WVLI News Update

• Veteran's Observance Held

The third annual Veteran's Day Observance was held Saturday at the Ray Ollie Memorial at the AN Webber Logistics building on Kankakee's South Side. Keynote speaker for the event was Retired US Air Force Major Dennis Davoren who spoke about his struggles with PTSD and alcoholism.  Retired Major Davoren is a veteran of several conflicts, including Desert Storm, Bosnia and Iraqi Freedom. Some 150 people were on hand for Saturday's event

• Notable Night Sky News

Let's find out now what's going on over head this week. With our Notable Night Sky News, here's Madeline Shepley, Astronomy Professor and Director of the Strickler Planetarium at Olivet

• Salvation Army looking for bell ringers

The Salvation Army of Kankakee County will roll out the Red Kettles for its Give with Joy Christmas Campaign this Friday. Lieutenant LaToya Surratt says volunteer bell ringers are needed for 672 shifts this year.  The website again to volunteer is register to ring dot com. The Salvation Army's red kettle campaign goal this year is two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 

• Veterans Day Ceremony planned for Tuesday

The Kankakee County Veterans Council will host a ceremony this Tuesday on Veteran's Day at the Kankakee County Museum. Kankakee County Veterans Assistance Commission Superintendent Eric Peterson says the event starts at 10 Tuesday morning.  The museum is located on South eighth avenue in Kankakee.

• Formula recalled over botulism fear

Federal health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula.  The outbreak includes 13 confirmed hospitalizations across ten states, including two cases in Illinois.  The recall covers two lots marked "use by December 1st 2026."  Both the FDA and CDC are working to identify the contamination source and any other affected products.  No deaths have been reported, but officials warn that symptoms of infant botulism may take weeks to develop.

• IL Senators split on reopening government

Illinois' two US Senators are split on the proposal to reopen the government.  The Senate voted 60 to 40 to pass a measure that includes a stopgap to fund the rest of government through January 30th.  In a post on X, Senator Dick Durbin said the bill isn't perfect, but it takes important steps to reduce the shutdown's hurt.  Senator Tammy Duckworth announced on social media that she can't vote to do nothing to help protect American families from "Trump's vindictive efforts in exchange for a vague promise from the least trustworthy Republican party in our nation's history."

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• Coal City man arrested on child sex charges

Coal City Police report the arrest of a 46-year-old man on child sex related charges. In a press release, Coal City Police say David A Hietschold Junior was arrested Wednesday following a search warrant at his home in the 800 block of East Division.  As a result of the search, Hietschold was arrested on three counts of Criminal Sexual Assault and one count of Predatory criminal Sexual Assault of a Child.

• Crown Point authorities make arson arrest

Authorities over in Crown Point Indiana report an arrest in connection with a suspected arson at a church. In a Facebook Post, Crown Point Police say the early morning fire on October 22nd at Saints Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Church caused some 30-thousand-dollars worth of damage to a small prayer chapel outside the main church. An investigation led authorities to conclude the fire was arson. Crown Point police say they arrested 24-year-old Tyler Cyr of Hoffman Estates and charged him with four counts of arson, and criminal mischief

• Kankakee Chamber holds annual Gala

The Kankakee Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Gala and Awards Dinner last night at the Quality Inn in Bradley. Chamber Executive Director Kelsey Post says it was one of the largest Chamber gatherings in recent memory
(Post)
The Theme for this year's Gala was "The Future is Now" among the award recipients, Home Helpers was named small business of the year. Owner Sarah Jamison says the award means a lot to her business
(Jamison)
More than 300 people attended last night's event.

• What to do around Kankakee County 

Let's find out now what's going on around Kankakee County this weekend. With a look at a few of the events, here's Nicole Gavin, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County

• Strickler Planetarium hosts shows

If you're looking for something different to do with the family this weekend, the Strickler Planetarium at Olivet may have just the thing. Planetarium Director Madeline Shepley has more.  You can see Aurora Lights of wonder tonight and tomorrow night at 6 and 7:30, One World One Sky has a showing tomorrow afternoon at 4:30. There's more at Strickler.olivet.edu

• Flights Reduced at OHare and Midway

O'Hare and Midway airports are among the dozens of airports across the country that will have flights reduced because of the government shutdown.  The FAA says flight capacity will be cut by up to 10-percent at 40 major airports across the country, including O'Hare and Midway.  Hundreds of thousands of passengers could be affected if the government shutdown continues.  LAX, New York Laguardia, and Phoenix Sky Harbor are other impacted airports.

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• Flags across IL ordered to 1/2 staff

The state of Illinois is paying tribute to former Vice President Dick Cheney.  Cheney died this week at the age of 84 due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.  Illinois is honoring him by flying Flags at half staff throughout the state until sunset on November 13th.  Cheney served as the nation's 46th vice president under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. 

• Two arrested for suspected cannabis trafficking

Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group agents arrested two men Tuesday morning after a months long cannabis trafficking investigation.  According to a press release 26 year old James T. Tsirikos of Saint Anne and 27 year old Corey Q. Felton of Bourbonnais were both taken into custody around five fifteen Tuesday morning. Tsirikos was arrested at O'Hare airport and was found in possession of approximately fifty two hundred grams of suspected cannabis as he returned on a flight from California. Felton has been charged with intent to deliver over 500 grams of cannabis. Search warrants executed at three different properties throughout Kankakee County in connection with the two men turned up over eleven thousand five hundred grams of suspected cannabis. KAMEG was assisted by several agencies during the investigation. 

• Olivet to accept students after suburban school closes

Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais will welcome students from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights after the college closes next year. Olivet announced Tuesday that it has established a transfer partnership to welcome Trinity students into the Olivet community should they choose to continue their undergraduate education at Olivet’s Bourbonnais campus. Trinity's board of trustees voted to close the campus in Palos Heights in Spring of next year due to financial struggles caused by declining enrollment, post-COVID-19 losses, increased competition and shifting donor priorities.

• United Way urges food pantry donations during shutdown

As the governmental shutdown continues and there continues to be talk about reduced or eliminated SNAP benefits, some are concerned about how to feed their family. Maria Vail is the Executive Director of the United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties and she says local food pantries are seeing an increase in people using their services.  Vail adds there is help if you find yourself in need of food.  Vail says if you want to contribute you can make donations directly to those food pantries as well or monetary donations can be made by using the United Way's Health Impact fund at MyUnitedWay.org

• Time to talk turkey

It's kind of hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is just three weeks away. Rob West recently spoke with Sue Smith, Turkey Talk-Line expert with Butterball Turkey and she says it's time to think about buying that turkey.  If you have any questions you can get ahold of a turkey-talk like expert at 1-800-Butterball

• Olivet Hockey to honor veterans

Next Tuesday is Veteran's Day, and Friday night, the hockey team from Olivet has a special evening planned for area vets. Olivet Hockey Coach Bjorn Lindgren says veterans will be admitted free to Friday night's Military Appreciation Night match with Northern Illinois at Ice Valley Center in Kankakee.  Coach Lindgren says they have several special events planned for the evening.  Veterans get into the match for free, it costs five dollars for everyone else. The puck drops at seven Friday night at Ice Valley Center near KCC on Kankakee's south side. 

• Bourbonnais hosts food pantry

There's another of those Secret Food Pantry Mobile Pop-up events scheduled for the Village of Bourbonnais toda

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• Madgian appeals conviction

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is appealing his conviction on federal corruption charges.  Madigan's attorneys claim prosecutors flouted recent Supreme Court rulings reining in the use of the bribery and fraud statutes and stretched the laws "past their breaking points."  Madigan began serving his seven-and-a-half-year federal prison last month after being convicted earlier this year on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery.  Federal prosecutors say Madigan conspired with others to get ComEd to make monetary payments to his associates in exchange for favorable legislation.

• State fire service moves to new platform

Fire departments across Illinois are transitioning to the new National Emergency Response Information System.  The Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office says NERIS is a secure, cloud-based platform built to modernize how emergency incidents are reported and analyzed.  It will provide local agencies with timely data tools, location-based analytics, and flexible options for incident reporting - at no cost to departments.

• Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

Local authorities continue to look for those responsible for a double homicide from January first. Kankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski has our Crime Stoppers Tip of the week

• Kankakee Christmas Parade awards increased

Those who enter a float into the City of Kankakee's Christmas Parade this year have a chance to win up to one thousand dollars. Fourth Ward Alderman Lance Marczak announced the news at Monday night's city council meeting.  Marczak says the reason for the prize money increase is to give people an incentive to decorate their floats. This year's Christmas parade is on Saturday, December 13th. 

• Dwight Police report arrests following chase

Dwight Police have announced a pair of arrests that involved one man fleeing the scene of a traffic stop Monday morning. In press release from Dwight Police, officers pulled over a car for speeding driven by Eddie Brown the Third near the intersection of Mazon Avenue and Saint Louis Street around 2:45 Monday morning. During the stop, officers located a stolen firearm in Brown's possession. After getting handcuffed, Brown fled the scene on foot. Brown was located about three hours later in a residential area in Dwight and taken back into custody without incident and booked for several charges. The female passenger traveling with Brown, Keaira Wilkins, was also arrested and charged with obstructing justice.

• Short term rental tax discussed in Manteno

During Monday night's meeting of the Manteno Village Board, Visit Kankakee County Executive Director Nicole Gavin addressed the Board about comments made two weeks ago regarding a proposed short term rental tax.  Gavin pointed out a similar tax is already used in places like Champaign, Springfield and the Quad Cities.  Gavin said it's one way to increase tourism dollars without affecting local residents. 

• Manteno Trustee asks Mayor to sign contract

During the Trustee's Comments segment of Monday night's Manteno Village Board meeting, Trustee Todd Crocket asked Mayor Annette LaMore to sign the contract for Village Administrator Chris LaRocque.  Mayor LaMore pointed out that most Village employees work without a contact. Crocket said he feels LaRocque has proven himself to be valuable to the Village. 

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• Bradley Police arrests Kempton man

Bradley Police report the arrest of a Kempton man after he allegedly threatened Police. According to reports, it was just after 11 Friday night when officers on patrol noticed what appeared to be an argument outside an establishment on West Broadway. A witness told police there was an argument inside the bar over a pool game. One of the men thought to have been involved in that argument, 50-year-old Timothy Lowe of Kempton reportedly started to approach the witness. Bradley Police tried to separate the two at which point Lowe allegedly pushed the officer and resisted when officers tried to put him under arrest. Reports say once in custody Lowe repeatedly made threats to the officer. He was arrested on multiple charges including aggravated battery to a police officer, resisting arrests and threatening a public official.

• Bourbonnais set to buy property from Olivet

The Village of Bourbonnais last night agreed to buy a piece of property off of Olivet. Village Attorney Patrick Dunn.  The Village will pay the University 265-thousand dollars for the property.

• Bourbonnais trustees hear first reading of tax abatement ordinances

The Village of Bourbonnais took the first steps last night to abate taxes that would be collected to make bond payments in the coming fiscal year. Village Finance Director Tara Latz.  Latz said the abatement would keep somewhere between 146 and 511 dollars off next years tax bill, depending on property value. Trustees heard the first reading of the abatement ordinances last night, they'll have second reading and possible passing at their meeting on the 17th.

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• Notable Night Sky News

Let's find out now what's going on overhead this week. With our Notable Night Sky News, here's Madeline Shepley, Astronomy Professor and Director of the Strickler Planetarium at Olivet.

• Body found in river

Local authorities say they don't know the identity of a man pulled from the Kankakee River Saturday afternoon. Kankakee Fire Chief Bryan LaRoche says the body was spotted by a fisherman just below the dam in Kankakee, by the fishing area next to the city's hydro-electric plant. County Coroner Bob Gessner says the body had been in the water for quite some time and could only say it was the body of an African-American man. The investigation continues. 

• Bradley man hit by train

Bradley Police are investigating after a train hit a man in the village early Saturday morning. Bradley Police say it was about 3:15 Saturday morning when they were called to the Canadian National tracks just south of North Street. When they got there, officers found a 42-year-old Bradley man that had been hit under one of the train engines. A press release says the man's legs had "major trauma inflicted during the incident". The man was taken to a local hospital before being transferred to another trauma center. The incident is being investigated by Bradley Police and the Canadian National Railroad Police.

• Two fires in Kankakee Sunday night

Kankakee City Fire Department personnel were called out to a pair of fires overnight. Fire Chief Bryan LaRoche says the first was about 7:30 last night in the 300 block of West Merchant where fire in the two-story, multi-unit home started on the first floor and quickly spread tot he second floor and attic. Three of the four units in the building were occupied at the time.  No one was injured in the blaze which in under investigation.

Then about 10:30 last night, firefighters were called to another blaze at a home in the 200 block of South Fraser. Reports say firefighters found heavy flames coming from the home when they arrived and a male resident of the house was taken to the hospital with server burns. It's thought he was alone in the house at the time of the blaze, which is thought to have been accidental in nature. Chief LaRoche says there was heavy damage to the home with damage estimates to be in the 100-thousand-dollar range. Kankakee Fire was assisted fighting the fires by crews from as far away as Will County. 

• Small fire in Olivet dorm Saturday

A small fire was reported in a residence hall at Olivet over the weekend. Reports say it happened a little before nine Saturday night when food was left unattended in a toaster on the second floor of McClain Hall. Reports say the fire was quickly put out. There were no injuries reported.

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• Multiple fatalities reported from Thursday night crash

There are reports of a fatal crash in far western Kankakee County overnight. According to reports, it was about 10 last night when two cars collided near Reddick. It appears both cars burst into flame and according to reports there were no survivors. The names of those involved have not yet been released. 

• Iroquois Federal sold

Iroquois Federal Savings and Loan is set to be acquired. The announcement was made today in a press release that says Servbank, based in Oswego, Illinois has entered into a definitive agreement with Iroquois Federal for the acquisition. Iroquois Federal shareholders will receive approximately eighty nine point eight million dollars or twenty seven dollars and twenty cents per share, in cash for each share of common stock. Chip Hasselbring the third, who is the chairman and CEO of Iroquois Federal says The technology of banking today requires investment in systems to bring this quality service. We are excited about the Servbank platform. The transaction is expected to close in the early months of 2026.

• Drought concerns worsen

A lack of recent rains brings increased drought concerns across the area. According to the map just released Thursday by the US Drought Monitor, about 20 percent of Kankakee County is considered to be in moderate drought, while the rest of the county remains abnormally dry. Some 42 percent of Iroquois County is now considered to be in severe drought - up from just seven percent last week with about half the county in moderate drought and the remaining eight percent just abnormally dry. Nearly all of Ford and Livingston Counties are considered to be in severe drought while a third of Grundy County is considered to be in severe drought, 54 percent in moderate drought and the rest of the county just abnormally dry. The northern 22 percent of Will County is considered to be in severe drought, another 14 percent in moderate drought with the rest of that county just abnormally dry.

Across the state line, drought concerns are rising with more than half of Newton County now considered to be in moderate drought while 12 percent of Jasper and 10 percent of Benton Counties are also considered to be in moderate drought. The rest of each of those counties are now considered to be abnormally dry. The latest map includes data gathered by the US Drought Monitor through Tuesday of this week.

• Local law enforcement urges drivers to be careful this Halloween

It's Halloween, that means little ghosts and goblins will be making their way door to door this evening looking for treats. Kankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski reminds drivers to be on the lookout for more people on the streets. Trick or Treat hours vary across the area. You can find a list of those hours on our website.

• What to do around Kankakee County 

Time to find out what's going on around Kankakee County this weekend. With a look at a few of the events, here's Nicole Gavin, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County

• Fall back!

Get ready to fall back this weekend as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end and Standard Time returns on Sunday.  Clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 Sunday morning., meaning we gain an hour and more light in the morning.  We "spring forward" when Day

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• ISP investigating Watseka Police

It appears multiple officers with the Watseka Police Department are being investigated by the Illinois State Police. WCIA in Champaign says Watseka Police Chief Eric Starkey confirmed to them Wednesday an investigation was underway, but was unable to confirm the identities of the officers under investigation, or how many are being investigated. Starkey did confirm the officers under investigation have been on leave since July. The State Police haven't commented on the investigation

• Grayson Guilty

A jury is convicting a former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy of second-degree murder in the death of Sonya Massey.  Sean Grayson shot and killed the unarmed Black woman in July 2024 after she called 9-1-1 over a potential intruder at her Springfield home.  Massey's father, James Wilburn, expressed anger over the verdict, saying the second-degree conviction wasn't enough.  Sentencing is scheduled for January 29th.  

• State Officials urge fire safety this Halloween

The Illinois State Fire Marshal is urging everyone to practice fire safety while celebrating Halloween.  The National Fire Protection Association says from 2019-2023, there was an average of 832 home fires that began with decorations per year.  These fires resulted in an average of three deaths per year.  Officials are offering a few tips, including using a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns and avoiding costumers with long trailing fabric.

• Rensselaer Fire

Rensselaer Fire reports an explosion and fire at a processing plant northwest of Rensselaer Wednesday afternoon. Reports say firefighters were called to the scene just after four Wednesday afternoon and help was called in from surrounding communities. No injuries were reported and few other details were made available. 

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• Legislators propose new taxes

Illinois lawmakers are considering ways to fund Chicago-area mass transit agencies.  State Democrats proposed several taxes to generate one-point-five billion dollars to help the CTA, Metra and Pace avoid a more than 200-million-dollar fiscal cliff next year.  The bill includes an amusement tax on streaming services like Netflix, a surcharge on tickets for large concerts and other performances, and a so-called "billionaire tax."  State lawmakers are wrapping up their fall veto session this week in Springfield.

• Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

Kankakee County Sheriff's Police are looking for help to solve a recent burglary in Irwin. 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 

• BTFPD awarded grant

The Bourbonnais Fire Protection District announced today they've been given a 60-thousand-dollar "Fire Prevention and Safety Grant" from FEMA. Fire Protection District Chief Jim Keener tells us what the grant will be used for.  Chief Keener said the District will have to add some to the grant money to be able to complete all the projects since the 60-thousand dollars doesn't cover the full cost. Keener says the District also recently received a grant to pay for three full-time firefighter/paramedics for the next three years. 

• Rep Haas fights for local control

79th District State Representative Jackie Haas recently sat down to chat with Rob West for an edition of the WVLI News Update Special Report podcast. During the conversation she addressed several local concerns, among them laws passed by the legislature in recent years that take away local control when it comes to siting wind and solar farms.  Representative Haas says Republicans have filed legislation to send siting control back to local governments and she expects those pieces of legislation to be filed again during the next legislative session. You can hear the complete interview with Representative Haas on our website or wherever you get your podcasts. 

• Bradley Trick or Treat hours extended

Ghouls and goblins in Bradley will have an extra hour to trick or treat this Halloween. The measure was discussed at Monday night’s Bradley Village board meeting with trustees and Mayor Mike Watson.  Bradley trick or treat hours are now 4:30 to 7:30 on Halloween. Other towns in the area like Manteno and Bourbonnais have also recently extended their hours. 

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• Bradley Village Board bids out new building

A resolution was passed at Monday night's Bradley Village Board Meeting to accept the bids for the construction of an additional maintenance building at the 315 Sports Complex. Financial Director Rob Romo says how much it will cost.  Romo added the new maintenance building at the 315 sports complex should be finished in the spring. 

• Bradley to bid out water park construction

The Village of Bradley will bond out for fifty one million dollars in the next thirty to sixty days to finance the construction of an indoor water park near Northfield Square Mall. The ordinance was passed at Monday night's village board meeting. Finance Director Rob Romo with the interest rate on the bonds.  Romo says they hope to break ground on the construction of the indoor water park by this spring. 

• Kankakee Police make arrest in stolen van

A van was allegedly stolen on Kankakee's eastside Friday afternoon. According to city police reports, the van was reported stolen around Noon on Friday in the 1000 Block of East Maple Street. Officers located the van about 30 minutes later in the 900 block of North Harrison Avenue. A man, later identified as 21 year old Ethan Smith, was seen running in the area and taken in for questioning. When the owner got his work van back just before 2 Friday afternoon, he said two freon tanks were missing from inside. One tank was blue and the other gray. The freon tanks are valued at around eight hundred dollars each. Smith has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle. 

• Kankakee Police make drug arrest

Kankakee City Police made a drug arrest over the weekend. According to reports, 30 year old Jessica Rock was seen riding her bicycle in the 100 block of South Nelson avenue. City police knew she was wanted on an outstanding warrant, so they picked her up. A search of bag that Rock was carrying allegedly turned up 20 units of a brown liquid inside a syringe, which appeared to be heroin. Rock was taken into custody for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, among other charges.

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