Shania Johnson (5.37) the only one to best her in the long jump. The senior also was on the first-place 4x200 team with Bell, Jasiah Hawkins and Jemya Williams (1:45.73), and said that when she heard Lowe use the PA microphone to tell the crowd to cheer for Turner as she finished the last leg of her last relay at home, she had no choice but to turn it on.
Kankakee's TaLeah Turner takes off in the high jump at the All-City track and field meet at Kankakee Monday, April 28, 2025. (Mason Schweizer)
“When he said that in the last 100, I was like, ‘I’ve gotta go get it,’ ” Turner said. “I was so happy. The last 100 was killing me, but I got it.”
The Kays also scored wins from Noble in the 100 (12.94), Jamya McMurtry in the 400 (59.2), Riley Braddy in the 800 (2:44.24), Tooles in the 300 hurdles (48.08) and Braddy, Juliana Gomez, Jazmeera King-Franks and Syniah Williams in the 4x800 (11:33.43).
Bradley-Bourbonnais swept the shot put (Natalie Gross, 9.45) and discus (Kelsi Bade, 34.01) and also saw Meara Pizur win the 100 hurdles (18.60).
Bradley-Bourbonnais' Kyler Savini, left, and Bishop McNamara's Ana Franchescini run the 3,200 m race at the All-City track and field meet at Kankakee Monday, April 28, 2025. (Mason Schweizer)
Bishop McNamara’s Ana Franceschini swept the distance races on the girls side, winning both the 1,600 (6:27.61) and 3,200 (13:48.10).
Franceschini, who said she felt like she was “running on fire” on the warmest day of the season so far, was the top finishing girl in a 3,200 that was run in a co-ed manner. As someone who practices with her boy teammates, the motivation she gets from running with the boys was nothing new Monday, but her speed was.
“I always like to keep up,” Franceschini said. “I actually practice a lot of my runs with the boys, so it’s not really different. … It was my second race with the boys, but the first one I was that close. It really motivated me to keep up with them."
a 2023 Kankakee High School graduate and current University of Michigan defensive back
throws at the ceremonial first pitch before the Chicago White Sox hosted the Milwaukee Brewers at Rate Field in Chicago Tuesday
CHICAGO – Before he ever saw a pitch thrown at Rate Field
“It feels like the first game in the Big House (the home of Michigan football), for real,” Hill said of seeing his name, photo, hometown and alma mater flash on the stadium scoreboard as he threw out the first pitch. “That’s what it feels like. Probably more love.”
CHISOX Athlete is an NIL program that provides “current and former collegiate athletes with a platform outside of their respective sports to receive big-league mentorship, explore industry opportunities and increase exposure for their personal and professional endeavors,” per the organization.
Hill is one of nine new student-athletes that joined the program this year. While CHISOX provides members with a variety of different opportunities outside the lines, it will be tough for anything else to be as enjoyable as Tuesday was. Joined on the field by his brothers, Joeron Jr., King and Kash, for the first pitch, Hill then joined more friends and family in a personal suite to take in his first big league game.
“This experience, the baseball experience,” Hill said is his favorite part of being a CHISOX Athlete. “My first game and the first pitch, too, I’ve never thrown the ball [off the pitcher’s mound] before.”
Jyaire Hill, left, is congratulated by his brother, Kash, after throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the Chicago White Sox hosted the Milwaukee Brewers at Rate Field in Chicago Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Mason Schweizer)
Hill estimated that his own baseball career ended about 15 years ago, finding both love and talent on the gridiron and in track and field instead. A multiple-time all-stater in both sports, Hill was a member of the Kankakee football team that made the IHSA Class 5A State championship game in 2021, as well as a member of the Class 2A 2022 State champion track and field team, winning a total of three relay titles during his prep career.
As a four-star recruit, Hill graduated a semester early in December 2022 to enroll early at Michigan, where he played in four games and ultimately redshirted during the Wolverines’ 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship season.
And as a redshirt freshman last fall, Hill quickly became an integral part of the Michigan defense. As a starting cornerback, he appeared in 12 games and registered 35 total tackles, eight pass break ups, an interception and a sack.
Hill claimed to have not done anything too special, he just continued to work hard and tired to follow the footsteps of his older teammates, like All-American Will Johnson, a second-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in last week’s NFL Draft.
“I was just following the people in front of me and their steps, one by one,” Hill said. “Especially Will Johnson, who left this year. Being behind him, I followed whatever he did, took it and applied it to my game.”
Jyaire Hill looks up towards his friends and family in the crowd after throwing the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the Chicago White Sox's home game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Rate Field in Chicago Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Mason Schweizer)
Becoming a CHISOX Athlete is the latest way Hill has been able to take advantage of the ever-shifting NIL landscape around college sports. He started using it to his advantage last year, with events such as his Suga Summer Camp last summer and the inaugural Jyaire “Suga” Hill Foundation Grinchmas Party and Toy Drive last December. He plans on continuing that trend with a backpack and bike giveaway over the summer, as well as a Fourth of July community party.
“Just giving back to my community, family, stuff like that,” Hill said he hopes to use NIL for the most.
Hill hopes that soon, he’ll go from using his Big Ten platform to using a professional platform. He’ll become eligible for the NFL Draft as early as next year, with “way-too-early” mock drafts from Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski and Fox Sports’ Rob Rang both pegging Hill as a potential first-round pick.
Whenever that opportunity comes, Hill knows that if he continues on his path, it will come at the right time.
“Yeah, it is (getting closer),” Hill said with a smile and laugh. “Every year passes, it gets closer.”
ExpandKankakee County will hold an event to kick off the dredging of the Kankakee River at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Aroma Park boat ramp. (Chris Breach)
AROMA PARK – Kankakee County is set to finally launch the long-awaited dredging of the Kankakee River.
The much-anticipated work will begin at the Aroma Park boat ramp at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Potawatomi Park at 307 W. Front St.
Kankakee County Engineer Greg Heiden reported at Thursday’s Highways, Waterways and Building Committee meeting that the contractor, JS McCullough Excavating, of Coatesville, Indiana, is already setting up for the launch.
“The contractor has started mobilizing to the site,” Heiden said. “They put up some fence to keep the Looky-Lou’s away from the project location. The first thing they’re going to do is build a ramp into the river so they can get some of their equipment there.”
Heiden said the river’s water level is up slightly which might be slowing things down. He is hopeful the water level will decrease to aid with removing sand and sediment from the river’s bed.
Heiden called the 11 a.m. event a “ceremony” or a groundbreaking/ribbon-cutting for the dredging.
“Whatever you want to call it, we’ll be out there to celebrate the start of the project,” he said.
He is hopeful JS McCullough crews will be on hand to put on a mini-show as to what the dredging process entails.
Heiden was unsure if all the equipment will be onsite by Tuesday.
“There may not be a barge in the river, but there will be enough stuff there for us to get an idea what’s going on,” he said.
The entire project is being funded by $1 million secured from the state by state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, back in 2022.
It is estimated 9,500 cubic yards of sand/sediment will be removed from the river at the Aroma Park boat ramp. McCullough Excavating’s bid was $712,650.
The main reason the sand will be removed in front of the boat launch is so first responders can get into the water quickly. It will also allow for recreational boating at that entry into the Kankakee River.
The dredging project, designed by Christopher Burke Engineering, of Indianapolis, Indiana, will build a channelized approach in between the existing island in the river and the current boat launch.
The contractor said in December the dredging will take at least three months to complete.
ExpandFILE – A “Vote Here” sign in front of the Kankakee County Clerk’s Office (Daily Journal/Taylor Leddin-McMaster)
Voters in Kankakee County this election determined who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries.
Tuesday marked the last day mail-in ballots had to arrive at county clerk’s offices and still be counted. Provisional ballots also had to be addressed by that time.
Totals for all counties will be made official this week after they are canvassed.
ExpandKankakee's Marques Easley communicates to the offensive line during the Kays' 39-13 loss to East St. Louis in the IHSA Class 6A quarterfinal game on Nov. 11, 2023. (File Photo)
One of the latest NCAA Division I football players to take advantage of the transfer portal has native roots in Kankakee. Marques Easley, a 2024 Kankakee graduate, announced Saturday that he is transferring from Georgia to Purdue.
Easley graduated Kankakee as 247 Sports’ 161st-ranked overall recruit in the nation, the 14th-ranked offensive tackle and fifth-ranked Illinois prospect. He redshirted his first season at Georgia, appearing in two games, and will have four years of eligibility as a Boilermaker.
The former four-star recruit entered the transfer portal April 17 following an indefinite suspension issued last month after alleged involvement in an automobile accident.
5x Your Impact: Your $1 = $5 for nature today
when a kid needed to get outside for some fresh air and sunshine
they would be told to go outside for a ‘snipe hunt’ to search for snipe
Our parents thought they were sending us on a wild goose chase
to wander around outside trying to track down a non-existent bird
Well, good news—snipe are real! Most spring and early-summer days we hear Wilson’s snipe (Gallinago delicata) calling from the wetlands here at Kankakee Sands. During a recent walk along the Wet Prairie Trail through the north bison pasture
that I was witnessing the elusive Wilson’s snipe
It's tricky to sneak up on a snipe; their eyes are positioned far back on their heads so that they can see predators from all directions
they will fly upwards with explosive energy and then speed rapidly away
causing a heart-stopping episode from the one who witnesses it
(My heart did indeed get a workout on the Wet Prairie Trail!)
I think of Wilson’s snipe as being rather solitary in nature
while at the Bison Viewing Area in late April
I noticed a group of more than 20 snipe around a sandy shored wetland
probing their long beaks in the mud for a meal of insect larva
This may well have been a migratory group of snipe stopping over for rest and food before continuing journey from as far away as central American onwards to Canada
Though this “wisp of snipe” may have continued further north
some Wilson’s snipe do stay and breed right here at Kankakee Sands
Wilson’s snipe fall into the category of shorebirds and sure enough
this beautiful bird is one that is wetland dependent
And hide they will! However, you can tune your ear to their repetitive one or two syllable harsh chirp, and also train your ear to listen for the amazing, and mildly haunting, winnowing sounds that is created as the air rushes over its tail feathers. The website All About Birds has sound recordings of Wilson’s snipe calls and the in-flight winnowing
including this one: Alexander Wilson himself did not believe that birds should be named after people
the Wilson’s snipe is one of 80 birds to be renamed by the American Ornithological Society in the next few years
The next time you feel like you should get out of the house for some fresh air and sunshine
make your way to Kankakee Sands for the sights and winnowing sounds of the Wilson’s snipe
Conrad Station Savanna Nature Preserve, located on the north end of Kankakee Sands, is an ideal place for a springtime walk
Not only will you be delighted by spring wildflowers
you will likely also get to see a flying checkerboard
Though many birds migrate back to Indiana in the spring
red-headed woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) are year-round residents here in Newton County
are especially easy to see before the trees leaf out
zipping between tree trunks in search of insects to eat
or perched on tree trunks in search of nesting cavities
Watch for the bright red feathers on their head
which provide a stark contrast to their black wings and white underbelly and tail
Both male and female red-headed woodpeckers have these color markings
The healthy open savannas and woodlands of Conrad Station Savanna—in which red-headed woodpeckers can feed
find safety and raise their young—are their preferred habitat
This habitat is greatly enhanced by the use of prescribed fire
The science shows that there is a strong positive correlation of red-headed woodpeckers with burned areas
Prescribed fire is a critical component of keeping grasslands and woodlands healthy and thriving
These systems evolved with fire: the plants depend on it
as well as the insects and animals of those habitats
Healthy ecosystems are ones that can resist decline
adapt to change and be sustained over time
TNC and Department of Natural Resources staff regularly conduct prescribed burns here in Newton County and
and we conduct prescribed fire all over the world
Indiana Kankakee Sands staff member Olivia Schouten (Indiana TNC) and Rob Littiken (Illinois TNC) recently returned from a week-long workshop in the country of Belize in Central America
where they were involved in an education exchange on prescribed burning
Olivia attended the fire workshop for the first time to grow her experience specifically on the topic of Wildfire Response
Rob returned this year to assist with the planning and presentation
The Nature Conservancy is an international organization and conducts prescribed fire all over the world
Our very own Indiana TNC staff are featured in this 5-minute video to help familiarize people all across the globe about the benefits of prescribed fire
This spring, as you walk among the ruins of the old town of Conrad in Conrad Station Savanna Nature Preserve, let the red-headed woodpeckers remind you that this special place, like so many other natural areas in Indiana, are thriving thanks to the dedication of many trained staff and volunteers and a robust fire program.
Bradley-Bourbonnais 1, Fremd 0: Lydia Hammond was perfect in the Boilermakers’ second game of the BBCHS Invite on Saturday, and needed to be in order to outduel Fremd’s Hailey Lucas. Hammond retired all 21 batters in order, while racking up 17 strikeouts, as the Boilermakers (16-8) took down a Viking team ranked 16th in the Class 4A ICA Poll. Bradley-Bourbonnais received votes in the same poll but fell just outside the top 20.
The Boilermakers had just two hits in the game, but were able to score without one in the first inning. Bella Pusateri reached on a dropped third strike, later stealing second and scoring on a throwing error. Pusateri also singled later in the game, as did Bristol Schriefer.
Beecher 9, Sandburg 5: Ava Lorenzatti had three hits, including a solo home run, to help lead the Bobcats (24-1) to a nonconference win on the road. She went 3 for 5 with two RBIs and a run and also picked up the win, allowing seven hits and four runs over five innings. Taylor Norkus closed out the game allowing four hits and a run over two innings. Makenzie Johnson was 3 for 4 with a double, a walk and two runs while Alexa Gilva was 2 for 4 with two RBIs and three runs.
Oak Forest 15, Bradley-Bourbonnais 2: The Boilermakers (14-8) took a loss at home Saturday in the first game of a nonconference doubleheader. Jace Boudreau was 2 for 4 with a solo home run and scored both of the team’s runs. Mason Shaul was 2 for 4 with an RBI. Both Boudreau and Shaul also had a stolen base.
For the Cardinals, Carter Ponton worked 5⅔ innings and allowed just four hits. Three of the five runs he allowed were unearned and he had 10 strikeouts. He also went 1 for 2 with a walk and a run. Cassen Berryhill, Jackson Hawkins and Brandon Schoth had a single apiece.
Herscher 10, Prairie Central 0: Reed Laird allowed just three hits in five shutout innings on the road Saturday as the Tigers (23-4) stayed hot with their fifth win in a row and 11th win in their last 12 games. Connor Sharper pitched a scoreless sixth inning to preserve the shutout. Keegan Andre was 2 for 3 with a walk and two RBIs while Gaige Brown was 2 for 3 with a double, a walk and an RBI. Payten Young went 1 for 3 with a walk, two RBIs and a run.
Burlington Central 10, Coal City 1: An eight-run first inning from Burlington Central sunk the Coalers (16-8) in the first of two games at home on Saturday. Coal City got one run back in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI double from Gabe McHugh that drove in AJ Wills. Wills was 1 for 2 in the game and McHugh was 1 for 3 with a walk.
Tolono Unity 9, Coal City 0: The Coalers (16-9) had 10 runners reach base in their second game Saturday, with three reaching on hits, five on walks, one on a hit-by-pitch and two more on errors, but were unable to score in the loss. McHugh was 2 for 2 with a walk while Ethan Olson was 1 for 2.
LeRoy 15, Watseka 2: The Panthers scored three runs in the first, five runs in the fourth and seven runs in the seventh to hand the Warriors (5-11) a home loss on Saturday. James Newell went 2 for 3 with a walk while Payton Schaumburg was 1 for 3 with a run. Andrew Shoemaker also scored a run for Watseka.
ExpandKCC Fitness Center (Provided by KCC FItne)
KANKAKEE – Residents are flexing their muscles in an attempt to keep the Kankakee Community College’s fitness center right where it is.
At Monday’s Kankakee Valley Park District’s monthly meeting, the ongoing discussion between KCC and the Kankakee Valley Park District were brought to the surface by fitness center members.
Already an item on the meeting agenda, approximately 12 people, mainly seniors, were on hand about the center’s future at Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena.
The fitness center has been inside Ice Valley since it opened in 2005.
Prior to then, the fitness center was a part of the main campus. It is open to residents of the KCC district.
Since this past year, KVPD and KCC have been discussing terms for an annual rental agreement.
Kankakee Community College President Michael Boyd said the two sides have had “friendly conversations.”
“We are happy to continue our partnership,” Boyd said. “This is a community college, and we enjoy providing a fitness center to the students, student-athletes and residents of the district.”
So senior members of the fitness center came to voice their concerns.
Amy Ciaccio-Jarvis was one of two people to talk during public comment.
Ciaccio-Jarvis said the fitness center is an intergenerational workout place.
“We have students there. We have disabled [people there]. We have veterans, seniors,” Ciaccio-Jarvis said. ”We see people getting rehabbed out of strokes. And I also see it as an intergovernmental partnership.
“KCC and the Park District, it’s a wonderful thing. If the partnership would dissolve, it would really impact negatively a lot of seniors. What we see going on there, it’s been there for a long time.”
Chester Ciotuszynski echoed Ciaccio-Jarvis’ comments of the different generations working out side-by-side.
“The facility there offers seniors a great golden opportunity,” Ciotuszynski said.
“I had two knee replacements. I worked out there before the replacements and afterwards, and I’m doing fairly good. And to lose that, and like [Ciaccio-Jarvis] said, you have young people, older people. We blend in well.
“We learn from each other. And it gives us a thought of what we used to be.”
Like Ciaccio-Jarvis, Ciotuszynski mentioned paying property taxes to the district.
“I pay almost $300 in property taxes for the park district, $25 for your pensions,” he said. “And you can thank me later.”
Per rules for public comment, the board cannot respond to the comments, rather they can take them under advisement and then comment at the following board meeting.
In the beginning, KCC paid $112,500 spread out over three years in the initial agreement finalized in 2006. Since 2010, KCC has paid $1 annually for the lease, and the agreement let it extend the deal for three additional five-year terms.
The third five-year term is from Sept. 1, 2020, to Aug. 31, 2025.
Also part of the original deal in 2003, KCC agreed to an exchange of land of 11.53 acres to KVPD to build the Ice Valley Centre at 1601 River Road in Kankakee, and it agreed to grant all needed utility easements to KVPD. KCC compensated KVPD in the amount of $696,000.
There were also cost overruns related to the construction of Ice Valley, and KCC agreed on an addendum to pay two additional sums of $225,000, paid in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Combined with $112,500 lease payments, KCC’s total payment for the facility was just more than $1.3 million.
In addition, KCC offers complimentary fitness center membership to all KVPD employees and commissioners.
However, the commissioners now have decided to charge rent.
The latest proposal is KCC pays $1,000 monthly rent and for utilities for the fitness center.
Boyd said the college has not yet received the proposal.
By a 4-0 vote, the board approved offering a one-year agreement, which will run from Sept. 1, 2025, to Aug. 31, 2026.
The two sides will discuss future agreements, KVPD officials said.
Officials from Kankakee School District 111 toured the fitness center earlier this month to see if it could possibly be home to the district’s transition program for adult students with disabilities out of the Meadowview Center due to facility issues with the former Embrace Consignment Store location.
Kankakee Valley Park District Executive Director Ross Bruni said the school district informed him that they were going to stay in house with the move.
Chris Breach also contributed to this story.
Watseka Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Escort: 7:30 a.m
Organizers of the Watseka Gold Star Families Memorial Monument invite the public to help escort the monument 101 miles to Watseka from the Road Ranger in Ottawa
The event precedes the monument’s dedication ceremony set on April 26
Vincent Rink and Lindy Peak at The Hideout Lounge: 7 p.m.
Up-and-coming musicians Vincent Rink and Lindy Peak are set for another performance at The Hideout Lounge
located downstairs at The Majestic at 150 N
The Bradley Lions Club will be serving up all-you-can-eat plates of pancakes & sausage and biscuits & gravy at the new Bradley Community Center at 428 W
For carry-out orders of five or more call 815-932-9180
The mall food court will have more than 5,000 Easter eggs waiting to be found on Saturday
treats and surprises provided by WASA and Bradley’s Economic Development Corp
*For the full list of Easter egg hunts and activities
see Wednesday’s story titled “Trail of 12,000 eggs at Perry Farm Park.”
To read more, go to shawlocal.com/tags/5-things-to-do or check out The Scene, our entertainment section, at shawlocal.com/thescene.
2025 at 12:02 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Kiyantis Riley
IL — Three men died overnight in a fiery crash in Kankakee
were traveling in a 2008 GMC Yukon that left the road in the 900 block of South Cobb Boulevard and hit a tree
but they were unable to free them from the vehicle due to the heavy fire
The coroner’s office was called to the scene around 1:15 a.m
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
May 05, 2025 at 5:00 pm CDTIt’s Monday evening, and a lovely one at that. The mercury on our thermometer has crept up to 80 degrees. The laundry dried really fast, so it didn’t matter that I did other jobs around the house before I started with laundry.
Now I want to share what our weeks ahead will be like. Yesterday, daughter Verena and Daniel Ray were “published” to be married June 20. For the readers who wonder what published means, I will explain. When a couple plans to get married, it is kept a secret from everyone except family and close friends. About six to eight weeks before their wedding date, the bishop announces the wedding date to the whole church. This is said right before church services are over.
Usually, families from both the bride and groom attend the service to be there to share the joy of the couple’s announcement. This is always an exciting day for the couple, and also a relief that they can freely talk about their wedding day to anyone.
Often, the “secret” slips out somehow, and some people find out about the upcoming wedding. Most often, if it does, they will be kind enough not to spread it further. My daughters never really cared if it wasn’t a “surprise” to everyone.
One of our local community stores has a calendar hung in the back of the store so couples planning to get married in our community can put a sticker on the day they choose. This helps from not having two weddings on the same day.
When daughter Loretta and Dustin were married, daughter Elizabeth and Tim had a nephew who married the day before their wedding. This made a very busy week for them with a wedding on each side of their family. They made it work, though.
Verena and Daniel will be married in Dustin and Loretta’s pole barn, and the reception will be held here. This is our fifth and last daughter getting married. It will be so different for me not to have a daughter in the house anymore. Verena isn’t going far, though. We will put a wall through the pole barn and make living quarters in there for the newlyweds.
Verena will still go over and help Loretta every day with the children while Dustin’s at work. I am glad she will be just a hop and skip out of our door for now. Daniel Ray is a great addition to our family. He’s always helpful around here and a great friend to Verena. I wish this couple many happy years together.
Daniel Ray is the first of his siblings to leave home and get married, so this will be a great adjustment for their family. I remember when our first one left the house and how different it was for us. The house seemed so empty with one less person.
The garage sale for sister Verena was a success last week, and we also barbecued 400 pounds of chicken for donation toward son Kevin’s handicapped buggy. We sold out on the chicken, which we were very happy with. We appreciate everyone who helped support this. Kevin will be so happy once he can leave without having to be lifted all the time.
Tomorrow afternoon is the public auction at my sister-in-law Sarah Irene’s place. She is selling a lot of my brother Albert’s farm equipment and downsizing in her house. We never thought Albert’s life would be over so soon. May 22 will be a year since he lost his eight-week battle with colon cancer. Having lost three siblings all at young ages really makes you appreciate every day God gives you. Rest in peace, dear brothers and sisters. May we all meet again someday.
We are enjoying our first meals of asparagus. Rhubarb also is out there, ready and waiting for me to make a rhubarb custard pie. I want to can rhubarb juice in the next few weeks.
Homemade asparagus soup (Lovina's Amish Kitchen)
Combine the broth, potatoes, onions and salt in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Add the asparagus and cook for 10 more minutes. Whisk the milk and flour together well in a small bowl, then whisk into soup. Stir in the cheese until melted. Can be served immediately or cooled and refrigerated to eat later. If desired, garnish with crumbled bacon.
Gas prices have gone up by about 4 cents per gallon since this time last month but are still down by nearly 50 cents compared to this time last year
The national average fuel price is about $3.17
seeing the cheapest metro-area prices at $2.60 and Salinas
but the baseline 10% tariffs will remain in place
GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan thinks it is possible that gas prices have already reached their peak in 2025
which typically happens around mid-April each year
"After oil's sharp drop over the last couple of weeks—driven by concerns over the impact of U.S. tariffs and OPEC+ restoring production faster than expected—gasoline prices have posted a notable weekly decline, with nearly every state seeing prices fall," De Haan said in a recent statement
"While I do expect gas prices to continue trending lower
any abrupt change in the current tariff situation could eventually bring the decline to a halt."
Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Kankakee-Bradley, IL metro area using data from AAA
Kankakee by the numbers- Gas current price: $3.27--- Illinois average: $3.45- Week change: -$0.05 (-1.5%)- Year change: -$0.46 (-12.4%)- Historical expensive gas price: $5.37 (6/10/22)
- Diesel current price: $3.48- Week change: +$0.01 (+0.2%)- Year change: -$0.49 (-12.3%)- Historical expensive diesel price: $5.85 (6/26/22)
This story features writing by Tim Bruns and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 371 metros
This list is part of Shaw Local’s 5 Things to Do feature. Submit your events for consideration to The Daily Journal’s community calendar at shawlocal.com/daily-journal/local-events
ExpandStated in 2007, the Indian Meadows subdivision in Kankakee's 3rd Ward and along Illinois Route 113, remains only partially developed. The owner of 53 lots within the complex will meeting the Kankakee City Council's Economic Development Committee on Thursday. (Lee Provost)
KANKAKEE – An expected final vote on a developer’s plans for numerous lots at the Indian Meadows subdivision in Kankakee’s far west side will wait for two more weeks.
The developer for 53 lots at the complex in the city’s 3rd Ward, Dr. Anuja Gupta and her development company, Limestone Townhomes LLC, will likely come before the Kankakee City Council on May 5.
Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis said when seeking to have the second reading of a development agreement acted upon that Gupta sought a meeting with the council’s Economic Development Committee.
The committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, and Gupta is slated to make a presentation.
She is seeking some development concessions and economic incentives to help support the project, as the chief issue is the building permit fee structure for the upcoming five years.
The city appears to be willing to reduce fees for a five-year period. There is also an issue of the city rebating a portion of the property taxes over a period of years. The exact number of years is being discussed.
She is planning to invest an estimated $40 million to construct 128 townhome units in a combination of duplex and fourplex structures along Illinois Route 113.
The Indian Meadows subdivision dates back to 2007. Properties have been developed there, but the majority of the lots remain empty.
The 118-lot subdivision, started when Mayor Donald Green was in office, is just north of the Riverside Medical Center campus.
The first reading of the incentive agreement went before the council on April 7, but some of the issues had not yet been finalized. The hope was all issues would have been resolved by Monday’s council meeting.
2025 at 6:00 am CDTExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 11Two young participants walk arm in arm as they near the end of the 2nd Walk Against Gun Violence in Kankakee on Tuesday
The young residents carried signs opposing gun violence they made in art class
Tiffany BlanchetteTiffany Blanchette has been a photojournalist with the Daily Journal since 2014 and Photo Editor since 2018. She has won awards for her work from the Illinois Press Association and the National Press Photographers Association. She enjoys covering everything from news to sports in the very community she grew up in.
ExpandAn American flag waves in front of a polling place during a 2021 election. See which candidates won and lost in school board elections throughout Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. (Tiffany Blanchette)
Preliminary results from the Kankakee County Clerk’s Office show which school boards across Kankakee County will gain new members and which will see incumbents maintaining or losing their seats after Tuesday night’s consolidated election.
See the outcomes of contested races below:
In Kankakee School District 111, three incumbents and one newcomer emerged victorious in the race for four four-year terms.
Jess Gathing Jr., Tracy Verrett and Darrell Williams were reelected, and Susan Lopez was elected for her first term.
Another newcomer, Kathy Yancy Smith, was elected to fill an unexpired two-year term.
Lopez, with 2,375 votes (22.66% of total votes), was the highest vote earner of the six candidates seeking four-year terms.
She will replace board member Mary Archie, who did not run for reelection.
The next highest earners were Gathing with 2,132 votes (20.34%), Verrett with 1,923 votes (18.35%) and Williams with 1,734 votes (16.55%).
Challengers Reginald Bell and Dajon Casiel were defeated, earning the lowest vote totals of the six candidates. Bell earned 1,491 votes (14.23%), and Casiel earned 825 votes (7.87%).
Smith earned 2,034 votes (67.82%) in the race to serve an unexpired two-year term.
Smith defeated Cynthia Veronda, who earned 965 votes (32.18%) after serving a three-month appointment following the death of former board member Deb Johnston.
Veronda, who ran as a write-in candidate, previously served on the board from 1991 to 1995.
In Bourbonnais Elementary School District 53, four incumbents defeated two challengers in the race to fill four four-year terms.
Jamie Freedlund, Erika Young, Betsy Keller and Stephan Moulton were reelected.
The four highest vote earners were Freedlund with 2,202 votes (20.71% of the total votes), Young with 2,200 votes (20.69%), Keller with 2,033 votes (19.12%) and Moulton with 1,739 votes (16.35%).
Defeated with the least amount of votes were challengers Kevin Haberzetle with 1,301 votes (12.23%) and Fredda Rodewald with 1,160 votes (10.91%).
Board member Brian Fritz, running unopposed, will fill an unexpired two-year term.
In BBCHS District 307, three incumbents defeated three challengers in the race for three four-year terms.
Ann Brezinski, Jim Patterson and Sally Martell were reelected.
The three highest vote earners were Brezinski with 2,318 votes (23.95% of the total votes), Patterson with 2,153 votes (22.25%) and Martell with 1,937 votes (20.01%).
The three defeated challengers include Mark Parson with 1,131 votes (11.69%), David Schumer with 1,094 votes (11.30%) and Chris Borchardt with 1,045 votes (10.80%).
In Manteno School District 5, one incumbent and one challenger emerged victorious in the race for two four-year terms.
Challenger Mary Crowe was elected, and incumbent Joshua Stauffenberg was reelected.
Meanwhile, incumbent Jim Hanley was ousted, earning the lowest total votes of the three candidates, according to unofficial results.
Crowe was the highest vote earner with 2,067 votes (40.55% of total votes).
Stauffenberg earned the second highest number of votes with 1,532 (30.06%).
Hanley fell close behind with 1,498 votes (29.39%).
The race in St. Anne School District 24 was close, but incumbent Louie Farber gained the most votes in both Kankakee and Iroquois counties.
Farber and challenger Samanthia Baines were both vying for one four-year term on the Kankakee County ballot.
Farber earned one more vote than Baines in Kankakee County, with 278 votes (50.09%) compared with Baines’ 277 votes (49.91%).
In Iroquois County, Farber earned 50 votes (79.37%) and Baines earned six votes (9.52%). Mark Hodge also appeared on the Iroquois County ballot for the four-year term, gaining seven votes (11.11%).
On the Kankakee County ballot, Hodge was a write-in candidate for an unexpired two-year term. Tanya Duncan also ran as a write-in candidate for this seat.
The Kankakee County Clerk’s Office reported that 263 write-in ballots were counted. However, the number of votes each write-in candidate earned were not immediately available Tuesday night.
Kankakee County Clerk Dan Hendrickson said the write-in vote totals will not be official until canvassing is completed in the next couple of weeks.
This story will be updated once official results are confirmed.
This spring, Kankakee County voters get to decide who will make the important decisions regarding their communities
Early voting has started with voting to conclude on Election Day
To vote by mail, go to kankakeecountyclerk.gov where printable applications for vote-by-mail ballots can be found
Early voting has started at the Office of the County Clerk, 189 E. Court St. in Kankakee
Below are all competitive races in Kankakee County with candidate questionnaires and coverage as available
This voter guide will be updated if additional candidates submit their questionnaires and more coverage completed
Genevra Walters: Candidate questionnaire
Christopher W. Curtis (incumbent): Candidate questionnaire
Charles Steele (incumbent): Candidate questionnaire
Jeff Keast: Candidate questionnaire
David Zinanni: Candidate questionnaire
Rick Fischer (incumbent): Candidate questionnaire
Angie Serafini (incumbent): Candidate questionnaire
Joel L. Gesky: Candidate questionnaire
Annette LaMore: Candidate questionnaire
Cameron J. “CJ” Boudreau (incumbent): Candidate questionnaire
Sherri S. Crawford: Candidate questionnaire
Margaret “Peggy” Vaughn: Candidate questionnaire
Paul A. Motel: Candidate questionnaire
Michael Barry: Candidate questionnaire
Jennifer Corke-Kafer and Ellen Stringer (incumbent) are running for two open six-year terms
Aaron Alan Shule (28N Range 13W) (incumbent)
Brianne Shule-Whybrew (28N Range 14W) (incumbent)
Only two candidates can win from 28N Range 13W
Cynthia Veronda (write-in) (incumbent): Candidate questionnaire
Susan Lopez: Candidate questionnaire
Our coverage: “Kankakee school board candidates debate views”
“Kankakee School Board race: More Q&A from candidates debate”
“Kankakee school board candidate temporarily banned from KHS”
“School board candidate charged with misdemeanor battery”
Megan Powell (incumbent) is running uncontested for the open board seat representing the rest of the district
Stephan Moulton (incumbent): Candidate questionnaire
Kevin Haberzetle: Candidate questionnaire
Erika Young (incumbent): Candidate questionnaire
Betsy Keller (incumbent): Candidate questionnaire
Fredda Rodewald: Candidate questionnaire
Jamie Freedlund (incumbent): Candidate questionnaire
Brian Fritz (incumbent) is running unopposed for a two-year term
Jim Patterson (incumbent): Candidate questionnaire
At least one board member must come from the unincorporated area
Our coverage: “Joliet Junior College trustee candidates say programs need broader appeal for more students”
Increase limiting rate on Momence Fire Protection District property taxes
Remove geography requirements on Central School District 4 school board makeup
ExpandKankakee Mayor Chris Curtis, left, and Democratic mayoral candidate Genevra Walters listen to a question from the panel during the Kankakee County NAACP Candidates Forum on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Kankakee Community College. (Tiffany Blanchette)
KANKAKEE – Two of Kankakee’s most recognizable figures who are seeking to set the city’s direction for the next four years laid out their vision.
Before an audience of about 100 in Kankakee Community College’s Iroquois Room, Chris Curtis, first-term Republican mayor, and Genevra Walters, retired 10-year Kankakee School District superintendent, who is running as a Democrat, answered a wide range of questions seeking their views and direction.
Questions ranged from issues dealing with crime, business and residential expansion, Hobbie Avenue reconstruction, budgets, leadership style and the municipality’s future.
While both, of course, said development, business growth and public safety matters were common concerns throughout the one-hour forum, hosted by the Kankakee County Branch of the NAACP, the path to accomplishing those tasks were often different.
A crowd of about 100 people listen as Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis, left, and Democratic mayoral candidate Genevra Walters answer questions during the Kankakee County NAACP Candidates Forum on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Kankakee Community College. (Tiffany Blanchette)
Early voting is already underway for the April 1 municipal election. The city new year begins May 1, meaning Curtis will oversee the May 5 Kankakee City Council meeting, or Walters will take her oath of office that night.
While Curtis expressed satisfaction to the accomplishments of his first term – noting improving numbers in many areas of crime statistics, declines in taxing citizens and a sharply improved city hall financial picture – he was quick to say significant work must yet be done.
Walters, on the other hand, having not had a position within the city government, spoke of the need to gain input from from residents, neighborhood leaders and business leaders as to how the direction of the city might need to be altered.
Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis responds to a question during the Kankakee County NAACP Candidates Forum with Democratic mayoral candidate Genevra Walters on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Kankakee Community College. (Tiffany Blanchette)
After having served nine years as a 6th Ward alderman, Curtis challenged then-incumbent Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong in 2021 and soundly defeated her in her re-election bid.
He explained he then focused on restoring Kankakee’s troubled finances, deteriorating bond rating and crime issues.
He said uncompleted audits have all be completed and approved, the city bond rating has continued to rebound and crime has dropped 15%.
He also said the city also has experienced its highest-ever property evaluation figures – now standing at $322 million – and as a result the tax rate has dropped for property owners to $4.86, its lowest mark since Fiscal Year 2012.
Walters said she is no stranger to handling and managing large budgets, having successfully overseen more than $1 billion in her years as superintendent.
Kankakee Democratic mayoral candidate Genevra Walters responds to a question during the Kankakee County NAACP Candidates Forum with incumbent Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Kankakee Community College. (Tiffany Blanchette)
But, she said, more input needs to be gained from residents to see what help the city can lend to pick up those dealing with declining neighborhoods, job loss or underemployment.
She also pointed to the increase in “affordable housing” as well as rehab programs for properties in need.
Curtis also said he supports affordable housing. He praised the new 36-unit, $14 million West Harbor Residences through the Kankakee County Housing Authority in the city’s 5th Ward.
Curtis made clear his administration is also finalizing development plans for kick-starting a pair of somewhat stalled subdivision developments, Prairie Walk on the city’s southside, and Indian Meadows on its far western edge.
Theodis Pace, president of the Kankakee County Branch of the NAACP, asks a question to Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis and Democratic mayoral candidate Genevra Walters during the NAACP's Candidates Forum on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Kankakee Community College. (Tiffany Blanchette)
While the candidates often did not agree on the direction the city should travel in terms of achieving greater success, they were asked to rate Kankakee on a 1-10 scale.
Replying first, Walters assigned the city a score of eight.
“Many residents focus on weaknesses, not strengths,” she said about when they look at the community they call home.
She said Kankakee has many assets as well as many reasons to feel positive.
Curtis said he had the same score in mind.
“It’s a great city,” he said. “There have been ups and downs.”
Curtis said when he stepped into the mayor’s office in May 2021, he would have assigned the city a score somewhere between six or seven.
“We have never been so busy. So many people are expanding,” he said of business.
Walters recalled a story from her first days as the Kankakee school superintendent. She was meeting with then-Mayor Nina Epstein.
Epstein pressed upon her the importance of the school system as it related to the city’s success. At the time, Walters said Kankakee’s graduation rate hovered under 60%.
She said work was done and the percentage was drastically increased.
Walters said she continues to work on improvements, not necessarily test scores or graduation rates, but raising others up.
Attendees listen as Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis and Democratic mayoral candidate Genevra Walters answer questions during the Kankakee County NAACP Candidates Forum on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Kankakee Community College. (Tiffany Blanchette)
She mentioned the plight of the homeless here, saying its root cause must be addressed, and the city must put a plan in place to deal with it.
Curtis said the city has worked on this issue. He cast the deciding vote as mayor to establish a homeless shelter for military veterans along South Washington Avenue.
He said he was the only mayor to participate in a homelessness summit coordinated by Fortitude Community Outreach, the Kankakee-based homeless shelter service.
“There are five shelters in Kankakee,” Curtis said. “There are zero in the rest of the county.”
WATSEKA – Larenz M. Walters, the son of Kankakee mayoral candidate and former Kankakee School District superintendent Genevra Walters, was arrested Saturday in Iroquois County for alleged possession of a weapon and cannabis.
Genevra Walters is running as a Democrat against incumbent Republican Mayor Chris Curtis.
She retired as superintendent of Kankakee School District 111 this past year.
Larenz Walters, 18, of Kankakee, was a passenger in a vehicle operated by Keyandre D. White, 18, of Sun River Terrace.
At 6:07 p.m. Saturday, Illinois State Police Troop 5 said officers conducted a traffic stop on a Black Chrysler driven by White on Interstate 57 (southbound) at mile marker 274 (southbound rest stop) in Iroquois County.
ISP said in a response for an information request Larenz Walters and White were arrested and charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon (pistol) under the age of 21, PICA violation (31-round magazine), and unlawful possession of cannabis.
The Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA) is a law that bans the sale and distribution of assault weapons, high-capacity magazines and certain attachments. It was signed into law by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in January 2023.
White was also cited for speeding above statutory limit, driving with expired registration plates and failure to carry driver’s license on person.
No date to appear or cases have been filed according to Iroquois County online court records.
Iroquois County State’s Attorney Michael Quinlan said Wednesday his office is reviewing the case.
Larenz Walters and White were released shortly after midnight, according to Iroquois County Jail records.
Genevra Walters released a statement on the incident to her mayoral campaign Facebook page around 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 11.
Watch, like & learn. #GunSafety #ABetterKankakee.
ExpandKankakee Mayoral candidate Dr. Genevra Walters (Photo provided by Dr. Genevra Walters)
Retired Superintendent of Kankakee School District 111
Bachelor’s in social work from the University of Illinois-Chicago
Master’s in social work from the University of Illinois-Chicago
Doctorate in special education from Illinois State University
Alternative certification in special education from Western Illinois University
Live Free - Kankakee executive director of Youth Empowerment Program
I have three children and three stepchildren: Shaina Clasberry, Elias Clasberry, Larenz Walters, Larry Walters, Kynyahta Walters and Laronne Walters.
Having been born, raised and a lifelong resident of Kankakee, I have always been a community servant – a servant of the people. I have served as the superintendent of Kankakee schools, administrator, social worker, director of Black History and cheerleading coach.
Since 2008, I have successfully managed corporate budgets of $70 million, and as much as $100 million. I have managed, directed and supervised up to 1,000 employees in both the cities of Kankakee and Chicago Heights.
Despite incredibly painful, personal challenges (such as the death of my beloved husband), my commitment to my dear Kankakee did not waiver. I continued to serve, while raising my son and caring for my disabled sister. As superintendent, I improved a struggling school district.
I, first, secured over 300 additional jobs by bringing transportation under the purview of the district. I then moved to invest $90 million in the school district’s infrastructure. My three-step process – vision, resources and action – has benefited countless residents in Kankakee.
As mayor, I will enhance public safety with community policing. I will continue improving our infrastructure and creating opportunities for all citizens. I have proven my innovative ability to overcome challenges, to actively interact with diverse groups of community members and my competence to take a vision … to action.
As community leaders, we’re tasked with serving the common good and making a positive impact in our communities. My heart is in Kankakee. I will continue giving my heart to this community and will continue to vow to make it better for you, for me, for all families and for generations to come.
The greatest weakness of the City of Kankakee is its failure at inclusion – to plan for all of Kankakee and its citizens. A new comprehensive and strategic plan for the city of Kankakee is needed. A clear-eyed plan that demonstrates how to sustain the areas of the city that are well-kept, and to rebuild/renew the areas that are neglected.
There has been a lack of follow through and clear communication regarding projects that are slow to completion (or have ended) like the Hobbie Avenue project, the community policing efforts and the commitment to economic development like the minority Project Catalyst entrepreneur program.
The greatest strength of the City of Kankakee is its citizens while fostering constant dialogue with them to gain true and accurate insight into the real issues that matter them about their everyday lives.
I do not believe that the Kankakee Police Department should be put in the position of challenging other law enforcement agencies. I also do not believe that it is the Kankakee Police’s responsibility to carry out the directives given to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency known as ICE.
However, I do believe that organizations in Kankakee should support the safety and well-being of every human being living in the City of Kankakee. Regardless of status, all immigrants are afforded many rights under the Constitution and has the right of due process. The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution states that “no person ... shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law.”
In the simplest terms, due process means that a person cannot be deprived of their legal rights without proper application of the law.
That is, a person cannot have their property taken away from them or be placed in jail without first going through the legal system to determine if they are guilty of the crime they are accused of and determining the applicable punishment. In other words, proper application of the law means treating an undocumented immigrant just the same as a natural-born citizen before the court. We will not support the misapplication of the law nor any inhumane treatment of anyone.
Community policing: Community policing is a strategy that emphasizes building ties and working closely with members of the community to enhance public safety and trust in law enforcement. Key approaches include: a. Strengthening police-community relationships
Economic development: Economic development will be addressed through a combination of strategies focused on business growth, workforce development, infrastructure improvement and community engagement.
Key approaches include: business development and retention
Affordable housing: Addressing affordable housing will require a multifaceted approach that considers economic development, housing policy and community engagement.
Here are some key strategies: Expand affordable housing supply
Balancing economic development with environmental sustainability requires a strategic approach that fosters business growth while preserving natural resources.
I will attract and promote green industries and sustainable businesses. I will support sustainable agriculture and local food systems through encouraging farming practices that improve soil health and reduce pollution in the Kankakee River.
I will fight to invest in parks, trails and the Kankakee River to attract visitors while preserving natural habitats. Promote activities like kayaking, hiking and fishing that generate revenue without harming the environment. I will commit to developing energy-efficient buildings, green roofs and permeable pavements to manage stormwater effectively.
By offering grants or tax credits for businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility will prove to be fruitful. I will support conservation programs that protect local wildlife and waterways, especially the Kankakee River.
Enhancing public transportation and infrastructure in Kankakee will involve a combination of ongoing projects, strategic planning and community engagement. I will continue to build upon the Rebuild Illinois Program that Kankakee is currently benefiting from – the state’s capital program, with over $200 million invested in local infrastructure projects. These investments are driving economic development, creating jobs and improving transportation systems.
Kankakee Area Transportation Study (KATS): As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the area, KATS develops core transportation plans, including the Long-Range Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
KATS encourages public input. These documents outline current conditions and set goals for future transportation improvements.
River Valley Metro Mass Transit District: This agency operates 11 local fixed routes and two commuter routes, serving Kankakee County and surrounding areas. Recent efforts include adding more daily trips to Midway Airport and adjusting local routes to better meet community needs.
Support for infrastructure projects: I will stay informed about and advocate for key projects, such as the I-57 and U.S. Route 45/52 interchange improvements, which aim to enhance safety and traffic flow.
Regional collaboration: Work with neighboring communities and regional transit providers like SHOW Bus to expand service areas and improve connectivity across county lines.
By engaging with these initiatives and supporting strategic projects, residents and stakeholders can contribute to the ongoing enhancement of Kankakee’s public transportation and infrastructure systems.
The Kankakee City Council can play a crucial role in supporting local businesses and driving economic growth by focusing on several key areas.
Business-friendly policies that streamline permitting and licensing processes to reduce bureaucratic delays and offer tax incentives or grants to encourage small business development and expansion. Develop and revitalize commercial districts to attract more customers and investors. Support the investment in roads, public transportation and broadband to make it easier for businesses to operate.
Facilitate networking events and business incubators to connect entrepreneurs with resources. Work with local schools and colleges to create job training programs tailored to industry needs. Promote Kankakee as a destination for visitors and investors through marketing campaigns. Also, support local events and festivals that drive foot traffic to small businesses.
City Council should also look to collaborate with local banks, developers and business organizations to boost economic opportunities. Further, the city council should work with state and federal programs to bring additional funding and resources to Kankakee.
Kankakee faces several public safety challenges, particularly concerning crime rates.
According to data from Neighborhood Scout, the city’s crime rate is higher than 80% of Illinois cities and towns of all sizes, with residents having a 1 in 63 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.
Violent crimes, including rape, murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault, are notably prevalent, with a rate of 6.98 per 1,000 residents, placing Kankakee among the highest in the nation for communities of this size.
CrimeGrade.org reports that safety perceptions vary within the city. Residents generally consider the northwest part of Kankakee to be the safest, while the southern neighborhoods report higher crime rates. Depending on the area, the chance of being a crime victim ranges from as high as 1 in 17 in the south to as low as 1 in 51 in the northwest.
Addressing these public safety concerns requires a multifaceted approach. We must first strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community to foster trust and cooperation. Regular community meetings, neighborhood watch programs, and public safety workshops can empower residents to actively participate in crime prevention. This is Community Engagement and Policing.
Secondly, addressing the underlying socio-economic factors is crucial. Investments in education, job training and employment opportunities, housing and mental health care can reduce crime by providing alternatives to criminal activity and lead to long-term reductions in crime rates. This is Economic Development and Education.
Third, we must ensure that the police department is adequately staffed, trained and equipped. This is vital. Enhancing law enforcement resources, implementing advanced crime analysis tools (body cameras, etc.) and increasing patrols in high-crime areas can deter criminal activities.
The City of Kankakee has established a Public Safety Committee comprised of city council members who review monthly reports from the police and fire departments. These reports include summaries of incidents, departmental activities, budget management and personnel training. Engaging with committees can provide residents with insights into ongoing safety initiatives and offer a platform to voice their concerns.
Programs like the Illinois Premise Alert Program allow individuals with special needs to provide information to police, fire, and EMS personnel, ensuring that first responders are better prepared during emergencies. This includes those with special mental needs. Residents can participate in such programs to enhance personal and community safety.
By implementing these strategies and fostering collaboration among law enforcement, community members and local government, Kankakee can work toward creating a safer environment for all residents.
Promoting inclusion for all residents in Kankakee would involve implementing comprehensive strategies that address the diverse needs of the community. Establish a diversity task force that, within, will form a diversity committee to help assess current policies and recommend inclusive practices. This task force can work toward creating a welcoming environment for all residents.
I would propose conducting regular diversity audits. Performing diversity impact assessments will ensure that city policies and practices are inclusive and effective. These assessments will help identify areas for improvement and measure the impact of initiatives on promoting equality and diversity.
Engage with community organizations, such as the United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, which is committed to diversity, can strengthen community ties and ensure that initiatives are aligned with residents’ needs.
By joining initiatives like the City Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program, Kankakee can establish and enhance a network of entrepreneurial resource partners to accelerate small business goals, providing underrepresented entrepreneurs with more opportunities for economic advancement.
Learning from the experiences of other municipalities can also be beneficial. We can learn a lot from cities that are recognized for their cultural diversity initiatives that support inclusiveness and compassion.
By implementing these strategies, Kankakee can work toward creating a more inclusive environment that respects and values the diversity of all its residents.
I strongly believe that government officials should be required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. To implement this, I would begin by educating both the public and government officials on what constitutes a conflict of interest.
After hosting several town hall meetings focused on ethical governance, I would establish an Office of The Inspector General to enforce codified ordinances as well as implement local ethics commission dedicated to providing ongoing training and oversight.
The details of this committee would be developed in collaboration with the city council. Additionally, the ethics commission would offer valuable support to citizens interested in running for municipal or county-wide political positions. It would help prevent the spread of false rumors about candidates by providing an independent body that could respond to the public with factual information regarding any potential conflicts of interest.
The City of Kankakee might consider establishing an Inspector General’s office. This office would be responsible for conducting independent audits and ensuring transparency within the city government. The presence of an ethics committee or an inspector general could help prevent waste and fraud in city operations.
I will ensure I will always be accessible to my constituents. It is the key to building trust and fostering effective communication.
Transparency in my actions, decisions and reasoning will build stronger relationships with those I will be elected to serve. I will be available through multiple communication channels that include but will not be limited to: phone/video calls pre-scheduled during regular office hours, live social media events, newsletters, regular town hall meetings, pop-up events at local businesses and community centers as well as community forums and events.
I would attend ward meetings at least twice a year within each ward. I will also look to develop or utilize existing apps for constituents to track issues, submit requests and engage with me “on-the-go.” I will be approachable and accessible as I always have been as a longtime Kankakee community leader. I am a servant of the people. I belong to the people. I am the people.
ExpandThe railroad crossing at South Kensington Avenue remains closed until after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, where a woman was struck and killed by a southbound Canadian National Railway. (Tiffany Blanchette)
KANKAKEE – Kankakee County Coroner Bob Gessner identified 39-year-old Tabitha Thompson as the victim in the train vs. pedestrian accident Tuesday on Kankakee’s south side.
Gessner said Thompson did not have a permanent place of residence.
Thompson was struck and killed by a southbound Canadian National Railway train.
At 6:32 a.m. Tuesday, Kankakee police officers responded to reports of a train vs. pedestrian incident in the 2200 block of South Kensington Avenue, according to a Kankakee police news release.
Following a review of surveillance footage, preliminary findings indicated that the incident did not appear to be accidental, police said.
Kankakee police, in coordination with the Kankakee County Coroner’s Office, Canadian National Railway Police and the Kankakee Fire Department, are investigating the incident.
Kankakee police ask anyone with relevant information to come forward. Individuals can contact the Kankakee Police Investigations Division at 815-933-0426.
Kays Co-ed Invite: Kankakee’s girls track and field team placed fifth out of 13 teams, and the boys team placed seventh out of 15 teams as hosts of the Kays Co-ed Invite on Saturday. The girls team amassed 75 points and the boys 41.
Herscher placed sixth on the boys side (48.5 points) and seventh on the girls side (45).
Both Kenwood teams took first, the boys team with 153 points and the girls team with 118.5.
Four of the day’s events had local athletes finishing first, all on the girls side. Kankakee’s Jasiah Hawkins took first in the 400 m (59.97 seconds) with Jamya McMurty finishing close behind in second (1:00.00). DaMariana Tools took first in the 300-meter hurdles (45.88) and was also on the 4x200 relay team with Ki’Asia Wilson, Essence Bell and Trinity Noble that took first (1:42.20). Herscher’s Kelly O’Connor took first in the 800 (2:22.38).
Normal Community 4, Bradley-Bourbonnais 1: Jace Boudreau’s single to lead off the game turned out to be the only hit for the Boilermakers (11-6) in a loss in the first game of a road doubleheader Saturday. Bourdreau advanced to second on an error and third on a wild pitch before scoring on a sacrifice fly from Ty Alderson. Alderson also drew a walk in the game, as did Liam Martin and Sam Frey, as the only three base runners for the Boilermakers after the first inning.
Bradley-Bourbonnais 4, Normal Community 3 (5 inn.): The Boilermakers (12-6) held on to win a nail-biter in Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader in Normal. They led 4-3 entering the bottom of the fifth and final inning, and after three straight one-out walks loaded the bases for the Ironmen, Bradley-Bourbonnais’ Jace Boudreau came in to pitch. The second pitch of the at bat was lined to second baseman Jackson Cieslik, who threw to shortstop Keaton Allison to double up the runner and end the game.
Cieslik was 1 for 3 with a run out of the leadoff spot, and Ajae Konik was 2 for 3 with two runs out scored batting second. Cooper Daugherty was 2 for 3 with a double and a run, while Cody Freitas and Andrew Kubal were both 1 for 2 with a walk and an RBI. Freitas also scored a run.
Milford 6, Beecher 1: With two outs in the top of the first inning, Milford strung together four straight singles and, with the help of a Beecher error, got out to a 3-0 lead. That was plenty of run support for Lucas Summer, who pitched five hitless innings to lead to Bearcats (7-7) past the Bobcats (6-8).
Summers walked two batters and allowed an unearned run in his five innings of work. He had six strikeouts. Beau Wright pitched the final two innings, allowing one hit and no runs. Summers also went 3 for 4 with an RBI, and Wright was 2 for 4 with two RBIs, a run and two steals. Caleb Clutteur was 2 for 4 with a double, a run and an RBI.
For Beecher, Ryan Cruz was 1 for 2 with a single and a walk. Chase Maher walked and scored on a sacrifice fly from Steven Fezler.
Morris 14, Coal City 4: The Coalers (13-3) took a loss at home Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader with Morris. They issued 13 walks as a team. Lance Cuddy was 1 for 3 with a run, Gabe McHugh was 1 for 3 with a double and a walk, Dylan Young was 1 for 2 with two walks, and Gavin Berger 1 for 4 with an RBI and two runs. Ethan Olson had two walks and a run.
Beecher 14, Momence 1: Ava Lorenzatti finished a single shy of the cycle for Beecher while striking out 10 batters in five two-hit innings to lead the Bobcats to their 14th straight win to open the season. She went 3 for 3 out of the leadoff spot with a double, a triple, a home run, four RBIs and a run. Makenzie Johnson was 2 for 2 with a home run, a double, an RBI and two runs, while Alexa Gilva 2 for 3 with an RBI and two runs.
For Momence (0-9), Sydnee Vanswol was 1 for 2 with a double and a run. Payton Wigmore drove in Vanswol with a squeeze bunt. Emma Varnak was was 1 for 2.
Momence’s Delilah Latham flew out in the first inning and Payton Wigmore was thrown out at first on a bunt attempt in the second as the two players to put the ball in play off of Norkus.
Kaneland 1, Coal City 0: The Coalers were shut out to open their home shootout Saturday. No individual stats were immediately available for the Coalers (6-2-1).
Coal City 3, Princeton 1: Coal City bounced back to win its second game of the Coaler Shootout on Saturday to improve to 7-2-1 on the season. No individual stats were immediately available.
Peotone 1, Coal City 0: The Blue Devils (3-5-1) took down the Coalers (7-3-1) to close out the Coaler Shootout on Saturday. No individual stats were immediately available for either team.
Peotone 5, Princeton 0: No individual stats were immediately available for the Blue Devils (2-5) as they opened up their time at the Coaler Shootout on Saturday with their highest-scoring game of the season.
Peotone 2, Kaneland 2: The Blue Devils moved to 2-5-1 on the season with their tie in the second game of the Coaler Shootout. No individual stats were immediately available.
ExpandChristopher Curtis (Photo provided by Christopher Curtis)
Mayor - City of Kankakee
Mayor - City of Kankakee and Principal - Nugent Curtis Real Estate
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Paul’s Lutheran Church Endowment Committee
Kankakee Development Corporation - board member and past president
The Hundred Club of Kankakee County - member
Kankakee County NAACP - member
St. Paul’s Grade School cross country coach
Will-Kankakee Regional Development Authority - board member
2 children: Connor Curtis, 22, and Zachary Curtis, 20
My experience as mayor, an alderman, a business owner and the ability to collaborate. My track record the past four years makes me the most qualified candidate. I pledged four years ago for public safety & safer neighborhoods, fiscal responsibility, jobs and economic growth along with fostering unity for the community and the city council. This pledge four years ago was delivered.
As an alderman for nine years, it allowed me to understand the intricacies of our city. As a business owner in real estate, it allowed me to bring my financial background and sales knowledge to provide for growth and prosperity of the city. Finally, my business background, leadership and professionalism allowed me to bring unification with other governmental leaders locally, statewide and to the community.
The greatest weakness of our city government is the connectivity and communication between departments. We are currently investing in new software to bridge this gap and improve our functionality and performance.
Our greatest strength is our entire city team from the top leadership to our newest hire. Their diversity and desire to put the extra effort in during challenging times is reflective of our city.
The City of Kankakee police department will follow and has followed the federal and state laws in place. The police are not actively seeking to deport immigrants within our community. We understand that families have immigrated to our city for many years and we are proud of our diversity. If an immigrant is causing or participating in crimes within our community, then we would expect that the individual could be arrested and prosecuted, which could lead to deportation.
Increase Residential Housing City Wide: Residential projects have already begun and we are working with three developers to bring new housing to Indian Meadows, Prairie Walk and downtown Kankakee. The administration is initiating incentive agreements for construction, infrastructure and expansion of housing in an effort to be proactive.
The City of Kankakee has a solid public transportation system run by a separate organization named River Valley Metro. The City of Kankakee partners with them, and they just recently built a new multi-million transfer station in downtown Kankakee. They provide a quality public transportation system that includes serving as a warming and cooling center with free rides on the buses when the weather reaches significant temperatures.
Additionally the city has and is investing over $2 million in the sanitary sewer system to prevent the infiltration of ground water. Groundbreaking for the East Riverwalk along the Kankakee River just occurred allowing for public access and amenities and for the public to the river.
Simple answer is city council should play a significant role. As a city, if you are not supporting the marketing and procurement of business and providing incentives for economic growth, then your community will be stagnant.
Successful and growing cities are marketing their attributes to industry, developers and businesses at trade shows and a city needs to provide a budget for such. Also, if a community doesn’t offer incentives and development zones, they will struggle to attract new business because other communities will be offering incentives and businesses will seek them out.
One the biggest factors a council can provide for economic growth is making sure that its finances are strong and the real estate taxes remain affordable to attract prospective businesses.
As mentioned previously, public safety will always remain the top priority for my administration. Illegal firearms shootings and victims shot are our top concerns each day. Shootings have been reduced by over 53% the last four years, but we need to reduce it more. We also need to reduce victims shot, and one victim is one too many.
We will keep our initiatives in place, which includes the substantial technology provided to assist our brave men and women working daily to reduce crime in our community. We are expanding the Office of Violence prevention to continue addressing and assisting young men, women and families that have been affected by shootings. Additionally we are providing more resources to help with trauma and assist with preventing our youth from thinking about carrying a weapon.
Our firefighters call volume is at an all time high, and we will need to provide more help for our residents daily with better equipment and staff to handle the call volume. Both of these items are being looked at in our upcoming budget.
The ECDA office within the City of Kankakee offers seminars, training and guidance for all residents to be involved and be a key member of the city. They provide forums, events and training seminars that allow for growth and education. The ECDA team, volunteers and alderpersons walk and canvasses over 6,000 homes on an annual basis promoting opportunities for residents.
For the past four years the administration has made a conscious effort to uplift areas of the city that haven’t seen infrastructure and development and making sure that all seven wards are a “City Rising”.
The answer is absolutely. All government officials should provide transparency and disclose potential conflicts of interest. The city code provides such language and often we encourage our elected officials to error on the side of caution and disclose and/or abstain from a vote even when there isn’t a conflict, but the optics may appear as such. In the past I have recused myself from decisions that may lead to a potential conflict and disclosed.
Four years ago I committed to being accessible to the constituents by having an open door policy. I will continue that policy and make myself available when not in meetings. I also provide my cell phone on my business card. Additionally, I attend as many community events as possible each week and make myself accessible at each event.
ExpandLocal Shriners, from left, are L to R: Director Leo Lewis, of Watseka, Vice President Roland Bogie Boguszewski, of Bradley, and Director Alan Nottke, of Bourbonnais. (sub)
The Kankakee County Shrine club will be selling onions from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today through Saturday at 17 Meadowview Center in Kankakee, and at Circle K, 29 S. Locust St. (Illinois Route 50) in Manteno.
ExpandCandidates for the Kankakee School District 111 School Board participate in the Kankakee County NAACP Candidates Forum on Tuesday
Below is a sample of questions and answers from the seven candidates who participated in Tuesday’s Kankakee School Board debate hosted by the Kankakee County Branch of the NAACP
Topics covered include the school district’s budget
competency based education and chronic absenteeism
See other debate questions answered in our previous story at shawlocal.com/daily-journal.
Candidates include incumbents Jess Gathing Jr., Tracy Verrett and Darrell Williams as well as newcomers Reginald Bell, Dajon Casiel and Susan Lopez; all six are vying for four available four-year terms.
Cynthia Veronda, a recent board appointee and write-in candidate for an unexpired two-year term, also participated in the debate, while her opponent, Kathy Yancy Smith, did not participate. Smith told the Daily Journal she could not attend the debate because of work.
Participants fielded a range of questions from panelists and audience members during the two-hour debate.
Cynthia Veronda: “We’re not here to micromanage the district... But, we need to ask those questions of the people who are in charge of writing grants, receiving funds back from grants.
“So, it starts with the superintendent. She has a team of assistant superintendents under her. She has coordinators, directors, building administrators. The accountability has to be from the top to each layer. We know ultimately, we are monitoring our superintendent. …
“So there’s where our responsibility lies, is making sure the superintendent is doing her job, and that she is monitoring everyone she has assigned to assess and monitor each of our budgetary parts of our district.”
Tracy Verrett: “I think that we just need to have transparency and ask questions, as Ms. Veronda says, ask more questions, and we need to have follow-up and follow through.
“So, we ask a question about something, we need to make sure that we follow through about those questions.
“We get a lot of information in a month’s time, and we just need to be more intentional about the follow-up and the follow through and holding our superintendent accountable for the questions that we ask, and bringing the information back in a timely fashion.”
Darrell Williams: “I think it all boils down to accountability. The superintendent and her assistant superintendents and the business office is in charge. Their job is to give us the correct information so we can act on it.
“I think we need to be a little more focused on finances. I think when it comes to finances, I think it would be beneficial for the board to get more accurate information. I just think we need to follow through when we ask a question. ...
“It needs to get back to us in a reasonable amount of time so we can be informed. It’s hard to be informed when you’re waiting on information. … That’s the only way we can monitor things, depending on the people who are supposed to give us information so we can do what we are supposed to do."
Reginald Bell: “One of the first things I think should be prioritized in the budget is teachers — getting certified teachers.
“I want to piggyback on what Ms. Verrett said as far as accountability of the superintendent, trickling on down to ensure that everything [with] the budget is, I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed. We need to make sure everything adds up, to the point we are doing what we are supposed to do. …
“We have to make sure that our schools are taken care of, to the point where we don’t have to be worrying about forensic audits and things like that. It has to be an accountability thing.”
Dajon Casiel: “I believe, agreeing with what everybody else says, it’s an accountability piece. That us as a board, we hold the superintendent accountable as much as possible, making sure that our budget and our finances are being spent properly in all the right places. So, as Mr. Bell said, we don’t have to have these audits.”
Jess Gathing Jr.: “It’s about somebody being accountable. I’ve been in finance for 12 years. Whatever they send to us is what we see, and that’s what we have.
“It’s unfortunate that we are in the situation that we’re in, but it’s about trust, and it’s about accountability, and it’s about transparency.”
Susan Lopez: “I think as a board member, we have a responsibility for approving the budget, making sure the budget is in alignment with the goals of the district and the expectations of what we want from our district.
“And then we also have a responsibility of oversight of the expenditures, so we need to be able to be asking the right questions, ask questions for clarification, make sure our financial statements are easy to understand, because we have a responsibility to our stakeholders and everybody in the community.
“And I think that if financial statements are easy to understand and we’re able to share them with transparency to our stakeholders, then we have that responsibility as well.”
Jess Gathing Jr.: “First of all, what happened to us with CBE was, we didn’t follow through with what was given to us with CBE. As you said, in special ed, there wasn’t supposed to be CBE in special ed, and we didn’t do a good job as a district in terms of following through with [following the guidelines] given to us.
“Going forward, in special ed, special ed will be one of the main departments that this district focuses on because it means a lot to our district, and it means a lot to our kids. …
“I think when CBE was new to us, we had trust that we were given the right information and that we were doing the right thing. The CBE waiver for us in terms of hiring the substitute teachers or the other teachers that we had, we used it because there was no other teachers available and that’s what we had to do.”
Susan Lopez: “I would say that we would have to go back and look at what we were not in compliance with, figure out how to get into compliance, and then make sure that we’re doing checks and balances to make sure we’re following everything that is out there and how it should be run. …
“It comes back to understanding what it means to be in compliance, and holding accountable and understanding what that looks like, and making sure the superintendent and the school and the board is following and keeping things in compliance.”
Cynthia Veronda: “Well, the shortage in special ed is the most critical area of the teacher shortage across the country. The one step that we can do in our district is for the certified teachers that we have, would be to encourage and possibly fund our teachers to get their LBS1 endorsement, so this would be an endorsement on top of their certification that would allow them to teach students who have special ed needs identified.
“Another thing would be to host special ed student teachers and give them the support they need. We know that that’s one of the greatest ways to hire new teachers. …
“We have to ask the difficult questions of the superintendent and those she leads to make sure we are getting honest answers so we can make honest decisions and cast our votes accordingly.”
Tracy Verrett: “Special ed is one of my passions, and the shortage in special ed is sad. It’s really sad. We just really need to do our best to try to recruit people to work in special ed.
“We often think about the regular classrooms, but the special education department lacks the most as far as certified teachers, and it’s a requirement, actually, to have certified teachers for special ed students.
“So with the shortage that we have, it’s really hard to find people to work in that department. It’s challenging, and I do feel that if we do a better job of recruitment ... if we can do that, we can do a better job with staying in compliance.”
Darrell Williams: “I would like to say, there is a shortage with teachers for the special ed department. We have tried to recruit. We went to fairs. We’ve done everything; there’s just a shortage of them. You can’t hire somebody that’s not there, so what we have to do is try to figure out a way to bring people in the special ed department here.
“Maybe, a little bit more pay or recruiting them out of school, I don’t know. But that is not really a board decision, that’s a superintendent decision on who she hires. We just approve the hires.
“But I think it’s a recruitment issue. It does need to happen, but honestly, from being in HR, it’s just not a lot of people out there for us to hire with that special ed endorsement. So we’ve got to figure out a way to find people to fill the positions.”
Reginald Bell: “The first place I would start is just, as a board member, accountability. Accountability from our superintendent, and give her the resources and give her the support to make sure that everything is up to par, that we are following all the rules that are stated for our district and for our schools.”
Dajon Casiel: “I would have to agree with Mr. Bell on the accountability piece. As a board, we are holding our superintendent accountable in that way of making sure that we have everything that we need for that.”
Cynthia Veronda: “I don’t know that it’s policy that’s going to get students to come to school. I think we started to see a slide after COVID. We got into remote learning. We had a lot of days that are off school. [We were] missing that five-day coherence of education sequence that is needed.
“I think it really is more about getting kids to want to come to school because the kids are engaged in their learning, they are engaged with teachers and the support staff that support them. I do think our primary centers, because we do move around, has really taken away from the cohesiveness that we had in our schools ...
“So I think it’s more working on get the kids who want to come to school, taking away some of the detrimental things such as allowing them to be remote learning when they need to be engaged.”
Tracy Verrett: “I feel the same way. As a student, I didn’t necessarily want to come to school, but my mom made me. And so, like she said, it’s not just one piece to that. There’s a lot of things.
“Whether you want to go to school or not, parents need to know you have to come to school. So there’s a lot of pieces, a lot of factors to that, and I don’t think we can solve that with just focusing on one thing. There’s a lot of things we need to do to make that happen.”
Darrell Williams: “I think K-4, K-5, the attendance level is higher. I think we have to engage the students as they get older. … I think we need to find a way to hold the parents responsible and accountable to get their kids to the school on time.
“I don’t think there’s a policy on earth we could [adopt] to get our kids to come to school without parent support. I don’t think it’s really a policy issue. I think it’s a parental issue. That’s something I don’t think we as a board can do or handle.
“We can have truant officers put pressure on the parents to get them to school, and I think that’s pretty much the only way we can do it.”
Reginald Bell: “Me coming up in school, when you missed a lot of school, they’re knocking at your door, the truancy officers. I don’t know if they still do that because of policies and things like that, but that needs to be happening.
“Accountability needs to fall back on the parents. Parents are at work and kids are not going and things like that, they still need to have some type of support there to make sure these kids are getting to school, because school is very important.
“Being there is important. If you’re not there, you can’t learn. And they fall more and more back if they don’t get to school. So we got to find some type of way to get these kids back to school every day, five days a week.”
Dajon Casiel: “The most important part of it would be on the parents. Although I had a willingness to go to school, my mama didn’t play that. It was just as simple as that. You’re getting up and you’re going to school.
“So I think there needs to be, as far as our parents, better encouraging our students why school is important and having them in the buildings.”
Jess Gathing: “We’ve seen the numbers, and whose problem is it? It’s partially our problem, and it’s partially a parental problem in terms of getting the kids to school.
“There are people out knocking on doors to try to get the kids to come back, but it’s a parental problem and it’s a problem we have to deal with in terms of getting our kids back into schools. It’s going to take all of us to get that job done.”
Susan Lopez: “I would agree. I think it’s going to take all of us to get the job done. I don’t think a policy is going to fix the problem.
“One thing would be the mobility and changing schools for kids all the time. Have them have a sense of belonging to a school and getting to know the administrators and the teachers.
“I think, just like you want to make your district a place where people want to come to work, I think you need to make the schools a place where kids want to come to school.”
ExpandThe Indian Meadows subdivision is far west Kankakee appears to be ready for new development as an agreement with the owner of more than 50 lots is nearing Kankakee City Council approval. (Lee Provost)
KANKAKEE – The long-stalled Indian Meadows subdivision on Kankakee’s far west side is about to get a kick start for a developer seeking to construct townhomes there.
Frankfort-based developer Dr. Anuja Gupta and her development company, Limestone Townhomes, LLC, are working through a development agreement to aid in this 3rd Ward subdivision which dates back to 2007.
A development agreement between Kankakee and Limestone Townhomes for the 53-lot, $40 million project was approved only on its first reading as Mayor Chris Curtis told Kankakee City Council members Monday that final details still are to be hammered out.
In all, the developer is seeking to construct 128 town home units. The units would reside in a combination of duplex and fourplex structures.
Curtis said after the meeting he is hopeful the final vote on the development agreement could take place at the April 21 council meeting.
Gupta, who has also developed townhomes in Bourbonnais near the Kroger store, is seeking economic incentives to help support the project.
Started only a couple years before the mortgage bubble burst in 2008 and 2009, the subdivision has only contained several residences.
The 118-lot subdivision, started when Mayor Donald Green was in office is just north of Riverside Medical Center on Illinois route 113, was started in 2007.
Curtis said the goal was to have the agreement ready for its final vote on Monday, but the Gupta reached out and wanted to have some future discussions.
She appears set on moving forward with the development as construction on a townhome unit has already begun, Curtis said. He said she plans to move quickly as it’s hopeful to have a majority, if not all of the housing units build within five years.
Gupta also has pledged to build a complex clubhouse when she reaches 80% completion. Clubhouse plans have not been shared.
There has been considerable talk in recent years regarding the shortage of housing within Kankakee County.
While this development resides in Kankakee’s city limits, the property rests within the Herscher school district boundaries.
The two sides are working through final details, chiefly a building permit fee structure for the upcoming five years. The city appears to be willing to reduce its building fees by 50%.
In an effort to spark new home construction, the Kankakee City Council is considering a plan to rebate tens of thousands of property tax dollars over the next 15 years.
Per the agreement, the city will rebate its portion of city property taxes by 90% during the next 10 years to the developer. After that 10-year period, the city will rebate 50% of the property taxes collected.
In the initial development agreement struck in 2013, incentives were restricted to owner-occupied dwellings. The new agreement opens incentives for rental properties as well.
In an effort to spur development in this subdivision, the city struck a deal with a developer who owned numerous lots. The plan had little effect.
Since the harsh economic times of 2008 and 2009 and then the pandemic which followed more than 10 years later, new residential construction has largely sputtered within Kankakee County.
Expand"The Cherished Table" is a collection of recipes and stories on Amish life and tradition. (sub)
Lovina Eicher, whose Lovina’s Amish Kitchen column is featured every Monday in the Daily Journal, will be appearing from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday at the Kankakee Public Library.
Eicher, a best-selling author, will be promoting her recent book “The Cherished Table” at this free event. “The Cherished Table” is a collection of more than 100 recipes and heartwarming stories from her Amish community.
With chapters on breakfast, baked goods and others, offers meal inspiration accompanied by photos that capture Amish life and traditions. Those who purchase the new book will get a chance to chat with Eicher.
The library is at 201 E. Merchant St. in downtown Kankakee.
ExpandKankakee's Lincoln Williams slam dunks the ball during the Kays' 85-50 victory over Sterling in the IHSA Class 3A Morris Regional championship on Friday
MORRIS – Kankakee boys basketball coach Chris Pickett and his roster of Kays haven’t been shy about their goal this season: the IHSA Class 3A State championship
They took the next step on that journey Friday night with an impressive 85-50 win over Sterling in the Morris Regional championship, and while there are three games and two plaques separating the Kays from their coveted prize in Champaign, that dominant showing Friday is something Pickett wants his team to celebrate.
“A lot of teams think a regional is not a big deal, but it’s a big deal if you don’t win it,” Pickett said. “In order for you to achieve what you want to achieve, you have to win this, and it’s not easy. Sterling is not a bad team; they have some guys who had some fight in them, and we had to guard against that.”
The Kays improved to 25-5 and made it back-to-back regional titles, advancing to Tuesday’s Washington Sectional semifinal against Metamora. Sterling’s season ended at 16-17.
ExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 14Kankakee's Kenaz Jackson Jr. maneuvers for a layup during the Kays' 85-50 victory over Sterling in the IHSA Class 3A Morris Regional championship on Friday, Feb. 28. (Tiffany Blanchette)
It was the second running clock win of the week for the Kays, who got past Pontiac 78-38 in Wednesday’s semifinal round, who outscored their opponents by a combined 163-88 margin.
Junior guard Lincoln Williams, who poured in a game-high 31 points, said the Kays made a statement with their play this week, especially on the defensive end.
“You saw the scores,” he said. “ … We played good defense throughout the whole regional, so it felt pretty good."
That defense was tasked with stopping Sterling point guard Kaedon Phillips from getting to the basket and either getting points at the rim or free-throw line, or kicking out to 3-point shooters like Maddux Osborn and Nico Battaglia. Phillips was able to score 18 points, and Osborn and Battaglia each buried a trio of 3s, but the Kays were able to negate most of that production with 18 Golden Warriors turnovers that went for 19 points the other way.
“These two games, our defense has been on point,” Pickett said, “I’m really proud of that and really proud the guys are paying attention to detail as far as the game plan’s concerned. We just have to get ready for the next one.”
As for the Kankakee offense, junior guard Kenaz Jackson Jr. tallied 21 points to complement Williams' 31, with Jordan Davis (nine points), Cedric Terrell III (eight points) and Eli Stipp (seven points) contributing, as well.
For Williams, the state’s top-ranked Class of 2026 recruit by 247 Sports, the points piled up in a variety of ways. He had several high-flying dunks off of steals on the fast break, including a monster tomahawk slam in the third, hit his only 3-pointer, and was a featured post presence, as well. The latter is something that’s come more and more for Williams as the year has gone on.
“I’m 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, so we’re trying to get me more down low a bit because most of my opponents aren’t as big as me,” Williams said. “It’s cool playing down there, but I’ve still gotta shoot the ball and handle the ball.”
The Kays were able to take control with a 22-5 first-quarter lead, something that came with Myair Thompson on the bench after picking up a pair of fouls in the first 30 seconds. Pickett credited Terrell for stepping right in off the bench and being productive in Thompson’s place, while Jackson said all five players on the floor said they had to step up, especially defensively.
“We had to step up,” Jackson said. “He’s one of the most elite defenders, so we had to step it up and guard [Phillips], keep them out of the paint and do what we can.”
Sterling's Kaedon Phillips drives against Kankakee's Myair Thompson during the Kays' 85-50 victory over Sterling in the IHSA Class 3A Morris Regional championship on Friday, Feb. 28. (Tiffany Blanchette)
Phillips, a three-year starter for the Golden Warriors, did reach yet another milestone in the last game of his prep career. The school’s leader in free throws (160) led the team in scoring and finished second in the Big 6 Conference with 14.9 points per game in conference play. Friday, he hit the 1,000-point mark, finishing his career with 1,007 points.
“He’s put in a lot of work in season and out of season, and his work paid off for him,” Sterling head coach Ryan Vasquez said. “He did everything he needed to do to have a successful season, and he did. He shouldn’t let this one hurt bad, because he put everything he had into this one.”
The Kays join one of the most loaded sectionals in the state, regardless of class. Kankakee, the No. 3 team in the AP Class 3A Poll, will face Metamora (25-6), the seventh-ranked team in the class, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, with No. 10 Peoria lurking on the other side of the sectional bracket.
“We’ve played a lot of games together. These guys play travel ball and have played against some of the best in the country, so as far as competition is concerned, they’re not worried about that,” Pickett said. “Our biggest concern is making sure we pay attention to the detail in our game plan and execute it. If we can do that, we’ll beat anyone.”
ExpandKansas guard AJ Storr (2) takes a shot against Arkansas during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament
As the dynamic of college athletics and transfers has evolved over the past handful of years, there aren’t many better examples of the limits of that paradigm shift than that of former Kankakee boys basketball standout AJ Storr.
Storr announced last week that he would transfer to Ole Miss for his senior season of men’s basketball, his fourth college in as many years.
After a Big East All-Freshman season at St. John’s, a second-team All-Big Ten sophomore season at Wisconsin and a junior season with the Kansas Jayhawks, Storr announced via X on April 15 that he is headed to Oxford for his final college season.
The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 6.1 points and 1.7 rebounds per game for the Jayhawks last season. His most successful college campaign came with the Badgers his sophomore year, when he averaged 16.8 points per game on 43.4% shooting. After playing in back-to-back NCAA Tournaments, Storr will look to three-peat next year with a Runnin’ Rebels program that reached the Sweet Sixteen last month.
Storr transferred from Rockford Lutheran ahead of the 2019-19 school year, spending two years with the Kays. After serving as a key bench player as a sophomore that season, Storr ascended into a Daily Journal All-Area and All-Southland Athletic Conference star as a junior, tying for a team-high 13 points per game for a Kays team that advanced to the IHSA Class 3A Sweet Sixteen before the rest of the season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As his prep and college careers developed, unless he redshirts with Ole Miss and returns next year, Kankakee will be the only high school or college Storr spent more than one year at, attending four high schools, a prep school and now four universities.
His sister, Amber Storr, the 2019 and 2020 Daily Journal Girls Basketball Player of the Year and the 12th-highest scorer in IHSA history (2,913 points), just finished her college career this season with Southwest Baptist University, an NCAA Division II school in Bolivar, Missouri. As a graduate senior, Amber averaged 12.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game for the Bearcats, who had an 8-18 season.
Storr is the second player with area roots to transfer this season. Owen Freeman, the 2022 Daily Journal Player of the Year at Bradley-Bourbonnais, is transferring from Iowa to Creighton.
ExpandThe railroad crossing at South Kensington Avenue in Kankakee remains closed until after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, where an unidentified woman was struck and killed by a southbound Canadian National Railway. (Tiffany Blanchette)
KANKAKEE – An unidentified woman was struck and killed by a southbound Canadian National Railway train Tuesday morning on the south side of Kankakee.
At 6:32 a.m., Kankakee police officers responded to reports of a train vs. pedestrian incident in the 2200 block of South Kensington Avenue, according to a Kankakee police news release.
Authorities currently are working to confirm the identity of the victim.
Following a review of surveillance footage, preliminary findings indicate that the incident does not appear to be accidental, according to the release.
Kankakee police, in coordination with the Kankakee County Coroner’s Office, Canadian National Railway Police and the Kankakee Fire Department, are investigating the incident, according to the release.