As America prepares for the celebration of its 250th birthday, seven area residents and leaders look back on where we have been and where we may be going.

Manteno alum Matt Ryan turned the passion he had for wrestling in high school into mixed martial arts, where he recently made his pro debut and has become an extension of the wrestling program he once captained.

The Kankakee Fire Department extinguished a fire Saturday night that they said was started by fireworks.

Due to forecasted storms and safety concerns, the Aroma Park Boat Club announced their July 3 fireworks event has been canceled for Friday night. It will be rescheduled for a later date.

State Rep. Jackie Haas is collecting donated school supplies through July 23 to help families in Kankakee afford back-to-school costs.

A list of recent births at Riverside Medical Center.

In this weekend’s “A Taylor-Made Life,” Taylor Leddin-McMaster talks about finding joy and whimsy in the mundane.

Seven nonfunctioning battery-driven backup power systems in Bradley are getting a needed update.

Celebrations for America’s 250th birthday are planned across Kankakee County and beyond. These festivals and fireworks shows are set to commemorate the historical weekend.

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with celebrations in Manteno, Momence, Kankakee and more.