WVLI News Update

• Fire damages apartment building

Kankakee City Fire Department personnel were called to a fire in an apartment in the 200 block of Crestlane Monday night. According to reports, it was just before 10 last night when firefighters were called to the fire that started when frying food was left unattended on the stove. Reports say there was significant damage to the apartment where the fire started and the apartment next door, rendering both unusable. No one was injured by the blaze which caused some 25-thousand dollars worth of damage to the building.

•  Former House Speaker reports to prison

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is behind bars, now serving the first full day of his seven-and-a-half year prison sentence on corruption charges.  Madigan served 50 years in the state legislature, including 35 years as Speaker.  Madigan's tenure in the legislature is the longest of any lawmaker in Illinois history.  He will be 90-years-old by the time he is released from prison.  

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• Man killed in fatal crash identified

We have a name now of the motorcyclist killed Sunday when his motorcycle collided with a car on Route 17 west of Kankakee. Illinois State Police say the crash happened just before 10 yesterday morning at Route 17 near 3000 West Road. Kankakee County Coroner Bob Gessner says 31-year-old Trevor Waddell of Braidwood was taken from the scene of the crash to the hospital where he later died of his injuries. State Police say Route 17 had to be closed for about four hours while wreckage was cleared and the crash investigated. No word on the condition of the driver of the car. 

• Notable Night Sky News

Time now to find out what's happening in the sky this week. With our Notable Night Sky News, here's Madeline Shepley, Astronomy Professor and Director of the Strickler Planetarium at Olivet

• It's Columbus Day

It is Columbus Day today, the day set aside to commemorate the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. History.com says the day was first set aside as a federal holiday in 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus’ achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. But throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have been proposed since the 1970s including Indigenous People's Day, now celebrated in many U.S. states and cities.  Because of the holiday today, you'll find all State and Federal offices are closed today. Schools are closed as are most banks and other financial institutions. The Post Office is closed today and there will be no mail delivery.

• Jasper County Indiana Sheriff warns of scam

Jasper County Indiana Sheriff Pat Williamson is sounding the alarm about another scam going around the area. Sheriff Williamson says this one is called the T-4 scam.

Williamson says if you get anything in the mail that looks suspicious, you can usually find out if it's a scam or not by doing a quick google search. 

• Rensselaer Police make arrest in shots fired incident

Rensselaer Police have released details on the arrest they made last week after shots were fired in the City. It was last Thursday night when Rensselaer Police were called to a report of an incident where shots were fired after an argument in the 400 block of North McKinley. At the time, officers said they were able to locate a suspect in the incident and a weapon had been recovered. In a press release, that person was identified as 39-year-old Shawn McGan of Rensselaer. The press release says during the argument, McGan allegedly reached into his waistband, pulled out a gun and fired a shot at the other person involved, then reportedly threatened to burn down the house. He was arrested by Rensselaer Police on various gun-related charges.

•  Fatal crash in Kankakee County

There are reports of a fatal traffic crash in Kankakee County Sunday. It happened about 9:45 yesterday morning in the 3000 West and Route 17 in Limestone Township. Few details are available at this time, but it was believed to have been a motorcycle vs car crash. Illinois State Police are investigating.

• ICE, other Federal agents in Kankakee

ICE agents were apparently in Kankakee County over the weekend. In a Facebook post Sunday, Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis said it had been brought to his attention that ICE agents and other Federal agencies were working within the city limits. Curtis went on to say that while he and Police Chief Chris Kidwell were aware of the activity, neither of them had been notified where or when the agents would be operating. Curtis said the City of Kankakee was neither assisting or hindering federal agents within the City limits.

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• Sister Jean dead at 106

A beloved figure in college basketball is dead at 106.  Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt was the team chaplain for Loyola-Chicago for decades.  She was put in the spotlight back in 2018 as the Ramblers made a Cinderella run to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament, praying with the team before every game and relentlessly cheering them on.  Loyola President Mark Reed said, "While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy. Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community and her spirit abides in thousands of lives."  Schmidt passed away Thursday.

• Judge delays Chi troop deployment

The deployment of U.S. Army National Guard troops in Chicago is on pause, for now.  A federal judge has blocked the deployment after a lawsuit was filed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on behalf of the state and the City of Chicago.  The suit was filed Monday and heard in court yesterday, as troops were already in Broadview, awaiting orders to go to Chicago.  Yesterday's ruling blocked the National Guard from entering the city for two weeks.

• Rensselaer Indiana police report shots fired arrest

Rensselaer Indiana Police report an incident where shots were filed in their city overnight. In a Facebook post, Rensselaer Police say it was just before eight last night when they were called about shots allegedly being fired after an argument in the 400 block of North McKinley. Officers were able to locate a suspect in the incident and a weapon was recovered. They ask anyone with information about the incident call their office.

• Drought concerns rise across the area

Another week without much rain has drought concerns growing across the area.The latest map just released today by the US Drought Monitor puts about four percent of Kankakee County in the moderate drought category and the other 96 percent listed as abnormally dry. Meanwhile about eight percent of Iroquois County is listed as in severe drought, 22 percent in moderate drought and 70 percent listed as abnormally dry. 86 percent of Ford County and 85 percent of Livingston County are listed as in severe drought with the rest of each of those counties in moderate drought. 29 percent of Will County is in moderate drought with the rest of it simply abnormally dry.  Across the state line the entirety of Newton and Benton Counties is listed as abnormally dry, while 20 percent of Jasper County is considered to be in moderate drought. The rest of that county just abnormally dry. The latest map includes data gathered by the US Drought Monitor through Tuesday of this week

• Dwight man arrested for child porn

A Dwight man has been arrested in Child Porn charges. In a press release, the Livingston County Sheriff's Department Pro-Active Task Force report they executed  a search warrant initiated when the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force got a tip about Dane Barr. Authorities say Barr was arrested Tuesday on six counts of dissemination of child pornography.

• What to do around Kankakee County this weekend 

There's a full calendar of activities around Kankakee County this weekend. With a look at a few of the events, here's Nicole Gavin, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County

Kankakee City Police report gun arrest

A 30-year-old Kankakee man was arrested Wednesday on gun charges after he was picked up by Kankakee City Police on an active warrant. According to reports, a City Police Officer spotted Keywuan Arnold driving a car in the area of Hillcrest and Cooper and pulled him over because he knew Arnold had a warrant out for his arrest. When Aronold got out of the car, officers say they could see a baggie of cannabis in the pocket in the drivers side doo

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• Alcohol use up among Illinois teens

A recent study shows adolescents in Illinois are drinking alcohol at nearly twice the national average.  The Illinois Youth Survey, that's conducted every two years, shows that in 2024 eighth graders were using more alcohol and teens more cannabis.  What's perhaps more alarming is the data showed that one in ten eighth graders said they got alcohol through an app or delivery service.  The Illinois Department of Human Services advises parents to pay close attention to their teens' social media and overall phone use.

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• Jasper County Sheriff warns of scam

Jasper County Indiana Sheriff Pat Williamson is warning of a scam going around the area. In this scam, the victim gets an email or phone call saying there's a warrant for for your arrest  because you didn't show up for jury duty.  Williamson says if you get one of these calls you should hang up the phone and call the jurisdiction they said they were from to see if the phone call was legit. He also reminds you that law enforcement won't call you and ask for any kind of payment over the phone. 

• Crime Stoppers 100825

Kankakee City Police continue to investigate a homicide that occurred this past Friday. Kankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski with our Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week.  Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could result in a cash reward. 

• Pedestrian bridge closed

The pedestrian Bridge that goes over the Kankakee River from Kennedy Drive to Riverside in Kankakee is closed. A press release from the city says the bridge is shutdown temporary for deck repairs. No timeline was given for the repair work but the city says they will update everyone when the ped bridge is reopened.

• Alleged fight leads to arrest

Kankakee City Police report an arrest after a fight in the City Monday afternoon. According to reports, it was just before one yesterday afternoon when officers were called to East Station Street for a report of a fight in progress. On their way there, officers spotted one of the people thought to have been involved in the fight walking southbound on South Dearborn Avenue. While talking to that man, he told them he'd been stabbed. Police gave the man first aid and had him taken to the hospital. When they got to scene they were met by witnesses who told them the stabbing victim had been in an argument with another man and when the victim tried to walk away, the other man started to swing a pocket knife at him. City Police say they reviewed surveillance footage of the incident and arrested 40-year-old Andrew A Nolte for mob action and aggravated battery among other charges.

• Manteno board vote to buy truck

The Manteno Village Board met last night and voted to buy a new pickup truck for use by Public Works. Trustees spent several minutes debating the purchase. Trustee Peggy Vaughn took issue with the bidding process.  Trustee CJ  Boudreau explained the differences between the two trucks. In the end trustees voted to by the truck from Taylor Ford for a little over 37-thousand-500 dollars. 

• Arrest made in Wilmington drowning

Wilmington Police have made an arrest in connection to a drowning in the City earlier this year. On May 15th, Wilmington Police were called to the Deer Ridge Subdivision for a report of a child that had fallen in the pool and was unresponsive. The child was taken to the hospital, but died from the incident. In a press release, Wilmington Police say an arrest warrant was issued yesterday for Jolene M Trost of Wilmington and she was picked up yesterday - charged with four counts of endangering the life or health of a child.

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• National Guard to be in Chicago

National Guard troops could be hitting the streets of Chicago very soon despite legal challenges from the city and the state of Illinois.  Chicago and Illinois joined forces to sue the Trump administration to block the president from sending the National Guard to Chicago.  However, a federal judge declined to issue a temporary restraining order yesterday.  It was revealed that National Guard troops from Texas were already on their way to Illinois.  They could be deployed as soon as today or tomorrow.  

• State Police look for answers in fatal I-94 crash

Illinois State Police are asking for help with a fatal crash that happened yesterday morning up on I-94. In a press release, State Police say it happened just after five yesterday morning when a large piece of metal went through the windshield of an SUV, causing the SUV to crash, killing the driver. State Police say it's believed the piece of metal came off a semi-trailer with an intermodal container and they're asking anyone that may have seen the crash or anyone that may have dash camera footage of the crash to call State Police at 847-608-3200.

• Traffic stop nets Iroquois County Deputies a pair of drug arrests

A traffic stop Sunday netted Iroquois County Sheriff's Police a pair of drug arrests. According to reports, Iroquois County Deputies stopped the car in the 600 block of East Crescent in Gilman for a traffic violation. A search of the car allegedly turned up suspected meth, drug paraphernalia and two pill police identified as a controlled substance. Iroquois County Deputies arrested 59-year-old Matthew Schroeder of Iroquois and 32-year-old Jessica Walwer of Iroquois on various drug-related charges.

• Baker and Taylor in Momence to close

It looks like Momence is losing another major employer. It's been announced that book publisher Baker and Taylor is closing it's doors. More than 300 people are employed by the publisher which specializes in distributing books, DVDs, and music to schools and libraries.  There had been speculation of the company's possible closure when a recent sale of the company fell through.

• Fire damages apartment in Rensselaer, IN

 Rensselaer Indiana Fire report fire damaged an apartment building in the city overnight. Firefighters were called to the fire just before three this morning and authorities report one person had to be rescued from the building. That person was transported to the hospital by helicopter. The fire was reportedly limited to one apartment in the building. The condition of the victim is unknown at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation

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• Missing Will Co child found, safe

Will County Sheriff's Police report a child reported abducted Sunday morning has been found safe. In a press release, Wil County Sheriff' Mike Kelley says it was just before 10:30 yesterday morning when deputies were called to the 19-thousand-500 block of West Goodwin Road for a report of domestic battery and child abduction. When they got there they were told 32-year-old Carl E. Ellis had allegedly battered a woman and took off with their child. An AMBER alert was issued and Ellis car was spotted in Kankakee County, where local authorities pulled the car over and took Ellis into custody without incident. The child was returned to its mother.

• Local authorities ID man killed in Kankakee shooting

Authorities have identified the man killed in a shooting in Kankakee over the weekend. Kankakee City Police say it was just after 10 Friday night when they were called to the 200 block of North Evergreen Avenue for a report of multiple gunshots fired. When they got there, officers say they found  62-year-old Robert Green the Third, lying in the street near the curb, suffering from apparent gunshots wounds. Green was taken to the hospital where he later died of his injuries.  Several witnesses have provided information about the shooting to police, they ask if you have any information you call their office or Crime Stoppers at 815-93-CRIME.

• Drought concerns continue

Another week without much moisture means more drought concern across the area. The latest map just released Thursday by the US Drought Monitor puts the entirety of Kankakee and Grundy Counties in the abnormally dry category. Meanwhile, 27 percent of Iroquois County 87 percent of Ford County, 85 percent of Livingston County and 29 percent of Will County is listed as in moderate drought. The remainder of those counties simply abnormally dry.

Across the state line, pretty much all of Newton, Jasper and Benton Counties are considered to be abnormally dry. Thursday's map includes data gathered through Tuesday of this week.

• Bradley Police make arrests in connection with shots fired incident

Another week without much moisture means more drought concern across the area. The latest map just released Thursday by the US Drought Monitor puts the entirety of Kankakee and Grundy Counties in the abnormally dry category. Meanwhile, 27 percent of Iroquois County 87 percent of Ford County, 85 percent of Livingston County and 29 percent of Will County is listed as in moderate drought. The remainder of those counties simply abnormally dry.

Across the state line, pretty much all of Newton, Jasper and Benton Counties are considered to be abnormally dry. Thursday's map includes data gathered through Tuesday of this week.

• Bradley PD warns of scams targeting seniors

The Bradley Police Department is warning of scams going around that are targeting the senior and elderly population in the community. Bradley Police Officer Megan Lanie.  Officer Lanie says you should contact local law enforcement if you think you've either been contacted by one of these scammers or you've been a victim of a scam 

• Newton County issues burn ban as dry conditions persist

There have been several reported field fires in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. Because of the dry conditions burn bans have been put in place in Ford and Iroquois Counties. Over the weekend, Newton County in adjacent Northwest Indiana also issued a burn ban. The ban in Newton County is in effect for the entire month of October. Those in Ford and Iroquois Counties are in effect until further notice.

• Madigan appeal denied

A federal appeals court is ordering Michael Madigan to report to prison next week while he appeals his conviction in his corruption case.  The 7th U.S. Circuit Court

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• Fire damages Kankakee Home

An electrical issue is thought to have been the cause of a fire in the 700 block of Wildwood Avenue in Kankakee overnight. Kankakee Fire Chief Brian LaRoche says the call came in just before 12:30 this morning and when firefighters got to the scene they found a small fire in one of the bedrooms of the home. The fire was quickly put out and reports say it seemed to have started in an electrical outlet. Damage from the fire was put at about 10-thousand-dollars, no injuries were reported, two people were displaced by the blaze.

• Bradley Police report shots fired

Bradley Police report an instance where shots were fired in the Village Thursday. In a Facebook post, Bradley Officials say it was just after three Thrusday afternoon when they were called to an attempted burglary in progress in the 100 block of South Jefferson Avenue. While on their way there, officers were informed shots had been fired with garages and at least one car hit by the gunfire. Bradley police chased the suspect vehicle into Kankakee where Kankakee Police reportedly picked up the chase, but ended the chase because of concerns for public safety. Bradley Police say it appears to have been an isolated incident and it is still under investigation. 

• What to do around Kankakee County with the Convention and Visitors Bureau

It's another full weekend of fall activities across Kankakee County. With a look at a few of the events, here's Nicole Gavin, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County

• Halloween light show at Stickler Planetarium at Olivet

A family favorite light show returns to Olivet's Strickler Planetarium this weekend. Professor of Astronomy and Planetarium Director Madeline Shepley.  Show times are 6 and 7:30 tonight, and 4:30, 6 and 7:30 tomorrow night. The Ooky Spooky light show will return the weekend of October 24th. 

St. Anne Pumpkin Fest starts today

It's a sure sign of fall, the St. Anne Pumpkin Fest is going on this weekend in St. Anne. Becky Pinson is the entertainment coordinator for the Fest. She says things kick off today with the rummage sale at the Parish Hall 

(Pumpkinfest fri)
You can find a complete schedule of weekend events on the St. Anne Pumpkin Fest Facebook page. 

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• 21st Judicial Circuit elects new Chief Judge

The 21st Judicial Circuit, which includes Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, will have a new Chief Judge at the start of the new year. It was announced yesterday that Chief Judge Thomas Cunnington will step down from that position and Circuit Judge Bill Dickenson has been selected to take over January 1st. The Chief Judge is elected by the judges on the circuit and are elected for two year terms. Each chief judge can serve no more than two consecutive terms before stepping down.

• Child Network names new Executive Director

The Child Network has a new Executive Director. The children's advocacy center announced late last month that Brianne Hetman has been hired as the organizations new Executive Director. Hetman says her 24 years of experience in social services has brought her to the network.  Hetman says she hopes to raise awareness of the services provided by Child Network.  Hetman's first day at the helm of Child Network was this past Monday. 

• One of the ComEd Four begins prison term

The first member of the so-called "ComEd Four" is behind bars.  Jay Doherty reported to prison Monday to begin serving a one-year sentence.  The ex-president of the City Club of Chicago , Michael McClain, Anne Pramaggiore, and John Hooker were all found guilty in 2023 of conspiring to influence and reward former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in order to assist with the passage of legislation favorable to the utility.  McClain and Pramaggiore both received a two-year prison term, while Hooker was sentenced to 18 months.

• Man says he had gun pulled on him at Pembroke Park

Kankakee County Sheriff's Police report a man and his wife showed up at the Sheriff's Office Tuesday night to report they'd had a gun pulled on them in Pembroke Township. According to reports, it was about 11 o'clock Tuesday night when the pair showed up saying he'd been DJing a party at Rodeo Park when a man requested a song. The victim said he told the man he'd get to it and asked him to go stand elsewhere, to which the man allegedly said "don't tell me what to do" and pulled a gun. The victim told deputies he didn't report the incident immediately because there were children at the park at the time. Deputies are investigating the incident.

• Bourbonnais Police investigate home invasion

Bourbonnais Police are investigating a home invasion that happened early Wednesday morning. According to reports, it was just after four yesterday morning when two people broke into an apartment in the 300 block of North Stadium Drive in the Village. Officials say once inside the intruders made contact with the residents who scared them away. Nothing was taken during the home invasion and nobody was injured. It's not believed to have been a random incident. Bourbonnais Police are working to identify those involved. 

• Grant Park School cancelled Wednesday for gas leak

School will be in session as normal today for students in the Grant Park Elementary School. The school had to be evacuated for a time Wednesday after workers for a drainage project hit a gas main near the school. Students were immediately evacuated to the Grant Park Middle School and were later released to their parents. In a Facebook post, school officials say the broken pipe has been fixed and school is running as normal in Grant Park today.

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• One injured in Tuesday crash

One person was sent to the hospital following a three-vehicle crash on nine-thousand north at Career Center Road Tuesday morning. Reports say it was just after eight yesterday morning when a westbound car slowed to turn south onto Career Center Road and was hit from behind by a motorcycle which continued on and hit another car that was traveling eastbound through the intersection. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital to be treated for serious injuries. There's no word of his condition. There were no other injuries reported in the crash. 

• KAMEG report arrests

Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group Agents with the help of the State Police SWAT team and Kankakee City Police report the arrest of 38-year-old Ashad Mayo of Kankakee. In a press release, KAMEG agents say Mayo was arrested following an on-going narcotics investigation that resulted in a search warrant at his home in the 400 block of North East Avenue Friday morning.  That search allegedly turned up suspected crack cocaine, suspected methamphetamine and suspected look-alike substances. Mayo was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to deliver among other charges. Another person at the house when the search warrant was served, identified as 40-year-old Maurice Terrell of Bradley was arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

• Bradley woman arrested following alleged tussle with Police

A call to Bradley Police for a noise complaint Monday ended with the arrest of a Bradley woman. According to reports, it was about 11 last night when officers were called to the apartment building in the 100 block of west Broadway for a noise complaint. While investigating the complaint, Bradley Police say 33-year-old Sarah F. Mather became combative with officers. Bradley Police arrested Mather for aggravated battery to a peace officer among other charges.

• Manteno Police begin using new squad 

Gotion Illinois officially handed the keys over to the Rivian Electric Squad Car they donated to the Manteno Police Department Thursday at Manteno Oktoberfest. Police Chief Al Swinford says it's a generous gift.  Andy Wheeler, who handles government and public relations for Gotion, says the new squad car is an economic benefit to Manteno residents.  The new Squad Car was on display all weekend long at Manteno Oktoberfest.

• Bourbonnais hosts open house tonight

The Village of Bourbonnais will host an interactive open house tonight as the next phase of their Riverfront Park master planning project. Lindy Casey is the Village's Director of Marketing and Community Engagement and she says the process had to be put on hold for a time.  Casey says the open house runs from 5:30pm-7pm tonight in the Community Room at the Bourbonnais Municipal Center.  There's more about the open house on the Village of Bourbonnais' website or its Facebook Page.

• Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

Kankakee County Sheriff's Police are looking for information after a home in Pembroke Township was hit by gunfire last week. Kankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski has our Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

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