• Drought concerns lessen

The latest map just released today by the US Drought Monitor shows significant improvement in drought conditions across the area. Today's map puts just over two percent of Kankakee County in the "abnormally dry" category and the rest of the county without any drought concerns at all. Today's map places pretty much all of Iroquois, Livingston and Grundy Counties in the "no drought concern" category, while 14 percent of Ford County is listed as in "moderate drought". Another 25 percent of Ford County is listed as "abnormally dry" and the rest of the county without any drought concerns whatsoever.

Over in Indiana, pretty much all of Newton and Jasper Counties are now without any drought concerns, while about 12 percent of Benton County is just "abnormally dry". Today's map includes data gathered by the US Drought Monitor through Tuesday of this week. 

• Second installment of property taxes due Sept 4

During this morning's meeting of the Kankakee County Board's Finance Committee, County Treasurer Nick Africano gives an update on property taxes collected so far this tax season.  Property taxes can be paid at most local banks, online or in person at the Treasurers office in downtown Kankakee.

Also during this morning's meeting, the committee agreed to ask the full board for up to 250-thousand-dollars for architectural  services for the remodel of the County Courthouse. The recommendation goes to the full board for approval next month. 

• Will County Fair continues 

The 122nd Will County Fair is going on now through Sunday in Peotone. Fair representative, Karen Dralle, with today’s events.