WVLI News Update

• Notable Night Sky News

Time now to take a look at what's going on overhead this week. With a look at our Notable Night Sky News.

• IDOT looks for "snowbirds"

It may be August, but the folks at the Illinois Department of Transportation are already thinking about winter. IDOT is looking for what they call “snow birds”, the seasonal employees that will work for IDOT either by the month or by the hour to help out with snow and ice removal this winter. IDOT spokesperson Maria Castaneda says you can apply for the positions through the IDOT website.  Salary ranges can be found on the website as well. IDOT reminds you to keep an eye out for snow plows when we head into winter. 

• Back to school photo safety

It’s back to school time, and that back to school photo has become a tradition. Officer Megan Lanie with the Bradley Police Department has some tips to make that photo safer.  Most area schools return to session later this week. 

• State Trooper arrested on child porn charges

An Illinois State Police trooper faces federal child pornography charges.  Court records say investigators learned that Colin Gruenke of Deerfield uploaded images of child pornography on the social media platform Kik.  Federal agents arrested him last week after confronting him at the Illinois State Police headquarters in Des Plaines.  He was placed on administrative leave without pay.  Gruenke was also a referee for a junior hockey league.

• Search continues for Gibson City man

Reports say the search continues for a 70-year-old Gibson City man after he allegedly shot two police officers more than a week ago. It all started in the early morning hours of August 9th when officers were called to the 100 block of Ash Street in Gibson City for a report of a naked man walking in the street. Police say that man was David Jordan and Jordan reportedly shot at officers as they tried to make contact with him at his home. The house then burst into flames. Reports say searchers have sifted through the remains of the house and no human remains were found. Officials continue to look for Jordan who's thought to be armed and dangerous.

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• Documentary planned for Lane Bryant murders

A documentary is in the works about the 2008 Lane Bryant murders in Tinley Park.  Filmmaker Charlie Minn is putting together a documentary titled "Who Killed These Women: The Tinley Park 5."  No arrests have been made after five women were shot and killed inside the Lane Bryant store inside the Brookside Marketplace Shopping Center during a robbery in February 2008.  Minn hopes the film will help investigators find the killer.  

• ISP gives update on Gibson City shooting

 Illinois State police are providing an update on the officers who were shot in Ford County this past weekend.  Officers responded early Saturday to the 100 block of Ash Street in Gibson City on a report of a naked man, identified as David Jordan.  While making contact with Jordan at his home, a Gibson City Police officer and Ford County Sheriff's officer were shot.  Shortly after the shooting, the house caught fire.  Jordan remains on the loose and both officers were treated and released from the hospital.  Neither one fired their weapons during the incident.  They have been placed on paid administrative leave.    

• State unemployment unchanged in July

The Illinois unemployment rate is unchanged.  The state Department of Employment Security says the state's jobless rate remained steady at four-point-six-percent last month.  Non-farm payroll jobs were down slightly, dropping by 25-hundred in July.

• Manteno FP District calls for IDOT to change Rte 50

The Manteno Community Fire Protection District is calling on the Illinois Department of Transportation to make drastic changes to the intersection at Route 50 and County Line Road in northern Kankakee County. The intersection has had multiple fatalities and accidents over the past several years. Fire Chief Rick Peterson stated there have been 14 accidents and two fatalities at route 50 and county line road so far this year alone.

• Manteno "Rockin' the Square" tonight

The Village of Manteno and the Manteo Chamber of Commerce will have their Back to School Bash and Rockin' on the Square events today and tonight. 

• What to do around Kankakee County this weekend

It's another busy weekend around Kankakee County, with a look at what's going on around the county. 

• Drought concerns lessen

Drought concerns across the area have all but dried up because of recent rains. The latest map just released Thursday by the US Drought Monitor lists nearly 64 percent of Kankakee County as "abnormally dry" with pretty much the rest of the county without any drought concerns at all. Meanwhile, nearly 70 percent of Iroquois County is without any drought concerns, the other 30 percent simply "abnormally dry". About 15 percent of Ford County is listed as in "moderate drought" with 27 percent of that county listed as "abnormally dry" and the remaining parts without any drought concerns at all. Pretty much all of Grundy county remains "abnormally dry" while a quarter of Will County is listed as in "moderate drought" and the other 75 percent just "abnormally dry"

Across the state line, Thursday's map lists nearly 47 percent of Newton County and 39 percent of Jasper County as "abnormally dry", with the rest of those counties labeled as having no drought concerns. All of Benton County in Northwest Indiana continue to be "abnormally dry". The latest map includes data gathered by the US Drought Monitor through Tuesday of this week. 

• River work at Aroma Park complete

During this morning's meeting of the Kankakee County Board's Highways, Waterways and Buildings committee, County Transportation and Economi

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ISP continues search for alleged Gibson City shooter

Authorities are still searching for a man accused of shooting two officers in Ford County over the weekend.  State police say officers responded early Saturday to the 100 block of Ash Street in Gibson City on a report of a naked man, identified as David Jordan.  While making contact with Jordan at his home, a Gibson City Police officer and Ford County Sheriff's officer were shot.  Shortly after the shooting, the house caught fire.  Police received a tip yesterday that a person had possibly spotted Jordan in Sibley.  However, no arrests have been made.

State Police announce new group to combat human trafficking

 The Illinois State Police is launching a group to combat human trafficking in the state.  The ISP is partnering with the Decatur Police Department, the McLean County Sheriff's Office, and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to create the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group.  ITEG will consist of local and state partners focused on fighting human trafficking, while also working with community groups and health organizations to provide trauma-informed support services to individuals who have been trafficked.  The group will be headquartered in Decatur.

Parade to shut down Broadway in Bradley tomorrow night

 Bradley Lions Junior Football and Cheer is kicking off their season with a parade this Friday. During Monday night's Village Board meeting, Bradley Mayor Mike Watson noted Broadway Street will be closed during the event.  Parade line up begins at 5:30 Friday evening, and the mayor says everyone is welcome to come cheer on the players. 

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Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

Manteno Police are looking into a burglary that happened last Saturday.  Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could result in a cash reward.

County Board sets officials salaries

During Tuesday morning's Kankakee County Board meeting, the Board voted to set the State's Attorney's annual salary. The County Board also voted to set the Public Defenders annual salary.  During Tuesday's meeting, the County Board voted to accept a 139-thousand dollar bid to sell the former animal control facility and voted to accept the resignation of Joe Swanson as representative from County Board District 14 effective August 1st. Swanson resigned because he was moving out of the district. 

Iroquois County Board member calls for Police Department to be formed in Gilman

During this morning's meeting of the Iroquois County Board, Jed Witlow, chairman of the Board's Judicial and Public Safety Committee said he'd recently sent a letter to Gilman's Mayor suggesting the City start a police force or partner with the County for public safety purposes.  Witlow pointed out Gilman has about 19-hundred residents and the FBI says there should be a police force of 3-4 people to cover the City, but added contracting with the county to have police department coverage would be better than nothing.

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Manhunt continues for Gibson City man

Illinois State Police continue the search for the man believed to have been responsible for shooting two police officers and setting fire to a home in Gibson City early Saturday morning. Troopers say officers responded about 2:30 Saturday morning to the 100 block of Ash Street in Gibson City on a report of a naked man, identified as David Jordan, walking outside.  While making contact with Jordan at his home, a Gibson City Police officer and Ford County Sheriff's officer were shot.  Shortly after the shooting, the house caught fire.  Jordan is considered armed and dangerous and authorities say you shouldn't approach him.  They say if you believe you see Jordan you should call 9-1-1.

Kankakee County Sheriff's Department want you to driver carefully as kids head back to school

With a few school districts in the county returning to the classroom this week and the remainder of them starting classes next week, the Kankakee County Sheriff's Department warns drivers to be on the lookout for children and school buses.  Bukowski reminds drivers to leave a little early to allow time for buses and other school-related traffic. 

Bradley to hold ribbon cutting on new board room

The Bradley Village board will be holding their next meeting in the newly renovated renovated board room. Following last night's Village Board meeting, Mayor Mike Watson invited residents to check out the new and improved space during the upcoming ribbon cutting and open house.  Renovations to the board room in Village Hall have been underway since February. 

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Man wanted in Gibson City shooting

Illinois State Police are investigating after two police officers were shot in Gibson City early Saturday morning. Troopers say it was just after 2:30 Saturday morning when officers were called to a report of a naked man, identified as 70-year-old David D Jordan of Gibson City, walking in the 100 block of Ash Street. Reports say when officers tried to make contact with Jordan at his home, they were met with gunfire and a Gibson City Officer and Ford County Deputy were hit. Both officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Shortly after the shooting, the house caught fire. Gibson City fire says that fire destroyed the house and a near-by detached garage. A near-by home was also damaged. State Police say they're looking for 70-year-old David D. Jordan, who was last seen at the residence unclothed and is considered armed and dangerous. They say if you know of his whereabouts you should call 9-1-1.

Notable Night Sky News for August 11th

Let's take a look now at what's happening overhead this week. With Madeline Shepley, Astronomy professor and director of the Strickler Planetarium at Olivet. 

Kankakee City Aldermen to decide fate of bond issue

At last week’s Kankakee City Council, Aldermen took the first reading for two bond issuances. Aldermen will vote on whether or not to issue the bonds at next Monday night’s Kankakee City Council meeting.

Madigan ordered to report to prison during appeal

A manhunt is underway for a man accused of shooting two officers in Ford County.  State police say officers were called early Saturday to a report of a naked man walking outside in the 100 block of Ash Street in Gibson City.  The man was identified as David Jordan of Gibson City.  Upon attempting to make contact with Jordan at his home, gunfire erupted and a Gibson City Police officer and Ford County Sheriff's officer were hit.  Both were sent to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  Shortly after the shooting, the house caught fire.  Jordan remains on the loose and is considered to be armed and dangerous.

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One killed in Rte 50 crash

Illinois State Police are investigating after another fatal crash this morning at Route 50 and County Line Road in far northern Kankakee County. Reports say the crash happened just after 7:30 this morning and involved three vehicles. Troopers say three people were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries and one of the three died at the hospital. Route 50 had to be closed down for a time while the wreckage was cleared and the crash re-constructed. The name of the victim has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

Kankakee City Police investigate overnight shooting

Kankakee City Police are asking for help to identify the person responsible for shooting two people outside an apartment complex on Crestlane overnight. According to reports, it was just after 11:30 last night when officers were called to the 200 block of Crestlane for a report of shots fired. When they got there, officers were told there had been a fight involving several people, over a parking spot. During that fight, someone fired a gun and two people were hit by the gunfire. The two were reportedly taken to the hospital in private cars. One of the two, identified as a juvenile male, was later airlifted to Chicago for further treatment. City Police say they've identified a suspect and are working now to take them into custody. They ask you call their office if you have any information about the shooting.

Drought conditions improve

There's been a bit of improvement in the latest map just released today from the US Drought Monitor. Today's map shows two-thirds of Kankakee County as "abnormally dry" and the remaining third without any drought concerns whatsoever. Nearly two-thirds of Iroquois County is listed with no drought concerns with the other third just "abnormally dry". Nearly 60 percent of Ford County is clear of drought concerns, but nearly 15 percent is considered to be in "moderate drought" . Pretty much all of Grundy County is considered just "abnormally dry" while about a quarter of Will County is considered to be in "moderate drought" and the remaining 75 percent just "abnormally dry".

Across the State line, all of Benton County, 48 percent of Newton County and 38 percent of Jasper County is considered to be "abnormally dry" with the remainder of those counties without any drought concern at all. The latest map includes data gathered by the US Drought Monitor through Tuesday of this week.

Momence Glad Fest continues today

The 87th annual Momence Gladiolus Festival continues today. The Fest runs through Sunday. 

Veterans Commission at K3 Library

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Kankakee County will be at the Kankakee Public Library tomorrow to help assist vets with claims and help answer any questions they may have about VA benefits. 
The Kankakee County VAC has a mobile office set up at the Kankakee Public Library every Friday from 9 to 3. 

Lake County Fair continues

The Lake County Fair continues today at the fairgrounds just outside Crown Point, Indiana.  The Lake County Fair runs through Sunday. Visit lake dash county dash fair dot com for more details. 

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Kankakee Municipal Band summer concert series wraps up tonight

The Kankakee Municipal Band summer concert series wraps up tonight at the Palzer Band Shell in Bird Park. The concert starts at seven o'clock tonight. 

Kankakee City Police report fight over a parking space

Kankakee City Police report a fight Tuesday afternoon. According to reports, it was just before 12:30 Tuesday afternoon when officer were called to the 200 block of Crestlane for a fight in progress. When they got there, officers reportedly found about a dozen people arguing and yelling at each other over a parking space. One of the women in the group reportedly entered a nearby building where more yelling was heard and then a fight broke out between her and another woman. Officers say they separated the two, but both refused to talk to police. The crowd reportedly disbursed and refused to talk to police about the incident. 

Momence Glad fest names royalty

The 87th annual Momence Gladiolus Festival got underway Wednesday with the naming of Jennifer Corona as Gladfest Queen and Tinley Isaacs as Princess. 
This year's festival theme is "Game Night". The Fest runs through Sunday.  

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Riverside Foundation names Samaritan of the Year

The Riverside Healthcare Foundation's President's Circle dinner was held last night. The highlight of the night was the awarding of the 2025 Samaritan of the Year award. Last night's dinner was held at Riverside's Atrium Building on Kennedy Drive in Bradley. 

Gladiolus Fest begins today in Momence

The 87th annual Momence Gladiolus Festival kicks off tonight. This year's festival theme is "Game Night". The Fest runs through Sunday.

Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

Local authorities continue to investigate a fatal shooting from early January.
Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could result in a cash reward. 

I-65 Reopened

The southbound lanes of I-65 in northwest Indiana have reopened. The interstate was closed near Fair Oaks for nearly 24 hours after a fatal crash about 10 Monday night involving three semis. The crash resulted in a fire which damaged the roadway. Indiana State Police say the driver of the semi that caught fire has not yet been identified. The roadway was patched and reopened about six last night. 

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New subdivision planned for Bourbonnais

Plans for a new subdivision are underway in the Village of Bourbonnais. During last night's Village Board meeting, trustees passed an ordinance approving a general development and phasing plan for the Pony Farm Subdivision, planned for the area across from Turnberry Subdivision west of town.  Plans call for Pony Farm to be 120 lots with 24 platted in the first phase of construction, which VanMill says should start sometime in the spring of 2026.

Iroquois County Deputies make Aggravated Battery arrest

Iroquois County Sheriff's Police report the arrest of a person from Gilman after they allegedly beat another person. According to reports, deputies were called to a report of an aggravated battery Monday and when they got there they found the victim with multiple injuries. Reports go on to say that after an investigation, Iroquois County Deputies arrested 49-year-old Mart'a Jackson for aggravated battery.

Village of Bourbonnais updates solicitors ordinance

Good news if you live in the Village of Bourbonnais and you're tired of having solicitors at your door after dark. During last night's Village Board meeting, trustees passed an ordinance tightening up the hours solicitors can go door to door in the Village.  The amended ordinance also makes it illegal for solicitors to knock on doors after dark, which Keast pointed out is significantly earlier than eight in the evening during fall and winter months.

Also during last night's meeting, trustees passed a pair of ordinances to allow special use permits for two more gaming cafes in the Village.

Manteno Police make armed robbery arrest

Manteno Police have made an arrest in connection with an alleged armed robbery late last week. Officers say they were called Thursday afternoon by a man who said he'd been robbed while on the way to work. The victim told police he was riding his bike to work about 4:15 Thursday afternoon when he stopped at the intersection of First and Walnut and was approached by a man who pulled a knife and told him he wanted the man's bike. The victim said he gave the man six dollars from his wallet then rode away. On Friday, Manteno Police reviewed video footage from the area and the victim reportedly identified 20-year-old Kassidy E. Johnson of Manteno from a photo line-up. Officers arrested Johnson on a preliminary charge of armed robbery.

Stolen cars investigated

The Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force is investigating after a pair of cars were reported stolen in Kankakee Sunday. The first was called in by the owner just after 2:30 Sunday morning on North St. Joseph. The owner said she'd left it running while she was checking on a family member in the 19-hundred block of East Chestnut. The car was recovered after it hit a tree. Investigators are looking for suspects in the case.

TCAT task force members are also looking into a car that was reportedly stolen from a gas station on West Court street last night. That call came in about 10:30 last night and the car was later discovered in the river at Legion Park. Officers are reviewing video footage in an effort to identify a suspect in that case. 

Lake Co Fair continues

The Lake County Fair continues today at the fairgrounds just outside Crown Point, Indiana.  The Lake County Fair runs through Sunday. Visit lake dash county dash fair dot com for more detail

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