WVLI News Update

Friday night crash kills one

Illinois State Police report a two-car crash on Route 45/52 near Manteno Friday evening killed a Minooka man. According to reports, it was just after 8:30 Friday night when the car driven by 54-year-old Marc Eyman of Minooka was westbound on 10-thousand North Road, failed to stop at 45/52 and was hit broadside by a northbound car. Reports say both cars ended up in a field northwest of the intersection. Eyman was taken to the hospital where he died of his injuries. County Coroner Bob Gessner says a preliminary autopsy shows Eyman died of massive chest and head injuries from the crash. State Police say there were no other injuries reported. 

Richard Allen transferred to OK prison

Richard Allen, the man convicted of the February 2017 murders of teenagers Abby Williams and Libby German on a trail in Delphi, has been transferred to a prison in Oklahoma.  Allen was sentenced to 130-years in prison and given credit for 786 days served.  He is now held in the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center in Lexington, Oklahoma.  That is a maximum security state prison in that state and officials have not revealed the reason for the transfer. 

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Iroquois County Fair Friday

The Iroquois County Fair continues today.  The Iroquois County Fair runs through Sunday at the fairgrounds just outside  Crescent City.

What to do this weekend around Kankakee County 

It's another weekend and time to find out about some of the activities going on around the area with Nicole Gavin, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County

Drought concerns deepen

Despite recent rainfall, drought concerns continue to grow around the area.  The latest map just released Thursday by the US Drought Monitor puts 47 percent of Kankakee County in the "moderate drought" category, up from just 19 percent last week. The rest of the County is considered to be just "abnormally dry". Iroquois County is unchanged from last week, with just six percent of the county  in "moderate drought" and the rest "abnormally dry". Ford County is also unchanged from last week at 34 percent in "moderate drought". Meanwhile, nearly 60 percent of Will County is listed as in "severe drought" with the rest of the county in "moderate drought"

Across the state line, about 27 percent of Newton County, 85 percent of Benton County and 38 percent of Jasper County are considered to be in "moderate drought" with the rest of those counties listed as "abnormally dry". The map includes data gathered by the US Drought Monitor through Tuesday of this week. 

St. Mary's earns recognition

The Lown Institute, which describes itself as "a nonpartisan think tank advocating bold ideas for a just and caring system for health" recently recognized St. Mary's hospital for achievements in its commitment to "delivery high quality, equitable care" to the community. St. Mary's earned A grades in the Lown Institute 2025-26 Hospitals Index for pay equity, health equity, patient safety and inclusivity.

Haas announced re-election bid

79th District State Representative Jackie Haas has announced she's running for re-election. In a press release, Haas said "now more than ever Illinois families are counting every dollar. Families need leaders who will fight to make life more affordable, make our communities safer and who will work to bring better opportunities to Illinois". Haas has represented the 79th District since December of 2020. 

State reports unemployment down

The number of jobs in Illinois continues to set records.  The state Department of Employment Security says non-farm payroll jobs reached a record high last month, increasing by 94-hundred to six-point-one-seven-five-million.  That beat the previous record set in March.  The unemployment rate dropped to four-point-six-percent in June, the lowest unemployment rate since August 2023.

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Milner Media Farm Services Director Mike Perrine passes at 83

Word reached us Wednesday afternoon of the passing of Milner Media Farm Services Director Mike Perrine. Mike's radio career spanned some six decades, including a stint with Tribune Radio Networks, where he worked alongside industry giants Max Armstrong and Orion Samuelson. In 1995 Mike came to the Kankakee area to begin his time as farm director for another local radio station, before moving to Milner Media in 2013. In November 2023, he was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Mike was 83 years old. 

Iroquois County Fair continues

The Iroquois County Fair continues today at the fairgrounds just outside Crescent City. 
The Iroquois County Fair runs through Sunday at the fairgrounds in Crescent City. 

Mendoza won't seek fourth term

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza isn't running for re-election.  The Chicago native announced yesterday that she isn't seeking a fourth term as the state's chief fiscal control officer.  Mendoza didn't rule out a 2027 run for Chicago mayor, saying "Chicago is in dire need of competency."   The former state representative and Chicago city clerk unsuccessfully ran for Chicago mayor in 2019.

Kankakee County mosquitos test positive for WNV

A batch of mosquitoes collected in Kankakee  County has tested positive for West Nile Virus. In a press release,  the Kankakee County Health Department says it's the first pool of mosquitoes in Kankakee County to test positive for the virus. So far this year, the State Department of Public Health has reported 30 west nile positive counties. The health department urges everyone to wear long sleeves and pants when possible and to apply insect repellent when outdoors.

Kankakee authorities investigate suspected arson

The Kankakee City Police and Fire Departments are investigating a pair of apparent arsons overnight Tuesday night. Reports say the first happened about 9:15 Tuesday night when firefighters were called to a home in the 100 block of North Evergreen Avenue for a porch fire. Witnesses told authorities a woman started the fire on the porch, which was quickly put out causing minimal damage to the home. The other happened just before five Wednesday morning when firefighters were called to a home in the 18-hundred block of East Marmion. When they got there firefighters found two cars on fire. Reports say someone used molotov cocktails to start the fires. The cars had moderate damage, nobody was injured. Arson investigators and Kankakee City Police are looking for suspects in both cases.

Kankakee Municipal Band summer concert series continues

The Kankakee Municipal Band Summer Concert series continues tonight at seven at the Palzer Band Shell at Bird Park. Bob Evans is conductor of the band.  The Municipal Band Concert Series runs through August seventh at the Palzer Band Shell at Bird Park.

Gadbois touts property fraud alert system

During Wednesday morning's meeting of the Kankakee County Board's Executive Committee.  County Board Vice-Chair Craig Long told the committee he'd recently taken the time to register in the system.  Gadbois also noted there are a couple of property fraud cases going on in the county right now. She added you can actually sign up through the County Recorder of Deed's website.

Peterson gives committee update on Prince Home at Manteno

During Wednesday morning's meeting of the Kankakee County Board's Executive Committee, County Veteran's Assistance Commission Superintendent Eric Peterson addressed rumors that the Prince Home at the Manteno Veteran's home could be closing down.  Peterson said he's okay with the State's plans for the home, adding the change will add to the coun

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Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

Local law enforcement agencies are investigating two burglaries that happened early Sunday morning.   Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could result in a cash reward.

Iroquois County Fair continues

It’s day two of the Iroquois County Fair in Crescent City. The Iroquois County Fair runs through Sunday at the fairgrounds just outside  Crescent City. 

Herscher residents still need to conserve 

The water crisis is over in the Village of Herscher, but they still ask residents to watch how much they use. Village officials had called for residents to conserve water after a larger water main break in the Village, and now that the main has been fixed, officials ask you watch your water usage while village reserves catch up. They say they'll notify Village residents when they can go back to normal usage.

Reel Justice Tonight

The next of Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe’s “Reel Justice” fishing clubs is scheduled for tonight at the St. Anne Ponds.  The club runs from five til 7:30 tonight at St. Anne Ponds on the north end of 2nd Avenue in St. Anne. You can contact the State’s Attorney’s office if you have any questions about the club. 

Kankakee City authorities investigate apparent arson

The Kankakee City Police and Fire Departments are investigating a pair of apparent arsons overnight. Reports say the first happened about 9:15 last night when firefighters were called to a home in the 100 block of North Evergreen Avenue for a porch fire. Witnesses told authorities a woman started the fire on the porch, which was quickly put out causing minimal damage to the home. The other happened just before five this morning when firefighters were called to a home in the 18-hundred block of East Marmion. When they got there firefighters found two cars on fire. Reports say someone used molotov cocktails to start the fires. The cars had moderate damage, nobody was injured. Arson investigators and Kankakee City Police are looking for suspects in both cases. 

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Iroquois County Deputies announce weekend arrests

Iroquois County Sheriff's Police report a pair of weekend arrests. Friday night deputies were called to Loda for a disturbance. While investigating the disturbance, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police made contact with 33-year-old Skylar Cannon of Hoopeston. Cannon was found to be driving an allegedly stolen car. Cannon was arrested by deputies for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Iroquois County Deputies were also called to Onarga Friday night by paramedics who said they'd been attacked while working on a patient. 19-year-old Joseph Burke of Onarga was arrested for aggravated battery to a medical worker and was later released with a notice to appear in court.

Kankakee Township Fire announces new Chief

The Kankakee Township Fire Protection District has a new chief. It was announced Monday in a Facebook post that Mike Goodrich has been promoted to that position. Goodrich has 17 years in the fire service and has been Deputy Chief since 2023.

IDOT starts work on Route 1

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that work is underway on Illinois 1 in Kankakee County. The work zone is from the Will County line to Illinois 17 in Grant Park. IDOT says work will consist of pavement patching and resurfacing, and warns drivers there will be daily lane closures controlled by flaggers during the 1.9 million dollar project, which is expected to be completed in September.

Iroquois County Fair starts today

The Iroquois County Fair opens today in Crescent City. Fair Publicity Director Debbie Krones has a rundown of today’s events.

The Iroquois County Fair runs through Sunday at the fairgrounds in Crescent City.

First of "ComEd four" headed to prison

 One of the so-called "ComEd Four" is headed to prison.  John Hooker was sentenced yesterday to a year and a half in behind bars.  The sentence comes more than two years after he, Anne Pramaggiore, Michael McClain, and Jay Doherty were found guilty of conspiring to influence and reward former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in order to assist with the passage of legislation favorable to ComEd.  Hooker was ordered to report to prison on October 14th, one day after Madigan is scheduled to begin serving his prison term.

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Drought concerns grow across the region 

Drought concerns are growing again across the area. The latest map just released today by the US Drought monitor puts about 19 percent of the county in "moderate drought". That number is unchanged from last week, but the other 81 percent of the county is now considered "abnormally dry", up from 64 percent last week. The latest map has six percent of Iroquois County rates as in "moderate drought" with the other 94 percent rated "abnormally dry". Today's map puts 34 percent of Ford County and 48 percent of Grundy County in the "moderate drought" category, with the rest of those counties rated "abnormally dry". More than half of Will County is considered to be in "severe drought".

Across the state line, 27 percent of Newton County, 34 percent of Jasper County and 85 percent of Benton County falls into the moderate drought category, with the rest of those counties rated "abnormally dry". Today's map includes data gathered by the drought monitor through Tuesday of this week. 

River dredging at Aroma Park almost finished

The Kankakee County Board's Highways, Waterways and Buildings committee met today and among the topics of discussion was the removal of sediment from the Kankakee River at Aroma Park. County Transportation and Development Division Manager Ben Wilson pointed out that about 240 cubic yards of material from the river on a good day and they estimate there's only about 500 more cubic yards to be removed before the project at Aroma Park can wrap up. 

What to do this weekend around Kankakee County

The weekend is upon us and there's plenty to do around the area. With a look at a few of the events, here's Nicole Gavin, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County

Block party tonight in Manten

The first ever Main Street Block Party will be held from five til nine tonight in Manteno. Jakob Knox is the Village Director of Marketing and Community Relations
It all gets underway tonight at five in downtown Manteno. 

Kankakee storage units burglarized

Multiple storage units were burglarized 4th of July on Kankakee's North side. According to city police reports, officers were called to a storage unit business on North Entrance Avenue yesterday around noon in reference to a burglary. When officers arrived, an employee showed officers camera footage from July 4th around 11 in the evening of a man cutting a hole through a section of their fence with bolt cutters. Footage also showed the man breaking into around 4 storage units on the property and taking a few bags with him. It's not known at this time what items the man took with him. The investigation is ongoing.

Family Fun Day Saturday at Kankakee Library

 The Kankakee Public Library will have their annual Family Fun Day tomorrow in the Executive Center Parking lot from nine to noon. Assistant Supervisor of Youth Services, Corine Rose, says the free event is open to the whole community
Rose says if there is bad weather tomorrow, all activities will be moved inside the library.  You can contact the Kankakee Public Library’s Youth Services Department if you have any questions.

Newton County Fair Continues

The Newton County Punkin Vine Fair continues today. Fair Publicity Director Corey Groover has a rundown of some of today’s events, The fair ends tomorrow at the fairgrounds just outside Kentland. 

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Busy weekend at "The Grove" in Bourbonnais

Things are going to be busy at the Grover behind Village hall in Bourbonnais this weekend. Village of Bourbonnais Marketing and Community Engagement Director Lindy Casey says it all starts tonight with "Dinner and Movie on the Green".  Casey says food and desert trucks will be available from five til eight tomorrow night as well. Then Sunday the Grove hosts "unplug and play" from one til four in the afternoon. Oversized lawn games and activities while you put the electronic devices down for a few hours. 

Bomb squad called in after grenade found in Wilmington home

According to reports, Wilmington Police and Fire Departments were called to the home in the 900 block of Buchanan Street just before 2:30 yesterday afternoon, after residents reported finding a grenade while cleaning out the garage. The Cook County Bomb Squad was called in, just in case the explosive was still operational. Further investigation revealed it was an inert grenade likely belonging to a family member who had served in the military, and it had been unknowingly stored in the garage for some time. Police say there were no injuries or threats of any kind during the incident, and the grenade has been removed for disposal by the Cook County Bomb Squad.

Newton County Punkin' Vine Fair continues

The Newton County Punkin Vine Fair continues today. Fair Publicity Director  Corey Groover has a rundown of some of today’s events.  The fair runs through Saturday at the fairgrounds just outside Kentland. 

Kankakee Municipal Band summer concert series continues tonight

The Kankakee Municipal Band Summer Concert series continues tonight at the Palzer Band Shell at Bird Park. Bob Evans is conductor of the band.  The Municipal Band Concert Series runs through August seventh at the Palzer Band Shell at Bird Park.

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Crime Stoppers tip of the Week

Local law enforcement continues to look for clues about who was involved in a fatal shooting the first of the year. Kankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski has our Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

Newton County Punkin' Vine Fair continues today

The Newton County Punkin Vine Fair continues today. Fair Publicity Director 
The fair runs through Saturday at the fairgrounds just outside Kentland. 

Kankakee County Board makes plans to buy hovercraft

During Tuesday morning's meeting of the Kankakee County Board, the Board gave approval for use of funds to buy a hovercraft to be used by fire protection districts in the County. County Transportation and Development Division Manager Ben WIlson said the funds will come from the River Equipment Grant secured for the County by 40th District State Senator Pat Joyce.  Wilson said while the Limestone Fire Protection District will be responsible for storing the hovercraft, the county will be responsible for maintenance of the craft.

Also at Tuesday's meeting, a vacancy was declared in District 10. Chris Tholen resigned his position representing that district after a lawsuit was filed seeking to remove him from office, claiming he'd failed to file required paperwork in a timely manor. The County Board also voted this morning to designate 45-hundred South Road between 16-thousand East and 17-thousand East as "Honorary George Washington Junior Roadway". George Washington Junior had been a long-time County Board member up until his death in June of 2020. 

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Bourbonnais Trustees hear appropriations ordinance

During Monday night's Bourbonnais Village Board meeting, trustees heard the first reading of an ordinance that would set the legal spending limits on all funds in the village for the next fiscal year.   Latz said the main reason for the about 300-thousand dollar drop in the budget was the completion of the Grove project behind Village Hall. A public hearing on the ordinance will be held before the next Board meeting on July 21st. 

Career Center Road study coming

During last night's Bourbonnais Village Board meeting, trustees passed an ordinance approving an agreement with Economic Development Resources LLC for Technical services and assistance on a proposed Tax Increment Financing area and business district along Career Center Road.  VanMill said the village is working with some prospects along Career Center road, but they're not ready to make any announcements just yet. The study will cost the village about 45-thousand dollars. 

Newton County Punkin' Vine Fair continues today

The Newton County Punkin' Vine Fair continues today. The fair runs through Saturday at the fairgrounds just outside Kentland. 

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