WVLI News Update

• Kankakee City Police Make Weapons Arrest

A weapons call made to Kankakee City Police Wednesday resulted in the arrest of a 25 year old Kankakee man. According to police reports, officers were called to a business in the 500 block of South Washington Avenue just after eleven Wednesday morning to a report of two people sitting in a blue SUV outside the business. The caller also stated the driver had a handgun sitting on their lap and the two people were allegedly involved in a burglary. Officers conducted a felony stop, towed the SUV, and brought the two people in for questioning. Upon further investigation of the SUV, a tan glock 19x with an extended magazine with one round in the chamber was found inside. The driver of the car, 25 year old Delvecchio L. Short Junior of Kankakee was arrested and charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

• 70 Grams of Fentanyl Seized by Grundy County Sheriff Deputies

The Grundy County Sheriff's Office reported the arrest of two men after finding around seventy grams of fentanyl in their car Wednesday. According to a press release, deputies conducted a routine traffic stop around three Wednesday afternoon of a car traveling on Gardner Road near Gorman Road just outside of Gardner. A search of the vehicle turned up around 80 small ziplock bags of suspected fentanyl that weighed in total around 70 grams. The driver, 35 year old Eric Mikolajczyk of Ransom and 34 year old Anthony Fialko of Streator were arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, among other charges. 

• Manteno Police Looking for Person of Interest

The Manteno Police Department are looking for the public's assistance in identifying a person in conjunction with an on-going investigation into criminal damage to property over the past three weeks. Pictures of the person of interest can be seen on the Manteno Police Department Facebook page. If you can ID the person in the photos, you're asked to contact Detective Sergeant Prophet at the Manteno Police Department.

• Update on Kankakee County Board Tax Levy

During this Thursday morning's meeting of the Kankakee County Board's Finance Committee, Finance Director Steve McCarty gave an update on the levy request for the new fiscal year.  McCarty said the tax rate would actually be lower than in 2024.

• Gavin Resigns from Visit Kankakee County 

Nicole Gavin has resigned as the Executive Director of local tourism organization, Visit Kankakee County. The announcement was made in a press release today that states Gavin has accepted a new opportunity elsewhere and that Sales and Marketing Manager Angelina Gear has been appointed Interim Executive Director. CVB Board President Dave Baron thanks Gavin for her four years of service. Gear says she truly believes in the mission of Visit Kankakee County, and is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the community she loves.

• Fireplace Safety with Watseka Fire Chief

As the weather gets cooler and we head into the holiday season, people will begin using their fireplaces more. Watseka Fire Chief Ken Baier has a few reminders for you to help keep that fire place safe. Chief Baier says you should keep a fire extinguisher handy and also make sure the fire is completely out before you leave your home or before you go to bed. He says if you have any questions you can contact your local fire department. 

• See Christmas Star at ONU's Strickler Planetarium

The holiday season is getting underway. The Strickler Planetarium on Olivet's campus presents "The Christmas Star" this weekend. With more, here's Astronomy Professor and Director of the Planetarium Madeline Shepley.

• Weekend Events with Visit Kankakee County&nbs

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

• ICC cuts rate increase requests

The Illinois Commerce Commission is cutting down the rate requests of two big gas utilities in the state.  The ICC reduced Ameren Illinois' rate request for its natural gas delivery services by nearly 56-million-dollars.  The ICC also cut more than 146-million-dollars off Nicor's Gas' rate request for its natural gas delivery services.  The decision was made after the commission reviewed the filings of both utilities.  

• IN National Guard to DC

The Indiana National Guard will send around 300 soldiers to Washington, DC next month.  Governor Mike Braun authorized the deployment to help the D.C. National Guard in their effort to reduce crime and cut property damage.  The Hoosiers will replace soldiers and airmen from other states that have been in Washington, DC since being mobilized in August.  Their deployment is expected to be for four months.

• VAC fights veteran suicides

During this morning's meeting of the Kankakee County Board's Executive Committee, Veteran's Assistance Commission Superintendent Eric Peterson updated the committee on work being done in Kankakee County to prevent veteran suicide. Peterson said the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention recently piloted a program called "Talk Saves Lives" for veterans in Kankakee County.  Additionally Peterson said the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration which puts together a map in metropolitan areas and major cities across the country to try to identify what can be done to prevent veteran suicide.  Peterson added Kankakee County has been able to prove they can do just as good a job at helping the veteran community as Chicago and some other big cities, even without the resources provided to the other communities.

• VAC to make Christmas merry for Vets

During this morning's meeting of the Kankakee County Board's Executive Committee, Veterans Assistance Commission Superintendent Eric Peterson said the VAC has a lot to be thankful for.  Peterson says the wrapped presents can then be dropped off at the Veterans Assistance Commission offices in Bourbonnais to be delivered to the veteran by Christmas.

• Mobile Food Pantry in Bourbonnais today

Another of those Secret Food Pantry mobile pop-up events is scheduled for today in the Village of Bourbonnais. This one runs from 11 until noon at the location on Briarwood Lane. Organizers of the event ask for a five dollar donation which enters you into a drawing for a 50 dollar gift card. They ask you line up no more than a half hour before the event begins and you follow the route outlined by Bourbonnais Police. You can find that route and get more information from the Village of Bourbonnais website or its Facebook Page

• Kankakee Mayor highlights updates to West Ave

Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis gave an update on the redevelopment project for West Avenue in Downtown Kankakee at Monday night's city council meeting.  Mayor Curtis said the public will be able to view the West Avenue designs on the city's website in the next seven to ten days. 

• Bradley turkey give-away this weekend

The Village of Bradley will hold their annual Thanksgiving food giveaway at Northfield Square Mall this Saturday from nine to noon. Mayor Mike Watson says it's just turkeys this year.  Mayor Watson added they will pass out around 400 turkeys to Bradley residents on a first come, first serve basis this Saturday. 

• Powerball rolls over again

The Powerball jackpot has rolled over again, that after nobody matched all the winning numbers in last night's game. That means the jackpot for Saturday night's drawing is an estimated 629-million dollars.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

• Senator fires staffer who posed as lawyer

A staffer of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth is out of the job after being accused of posing as a lawyer for a man detained at an ICE facility.  Capitol News Illinois obtained a letter Duckworth sent to the acting director of ICE on Monday, notifying him that Edward York had been fired.  York was a constituent outreach coordinator in Duckworth's Belleville office.  He was accused of misrepresenting himself as an attorney and falsifying an official form to visit and secure the release of a Southern Illinois restaurant owner detained by immigration agents.  

• State Fire Marshal's Office urges holiday fire safety

Illinoisians are urged to practice fire safety while preparing Thanksgiving dinner.  Officials say Thanksgiving is the leading day for home fires involving cooking equipment.  Tips for preparing food include never leaving food that you are frying, boiling, grilling or broiling unattended.  People should also use the turkey fryer outdoors only and keep the area around the stove clear of towels, papers, potholders, or anything that can burn.

• State launches mobile ID's

Illinois is launching mobile IDs.  Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias [[ ah-LEX-ee jih-NEW-lee-us ]] announced that beginning today, Illinois residents can securely add their state-issued driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet and present their ID using their iPhone and Apple Watch.  This will allow residents to present their driver's license and state ID in Apple Wallet in-person, online and in-apps at select businesses and organizations.  That includes TSA checkpoints at O'Hare, Midway and dozens of other airports.  The Illinois Mobile ID program will soon expand to Google and Samsung Wallets.

• Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

Manteno Police are investigating the attempted burglary to an ATM machine at a Manteno Bank early Saturday morning. Kankakee County Sheriff's Police Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski has our Crime Stoppers tip of the week.  Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could result in a cash reward.

• Manteno Trustees get update on audit

During Monday night's meeting of the Manteno Village Board, the Board got an update from Jim Edmondstone from Greene Forensic Accounting Solutions LLP on the on-going forensic audit of Village finances for the past six year.  Edmondstone did say many of the accounts had small amounts in them and wasn't a sign of any wrong-doing, but could be a book-keeping nightmare. He added the hope is to have a draft version of the audit available to the Board by mid-January

• Economic Alliance of Kankakee County has new President/CEO

Kankakee County Board Chairman Matt Alexander-Hildebrand has announced new leadership for the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County. Angela Morrey has been named the President and CEO of the organization. Morrey had been the Economic Alliance's Vice President of Business Development and Director of Marketing and Business Attraction prior to being named interim President and CEO earlier this year when Tim Nugent retired from that position.

• Turkey thaw day

It's time to get that Thanksgiving turkey out of the freezer. Sue Smith, Butterball Turkey Talk Line Expert says they recommend putting the bird in the fridge at least a week before the big day.  That's just part of a more in-depth interview with Smith about getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday. You can find the entire conversation on the WVLI News Update, wherever you get your podcasts. 

• Manteno Trustees pass short term rental ordinance

An ordinance to amend the short term rental business regulations in the Village of M

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

• Bourbonnais Board passes tax abatement ordinances

The Bourbonnais Village Board last night voted to abate taxes that would have been collected next fiscal year to make bond payments. Village Finance Director Tara Latz.  Latz says without the abatement, Bourbonnais residents' tax bill would be anywhere from 146 to 511 dollars more next year depending on the value of their property. 

• One injured in Monday crash

Illinois State Police report a two vehicle crash occurred on Route 113, west of Kankakee this morning. According to reports, the accident happened just after nine fifteen this morning on 113, south of seventeen hundred west Road in Kankakee. The wreck involved a black Chevy pickup truck and a gray Lincoln SUV. One person was sent to an area hospital with injuries. The roadway was closed for a brief time this morning but reopened about an hour later. No other details were provided.

• Kankakee Deputy Fire Chief steps down

Adam Heid has stepped down from his position as Deputy Chief for the City of Kankakee Fire Department. According to a press release, Heid has chosen to resign from the position to allow more time to spend with his family. Heid has been deputy chief since June of 2021 and will return to his previous rank of Captain effective December 9th. Mayor Chris Curtis said he is proud Heid will remain with the Kankakee fire department and that city administration will meet internally to discuss next steps on appointing a new fire deputy chief.

• Traffic stop leads to drug arrest

A routine traffic stop led to a drug arrest for Kankakee City Police Sunday. According to reports, officers pulled over a dark colored SUV, driven by 32 year old Antonio C. Weems, just before nine Sunday night in the 300 Block of North Rosewood Avenue. Officers determined there was an active Kankakee County Warrant for Weems and placed him under arrest. When they arrived at Jerome Combs Detention Center, a strip search of Weems turned up around eleven grams of suspected ecstasy and one gram of suspected crack cocaine. Over fifty dollars in cash was found on Weems as well. Weems was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, among other charges.

• Kankakee City Police arrest woman who allegedly shoots at boyfriend

Kankakee City Police report an arrest after some shots were fired in the City over the weekend. According to reports, it was just before nine Sunday night when officers were called to the 11-hundred block of West Jeffrey for a report of shots fired. When they got there they talked to a man who said he was running from his girlfriend who had taken some shots at him. Police surrounded the home  and after several minutes the alleged shooter left the home, carrying the firearm she had allegedly fired. while taking her into custody, she alleged her boyfriend had choked and strangled her. City Police arrested 31-year-old Keiombra R. Riley-Love for Aggravated Discharge of a firearm and 38-year-old Sammy L. Jefferson Junior for aggravated domestic battery.

• Messiah to be performed at Olivet this weekend

It's a sure sign of the season - Handel's Messiah will be performed at Olivet this weekend. Olivet Music Department Chair, Dr. Neal Woodruff.  Saturday  night's performance will be held at Olivet's Centennial Chapel. 

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

• No injuries from Sunday crash

There were no injuries reported from a crash on I-57 Sunday morning. According to reports, it was just after six Sunday morning when State Police were called to the Southbound side of the interstate just north of the Bradley/Bourbonnais exit for a two car crash. Reports say one car rear-ended the other...the crash is still under investigation.

• Notable Night Sky News

Time now to find out what's happening in the sky overhead this week. With a look at our notable night sky news, here's Madeline Shepley, Astronomy Professor and Director of the Strickler Planetarium at Olivet.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

• Full SNAP benefits restored

Those in Illinois that get SNAP benefits will get their full benefit amounts for November.  The State Department of Human Services is restoring the benefits now that the federal government shutdown has ended.  IDHS anticipates that the remaining benefit payments will be made over the coming days, with all SNAP recipients receiving their full November benefits by November 20th.

• Bradley Police make stalking arrest

Bradley Police have arrested a Bourbonnais man after he allegedly placed a tracking device on someone's car without their consent. According to reports, police were contacted by the victim who said they found a tracking device in their car and did not give anyone permission to place one there. Detectives were able to determine who the subscriber was on the tracking device. 31 year old Logan B. Brady was arrested in Kankakee Wednesday and charged with unlawful use of an electronic tracking device, aggravated stalking, among other charges.

• Kankakee City Police make burglary arrest

Kankakee City Police have arrested a person in connection with a residential burglary at a fire damaged home Monday. According to reports, officers responded to the residence in the 400 block of South Osborne after the homeowners, who had been displaced by an October house fire, were notified that the front door to their property had been found open. Officers discovered multiple indicators of unlawful entry and Several items were reported missing. Police were called back to the house Wednesday after the homeowners saw a woman on the property wearing clothing known to belong to the residents. 35 year old Jessica M. Rock was arrested and charged with residential burglary.

• Kankakee City Police make drug arrest

A man on parole for attempted murder was arrested by Kankakee City police on drug charges Wednesday. According to police reports, 46 year old Jason L. Wilson was taken into custody around six Wednesday evening near the intersection of North Greenwood Avenue and East Willow Street after police found him to be in possession of around 28 grams of methamphetamine and about eight grams of crack-cocaine. Wilson has been charged with possession with intent to deliver among other charges.

• Iroquois County Board passes budget

The Iroquois County Board passed the budget for fiscal year 2026 at Wednesday morning's meeting. Board Chairman Paul Ducat expressed his concerns about the budget. 

 (Ducat)

Ducat says action was also taken on the 2025 Tax Levy.  

(Ducat Levy)

Ducat added they hope to solidify next year's budget numbers at next month's board meeting. 

• ONU hosts Planetarium shows this weekend

If you're looking for something different to do this weekend, you might check out the  shows at Strickler Planetarium at Olivet. Planetarium Director Madeline Shepley tells us about the shows 

(Shepley)

Aurora Lights of Wonder runs tonight at 6 and 7:30 both tonight and tomorrow night. One World One Sky starts at 4:30 tomorrow afternoon. There's more at strickler.olivet.edu

• What to do around Kankakee County this weekend

There's plenty to do around Kankakee County this weekend. With a look at a few of the events, here's Nicole Gavin, executive Director of Visit Kankakee County.  Sheriff talks ICE at Criminal Justice Committee meeting

During Wednesday morning's meeting of the Kankakee County Board's Criminal Justice Committee, County Sheriff Mike Downey took issue with some recent comments made by the Governor regarding the work of ICE in the State.

The "Illinois Trust Act' forbids county jails from housing ICE detainees, something

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In this WVLI News Update Special Report, Rob West gets expert advice from Sue Smith, a 26-year veteran of the official Butterball Turkey Talk Line.

Get ready to master your holiday meal as Sue, a registered dietitian and "Butterball University" graduate, shares invaluable tips to help you spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the day.

In this episode, you'll get answers to all your biggest Thanksgiving questions, including:

• How to Host a Stress-Free Meal: The #1 tip for delegating tasks and letting family contribute.
• What Size Turkey to Buy: The simple formula for picking the perfect size turkey (we recommend 1.5 to 2 lbs per person!).
• The Thawing Timeline: Find out the exact day you must move your frozen turkey to the refrigerator (Hint: It's the Thursday before Thanksgiving).
• Common Mistakes (and Fixes): Learn the most common error hosts make and how to avoid it.
• How to Know When It's Done: Why a meat thermometer is your "best friend" on Thanksgiving Day.
• Leftover Safety & Ideas: The crucial 2-hour rule for refrigerating leftovers and simple, delicious recipe ideas (like a crockpot BBQ).
• Plus: Hear a hilarious true story from the Talk Line involving twin boys and a turkey in a bathtub!

Stop guessing and get the pro tips you need to cook the perfect Thanksgiving turkey. For more help, call the experts at 1-800-BUTTERBALL or visit Butterball.com.

This has been a special report on the WVLI News Update, a production of the WVLI Podcast Network.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

• Mahomet school board member pleads not guilty in Kankakee County crash

A Mahomet School Board member charged with hitting a State Trooper's car earlier this year in Kankakee County is pleading not guilty.  State police say in March, the trooper responded to a report of debris in the roadway on I-57 near Chebanse.  The trooper parked their squad car in the right lane and removed the debris.  The trooper was returning to the squad car when it was rearended by a Lincoln SUV.  The trooper and the driver of the SUV, identified as Harold McComb, were taken to the hospital.  McComb was cited and charged.  He entered a not guilty plea this week in Kankakee County court.

• Powerball rolls over...again

There was no winner in last night's Powerball drawing. That means Saturday night's drawing will be worth an estimated 546-million dollars. There's 965-million-dollars up for grabs in Friday night's Mega Millions drawing. 

• One hospitalized after I-57 crash

One person was injured in a single-car crash on I-57 Wednesday afternoon. Illinois State Police say it happened just after one yesterday afternoon when the car went into the ditch on the Interstate near North Street. The driver of the car was taken to the hospital to be treated for unspecified injuries.

• State's Attorney addresses ICE concerns

During the public comment segment of Wednesday morning's meeting of the Kankakee County Board, comments were made about a WTTW report that showed Kankakee County as one of 14 counties in the State with active contracts with the US Marshalls Service. Part of those contracts, it was pointed out states law enforcement in those counties will cooperated with ICE, something that has been outlawed by state legislators through the "Illinois Trust Act". Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe spoke about the contract.  Rowe pointed out that in Kankakee County, neither law enforcement nor the courts coordinate with ICE in violation of the Illinois Trust Act. Today's County Board meeting was delayed from Monday when there failed to be a quorum for the meeting because of the weather. 

• County Board okays higher Health Department rates

The Kankakee County Board Wednesday morning voted to increase the yearly licenses and fees paid by some local food service establishments to the County Health Department. Health Department Inspector Dana James explains.  It has been six years since the fees paid to the Health Department were increased. 

• County Board passes budget

During Wednesday morning's meeting of the Kankakee County Board, the board passed the combined annual budget and appropriations ordinance for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year. County Board Chairman Matt Alexander-Hildebrand said this years budget was a difficult one.  Chairman Alexander-Hildebrand said the county would continue to work next year to have another balanced budget, despite recent legislation passed by the state that limits the amount of monies that can be collected by local governments. 

• Lessen your holiday stress

Thanksgiving is just a couple of weeks away and it can be a stressful time for even for people that are used to hosting the holiday feast. Rob West recently had the chance to talk with Butterball Turkey Talk-Line Expert Sue Smith who gave us some tips to help lessen that stress.  You can reach the Butterball Turkey Talk Line at 1-800-Butterball or at Butterball.com. 

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

• Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

Local authorities continue to look for information about a double homicide from New Years Day. With our Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week, here's Kankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy, Trent Bukowski.  Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could result in a cash reward. 

• Lottery jackpots grow

There was no winner in last night's 900-million-dollar mega millions drawing. That means Friday night's drawing will be worth an estimated 965-million. Meanwhile, the Powerball jackpot continues to grow as well. Tonight's drawing worth an estimated 512-million bucks

• Iroquois County Deputies report drug arrest

A traffic stop over the weekend netted Iroquois County Sheriff's Police a drug arrest. According to reports, Iroquois County Deputies stopped a car driven by 61-year-old Michael Rudisill of Sheldon for traffic violations. A search of Rudisill's car allegedly turned up suspected marijuana, methamphetamine and pills. Rudisill arrested by Iroquois County Police for possession of both cannabis and meth with intent to deliver among other charges.

• No one injured in early Tuesday morning fire

Nobody was hurt when fire damaged a home on River Road south of Kankakee early this morning.  In a Facebook post, Kankakee Township Fire says the call came in around four this morning and when they got there, firefighters found smoke and fire showing from the home. Firefighters from around the area were called in to help battle the blaze, which was under control in about 90 minutes and out in two hours according to reports. Those inside the home were able to get out of the house without injury and firefighters rescued their pet cat. No word on the cause of the fire or the amount of damage done to the home.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

• It's Veterans Day Today

Today is Veteran's Day, the day we set aside to honor those who have served in America's armed forces. Originally called Armistice Day, November the 11th marked the end of World War I and the signing of the Armistice between Germany and the Allies.  Hostilities in the first world war ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It wasn't until 1954 it was made an official governmental holiday. Schools are closed today, as are most State, County and local governmental offices. You may find your bank is closed today as well. Probably a good idea to call ahead if you have any business to do today.

• Rep Haas reveals cancer diagnosis

79th District State Representative Jackie Haas has revealed a cancer diagnosis. In a press release, Representative Haas says several weeks ago she found a small lump on the side of her neck behind her right ear. After testing and referral to a specialist, it was recommended she have the lump removed. Haas says that was done and tests showed the lump to be malignant, so she will soon begin pro-active radiation treatments. Representative Haas says her doctors are optimistic and her prognosis is good.

• Leadership changes at St. Mary's

St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee is looking for new leadership. A statement from Prime Healthcare says Otis Story Senior left the position of CEO last Friday. The statement goes on to thank Story for his leadership and contributions to St. Mary's during "a challenging time of transition". Luis Leon has been named interim CEO. Prime Healthcare ended the statement saying their focus remains on "continuing to deliver compassionate, high-quality care for Kankakee and its surrounding communities".

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial.