Month: December 2025

PharmaCann to Shutter Dwight Cultivation Center, Laying Off 82 Workers DWIGHT, IL — PharmaCann, one of the nation’s largest privately held cannabis companies, is officially closing its cultivation and processing facility in Dwight, Illinois. The closure, disclosed in late 2025 through…

It is with great sadness that the family of Bryce Adam Leake announces his passing at the age of 59 on December 26, 2025. He was born September 7,1966 to Hughie and Betty (Grieff) Leake in Joliet, IL. Bryce is…

After a prolonged illness, Jeffrey Paul Drach, age 48, of Lombard, Illinois died peacefully surrounded by his immediate family and dear friends on December 26, 2025. Although his life ended far too soon, Jeff’s accomplishments and interests were many and…

New laws: Illinois education measures focus on immigrant rights, AI in the classroom by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois December 30, 2025 Article Summary Illinois lawmakers responded to President Trump’s crackdown on immigrant communities with new legal protections for students…

New Year, New Laws: Giannoulias Rolls Out New Measures to Improve Government Efficiency, Increase Road Safety and Protect Libraries Initiatives Passed by the Illinois General Assembly Will Take Effect January 1, 2026 Several initiatives spearheaded by Illinois Secretary of State…

Passionate Radiological Technologist Named Morris Hospital Fire Starter of the Month December 29, 2025, MORRIS, IL – Hard working, determined, and compassionate are just a few of the words used to describe Allison Ainsley, a Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers…

GFWC Kankakee Woman’s Club Announces 2026 Fundraiser: “Honoring Legacy and Inspiring the Future” Kankakee, IL — The GFWC Illinois Woman’s Club of Kankakee will host its 2026 fundraiser, “Honoring Legacy and Inspiring the Future,” on January 20, 2026, at 6:00…

Illinois 116 work in Pontiac complete $7.2 million project improves gateway to Old Route 66 PONTIAC – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced the completion of improvements to Illinois 116 in Pontiac. The $7.2 million project is made possible under Gov….

Dec 27 – Final Results Game 25-Depue 55 Earlville 31 Game 26-Flanagan-Cornell 59 Somonauk 35 Game 27-Serena 57 GSW 24 Game 28-Coal City 68 Reed Custer 45  Consolation Championship Game 29-Dwight 67 Seneca 64 7th Place Game 30-Wilmington 58 Woodland…

Congress advances whole milk bill By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek  After more than a decade of whole milk being absent from school cafeterias, legislation allowing for more milk options awaits the president’s signature. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, passed…

I-55 project in Livingston County complete LIVINGSTON COUNTY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced the completion of a multiyear project to improve a section of Interstate 55 in Livingston County. The $39.4 million project is made possible under Gov. JB…

The on January 13, 2026 at 6 PM at the Eagle Theater in Pontiac. This Forum is free and open to the public. Attached is the flyer for the Forum. To sign up for this free event, scan the QR code…

New laws: Illinois’ grocery tax to end, aquifer protections begin by Ben Szalinski and Brenden Moore, Capitol News Illinois December 23, 2025 Article Summary Nearly 300 Illinois laws will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Illinois’ 1% statewide grocery tax…

The Dwight Village Board of Trustees held their monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. In attendance were trustees Marla Kinkade, Pete Meister, Joshua Jahn, Austin Haacke, Deb Karch, and Dan Hansen. Others in attendance were Mayor Paul Johnson, Village…

State grants allow small Illinois farmers to develop local food-sharing networks by Tom O’Connor and Maggie Dougherty, Capitol News Illinois December 22, 2025 Article Summary Past recipients of Illinois’ Local Food Infrastructure Grant say the investment has had ripple effects,…

As state regulators warn of impending energy shortfalls, capacity prices rise again by Jerry Nowicki, Capitol News Illinois December 19, 2025 Article Summary A new report by state regulators projects energy shortfalls will begin in northern Illinois by 2029 and…

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF DWIGHT TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT #230 Held in the Dwight Township High School Board Room On December 17 at 6:00 p.m. Board President Joel Sandeno called the meeting to order at 6:11…

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF DWIGHT TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT #230 Held in the Dwight Township High School Board Room On December 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Board President Joel Sandeno called the meeting to order at…

Giannoulias Launches E-Filing for Court of ClaimsBringing Court into the Digital Era, Saving Time and Expanding Access As part of his broader modernization push, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that the Illinois Court of Claims will now offer electronic…

Pritzker signs $1.5B plan to overhaul public transportation, avoid service cuts by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois December 16, 2025 Article Summary Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill to provide $1.5 billion in new revenue for public transportation agencies while…

Illinois Education officials brace for lean fiscal year ahead by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois December 17, 2025 Article Summary The Illinois State Board of Education plans to propose a modest budget to lawmakers this year in tight fiscal times,…

KCC announces Honors List for Fall 2025 The following students have been named to the Honors List at Kankakee Community College for the Fall 2025 term. To be named to the Honors List, a student must maintain a grade point…

KCC President’s List – December 2025 The following students have been named to the President’s List at Kankakee Community College for the Fall 2025 term. To be named to the President’s List, a student must maintain a grade point average…

Evangeline “Eva” (Stephens) Foster, 87 of Pontiac IL, and formerly Dwight, IL, passed away ­­­­­­­­­peacefully surrounded by her family at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bloomington Illinois on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Born in Greyson County, Kentucky on May 30, 1938….

The MVK Senior Citizens met December 16, 2025 at the Mazon American Legion at 11 a.m. with Dean Tambling from Country Companies Insurance answering questions from members.  He gave an informative talk. At noon, after a prayer by Nancy Johnson,…

New Business Hours at Livingston County Health Department Livingston County, IL – The Livingston County Health Department (L.C.H.D.) will be changing building hours effective December 22, 2025. The health department will now be open longer hours each week Mondays through…

GSW High School held their Homecoming Dance on Saturday, December 13.  Congratulations to the 2025 Homecoming King & Queen and their court.    Pictured left to right:  Seniors: Dominick Shankel, Charlie Funes, Nina Siano, (not pictured Tony Vyce), Queen Britney…

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF DWIGHT COMMON SCHOOL DISTRICT #232 Held in the Dwight Common School District Library On December 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Board President Jaime Mallaney called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m….

Downstate Road Districts to Suffer From Recently Passed “NITA” Bill The 2025 Illinois transit bill, known as the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act (SB 2111), was signed into law on December 16, 2025. The bill impacts downstate road districts primarily…

TAX LEVY HEARING SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF DWIGHT COMMON SCHOOL DISTRICT #232 Held in the Dwight Common School District Library On December 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Board President Jaime Mallaney called the meeting to order…

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE On January 6, 2026, at 7:00p.m., a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Gardner at the Village of Gardner Village Hall, 302 N. Center Street, Gardner, IL 60424,…

Rep. Jason R. Bunting: Legalizing Physician-Assisted Suicide Sets Illinois on a Dark Path Dec. 16, 2025 Emington, IL– Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a measure into law (SB 1950) legalizing physician assisted suicide, a move State Representative Jason R….

Friday, December 12 – Dwight Ford continues with their Random Acts of Kindness as they deliver dozens of toys to the Dwight Christmas for Kids and Toys for Tots Program.   Owner of Dwight Ford Louie Kanjo, General Manager Jason…

2026 Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Meeting Don’t miss the Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District’s 81st Annual Meeting!  The meeting will be held on January 15, 2026, at the Pontiac Elks Club, 459 Elks Club…