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.

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

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.