Month: December 2025

PharmaCann to Shutter Dwight Cultivation Center, Laying Off 82 Workers

 December 31, 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…

READ MORE PharmaCann to Shutter Dwight Cultivation Center, Laying Off 82 Workers

Obituary – Bryce Adam Leake, Verona

 December 30, 2025

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…

READ MORE Obituary – Bryce Adam Leake, Verona

Obituary – Jeffrey Paul Drach, Lombard

 December 30, 2025

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…

READ MORE Obituary – Jeffrey Paul Drach, Lombard

New laws: Illinois education measures focus on immigrant rights, AI in the classroom

 December 30, 2025

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…

READ MORE New laws: Illinois education measures focus on immigrant rights, AI in the classroom

New Year, New Laws: Giannoulias Rolls Out New Measures to Improve Government Efficiency, Increase Road Safety and Protect Libraries

 December 30, 2025

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…

READ MORE New Year, New Laws: Giannoulias Rolls Out New Measures to Improve Government Efficiency, Increase Road Safety and Protect Libraries

Passionate Radiological Technologist Named Morris Hospital Fire Starter of the Month

 December 30, 2025

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…

READ MORE Passionate Radiological Technologist Named Morris Hospital Fire Starter of the Month

GFWC Kankakee Woman’s Club Announces 2026 Fundraiser: “Honoring Legacy and Inspiring the Future”

 December 29, 2025

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…

READ MORE GFWC Kankakee Woman’s Club Announces 2026 Fundraiser: “Honoring Legacy and Inspiring the Future”

Illinois 116 work in Pontiac complete 

 December 28, 2025

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….

READ MORE Illinois 116 work in Pontiac complete 

Seneca Shipyard Showdown Results and Schedule for Dec 27

 December 28, 2025

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…

READ MORE Seneca Shipyard Showdown Results and Schedule for Dec 27

Congress advances whole milk bill

 December 26, 2025

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…

READ MORE Congress advances whole milk bill

I-55 project in Livingston County complete 

 December 26, 2025

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…

READ MORE I-55 project in Livingston County complete 

Livingston County Democratic Party to Present Candidate Forum

 December 26, 2025

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…

READ MORE Livingston County Democratic Party to Present Candidate Forum

New laws: Illinois’ grocery tax to end, aquifer protections begin

 December 23, 2025

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…

READ MORE New laws: Illinois’ grocery tax to end, aquifer protections begin

Dwight Village Board Meets Dec 16, Tax Levy Set, Update on Four New Businesses

 December 23, 2025

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…

READ MORE Dwight Village Board Meets Dec 16, Tax Levy Set, Update on Four New Businesses

State grants allow small Illinois farmers to develop local food-sharing networks

 December 22, 2025

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,…

READ MORE State grants allow small Illinois farmers to develop local food-sharing networks

As state regulators warn of impending energy shortfalls, capacity prices rise again

 December 21, 2025

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…

READ MORE As state regulators warn of impending energy shortfalls, capacity prices rise again

DTHS Board of Education Meeting Notes From Dec. 17

 December 20, 2025

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…

READ MORE DTHS Board of Education Meeting Notes From Dec. 17

DTHS Board Holds Special Meeting Dec. 17 to Discuss Tax Levy and Extension

 December 20, 2025

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…

READ MORE DTHS Board Holds Special Meeting Dec. 17 to Discuss Tax Levy and Extension

Giannoulias Launches E-Filing for Court of Claims

 December 19, 2025

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…

READ MORE Giannoulias Launches E-Filing for Court of Claims

Pritzker signs $1.5B plan to overhaul public transportation, avoid service cuts

 December 19, 2025

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…

READ MORE Pritzker signs $1.5B plan to overhaul public transportation, avoid service cuts

Illinois Education officials brace for lean fiscal year ahead

 December 19, 2025

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,…

READ MORE Illinois Education officials brace for lean fiscal year ahead

KCC Announces Honors List for Fall 2025

 December 19, 2025

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…

READ MORE KCC Announces Honors List for Fall 2025

KCC Announces President’s List

 December 19, 2025

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…

READ MORE KCC Announces President’s List

Obituary – Evangeline “Eva” (Stephens) Foster, Pontiac

 December 18, 2025

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….

READ MORE Obituary – Evangeline “Eva” (Stephens) Foster, Pontiac

Mazon Seniors Meet – Dec 16

 December 18, 2025

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,…

READ MORE Mazon Seniors Meet – Dec 16

New Business Hours at Livingston County Health Department

 December 18, 2025

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…

READ MORE New Business Hours at Livingston County Health Department

Congratulations to GSW Homecoming Court, King Jason Coughin and Queen Britney Fatlan

 December 17, 2025

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…

READ MORE Congratulations to GSW Homecoming Court, King Jason Coughin and Queen Britney Fatlan

DGS Board of Education Recap from Dec. 10, Principal Schultz will resign to become Director of Curriculum and Instruction

 December 17, 2025

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….

READ MORE DGS Board of Education Recap from Dec. 10, Principal Schultz will resign to become Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Downstate Road Districts to Suffer From Recently Passed “NITA” Bill

 December 17, 2025

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…

READ MORE Downstate Road Districts to Suffer From Recently Passed “NITA” Bill

DGS Board of Education Holds Special Meeting to Discuss Tax Levy and Extension Dec 10

 December 17, 2025

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…

READ MORE DGS Board of Education Holds Special Meeting to Discuss Tax Levy and Extension Dec 10

Village of Gardner Planning and Zoning Commission Hearing – Proposed Pilot Travel Center

 December 16, 2025

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,…

READ MORE Village of Gardner Planning and Zoning Commission Hearing – Proposed Pilot Travel Center

Rep. Jason R. Bunting: Legalizing Physician-Assisted Suicide Sets Illinois on a Dark Path

 December 15, 2025

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….

READ MORE Rep. Jason R. Bunting: Legalizing Physician-Assisted Suicide Sets Illinois on a Dark Path

Dwight Ford Continues With Random Acts of Kindness

 December 15, 2025

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…

READ MORE Dwight Ford Continues With Random Acts of Kindness

2026 Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Meeting

 December 15, 2025

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…

READ MORE 2026 Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Meeting