ExpandSilver Cross Health Center in Mokena (Photo provided by Silver Cross Hospital) The Silver Cross Health Center in Mokena already offers urgent care The new services will benefit the public as well as doctors in the on-site Hedges Medical Group administrative director of imaging services at Silver Cross “Their patients now will be able to have lab work and imaging done in the same building as their doctors instead of going to another site for these services,” Vasiliades said in the release For more information on services offered at Silver Cross Health Center in Mokena, visit silvercross.org. Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application Mary Catherine Hosty (Nagle) age 81 of Mokena passed away peacefully on Saturday Dear mother of the late Paula Koterba Martino Cherished grandmother of Dale (Michelle) Elosh Dear daughter of the late Elizabeth & Thomas Nagle Dear sister of Thomas (the late Evelyn) Nagle the late Patricia (the late Eugene) Stawiery Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 2025 from 10:00 AM until time of the funeral service at 12:00 PM donations to the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors 2025 at 2:57 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A dozen businesses in Mokena Frankfort and Tinley Park were hit by a smash and grab burglary crew early Friday Tinley Park and Frankfort were hit by a smash and grab burglary crew early Friday morning In Mokena, seven businesses along the Route 30 corridor and on LaGrange Road were hit. In Frankfort, three were struck along LaGrange Road Two businesses in Tinley Park were also struck Tinley Park Police Chief Thomas Tilton confirmed The crew appeared to sweep businesses along Route 30 in Mokena Oberweis and also Smoke Shop on LaGrange Rd Frankfort businesses were hit beginning at 4:30 a.m. with Little Caesar's, Tropical Smoothie Café and Bellavan Nail Salon targeted, NBC reports The value or amount taken from each business was not yet known early Friday Area police pursued the offending vehicle to Chicago Police said they believe there are six suspects involved Tinley Park Police Chief said a vehicle has been recovered in connection with the burglaries Earlier this week, 20 businesses were struck in similar overnight burglaries in Downers Grove Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. A smash-and-grab crew burglarized multiple businesses in Mokena, Frankfort and Tinley Park before fleeing to Chicago to evade authorities There were at least seven businesses in Mokena that were “reportedly victimized,” along with three businesses in Frankfort and three businesses in Tinley Park, Mokena police officials said The “offending vehicle” managed to flee to Chicago, but the burglars escaped from authorities, police said. Officers with the Frankfort Police Department responded about 4:30 a.m. to a burglary in progress in the 20200 block of LaGrange Road. A witness reported “multiple” people pulled up in a gray sedan and began “smashing out the glass of three businesses” in the complex, Frankfort police officials said. The burglars “took items” and fled the area before officers arrived, police said. The Frankfort Police Department became aware that nearby towns “experienced similar criminal activity during the early-morning hours,” police said. Anyone with information should call the Mokena Police Department at 708-479-3912 or the Frankfort Police Department at 815-469-9435. 2025 at 10:35 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Mokena Mayor Frank Fleischer fought to keep his seat against sitting Trustee George Metanias (Courtesy of Frank Fleischer/Courtesy of George Metanias)MOKENA IL — Trustee George Metanias appears to have secured his place as the next mayor of Mokena Metanias appears to have unseated incumbent Mayor Frank Fleischer Metanias topped the Friends of Mokena slate Colleen Patrick-Lenart (candidate for the unexpired term) Melissa Fedora (incumbent) and Josh Bailey Incumbent Village Clerk Melissa Martini also joined their ticket Patrick-Lenart looks to have lost to Fleischer's candidate Nick Clancy—though the margin is incredibly tight with 1,312 votes cast for Patrick-Lenart Results are unofficial until certified by the Will County Clerk Fleischer headed up his Mokena's Future slate with trustee candidates Nick Clancy (candidate for the unexpired term) Patch provided a candidate questionnaire to all and their answers are published in candidate profiles Longtime Mayor Frank Fleischer's platform focused on maintaining Mokena’s small-town charm while managing responsible growth He wants to hone in on fiscal responsibility and supporting commercial growth that aligns with Mokena’s character bringing new businesses and amenities while protecting property values "I’ve successfully led Mokena with strong fiscal management and a commitment to preserving our high quality of life," Fleischer said in his questionnaire "My record speaks for itself—Mokena is one of the safest most financially stable communities in Illinois." Read more of his answers here. His challenger and sitting trustee George Metanias said he wants to focus on the revitalization of Mokena's downtown business district and attracting new business development He said that during his time in village government I'll make implementation of that plan — which includes the revitalization of Mokena's downtown and making our community more business friendly — the priorities they should be," he wrote "I'll be proactive in marketing Mokena to quality business investments we can ease the tax burden on homeowners while securing more dollars for schools Read more of his answers here. 2025 at 5:27 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Mokena PTA's 'School's Out' color run/walk fundraiser is set for May 29 IL — The Mokena PTA is set to host the 2nd Annual School's Out Color Run/Walk There are a variety of ways for all ages to participate in the fun The course is approximately 5K (3.2 miles) that has multiple loops in addition to a kids' dash and sensory dash Participants can walk/run as much of the course as they would like This race is not chip timed and everyone receives a medal The money raised will support the enhancement of academic resources in District 159 K through 8th grade schools Register online by May 10 to receive a t-shirt 2025 at 6:09 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Incumbent Mokena Mayor Frank Fleischer faces off against sitting Trustee George Metanias to become the next Mokena mayor and voters will head to the polls to seat Mokena's next mayor incumbent Mokena Mayor Frank Fleischer seeks a fourth term against sitting Trustee George Metanias Fleischer heads up the Mokena's Future slate Incumbent Village Clerk Melissa Martini also joins their ticket Patch has provided a candidate questionnaire to all Longtime Mayor Frank Fleischer's platform focuses on maintaining Mokena’s small-town charm while managing responsible growth Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Don't know your polling place? The Will County Clerk can help. 2025 at 11:06 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Katie Carley is running for Mokena District 159 Board of Education in the April 1 (Courtesy of JC Penney Portrait Studio)MOKENA IL — The consolidated election is set for April 1 and the Mokena District 159 Board of Education could see some new faces Seven candidates are jockeying for four spots on the board and Eric Bush seeking to retain their seats Mokena District 159 offers a public education to approximately 1,570 students The District is comprised of three schools: Mokena Elementary School (K-3) The district is led by its seven-person board of education Patch sent a questionnaire to the candidates and the answers from those who participated are now shared in candidate profiles Vote Katie Carley for District 159 ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.) Does anyone in your family work in politics or government This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for Social Work over 25 years currently working for a Therapeutic foster care company the past 5 years Previous or current elected or appointed office The most pressing issues facing our district are _______ and this is what I intend to do about them One of the most pressing issues facing our district is the onboarding and retention of a new superintendent A strong and effective superintendent is essential for maintaining the quality of education in our schools Bringing in a new leader can present challenges especially when it comes to creating a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages long-term stability I would prioritize fostering a positive organizational culture that not only supports our new superintendent but also strengthens collaboration between the board This means ensuring open lines of communication and working to establish a board that operates with professionalism and a shared commitment to the best interests of our students I believe it is critical to restore proper function to our school board ensuring that decision-making is student-focused and guided by our district’s mission and values By working to build trust among board members we can create an environment where the superintendent is set up for success allowing them to lead effectively and make a meaningful impact on our schools What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post combined with my experience as a social worker and administrator I have worked in nonprofit social service agencies tackling many of the same challenges our schools face today This experience has honed my ability to problem-solve and navigate complex issues with a focus on creating positive outcomes I bring a unique perspective rooted in both leadership and direct service allowing me to approach decisions with a well-rounded understanding of the needs of students My commitment to fostering collaboration and finding practical solutions makes me well-equipped to serve our district effectively in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district The current board has fallen short in key areas Many parents who have sought support or voiced concerns have felt unheard This lack of responsiveness has created a negative atmosphere at board meetings discouraging open dialogue and trust between leadership and the community the board's inability to work cohesively is evident Instead of functioning as a unified body with a shared vision there is a noticeable lack of collaboration discussions become about who presents an idea rather than the merit of the idea itself This dynamic prevents meaningful progress and hinders the board’s ability to implement positive changes that benefit our students and schools and teamwork to ensure our district moves forward in a productive and student-focused direction Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform I am about restoring leadership and accountability Expanding extracurricular opportunities for student growth Improving student achievement and closing gaps Fostering open clear and consistent communication -especially with financial decisions and addressing teacher concerns What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job My qualifications and experience demonstrate my ability to effectively serve on the school board I hold a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership which has provided me with the skills to lead and foster collaboration within complex systems I have applied this education throughout my career including over a decade in an administrative role overseeing a residential behavioral health program for individuals with disabilities and mental illness and developed internal systems to improve services I work to set foster children up for success by matching them to foster homes coordinating essential services such as therapy my work with the Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA) and my commitment to quality assurance initiatives further highlight my ability to navigate challenges and implement meaningful improvements My work with Adults with disabilities and children has earned me multiple awards for outstanding management and leadership Voters should trust me because I believe in transparency I am a clear and open communicator—what you see is what you get I don’t believe in hidden agendas or political games; I lead with honesty and integrity my passion lies in helping others and making a meaningful impact I have dedicated my entire adult life to serving individuals and communities in need ensuring they have the support and resources to succeed and I will bring that same dedication to our school board what accomplishment would make your term in office a success Success in this role would mean creating a more efficient and welcoming school board environment—hopefully If I can help create an inviting atmosphere where parents and community members feel comfortable sharing their concerns and ideas we can gather the necessary information to drive meaningful change My goal is to ensure that the board operates with professionalism and purpose working together to implement the improvements our district needs Whether that means advancing learning initiatives or addressing other key areas identified by our community I want to ensure that the changes we implement reflect the needs and priorities of those we serve What guidance should staff be given for dealing with potential ICE enforcement at schools We would need to seek guidance from district officials I share concerns about the changing state and federal laws impacting public schools I believe in upholding the rule of law and encouraging people to exercise their right to vote for the officials who shape these policies my priority will always be supporting our students and families I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure our students’ safety and well-being while fostering a supportive environment for their families Should cell phones be banned during school I agree with our current policy on cell phones Electronic devices must be kept powered off and out of sight during the regular school day unless a student is permitted to use it by school policy or a building principal Parent Communication:Parents can contact the school for permission for their child to use a phone during the school day or for specific situations How do you feel about sex education being taught in school I believe parents should have the primary role in teaching their children the values and lessons that are important to their families what are schools within this district doing well and what needs to be improved Our goal should be to create an environment where every student has the tools and support needed to reach their full potential I believe we need to dedicate more resources to support students who require extra help or specialized services we should offer more advanced learning opportunities to challenge and engage our high-achieving students The academic standards set by Lincoln-Way 210 are high and it’s essential that Mokena prepares our students to excel in high school and beyond Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office and Mokena could come out of it with a new mayor The policy-making branch of the Village of Mokena includes the Village President (Mayor) and a six-person Board of Trustees Officials are elected at large for staggered Mayor Fleischer leads his Mokena's Future slate Mayoral challenger and sitting Trustee George Metanias runs with his Friends of Mokena slate Patch has provided a candidate questionnaire to both and we're now featuring their answers in candidate profiles mokenasfuture.com Town of residence: Former Communications Technician and Lead Man at AT&T with 39 years of experience Previous or current elected or appointed office: Village President/Mayor of Mokena (2013–Present) Member of the Planning and Zoning Commission (1985–1987) The most pressing issues facing Mokena are _______ The most pressing issues facing our village are maintaining Mokena’s small-town charm while managing responsible growth Fiscal Responsibility: Continue Mokena’s tradition of sound financial management ensuring balanced budgets and responsible spending without raising unnecessary taxes Public Safety: Invest in local law enforcement to keep crime rates low and ensure our officers have the resources they need to protect our community Smart Growth & Development: Support commercial and residential development that aligns with Mokena’s character I’ve successfully led Mokena with strong fiscal management and a commitment to preserving our high quality of life My record speaks for itself—Mokena is one of the safest most financially stable communities in Illinois My opponent lacks the experience and leadership required to keep Mokena on the right track in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency) Traffic & Infrastructure: Continue working with state and regional partners to improve roads and ease congestion Business Growth: Attract businesses that serve the needs of residents while maintaining Mokena’s unique character Ethical and transparent leadership that serves the people special interests and large donors have too much power in politics and committed to our community above all else Maintained Mokena’s strong financial standing keeping taxes low while investing in infrastructure and services Kept Mokena one of the safest villages in Illinois by working closely with law enforcement and first responders Oversaw smart development that brought in new businesses while preserving our small-town charm I have a proven track record of delivering results ensuring our town remains financially stable and committed to serving the people of Mokena what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success Continuing Mokena’s trajectory of low taxes and responsible growth while maintaining our village’s character and high quality of life we’ll complete a traffic study and comprehensive plan government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking Mokena has maintained strong financial reserves invested in infrastructure without overspending I will continue to ensure taxpayers' money is spent wisely while building for the future What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town Mokena remains one of the safest communities in Illinois thanks to our dedicated police force and proactive crime prevention strategies I helped lead the effort to rebuild the police station in town ensuring our officers have state-of-the-art equipment and support from the village We must continue to provide law enforcement with the resources they need and collaborate with surrounding towns to ensure regional safety What is your view of the city's approach to commercial and residential development welcoming new businesses and developments that complement our town while avoiding overdevelopment or turning over our streets to trucking businesses We need to prioritize infrastructure improvements and ensure new projects enhance Mokena’s charm and appeal I look forward to having a Village Board that shares my commitment to revitalizing the downtown and building for the future while preserving what makes Mokena so special what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents What will need to be done to make this happen Dining & Retail: Residents want more restaurants and shopping options We must continue attracting quality businesses while keeping local ownership and character in mind family-friendly businesses into our downtown offering them a compelling vision for what Mokena will become Traffic Solutions: We need to work with to improve roadways and reduce congestion especially along Wolf Road and 191st Street and to protect our roads and families from encroachment of dirty trucks and industry Recreational Spaces: Expanding park facilities and improving the downtown area to enhance community engagement and quality of life and the community to balance growth with infrastructure improvements the biggest thing necessary is having a Village Board that is committed to revitalizing and restoring Mokena I am fully committed to serving the people of Mokena What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions I’ve dedicated my life to serving this community I will always put Mokena residents first and work to preserve the town we all love I appreciate your support and ask for your vote to continue leading our village forward and so I am asking you to support Nick Clancy and James Roberts for Trustee so we have a board that supports our vision of a revitalized and renewed Mokena www.friendsofmokena.com The revitalization of our downtown business district and attracting new business development; building our commercial tax base so we can ease the tax burden on homeowners.. These are two of the more pressing problems we face to insure a vibrant future for our community I pushed hard for a comprehensive plan and finally got it adopted I'll make implementation of that plan- which includes the revitalization of Mokena's downtown and making our community more business friendly- the priorities they should be I'll be proactive in marketing Mokena to quality business investments Every time our current mayor seeks re-election he makes the same promise- namely to make Mokena more attractive to business and to redevelop our downtown district and 2021 and he's ' promising it again this year You7 can't wring your hands and role up your sleeves at the same time We need leadership and business know-how- the kind that comes from being in business- to recognize what businesses are looking for I owned and operated a successful contracting business for 30 years The candidates of the Friends of Mokena Team have similar business backgrounds Our team has pro-business acumen and spirit that comes only from doing the work Taking these skills and applying them to a deep passionate commitment to help make our community succeed is the critical difference between me and my opponent.If you are a challenger Ask residents of Mokena what issues are important and they'll generally tell you that they'd like to see more quality businesses come to town; the they want an invigorated revitalized downtown area that's family friendly; that attracts shoppers from surrounding communities- a destination spot for residents to gather Our mayor has promise this for 12 years but what has been done Our downtown looks the same as it did 12 years ago and Mokena has lost out on a number of quality high-end businesses that located elsewhere We need a mayor who'll provide the pro-active leadership to break the logjam stonewalling business development Village government needs to do more with less commercial investment and purposeful development are so important By enhancing our commercial and business tax base and other infrastructure projects without increasing taxes on homeowners I'm deeply passionately committed to Mokena and its future My wife Denise and I raised our children here and we've been homeowner for over 30 years I owned and operated a successful electrical contracting business for over 30 years with many employees I'm chairman of the Electrical Commission and chairman of our Comprehensive Planning Commission Because of my 30 years in business; and in this community and the commitment I believe I've demonstrated to Mokena through m services on the village Board and my volunteer work over 20 years of coaching youth sport Helping to ease the burden on taxpayers; attracting quality business to our community in order to achieve that and generally being able to stand in front of Mokena residents at the end of my term and be able to say I kept my pledge to help make our village a better stronger more vibrant place for your family and mine Someone once said that the problem with government spending is sooner or later you run out of others people's money This economy has come down pretty hard on all of us forcing people to do more with less.I believe government has a special responsibility to remember that and to do the same - to spend better and smarter not bigger That's our special responsibility to those tax payers who have to pick up the tab This is why I'll begin each day with a commitment to being pro active in attracting quality businesses to Mokena - to secure the investment and dollars we need for Schools and to sustain the quality of life in our community - while easing the tax burden on homeowners Mokena is much safer then most of the surrounding communities.On the Village board we've made public safety the priority it should be the Friends of Mokena team on the board worked tirelessly to build - and pay for - a new multi - million dollar state of the art police facility at no additional cost to taxpayers Mokena is a very desirable community in which to raise a family Maintaining that quality of life requires a balance between purposeful development residential expansion and sustainable family friendly Dedication and commitment to purposeful planning will provide critically important to our work on behalf of every family in town I believe I sort of addressed this in my answer several of the previous questions We need to try to make Mokena more business friendly - not just promise to do so year after year - but to get that done Attracting more business isn't just about beautification it's about easing the tax burden on homeowners We need to be pro-active in the revitalization of our Downtown This will be an anchoret attracting other quality businesses the Village needs to do more with less - spend better not bigger - just like families have to do I intend to be a full time Mayor - addressing the issuesI've outlined here - they are important to each of us and I intend to complete my full term in office passionate committed to Mokena and the future of our community and that I believe that my background in business uniquely qualifies me to tackle the problems that matters most To help formulate policies to attract business; to help implement the comprehensive plan I pushed for adoption and to finally launch the revitalization of Mokena's downtown and above all to demonstrate - in no uncertain terms - that I am committed to be a taxpayer advocate and will never forget the special responsibility village government has to working families who pick up the tab 2025 at 3:56 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Melissa Lathus and Tea Casey are excited to open their Book Bar in Mokena on Jan (Courtesy of Karina Mora/Courtesy of Melissa Lathus and Tea Casey)MOKENA IL — When it came time to name their joint business adventure Melissa Lathus and Tea Casey mulled quite a few ideas—"a million," they joke they decided to keep it simple: there are books A year in the making, their Book Bar—a meld of bookstore It's a concept befitting each woman's backgrounds and passions—baking and books and coffee for Casey—and a haven for book lovers A space where book clubs can huddle up to dissect plots over charcuterie boards and cocktails (or mocktails) or enjoy something hot while indulging in just one more chapter Grab a breakfast pastry as you crack open a new book then sip a cocktail later as a plot twist stuns Peotone resident Lathus and Mokena native Casey have known each other several years Lathus previously owned Grounded Coffee Bar in downtown Frankfort Lathus sold the business while expecting her third child with husband Kody but Lathus and Lincoln-way Central HS grad Casey stayed in touch "Tea and I got together at Barnes and Noble and came up with the idea last January," Lathus said "and the ball started rolling from there." Lathus had purchased Grounded as an existing business; Casey had never before tiptoed into business ownership "It’s definitely been a little crazy," Casey said "I’m so thankful that I’ve had Melissa with me "It was already established for 2-3 years," she said because I didn’t have to go from the ground up." The 3,000-square-foot space near 191st and LaGrange Road was blank when they started "It’s definitely been different to do this "It’s been really great having that third person with Tea to be able to cover things that I don’t know with the book world with someone you trust and fully get along with 'you just said what I was thinking.' We have very similar styles and thought processes The women pulled in their expertise at every turn Casey pored over book- and reader-based social media becoming an avid follower of TikTok's "BookTok" and Instagram's "Bookstagram." She got a sense of what people are reading across all genres "We’ve been to quite a few bookshops that are a specific type of bookstore "We just wanted to offer a little bit of every genre "I’m very well-versed in new authors and books coming out It’s very fun to choose what kinds of books we sell." The business partners each have their favorite authors and genres Lathus is drawn to murder mysteries and thrillers in addition to graphic novels and a wide selection of children's books There will also be a section for nonfiction and indie authors The stocked shelves will be complimented with a menu curated by Lathus and breakfast sandwiches (to name just a few) "I've always really loved baking," Lathus said I wanted to bring that homemade pastry feel here." The evening menu will shift more to shareables "We wanted to elevate the 'bar food,'" Lathus said fries that are not just your typical fries." They've partnered with La Colombe as their coffee roaster "will have anything you could possibly think of," they said from seasonal draft lattes to espresso favorites to a big selection of loose-leaf teas." They'll also sell hand-picked wine and beer paired with classic and book-inspired cocktails They'll also have a portion of the menu that incorporates their teas They plan to offer specialty and themed cocktails built around book titles or series and can do the same for charcuterie boards and snacks "We want everything to be customized," Lathus said they've received inquiries about private events to be hosted at the space and they'll work with planners to create an experience around their specific visions and work with their theme to create a menu for the group," Lathus said The space was designed with a vision they couldn't quite put their finger on but which others aptly described as "dark academia," Lathus said—a subculture and aesthetic that emphasizes learning but the bar itself has a lot of whites and golds," Lathus said Lathus credits her husband for his leadership as general contractor and patience overall—he was mopping the floors during their interview with Patch—and said they're eager to open Jan we believe that every great story deserves a delicious companion," their website reads BookBar is the quirky haven where flavors and stories entwine." "Super-excited to see what this year brings us," she said 2025 at 6:46 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Lauren Doman is running for the Mokena District 159 Board of Education on April 1 District 159 Mokena School Board: Lauren Doman Both of our children attend Mokena District 159 schools and are actively involved in various activities which keeps our family engaged and connected to the community I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree major in English in Special Education and School Administration I have licensed educator endorsement in English Spanish Learners Orton-Gillingham Literacy / Spelling and Crisis Prevention Intervention I am a Public School Teacher with 17 years of diverse experience I have taught students in grades 1 through 8 across various subjects I currently teach at a Blue-Ribbon Award-winning middle school I have firsthand experience in bringing high-quality I understand the struggles of our student population ranging from delivering Special Education services to servicing our advanced learners The most pressing issues facing our district are the dysfunction of the current school board the instability resulting from high turnover in the Superintendent position and the critical need for improved safety measures within our schools Dysfunctional School Board: It is evident from observing board meetings that the current board's dysfunction detracts from the quality of education our district can deliver we need to bring in new members who are committed to reinstating leadership and functionality for the benefit of our students I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative and respectful environment where all voices are heard and decisions are made with the best interests of our educational community at heart High Turnover in Superintendent Position: The instability caused by high turnover in the Superintendent position has far-reaching effects throughout our district I believe I can add significant value during the onboarding process of our newly hired Superintendent providing the support needed to establish a stable and effective leadership The incumbent candidates have had their chance to address this issue and have not been successful which is why fresh perspectives are essential Safety as a Top Priority: Safety is paramount for our students and staff and it has been a recurring theme in community surveys the current board has voted against establishing a Safety Committee to explore opportunities for improvement I strongly disagree with the incumbents' passive approach to safety; it is indeed the responsibility of the Board of Education to lead these initiatives and allocate necessary funds I vow to work collaboratively with my colleagues to prioritize safety and actively pursue measures that ensure the well-being of everyone in our schools The critical difference between me and the other candidates seeking this post is that I am the only licensed educator running for a seat on the board If I am fortunate enough to earn the support of Mokena voters I will be the sole educator serving on the board which brings a unique perspective and expertise to the table I am ready to hit the ground running and add immediate value to the board's work I understand what it means to deliver a high-quality education This firsthand experience equips me to effectively partner with my colleagues in onboarding our new Superintendent and ensuring his success from the outset I am deeply committed to serving our students and make myself readily available to the community I recognize the importance of increasing parent and community involvement in our schools as it has a profoundly positive impact on our district's success I believe the current board has failed the community and district in several significant ways: Financial Management and Resource Allocation: Mokena taxpayers contribute 35% of their property taxes to District 159 yet the amount levied has increased by 30% over the past five years due to rising home values While administrative compensation has also increased by 30% classroom sizes have grown without hiring additional teachers and the current board projects that no new teachers will be hired in the next five years I understand the value of smaller class sizes and know how to prioritize spending wisely The decisions being made by the incumbents are irresponsible and are leading the district down a dangerous path Lack of Strategic Leadership: The incumbent candidates have repeatedly failed to implement a winning strategy that aligns with community needs they eliminated our Enrichment Program in 2015 and the Dual Language Program in 2022 despite public outcry they voted against recording board meetings for transparency when parents requested it and disregarded a petition for improved safety measures they chose to allocate funds to projects like a $160k shed at the junior high to house a snowplow prioritizing that over the safety of our students and staff I am committed to working collaboratively with my fellow board members and the administration to explore opportunities for improvement within our classrooms ensuring that our educational priorities come first Leadership should be about teamwork and listening to the community and the incumbents have not demonstrated this commitment I am committed to fostering an inclusive and engaging educational environment for all students combined with my dedication to our community will guide my decisions to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed I have witnessed the challenges and triumphs within our schools I welcome your support and ideas as we work together and I am dedicated to listening to your concerns to find effective solutions Key Issues of My Campaign Platform:-Support for Educators: I will advocate for resources and professional development to empower our teachers and staff.-Student-Centered Policies: My focus will be on ensuring that all policies are designed with the best interests of our students in mind.-Community Engagement: I aim to foster two-way communication between the school board and community members to strengthen our educational programs.-Diversity and Inclusion: I will promote an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates our diverse student population.-Fiscal Responsibility: involves not only managing budgets wisely but also ensuring that every dollar spent effectively to enhance educational outcomes I am committed to prioritizing transparency and accountability in our financial practices to maximize resources for our students and staff What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?* With 17 years of diverse experience as a Public School Teacher I have developed a strong foundation in education that equips me to handle the responsibilities of this role effectively This breadth of knowledge allows me to understand the unique needs of different learners and adapt my approach accordingly I have actively contributed to my community as a team manager and coach These roles have strengthened my leadership skills and my ability to collaborate with parents Being an advocate in the community has further deepened my understanding of the challenges that families face and it drives my commitment to creating the best supportive educational environments These accomplishments demonstrate my dedication to education and my capability to contribute positively to the school board I believe my experience positions me well to make impactful decisions for our schools Voters should trust me because my motivation for running for the school board is steadfast and clear: I am dedicated to being an integral part of the decision-making process that drives improvement in Mokena helping our schools and community reach their fullest potential My focus is solely on the betterment of our educational system and the overall well-being of our students I pride myself on being honest and transparent in my actions and communications I believe that trust is built through open dialogue and accountability and I am committed to listening to the concerns and ideas of our community By fostering strong relationships with parents I aim to create a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and heard my primary accomplishment that would define a successful term in office would be the implementation of a comprehensive support system for both students and educators This would include advocating for increased resources professional development opportunities for teachers and programs that cater to the diverse needs of our student population Success for me would also involve fostering a culture of open communication between the school board ensuring that everyone has a voice in the educational process By building strong partnerships and engaging stakeholders we can create an inclusive environment that addresses the needs of all families if I can contribute to a noticeable improvement in student performance and well-being and create a supportive framework for our educators In the event of potential ICE enforcement at schools staff should be guided by clear protocols that prioritize the safety and well-being of all students Staff should be informed about the rights of students and families as well as the legal protocols surrounding immigration enforcement Understanding that schools are safe spaces for children is crucial Schools should have access to community resources that can assist families who may be impacted by ICE enforcement such as legal aid organizations and counseling services As a board member I will work to ensure the Administration is doing all we can to keep students safe staff informed and armed with all tools they need I personally believe that cell phones could be brought to and from school and used outside of school hours I believe there should be a policy in place I have witnessed firsthand how distracting they can be in the classroom The presence of cell phones often leads to students diverting their attention away from lessons which can hinder their learning and engagement there are negative consequences associated with cell phone use I have seen how this can affect students' mental health and create a hostile environment for some peers Allowing phones during school hours can exacerbate these issues making it challenging for educators to maintain a safe and productive learning environment I understand some parents might get comfort in being able to reach their students during school hours and how this approach might be troubling I am willing to have conversations that explore how to alleviate these concerns and will always seek to adopt policies supported by our community I believe that sex education is a crucial aspect of a comprehensive education curriculum Schools are bound to some legal mandates in this area and most of those decisions are made above the school board Many of these are in high school districts and not elementary school level topics many of these lessons are up to parents to teach their own children based on their personal values and beliefs Our job as educators will well defined and is supplemented to the hard work parents have teaching their children I believe that our district has made significant strides in many areas particularly in providing foundational skills and support for students there are notable inequities in academic performance among different student demographics that we must address to improve overall achievement levels One of the strengths of our district is the commitment to supporting struggling students through various interventions I believe we can enhance these efforts by promoting targeted interventions that are specifically designed to meet the needs of those who are falling behind By increasing the availability of resources and support services we can ensure that more students have the opportunity to succeed we also have advanced students who may not be receiving the challenge they need to grow academically Insufficient programming for these students can hinder their development and engagement Although there is currently a task force working on this issue I will actively seek partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions to assist with this initiative By expanding access to advanced courses and enrichment opportunities I am fully committed to serving my entire term of office and have no intentions of stepping down for reasons other than health or family considerations My motivation for running for this position stems from a deep commitment to our schools and community and I believe that continuity is essential for implementing meaningful change and achieving our goals I understand the importance of stability in leadership and I am dedicated to seeing through the initiatives and improvements that I advocate for My focus will be on fostering collaboration and working tirelessly to enhance the educational experience for all students I am prepared to dedicate my time and efforts to serve my full term as I believe it is crucial for the success of our schools and the well-being of our students and families 2025 at 6:54 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Jen Francis is running for Mokena District 159 Board of Education in the April 1 (Courtesy of Melissa Eahart Photography)MOKENA Jen Francis for Mokena 159 School Board and I have been married for over nine years and moved to Mokena eight years ago as we were drawn to Mokena’s strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere is 5 years old and will be starting kindergarten in the fall She has special needs and has spent the last two years in the Early Childhood Preschool Program at Mokena Elementary School No one in my family works in politics or government including the local government I am running for I graduated from Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park and then went on to New Mexico State University where I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing I spent the first 25 years working in the retail industry starting at Orland Square Mall and working my way up to serving as the Director of Retail for American Girl Chicago on Michigan Avenue where I managed multi-million dollar budgets and led large teams to drive success always remaining open to suggestions and fostering collaboration across teams of all sizes and began working as an Insurance Broker for our family's insurance agency in Orland Park but I am most known as the IVF Insurance Guru specializing in helping women secure benefits for infertility treatments My diverse background has provided me with valuable experience in leadership I served on the Board of Directors for The Magnificent Mile Association including as a member of the Executive Committee and co-chair of the Membership Committee I helped shape strategic initiatives and expand the association which represents businesses along Michigan Avenue in Chicago and neighboring areas I collaborated with board members and the executive team to develop initiatives that supported the association’s mission fostering a vibrant community for local businesses The most pressing issues facing our district are fiscal accountability and ensuring that resources are properly allocated to support teachers and students at all levels We need to reevaluate how funds are spent to ensure that every dollar is being used in the best interests of our students I will prioritize safety projects first to ensure our schools are secure for both students and staff I will also advocate for more efficient use of our budget and providing teachers with the tools they need to foster student success and ensuring that the voices all stakeholders - parents community members are heard in decision-making processes One of the key differences between me and other candidates is my long-term commitment to the district will no longer have children in the district by the end of this term I have 9 more years ahead with my daughter actively attending our schools Having children in the district gives me a unique perspective on decision-making as I see firsthand how choices impact students and families When your own children are directly affected by decisions your focus stays on prioritizing their safety and well-being—not on forming friendships or cutting taxes at the cost of students and my focus will always remain on what matters most for our students I also bring a strong background in business and financial management I hold a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and I've spent 25 years in retail management overseeing multi-million dollar budgets This experience has honed my skills in fiscal responsibility and I would use that experience to ensure every dollar is spent effectively—especially when it comes to prioritizing safety projects and supporting our teachers and students I pride myself on being open to dialogue and always willing to listen to others' perspectives without judgment I believe that by fostering a collaborative environment with all stakeholders we can make well-rounded decisions that truly benefit our community these qualities set me apart and equip me to make a lasting I believe the current board has not fully engaged with all stakeholders the board has voted twice against recording meetings for the community to watch limiting access to important discussions and decision-making processes Transparency is vital for building trust and keeping the community informed there has been a lack of focus on effectively allocating resources to support both students and teachers and an insufficient prioritization of safety improvements Some board members have claimed that safety is not their responsibility—I disagree I am committed to ensuring that safety is a top priority and that policies are regularly updated to reflect the community's needs after the bonds for the Junior High were paid off instead of returning those funds to taxpayers the board passed a referendum to support the district's need to maintain with the goal of keeping our students "warm and dry." This fund receives over $2.2 million annually some current board members have prioritized the purchase of a shed for outdoor equipment over critical safety projects such as fire panels and addressing roof issues at the Intermediate School some board members voted against forming a Safety Committee despite it being a clear priority for parents This is a significant misstep by the incumbents I am committed to bringing a fresh perspective to the board and making decisions that truly prioritize the needs of our students My campaign is built on several key priorities that are essential for the future of our district must be managed wisely to maximize its impact on students and teachers This means carefully re-evaluating how funds are allocated to support educational excellence and provide the necessary resources for our classrooms yet the district’s five-year projection shows no plans to hire additional teachers making it difficult for them to provide the personalized attention every student needs Larger classroom sizes are stressful for teachers and impact their ability to engage with each student effectively Addressing this imbalance is critical to ensuring our teachers are supported and all students receive the attention they deserve I am also dedicated to supporting learners at every level from our youngest preschoolers to our advanced learners We must expand programs that foster inclusivity and provide opportunities for growth It's also essential to prioritize the needs of students requiring additional support including those in special education programs and those working to meet academic standards I am a strong advocate for transparency and greater community engagement Decisions affecting our schools should be made through open dialogue with parents Transparency in the decision-making process is key to building trust and making informed choices that truly benefit our students These priorities are at the heart of my campaign because they directly shape the success and future of our students I bring 25 years of experience managing multi-million dollar budgets along with a degree in Business Administration My previous service on the Board and Executive Committee of The Magnificent Mile Association helped me develop expertise in governance I’ve also led large teams with diverse backgrounds which has enhanced my ability to collaborate and make well-rounded decisions These experiences demonstrate that I can make sound fiscally responsible choices and lead effectively for the benefit of our district Voters should trust me because I’m deeply committed to our district's future I’ve attended every board meeting over the past two years giving me firsthand insight into our challenges and opportunities With 25 years of management experience and a strong commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility I will make informed decisions that benefit our schools As a parent with a child in the district for the next nine years I understand what’s at stake and am dedicated to fostering a positive my term will be successful if I can increase transparency and community engagement efficiently allocate resources to support every student manage projects effectively with safety as a top priority and foster a supportive work environment for our teachers to retain quality educators This is a legal issue that should be handled by local law enforcement It’s important to ensure that all actions are in compliance with the law and district policies and that the safety and well-being of all students and staff are prioritized The District's current policy (6.80 – Student Use of Electronic Devices) provides a clear framework for their use Students are prohibited from using electronic devices during instructional time unless granted permission or in an emergency I believe the district should provide basic but I support empowering parents to make decisions that align with their family’s values Parents should have the primary role in guiding their children’s education on this topic This includes the ability for parents to opt their children out of optional curriculum or testing Schools in the district are excelling in providing a solid foundation for early education and supporting a range of learning needs with more students meeting or exceeding expectations year over year in ELA and mathematics as over 23% of students have not met expectations in ELA and more than 48% have not met expectations in mathematics we should focus on ensuring that all students from those who have not met expectations to advanced learners are appropriately challenged and supported This can be achieved by expanding personalized learning opportunities increasing professional development for teachers and ensuring resources are efficiently allocated to meet the diverse needs of all students I applaud the Illinois State Board of Education’s listening tour which focuses on "Assessment & Accountability Redesign: Supporting Continuous Improvement for All Schools." This initiative is a step in the right direction to improve accountability and assessment practices across the state and I hope our district is actively involved in these important discussions to ensure we are continually advancing the quality of education for all students I am fully committed to serving my term of office and ensuring that I work diligently on behalf of the community 2025 at 10:31 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Mokena Jr High students will put on Disney's High School Musical Jr High is bringing a Disney's High School Musical Jr The show is playing Lincoln-Way Central High School Charles Stark Center for Performing Arts designed for middle school-aged performers is based on the 2006 Disney Channel Original Movie and the subsequent National Tour The Mokena Junior High School cast includes sixth seventh and eighth grade students led by Director Andy Breitbath This up-beat throwback to the ins and outs of high school drama is a nostalgic romp for young and old alike The audition notice is posted for East High’s spring musical and superstar athlete Troy Bolton (Connor Hickey) and science whiz Gabriella Montez (Ame Heiser) secretly want to try out Will their dreams be thwarted as they navigate the cliques of East High this musical includes favorite High School Musical songs such as “Get’cha Head in the Game,” “Stick to the Status Quo,” and “We’re All in This Together.” With its inspiring message of friendship you’ll be singing and cheering along with High School Musical JR Tickets are reserved seating, $5 in advance online and at the door Breitbath couldn't be more excited to be at Mokena Jr High He has long been involved in the theater world wearing multiple hats as both a performer and teacher he serves as a singing teacher at The Stage School where he passionately shares his love of performing arts with students he’s also a performer at the Chicago Kids Company Breitbath went on to attend Michigan State University he realized his calling was to combine his dedication to education with his passion for theater he has immersed himself in the world of performance he’s thrilled to bring new creative visions to life Disney’s High School Musical JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all materials are provided by Music Theatre International. For more information about licensing High School Musical JR. or other Disney shows, please visit www.DisneyMusicals.com Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.MTI works directly with the composers lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional and school theatres in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences MTI’s Broadway Junior shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students 2025 at 10:59 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Colette Huelsman is running for Mokena Village Trustee in the April 1 and Mokena will come out of it with some new faces on the Village Board Two candidates are running for one unexpired term four-year seats.The policy-making branch of the Village of Mokena includes the Village President (Mayor) and a six-person Board of Trustees Current Mayor Frank Fleischer leads his Mokena's Future slate Patch has provided a questionnaire to candidates Mokena's Future none of my immediate family members currently work in politics or government My decision to run for office is driven by my own passion for serving the community and making a positive impact I am a dedicated high school social studies teacher and coach with 23 years of experience This would be my first time holding an elected position The most significant issues facing our village are maintaining fiscal responsibility What sets me apart from the other candidates is my fresh perspective and strong leadership My career in education has honed my critical thinking skills and to foster cooperation among a wide range of stakeholders I recognize the dedication of the current board members and their service to the community I simply aim to complement their work by bringing a fresh perspective and new energy to address evolving needs A key focus is ensuring responsible growth that preserves the village's unique charm and high quality of life I am also deeply committed to advocating for families and youth I've seen first hand the impact of investing in inclusive youth programs and initiatives that foster a strong support system for children and families I believe these efforts are essential to building a vibrant I have spent over two decades as a dedicated high school educator where fostering civic responsibility and community engagement has been at the heart of my work Recognized as a Constitutional Scholar by the United States Congress through the James Madison Fellowship I’ve also focused on creating positive change beyond the classroom I earned certification in Engaging Youth for Positive Change to better equip myself to support and empower young people in our community I’ve held leadership roles in the Arbury Hills Parent Organization—serving as Fundraiser Coordinator and Vice President—actively supporting Mokena families until the school’s closing in 2024 I’ve also coached student teams to state championships helping develop strong and passionate young leaders My goal has always been to strengthen the community through education Voters should trust me because I have a proven track record of leadership and integrity both professionally and within the community responsible leadership and will always prioritize the best interests of our residents success in this role would be defined by my ability to foster responsible growth while preserving the charm and quality of life that makes our village special I would consider my term a success if I can contribute to a thriving sustainable community where families feel supported and youth have access to meaningful programs that empower them to succeed My goal is to create a balanced approach to development that serves both current and future generations collaborative dialogue with the residents I represent I believe in the responsible and transparent management of taxpayer dollars Fiscal policy should prioritize long-term sustainability ensuring that government spending aligns with the needs of the community while avoiding unnecessary debt allocate resources efficiently and invest in areas that will benefit residents most the village does face challenges with crime It's essential that Mokena takes proactive measures to prevent crime and ensure our residents feel secure I believe in ensuring our police force is well-equipped and supported to respond to crime in a fair and effective manner increased police presence in high-risk areas and a focus on community engagement are all important in making sure our town remains a safe an welcoming place for all I believe that the village's approach to development should focus on balancing growth with the preservation of what makes our community unique It is important that development is well-planned and thoughtfully integrated into the community to maintain the character and charm of our town My goal is to ensure that any development in the village is sustainable environmentally responsible and benefits both new and existing residents I believe in listening to community feedback and making sure that growth enhances rather then detracts from the character of Mokena One of the key areas for improvement in development that residents often express is the need for more community-oriented spaces Many residents are also interested in seeing a stronger mix of local businesses that offer more dining By working together with all stakeholders and being thoughtful about our growth we can create a balanced I have no reason to believe I would be unable to serve my full term in office I am fully committed to dedicating my time and energy to serving the residents of Mokena I want voters to know that I am deeply committed to serving this community with integrity and focus on what is best for all residents My background as an educator has shaped my approach to leadership--one that prioritizes collaboration thoughtful decision-making and listening to the needs and concerns of the community and ensuring that our village remains a safe and vibrant place to live for families I am passionate about advocating for youth and families drawing from my years of experience working with young people to ensure they have access to resources I also understand the importance of maintaining the unique character of our village while embracing responsible development that enhances our quality of life My goal s is to create a community that not only meets the needs of today but is also prepared for a sustainable and prosperous future and is dedicated to working for the best interest of Mokena I look forward to the opportunity to serve and make a positive impact on our village Incumbent Village Clerk Melissa Martini also joins their ticket.Patch has provided a questionnaire to candidates https://friendsofmokena.com/ Town of residence: Mokena Chamber of Commerce Executive Director - 15 years Current Mokena Village Trustee - Elected in 2021 One effective way to alleviate this tax burden is by expanding the commercial tax base We can achieve this by attracting new businesses to Mokena and making every effort to retain our existing ones it’s crucial to demonstrate the advantages of operating in Mokena a key aspiration we all share is enhancing the downtown area While most storefronts in the downtown are occupied there currently are a few vacant lots that can be developed to introduce enjoyable and valuable experiences to the community We all belong to the same community and want what’s best for our beautiful village so likely the differences between myself and the other candidates are not huge But everyone associated with the Friends of Mokena group that I am part of shares common perspectives and visions for our community's progress That's the reason we are all campaigning together Running as a slate and ensuring that we are elected together allows us to reach our objectives more quickly as we start off with a shared understanding I prefer to highlight ways we can enhance our community if Friends of Mokena is elected to office on April 1 Establishing a stronger line of communication with other elected officials of local taxing bodies Improved communication from the mayor will foster greater transparency and enhance community engagement all of which Mokena currently requires for improvement We prioritize maintaining low spending to ensure we are fiscally responsible with the hard-earned money of taxpayers utilizing only 0.4 cents of every tax dollar we strive to simplify the process for businesses looking to establish themselves in Mokena through my work with the Chamber of Commerce I've frequently heard this concern from local businesses I have had 15 years of active involvement in our community as executive director of the chamber of commerce I've dedicated myself to supporting local businesses and keeping the community engaged by organizing various events and pet supplies benefiting local non-profit organizations and numerous restaurant promotional events I have served on the Mokena Community Park District’s Foundation Board and the non-profit group Mokena Strong which helped residents during the COVID-19 pandemic I also possess strong communication skills that have been instrumental in crafting effective marketing campaigns and engaging newsletters to keep our chamber businesses and residents informed and connected My passion for community development and my commitment to fostering a thriving local economy have always been at the forefront of my work I hope the community trusts that I prioritize their well-being as I have a solid history of placing Mokena first This commitment stems from my fifteen years of experience working for a non-profit organization that greatly benefits our community along with my volunteer work on various boards during that period I dedicate my time to this cause because not only do I reside in Mokena and I desire to see all of us thrive and enjoy the best quality of life possible Significant development in the downtown area for one it’s likely that our downtown area won’t be fully revitalized within a single term either we must strive for more substantial and rapid progress than what we’ve observed in recent years we need to be highly strategic with the remaining parcels of land It’s crucial that the projects proposed to us represent the highest and best use of these spaces I would also like to see enhanced marketing for our village including a more comprehensive village newsletter and an updated website the village and police department maintain a Facebook and Instagram page and the Everbridge text message alert system there are still residents that are unaware of these information channels I see revamping the website as an essential first step in disseminating this information to our residents and businesses Achieving these goals without increasing the Village's share of property taxes would be a significant accomplishment in my eyes it is essential to find the right equilibrium between investing money to achieve progress in our desired areas and avoiding excessive spending that would overburden taxpayers a robust commercial tax base plays a crucial role in providing the necessary funds This is why it is so crucial to shop local and ‘keep your money where your home is!’ we are quite fortunate to experience low rates of violent crime largely due to the dedication of our diligent police department They have successfully implemented the Flock Camera System as a means of deterring and solving crimes we recently completed a state-of-the-art new police department on 191st Street achieved without imposing any extra costs on taxpayers Ensuring that the police department has all the necessary tools and resources to effectively reduce crime will remain a top priority we must adopt a highly strategic approach for the remaining land parcels It is essential that the proposed projects reflect the optimal use of these areas I believe important factors to consider include infrastructure planning and sustainability—such as green space and connectivity we have observed a growing demand for upscale residential ranch townhomes as the local population ages and seeks to downsize to homes with less stairs and shared maintenance During my interactions with residents and business owners in Mokena the most frequent request I've encountered is the desire for a revitalized downtown area I've heard people express their desire for an updated village hall and safer pedestrian crossings at key intersections Strengthening our partnerships with our local non-profit organizations that often provide resources to our community is also an important consideration I’m not in this race for power or notoriety; I just want to put my skills to good use for our awesome community I deeply care about Mokena and its bright future I believe in accountability and a genuine desire to make life better for all of us—whether it’s cheering on local businesses tuning in to what residents and business owners have to say and making choices that put Mokena’s long-term happiness front and center 2025 at 5:11 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A Mokena resident was duped out of $150,000 in a remote job ad scam in which they were directed to transfer money using a cryptocurrency exchange account IL — Mokena police and senior fraud investigators were able to recover most of the stolen money after officials say a Mokena resident was duped out of more than $150,000 in a cryptocurrency scam police said they took a report from a Mokena resident regarding an online scam The resident said they responded to an "online job ad presented as a commission-based remote work opportunity aimed at optimizing app developers." the victim was instructed to set up a cryptocurrency exchange account transferred money across the account as directed by the scammers police say a Mokena detective attempted to trace the stolen funds and find a suspect The investigation revealed that some of the funds were being held in a cryptocurrency wallet controlled by a suspect with a Nigerian passport "Our Detective worked with Senior Fraud Investigators from the financial institution hosting the cryptocurrency wallet and located just over $101,000," Mokena police said in a news release Working with the Financial Crimes Division of the Will County State's Attorney's Office Mokena Police Chief Brian Benton thanked Det "who worked vigorously to locate the lost money and to seek out those responsible for committing this fraud." He also thanked State's Attorney Jim Glasgow and assistant states attorneys Mike Casson and Dant Foulk "While it is unfortunate that we were unable to arrest those responsible for committing these crimes we are glad we were to have been able to return a significant amount of the lost money." and all eyes are turned to the results of the presidential race of Vice President Kamala Harris against former President Donald Trump there are also several referenda and races locally and state-wide Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow is running unopposed Find a complete list of races and candidates on the Will County Clerk's website Not sure if you’re registered to vote, or need to change your address? You can find out here. If you aren't registered by Election Day you'll need to register in person at a grace period registration site Call ahead to ensure that your polling place offers same-day registration and at least one must show your current address If you are already in line to vote when the polls close If you don't know your polling place, find it here. IL — The Village of Mokena’s Annual Clean-Up Day has been scheduled for Saturday Clean-up activities are scheduled from 9 a.m Everyone is invited to assist in the clean-up Mokena Publics Works crews will deliver volunteers to various areas in the community Students can receive community service hours for their contributions volunteers will return to Village Hall for hot dogs Call Village Hall (708)479-3900 with any questions 2025 at 3:40 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Mokena's Seth Mendoza will try to notch his fourth IHSA wrestling state title later this month he's also training to run the Boston Marathon in his dad's place this April ((Left) Courtesy of Kelly Mendoza | Photo Credit: Kelley McClure Photography)MOKENA IL — Kelly Mendoza wasn't surprised when her son said "yes" so quickly "He’s always up for a challenge," Mendoza said A look at his high school wrestling record shows as much Carmel High School senior is a three-time 3A state champ in the hunt for his fourth title later this month His eye was on that prize when his father asked him to consider chasing another: would Seth run the Boston Marathon in his place this April It's the kind of commitment the Mokena teen and New Lenox District 122 alum has shown since running his first half-marathon at just 9 years old before locking in to dominating on the mat He commutes 45 minutes each way to the Chicago school Mornings are early and days are long as he trains to finish his high school career as the best in the state (again) and among the top in the country because he goes to school 45 min-an hour away or fits them in whenever he can—most days he's up before 5 a.m "Throughout my entire high school wrestling career I’d always manage to fit in some sort of other training," he said but I’ve been through it throughout my entire life who has completed the Boston Marathon eight times previously but after a surgery was rendered unable to run in the April race He contacted the Boston Athletic Association "It’s hard to get these Boston bibs," Kelly said "He kind of introduced me to running," Seth said of his father Seth went on to notch finishes in the Soldier Field 10 miler The Chicago Kids' Triathlon (where he won his division) This one will be special. In addition to filling in for his father, he's fundraising for the Semper Fi Fund, a cause close to his family's hearts. Semper Fi & America's Fund is a non-profit organization that provides support to wounded service members The organization offers financial assistance and other services to help people recover and transition back into their communities a US Marine Corps sniper who served multiple combat deployments to Iraq "Especially for the fundraising I’m doing." His family has witnessed the organization's importance "Semper Fi and Americas Fund has been important to our family for many years so I am excited to run to help our wounded service members," Seth wrote in his fundraising entry "This incredible charity provides vital assistance to our injured service members and their families." See his fundraising page. He'll also be running in honor of Boston Marathon bombing survivors Lee Ann and Nick Yanni he'll head south to IHSA State Wrestling Finals He is currently ranked #1 in the state at 138 pounds He seeks to become the 16th wrestler to win four IHSA state titles in the tournament's 88-year history His previous wins were at 106 pounds in 2022 He's also committed to University of Missouri Seth's taking all the hard work and training right in stride He and his family will head to Boston a couple of days before the April 21 event as Seth nears his final high school days before graduation The significance of the experience isn't lost on him "Filling in my dad’s spot after all he’s done for me 2025 at 12:55 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Natalie Docherty pictured with her nieces Piper and Daphne Heim and my dog Billie at a book signing event at Gost Coffee in New Lenox IL — A Mokena woman inspired by her experience at a tech startup in California has penned a book worked at an L.A.-based company that "got the gears turning" on her speculative thriller "Dark Days Ahead" which she describes as having some fantasy Sitting at local coffee shops Gost Coffee in New Lenox and Clancy Bros. in Mokena, the Sandburg alum churned out the nearly 400-page "Dark Days Ahead" in just 27 days drawn from scenes in her head that she'd held onto since her time on the West coast and power converge in Silicon Valley’s dark underbelly as three friends battle to reclaim the future from those who seek to control it," the description reads You can read some reviews and more about Docherty on her website "The actual book was a bit of a fever dream," Docherty said Some who've read it call it "Severance" meets "Sex and the City," with "a touch of magic," Docherty said—first referencing a popular AppleTV science fiction psychological thriller and then the pop culture phenomenon chronicling women's friendships and dating lives in New York City "It reads like an indictment of current events," Docherty said "There are definitely certain people it really connects with." Writing a book seemed to come naturally for Docherty who said book have always been a huge part of her life Docherty spoke with Patch while she was on a consulting job in California "I always think books are where I would turn at different points in my life," she said the premise of the book is a group of tech elites who are manipulating world events "I feel like I was inspired by different things I would see and experience out here—it’s a totally different world." who spent some of her youth in Oak Forest before graduating from Sandburg High School and later University of Chicago returned from California a year and a half ago It's been exciting—albeit surreal—to hear and see people responding to her book Docherty thanked her parents Gloria and Gary Nickerson and her siblings Emily and Mark for their support "I didn’t even know if a single person would ever read this "It’s great to see the way certain people resonate and connect with it saying they’d stayed up all night reading it.” For anyone interested, the book is available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited "It ends somewhat of a cliffhanger," she said 2025 at 3:00 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A Mokena medical device company has agreed to pay a $1 million fine to defer prosecution in a federal fraud case (Shutterstock)CHICAGO — A Mokena-based medical device company will pay a $1 million fine to resolve a federal criminal investigation into the alleged selling of misbranded products imported from overseas Advanced Inventory Management (AIM) Inc. admitted in a filing in U.S District Court in Chicago that from 2017 to 2019 the company imported medical products from international distributors at cheaper prices than what it would have paid to U.S then manipulated them to resell at marked up prices The investigation of AIM and Iaderosa is being resolved with deferred prosecution agreements under which the company and Iaderosa admitted that the tactic rendered the products misbranded under the U.S The company and Iaderosa further admitted that they deliberately concealed the tactic from the U.S Food and Drug Administration and caused false statements to be submitted to customs agents Attorney’s Office filed a one-count criminal information charging AIM and Iaderosa with misbranding of a medical device with the intent to defraud the government will defer prosecution on the charge against AIM for three years and the charge against Iaderosa for one year and then seek to dismiss the charges if the company and Iaderosa abide by certain conditions the company agreed to pay a $1 million fine to the Department of Justice and implement a new compliance and ethics program designed to prevent violations of federal food and drug laws as well as provide annual reports to the government regarding remediation and implementation of the program If AIM or Iaderosa fail to completely fulfill each of their obligations during the terms of the agreements Attorney’s Office can initiate prosecution of the charged offenses 2025 at 10:30 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Curtain Call Theatre in March will put on "Calendar Girls." (Courtesy of Curtain Call Theatre)MOKENA IL — The Curtain Call Theatre is baring it all—artistically speaking—with six performances of ‘Calendar Girls’ this March Mark your calendars for March 7-9 and March 14-16 and closely resembles the 2003 film of the same name two best friends who hatch an unconventional fundraising idea after Annie’s husband dies from leukemia Their goal: To raise money for a hospital settee Their method: A rather revealing charity calendar featuring members of their Women’s Institute (W.I.)—tastefully posed in the buff Assisted by an unlikely amateur photographer the ladies’ bold move leads to international attention some very creative use of baked goods and flower arrangements "This show is a lovely compilation of female friendship and pushing boundaries for those you love," said Blowers "Our cast is having a great time with this story We’re incredibly excited for audiences to experience this." The cast features a variety of talent from the area including: Janet Venzon as Chris; Beth Czechanski as Annie; Kristin Morris as Cora; Jean Berard as Jessie; Cassandra Bausch as Celia; Kathleen McLernon as Ruth; Heidi Drennan as Marie; Rebecca Leonard as Brenda; Jim Zacharias as John; Michael P Galbincea as Rod; Renata Allelujka as Lady Cravenshire; Luke Simone as Lawrence; Jillian Jade as Elaine; and Anthony Uzzardo as Liam Performances will be at 7:30 pm on March 7 while the Sunday matinees have already sold out The mission of Curtain Call Theatre is to provide a vehicle for local performing arts development and to encourage and foster community involvement We promote and deliver exceptional community theatre and therefore our motto reads: “Downtown Quality at Community Theatre Prices." The theatre was established in 1979 and stages 11-15 productions per year 2025 at 10:35 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Brian Leonard fought addiction for years before losing his life to a suspected overdose in March 2024 His family is now opening a gym in his name IL — Joe and Brian Leonard talked about everything The two brothers and Orland Park natives were just four years apart in age they often mulled ideas of how they could morph their two passions into a project that could have a lasting impact on others And then it hit them like a punch to a bag: a boxing gym who struggled with drug addiction for years spent weeks in rehab and weekends with Joe Brian would readily return to rehab at the start of each week yet held firm in his belief that boxing had been the key to his holding steady is that first day when you’re out (of rehab)," he remembers Brian saying Brian died of a suspected overdose in March 2024; fentanyl was believed to be the substance used though they still await official toxicology results and his uncle Glenn have worked to bring Brian's dream to fruition A nonprofit gym geared toward addicts in recovery was what we planned on in the beginning," Joe Leonard said physically—and it all incorporates boxing." Brian volunteered as a mentor and coach at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago where he led disadvantaged youth in channeling their emotions and finding healing through exercise "He was the main one at Mercy," he praised "Now we have an opportunity to be able to make an impact." While fueled by their passion to help those in recovery stresses the facility will welcome whomever "It’s geared towards someone that’s coming out of rehab or trying to recover and really just needs a safe place and a community kind of setting," he said "Almost everybody experiences some darkness We’re not going to quiz you on why you’re there "There’s so many things that people just need a community that’s safe Joe and Glenn—a boxing coach for two decades—have designed the program The family has always been athletic—Brian Jr was a three-sport athlete—and all have boxed Brian was attending Providence Catholic HS when his family moved out of state He went on to continue playing sports at Lakeland College in Wisconsin his athletic pursuits caught up with Brian Jr. causing wear and tear on his body that led to multiple surgeries later in his life "It seems like the addiction part of it would pop up after every surgery He’d go from the pain meds to something else "I imagine he was in and out of different things "He would keep my other son in there (the gym) for like two hours," Brian Sr That's what they're hoping to provide others who might be in a similar position as Brian The gym "is designed to be a ray of hope for those who are in need," the website reads "It offers those who continue to struggle with addiction a place to continue the healing process in a safe While the focus is on those with addiction it is also here for everyone who needs healing Donations will help fund a gym specializing in boxing workouts as well as memberships for recovering clients The trainers will help and guide clients through basic to advanced workouts where the guy will come back the second day," Brian Sr They'll also offer meeting space for groups like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous to encourage open and honest dialogue coupled with exercise "We tried to think outside the box to make it more enjoyable," Brian Sr "and continue to try to build the community aspect of it." "Everybody’s who on staff has been through this already or has a sibling or something that is going through it right now We’re all well-versed in what’s going on." even down to the space they found to house it: a former gym "This space just kind of found itself for us," Joe said How I know this is going to be successful—is not only because of how many people are already wanting to get into the gym—but the factor of having a lot of these things just fall into place." Seeing Brian's name attached to a gym designed around something that meant so much to him is momentous "This is everything he would have wanted." BVL Boxing Solutions NFP is located at 9620 Willow Lane in Mokena. They can be reached at BVLBoxingsolutions@gmail.com. Check their website for more but early voting begins soon in Illinois — and Mokena residents can already request a ballot to vote by mail The hottest race on the ballot is the presidential election pitting Vice President Kamala Harris against former President Donald J Not sure if you’re registered to vote, or need to change your address? You can find out here. If you’re not registered, you have until Oct. 8 to register by mail and Oct. 20 to register to vote online You can also register in person on Election Day To register by mail, download and print the Illinois Voter Registration Application and send the completed form to your county clerk or Board of Election commissioner you can do so at driver’s license facilities Mokena residents who want to cast their ballots early early voting is also available Monday through Friday at Mokena Village Hall Illinois voters can already file an application to vote by mail, and you can find vote by mail applications on the Illinois State Board of Elections website. If you’re making your request by mail, the Illinois Election Authority must receive it by Oct. 31.You can also request a mail-in ballot online on your county clerk’s website 2024 at 3:02 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Brooklyn Dylan is on her way to becoming the pop star she's always dreamed (Courtesy of Lauren Ashley Studios/Courtesy of Ken Pino of JJP Designs in Shorewood)MOKENA IL — A Mokena teenager and aspiring musician isn't wasting a second pursuing her dream—she's already making it to the radio waves and streaming stratosphere The Lincoln-Way East sophomore, who goes by Brooklyn Dylan penning her experiences as a teen navigating life into songs that have already made their way to stations like 101.9FM The Mix Dylan's aspirations have gotten a big boost in recent months a spotlight into which the 15-year-old willingly stepped who has participated in pageants from a young age and with a platform to give voice to her teenage experience "I just kind of like got bit by like the pageant bug," she said "And I feel like pageants in general are so stereotyped .. "We do so much like volunteering and like working to help others and being able to just learn certain skills of how to sit down and have an interview with someone or go up on stage and give a speech and just do all these things to like help your community and really just be an empowering woman and inspire the people that are around you "I feel like having that background really was able to help me in my music career," she said I just wanted to take that route to go and inspire those people that are around me." Dylan has been exploring music since the age of 7 first starting by learning the piano and then expanding her skill set to include the guitar But she's always used her voice to express herself Her pageant training has been put to use in studio appearances at stations like 101.9FM where she has a chance to speak about her songs and inspiration "I want to make music that will make someone feel something," she said "so I feel like it's important for people to get to know me and my story and like some of the truths behind my songs." Dylan drew inspiration from a fire at her family's home when she was 11 years old "It was completely unsalvageable," her mother Katie Hafer told Patch That was the first thing we got back for her." "I think music went from being something that she enjoyed to being necessary," Hafer said " I think when it came down to when she didn't have anything "I also just feel like I'm a very deep person and deep thinker and think about things in like a certain way," Dylan said almost just like a very like deeper perspective on like life So I feel like I always like look at like deeper meanings of things and like try to write songs that make people feel something or relate to and can really make someone feel something whether it can make you laugh or cry or inspire someone to go out and take action And so I want to be able to use my mindset and the way I look at things to hopefully be able to help people by doing something that I love." and was the 2022 Powerhouse Music Artist of the Year winner She was chosen by Grammy winning producer Josh Monroy to record her first EP album.She's also a published author of children's book Operation Daymaker her song "Overrated" boosted her Spotify following from 700 monthly listens to 38,000 Dylan began working with Marquardt in June Dylan plans to build her knowledge of music theory and writing She's enjoying learning the process behind song creation "No song will necessarily start the same way when it comes about," she said You can start it with a melody and then write lyrics to it or you can start it with an idea and start from wherever "You can write a verse first or chorus—it's going to start in so many different ways and it's just having to let go of that perfectionist in me and be able to find more creative ways to grasp that song and make it what it is." As she grows into an increased sense of stardom her mother is grateful that she's found guidance from those like Marquardt "I feel like it's crazy when you go fromwhen you're a little kid and your kid says they want to be a pop star And then when you see that she actually has the potential to possibly get there one day .. You want to make sure she has the right people around her and the right influences." Marquardt said he's happy to be a part of her story "I am truly honored to get to call myself Brooklyn's manager and act as a mentor/coach to her!" he said "This girl is a serious force of nature that I can’t wait for the world to discover her and I know she’s going to be a superstar one day!" Dylan hopes her fervent pursuit of her dream can inspire others her age Classmates have said they admire her gusto and enjoy her music "I just thought that that was so awesome," she said "because I feel like I always am so worried about people being able to get the message of my music and what I'm trying to say that I forget that even just doing what I do on like a daily basis and working hard towards my dreams is already an inspiration to other people my age "It's definitely something that is not easy and I feel like a lot of people don't even get to see all the behind the scenes Everything that they know is 10 percent of actually what happens what goes down—there's so much that just goes into everything that I do." She realizes that it will take more than hard work to achieve the celebrity she's seeking and there's no necessarily like a way to go about it "I just feel like you really have to just trust and wait for whatever opportunities are going to come your way to be your route to get where you're going It's never going to be the same for one person and you can't necessarily try to be another person because it's all about you and how you're going to have your own journey to get where you're going." Find out more about Brooklyn Dylan MOKENA, IL — Before kids go out trick or treating on Halloween, fall is a good time to take an inventory of who is living in your neighborhood. Mokena currently has 9 registered sex offenders listed on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry; all are living in town Pins on the map represent addresses of offenders convicted of sex crimes including the registered sex offender's name and the age of the offender and victim at the time of the offense Registered sex offenders are prohibited from passing out candy on Halloween They may not appear in a Halloween costume or other child-centered holiday character may wear a Halloween costume in their home You may want to avoid trick or treating at these houses and apartments on Halloween or merely be aware of who's living in your neighborhood during the rest of the year Law enforcement officials and researchers caution that the registries can play only a limited role in preventing child sexual abuse and stress that most perpetrators are known to the child. The U.S. Department of Justice, which oversees the National Sex Offender Public Website estimates that only about 10 percent of perpetrators of child sexual abuse are strangers to the child The Justice Department estimates 60 percent of perpetrators are known to the child but are not family members but rather family friends and 30 percent of child victims are abused by family members Nearly a quarter of the abusers are under the age of 18 The Association for the Treatment of Sex Abusers law enforcement and court officials involved in sexual abuse cases cautions that children do not face a heightened risk during the Halloween season: "There is no change in the rate of sexual crimes by non-family members during Halloween That was true both before and after communities enacted laws to restrict the activities of registrants during Halloween The crimes that do increase around Halloween are vandalism and property destruction 2025 at 9:41 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Our Fallen Hero Foundation started in honor of fallen Mokena veteran Aaron Toppen is sponsoring the Village's Hometown Hero veterans banner program IL — The family of a Mokena man killed while deployed in 2014 is seeking to return the support shown to them after his death in an incident of friendly fire while stationed in the Zabul province of Afghanistan Toppen had been on a special mission to secure the area for an upcoming election and died alongside four other Americans and an Afghan interpreter PFC Toppen was posthumously awarded the National Defense Service Medal Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star the Army Service Ribbon and the NATO Medal the Combat Infantry Badge and the Medal of Valor His death left his hometown stunned and heartbroken intent on paying forward the incredible support received from Toppen's local community began holding fundraising events within months of Aaron’s death and continued to do so until officially forming the Our Fallen Hero Foundation (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) in the spring of 2018 The foundation is now sponsoring the Village of Mokena's Hometown Hero banner program an effort to recognize local veterans for their service "The support we’ve gotten from Mokena over the years has just been so heartwarming," his sister Amy Toppen told Patch "We’ve always sought ways we could pay it forward but also wanting to acknowledge the broader military community from approximately Memorial Day through early fall The 37 banners will appear on Front Street in downtown Mokena Aaron previously appeared on a banner two years ago The foundation's sponsorship of the program means the fee to have a banner feature a veteran's name is covered for families Toppen said at an estimated $200 per banner it's a significant investment for the nonprofit but giving back to what the community has done to support us over the years." The foundation's major fundraising events—a 5K and a motorcycle/car ride—have stayed successful each year since they started "To consistently have engagement from the community and participating in those events Those interested in having a banner created in a veteran's name should apply online Applicants must include a high-resolution photograph of the honored Veteran in military uniform Photos in military uniform are preferred but not required The deadline to submit an application is March 31 A copy of the Veterans DD Form 214 (certificate of release or discharge from active duty) or other official documentation confirming the Veterans military service is also required Service members must have received a discharge classified as an Honorable Discharge or its equivalent Upcoming events supporting the Our Fallen Hero Foundation include: 2025 at 1:40 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Social media reports of a lockdown at St Mary Catholic School in Mokena Monday morning are false Mary Catholic School in Mokena Monday were unfounded A medical emergency at the school around 8:30 a.m Reports of a lockdown circulating on social media are false No further information regarding the medical emergency will be shared 2025 at 12:11 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Misty Nelson is excited to celebrate the business' second anniversary with a special customer event Saturday IL — Mokena's SunKissed Greenz invites the community to a special celebration marking three occasions: the store’s second anniversary The event is planned in coordination with 420 a cannabis-themed celebration that takes place April 20 and natural wellness products that cater to both people and pets Our range addresses various needs including anxiety Guests aged 21 and over can enjoy complimentary infused Peeps and other delicious snacks Customers who spend $75 will receive a free small pizza from Rich’s Pizza while supplies last—an increase from last year’s celebration that sold out before noon shoppers spending $100 will receive a free SunKissed Greenz tote bag The festivities will also include a raffle and a storewide sale making this event perfect for both regulars and newcomers and we wanted to make this celebration bigger and better for our customers," said Misty Nelson "With the combination of Easter and 420 festivities IL — Winter weather advisories have been issued in anticipation of a winter storm on Wednesday and some schools are making adjustments to keep students safe The National Weather Service said the heaviest snow will be between 11 a.m especially during the Wednesday afternoon and evening commutes several school districts across the area have announced early releases or e-learning days 2025 at 1:42 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Village of Mokena is again offering its cost-sharing program for residents to plant new trees in parkways IL — Mokena residents looking to add new trees in parkways near their property have an opportunity to split the cost with the Village The 50/50 Parkway Tree Program is open to those wishing to plant new trees in parkways adjacent to their property where trees have not previously existed To protect the environment and enhance the value of residential real estate the Village has implemented a 50/50 cost-sharing program to encourage the planting of trees in the community’s public parkways the resident pays half the cost for a nursery contractor to supply Program details and applications are available online. Applications are due by April 7 Trees will be planted between mid-April and the end of June depending on the nursery contractor's schedule 2025 at 7:56 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}"Yoda" is looking for a home again after his adopter had a change of heart and abandoned him in November 2024 not the little green alien (though there's a clear resemblance)—had a home and then The 4-year-old Staffordshire terrier mix described as a "pocket pittie" came to Mokena's NAWS Humane Society in 2023 as a stray from one of its animal control partners and curious," and he became a shelter favorite they've been picky about a home for the big-eared boy with a striking likeness to the beloved Star Wars character they thought they'd found it when a woman from Wisconsin applied to adopt him "It was kind of rare to have someone out of state adopt," Swyndroski said "We had a person willing to make the drive "We were really hoping that this was his big break." when a week after leaving for his new home Milwaukee Animal Control contacted the shelter to let them know they had Yoda who shared heartbreaking news for Yoda: she didn't want him and she couldn’t catch him," Swyndroski said ready to give him a fresh chance at finding his person They even took another dog and a cat back with them from the same animal control agency Swyndroski and staff say he's right where he needs to be until he finds his soft landing While disappointed the first try didn't work out they're grateful he ended up back in the right hands we were very thankful and relieved that he ended up back to us but focusing on that really doesn’t get us anywhere and tries to spend as much time as possible with him." Yoda needs to be the only pet in the household "We never expected him to take this long to get adopted," she said "He prefers to be the only pet in the home but that’s not really something that should be holding him back but it's usually from someone who already has another pet in their home "We really would like to find a home where he could be the only pet," she stressed Help him adjust to living in a home after all this time in the shelter It’s going to be a big adjustment for him." A "stocky little thing" weighing 45 pounds Yoda is eager to please and knows his basic commands—but expects treats in return He likes to keep his house nice and tidy and enjoys exploring outdoors investigating unfamiliar sounds and obstacles he might find on walks He "loves kids with all his heart" and would love a fun family to play with They'd love to find him a home with a yard have all the space he deserves to have," Swyndroski said They're puzzled that it's taking a bit to find his new owner "We don’t really know why it's taking so long to get him adopted," Swyndroski said The adoption fee for Yoda is $400, and includes neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping, Swyndroski said. You can apply to adopt Yoda online. Anyone with questions can email dogadoption@nawsus.org they'll stick to potential adopters within the state of Illinois 2025 at 4:34 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A comprehensive plan open house is set for April 22 at the Mokena Police Department IL — Mokena residents are invited to participate in a community workshop to help shape the Village's comprehensive plan Set for April 22 at the Mokena Police Department the event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m inviting attendees to come and stay for as long as they're able "Share your ideas and help shape the vision for the Village’s next 10-20 years!" the Village wrote The event will feature different activity stations for learning and sharing feedback 2024 at 3:57 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A Dec 3 meal and effort to combat food insecurity served more than 170 people in Mokena — Mission Meals served more than 170 meals as part of its December Holiday Dinner held at the St John United Church of Christ Community Center in Mokena founder of One Love Global Wellness Foundation the nonprofit organization under which Mission Meals operates In addition to the full holiday spread catered by EggCetera Café Mission Meals distributed winter hats and gloves Holiday gift cards for Berkot's Super Foods the organization has supported over 15,806 individuals and distributed more than 158,350 pounds of food One Love Global Wellness Foundation was established to address food insecurity in Will County struggle with reliable access to nutritious food One Love Global Wellness Foundation and EggCetera Café owners Dino and Gail Bastas have provided vital support to local families The next Mission Meals dinner is scheduled for April 2025 please get in touch with Mission Meals at (708) 479-6613 The Mission Meals program is funded entirely by donations from the local community 2025 at 2:32 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Southland's top stories for Thursday Catch up on the Southland's top stories for Thursday Two people were pronounced dead at the scene and four people were taken to area hospitals for treatment Northwest Elementary School was placed on a secure lockdown for 40 minutes during an active shooter situation at the cemetery The crash happened Wednesday evening at Country Charm A Mokena man allegedly fell asleep behind the wheel GoFundMe campaigns have been established for displaced residents after a fire ravaged their apartment building Jan The event will again be held over two days at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park The man left his car running unattended and unlocked while he ran back to his apartment The Community Blood Center is urging all eligible blood donors to consider donating at this time Mike Bacon is ready to open the door of his barbecue spot Arrowhead Smoke Works He was a devoted public servant as both mayor and fire district chief Congestion is expected along Oak Park Avenue The City appointed its new Chief of Police during Tuesday night's City Council meeting 21–23 at Lincoln-Way West High School's auditorium in New Lenox Every second of delay in reversing course increases the probability of global disaster The Tinley Park-based nonprofit is a local chapter of a national network of Down syndrome support and education centers The seasonal brush cleanup event will be held Saturday Student directors from the Porter Players formed six groups and wrote The funding supports innovation in semiconductor manufacturing through research at Lewis University 2024 at 11:42 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Mokena officials are asking for residents' input as they form a new comprehensive plan IL — The Village of Mokena announces a community-driven initiative to shape the future of its Village As part of their commitment to building a vibrant they are seeking valuable input from residents to guide the development of the Village's Comprehensive Plan The Comprehensive Plan serves as a blueprint for Mokena's growth and development over the coming years To ensure that this plan reflects the diverse perspectives and needs of our residents officials have planned upcoming events and launched an informational website Mokena residents are invited to engage directly with Village officials and planning experts at these events by visiting the Village of Mokena table to share ideas and discuss the future of our village in a collaborative setting For those not able to attend the in-person events, an online informational website is available to capture input from as many residents as possible by visiting www.planmokena.org Resident feedback is crucial to understand the community's priorities and aspirations resident insights directly influence the direction of the Comprehensive Plan For additional information on the Comprehensive Plan and to stay updated on upcoming events, please visit the website or contact the Village of Mokena Community Development Department at (708) 479-3900 IL — There's only a little summer break left until students head back to school this month Back-to-school planning has already begun in Mokena District 159 with calendars available to help parents prepare their children for a smooth transition into the 2024-2025 school year The first day of school for Mokena District 159 is Aug Heading into the upcoming school year, some dates are subject to change. We also suggest that you check the Mokena District 159 calendar and your student’s school calendar for conferences 2024 at 9:40 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Two men were arrested after a retail theft incident Friday night in Mokena IL — Two men face several charges following a retail theft chase and struggle with police at Meijer in Mokena Friday night Officers found the suspects getting into a car in the parking lot and was captured by Mokena and Frankfort police officers with only one prong striking suspect Kevin Robinson and was later found walking along Wolf Road in possession of stolen alcohol Robinson was charged with aggravated battery to a police officer possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting/obstructing a peace officer died when a Camaro she was in collided with a Land Rover Thursday at Route 30 and Owens Road just after 10 p.m the Will County Coroner's Office said Monday She was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:22 a.m was taken to Silver Cross for head and facial injuries Police said that both occupants of the Camaro were not wearing seatbelts to the crash involving a Land Rover and a Camaro Initial reports indicate that the Land Rover was westbound on Route 30 The Land Rover then reportedly turned left into the path of the Camaro He was issued a citation for failure to yield while turning left An investigation by the Mokena Police Crash Reconstructionist is ongoing A GoFundMe started in support of Miller's family has raised $16,000 as of Monday "We are crushed and can’t think straight," family wrote in the fundraiser Courtney was going to start college on Monday "Words cannot describe the amount of love and pain we feel right now always will hold a special place in all of the hearts of the lives of the people whose lives she touched." A Mokena resident won back more than $100,000 that was lost in an overseas cryptocurrency scam thanks to a Mokena police detective and Will County prosecutors. The investigation of the scam began Sept. 11, 2024, when a Mokena resident reported losing more than $150,000 from an online scam involving cryptocurrency, according to a statement from the Mokena Police Department. “The victim advised that in July of 2024, they responded to an online job ad presented as a commission-based, remote work opportunity aimed at optimizing app developers,” police said. The victim was directed to set up a cryptocurrency exchange account and transferred funds “across the accounts as directed” by fraudsters for the next few months, police said. The investigation revealed a “portion of the funds” were held on a cryptocurrency wallet controlled by a person with a Nigerian passport and using an internet protocol address out of Cambodia, police said. The financial institution hosting the cryptocurrency wallet had more than $101,000, police said. Police investigators and prosecutors worked to freeze and seize the funds so they could be returned to the victim, police said. Mokena Police Chief Brian Benton thanked the work of Mokena Police Detective Darin McVicker, who worked “vigorously to locate the lost money and to seek out those responsible for committing this fraud.” Benton also thanked Assistant State’s Attorneys Mike Casson and Dant Faulk for their assistance in the investigation. “While it is unfortunate that we were unable to arrest those responsible for committing these crimes, we are glad we were able to return a significant amount of the lost money,” Benton said. Mokena Police Chief Brian Benton, a former police chief in Joliet, issued a statement Friday thanking detectives and prosecutors for recovering a large amount of money stolen from a Mokena resident in a cryptocurrency scam. (Eric Ginnard) 2024 at 2:02 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Crafted Small Batch Festival returns for its sixth year Saturday IL — Crafted 1979 this weekend brings two unique events to the Mokena community Sept 13 is the inaugural Crafted Small Street Market followed by the much-anticipated 6th Annual Crafted Small Batch Beer Festival on Saturday Both events promise memorable experiences for art enthusiasts and beer lovers the Crafted Small Batch Beer Festival takes place Saturday and what Crafted 1979 describes as "four hours of the most unique beer festival around." Beer aficionados will have the chance to explore over 40 one-of-a-kind brews each handpicked for its rarity and exceptional taste From Revolution’s indulgent Imperial Death Marsh to the smooth and refreshing Landbier Pilsner by Goldfinger Tickets can be purchased online and picked up at Crafted 1979’s bottle shop and taproom the Crafted Small Street Market will be held Friday this free event will showcase over three dozen local artists and small businesses offering a wide range of handmade goods and crafts Attendees can expect a family-friendly evening Vendors include local favorites such as Folklore Coffee "This is the first Friday night market I’ve ever curated and I’m hopeful the community will enjoy the diverse mix of artists and makers," said John Streetz In addition to vendors planned for the event Crafted 1979 owners plan to offer an Old-Fashioned in addition to Brothership Brewing bringing IPAs and their Oktoberfest beer The market is free to attend, and all ages are welcome. For more information, visit the event page 2024 at 11:00 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A Mokena woman died in a two-car crash on Rte 30 near Cherry Hill Road Monday the Will County Coroner's Office said Tuesday IL — A Mokena woman died Monday morning in a two-car crash in unincorporated New Lenox Illinois State Police were called around 10:15 a.m. to a crash involving a Ford sedan and a GMC truck at Route 30 east of Cherry Hill Road was the driver of one car and was pronounced dead at the scene the Will County Coroner's office said Tuesday Two others were rushed to an area hospital with injuries Illinois State Police are investigating the crash 2024 at 9:59 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}An 18-year-old woman from Frankfort was killed in a crash Thursday night in Mokena IL — A Frankfort woman was killed Thursday night in a two-car crash on Route 30 in Mokena for a crash involving a Land Rover and a Camaro in the left turn lane to turn onto southbound Owens Road The 18-year-old driver of the Camaro was taken to Silver Cross for head and facial injuries An 18-year-old female passenger in the Camaro Her name is being withheld pending release by the Will County Coroner's Office It is believed that both occupants of the Camaro were not wearing seatbelts Route 30 was closed in both directions from Wolf Road to Tall Grass Road until 1:40 a.m