Kankakee Daily Journal - Shaw Local
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Kankakee County local news, information and more from the Daily Journal, part of the Shaw Local News Network. Visit us at: https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-journal/
Episodes
- 35 KCC students earn academic honor society membership
Thirty-five students from Kankakee Community College were inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in April 2026.
- An Aroma Twp. mother’s prayer - ‘Protect our baby’
A mother in Aroma Township recounts the terrifying moments a tornado struck her home, fearing she might not survive to celebrate Mother's Day with her newborn daughter.
- Wilmington baseball wins in extras, McNamara baseball wins big: Saturday’s Daily Journal roundup
Ryan Kettman hit a go-ahead triple to secure a win in extra innings for Wilmington baseball. Preston Payne pitched four scoreless innings for Bishop McNamara in their big win. This is Saturday's Daily Journal roundup.
- Dennis Marek: Have lawyers driven us to stupid?
In his column, Dennis Marek discusses whether legal considerations have diminished people's common sense and ponders the extent of warnings needed for obvious situations.
- Birth announcements: Kankakee County - May 9, 2026
This episode lists recent birth announcements from Kankakee County, specifically those from Riverside Medical Center as of May 9, 2026.
- Unkempt lawns on high alert in Manteno
The Village of Manteno is actively addressing properties with uncut lawns. They are collaborating with owners to ensure these areas are mowed.
- Bradley-Bourbonnais boys track dominates; Peotone’s Klawitter throws no-no: Friday’s Daily Journal roundup
The Bradley-Bourbonnais boys track team set school records in two relays at the Oswego East Invite. Peotone's Sophie Klawitter threw a no-hitter with 18 strikeouts against Watseka.
- Eric Rainbolt, Andrew Kubal power Bradley-Bourbonnais baseball past Stagg
Eric Rainbolt and Andrew Kubal were key players in Bradley-Bourbonnais' 5-2 senior day baseball win over Stagg. Kubal pitched well and hit a triple, while Rainbolt had a home run and drove in three runs.
- Seneca bests Manteno 11-1 in matchup between ICA-ranked 2A teams
Seneca's softball team secured an 11-1 victory over Manteno, featuring a three-RBI performance by Camryn Stecken and effective pitching from Tessa Krull and Hayden Pfeifer. The win came in a game between two ICA-ranked Class 2A teams prepa…
- Drugs, money led to fatal shooting of Kankakee man: state’s attorney
A judge ordered the detention of the suspect in a fatal Kankakee shooting. The state's attorney indicated that drugs and money were factors in the case.
- Bishop McNamara, Bradley-Bourbonnais softball continue to come together to fight cancer
The All-City softball game between Bishop McNamara and Bradley-Bourbonnais hosted 2-year-old Kyler Medina, who threw the ceremonial first pitch. The event was a fundraiser for Medina, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
- Kankakee motorcycle ride aims to raise $20,000 for veteran mental health
The 4th Annual "The Ride," organized by Aubrey Schuh, will take place on May 30th, bringing together motorcyclists and community members. The event aims to raise $20,000 for Project Headspace and Timing, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting…
- 36th Annual Rhubarb Festival returns May 17 with food, vendors, live music
The 36th Annual Rhubarb Festival is happening May 17. The event includes live music, vendors, food, and tours, supporting the Kankakee County Museum.
- Coal City boys take first, girls take second at ICE Conference track meet: Thursday’s Daily Journal roundup
The Coal City boys track team secured first place, and the girls team took second at the Illinois Central Eight Conference Meet. Other notable performances included multiple individual titles won by athletes from Wilmington and Manteno.
- Joslynn Dole, Emma Thyfault, Gabby Burnett help McNamara end All-City skid against Bradley-Bourbonnais
Bishop McNamara defeated Bradley-Bourbonnais for the All-City title, their first since 2019. Key plays included home runs by Joslynn Dole and Emma Thyfault, and a three-run double by Gabby Burnett.
- Kankakee completes dominant conference sweep of Thornridge with 11-0 win
Kankakee softball secured an 11-0 victory over Thornridge, marking their fifth consecutive win. The team scored all 11 runs in the first inning, with notable plays from Kaleah Jackson and LaMaryah Smith.
- Federated Bank names Jasmine Strohm as Bradley branch manager
Jasmine Strohm has been appointed as Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer, and Branch Manager for Federated Bank's Bradley branch.
- Locavore Farm opens 11th season as nationally recognized agritourism destination
Locavore Farm is opening for its 11th season on Thursday, May 21, and will bring back Thursday Harvest Hangs. Information and tickets are available on their website.
- A Taylor-Made Life: Thank you, mothers!
Taylor Leddin-McMasters celebrates Mother's Day by reflecting on the valuable lessons she has gained from the mothers in her life.
- Bourbonnais’ Fiscal Year 2027 budget receives trustees’ approval
Bourbonnais trustees reviewed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget ordinance during a meeting, with the budget ultimately receiving approval after the first reading.
- Traveling science museum delights kids in Kankakee
A traveling science museum visited Kankakee, sparking delight and wonder among children as part of its national tour.
- Kays girls win conference track, Mac baseball gets 2nd no-hitter of week: Wednesday’s Daily Journal roundup
Kankakee girls track and field secured a conference victory at the Southland meet. Additionally, Bishop McNamara baseball achieved their second no-hitter of the week.
- Allie Johnson’s 1-hitter, Liliana Irwin’s HR help Beecher to 5-0 win over Peotone
Beecher's softball team secured a 5-0 victory against Peotone. Allie Johnson was the winning pitcher with a one-hitter, and Liliana Irwin contributed a two-run home run. The game notably featured five pairs of sisters across both teams.
- Kankakee approves senior housing plan
The Kankakee City Council has approved a developer's plan for a 32-unit senior housing project. A major hurdle still needs to be cleared for the development.
- Bradley-Bourbonnais top seed at host softball sectional, local Class 2A field once again loaded
The IHSA released softball postseason brackets, with Bradley-Bourbonnais earning a top seed at their host sectional. The local Class 2A field is noted as being particularly strong.
- Manteno officials: ‘The village does have money’
Manteno officials addressed a misconception, stating that the village has adequate funds. This clarification was made during the public participation segment.
- All in 103 years: Bartender to ship builder to mother
Six residents of Westwood Riverside Senior Living Community, all over 100 years old, share their life journeys, reflecting on diverse experiences including work and family.
- Kankakee County coroner identifies victim in Tuesday’s fatal shooting
Kankakee County Coroner Bob Gessner identified Aaron Moore, a 38-year-old Chicago resident, as the victim in a fatal shooting incident on Tuesday.
- Toby Moore: The pencil and the eraser
This episode discusses the various functions of a pencil, from drafting and problem-solving to capturing observations, highlighting its ability to allow for mistakes and revisions.
- Secret Food Pantry brings mobile groceries to Bourbonnais on May 7
The Secret Food Pantry is providing mobile grocery services in Bourbonnais on May 7. Residents in need can receive free food and enter a raffle.
- 5 Things to Do in Kankakee County: Friday Night Lights Racing, Cruis’N the Square, Farmers Market this weekend
This episode covers upcoming events in Kankakee County, including Friday Night Lights racing at Kankakee Speedway and the Cruis’N the Square event.
- Kankakee PD’s Williams promoted, 1 new officer added
The Kankakee Police Department has filled a sergeant vacancy and hired one new police officer.
- Lydia Hammond leads Bradley-Bourbonnais softball to win over Lincoln-Way East: Tuesday’s Daily Journal roundup
Lydia Hammond drove in two runs with a home run and pitched seven innings, allowing only one run, to lead Bradley-Bourbonnais softball to a 4-1 victory over Lincoln-Way East. This win extends their SouthWest Suburban Conference streak to s…
- Herscher tops Manteno on senior night, finishes 5th straight perfect conference season
The Herscher girls soccer team secured their fifth consecutive perfect conference season by defeating Manteno 2-0. Goals were scored by Sophie Venckauskas and Gianna High.
- Bradley-Bourbonnais falls 3-1 to Homewood-Flossmoor on senior night
The Bradley-Bourbonnais girls soccer team experienced a 3-1 defeat against Homewood-Flossmoor during their senior night game. The team's seniors are focusing on enjoying the remaining matches of their high school season.
- Kankakee man arrested following fatal shooting
A fatal shooting occurred on South Fifth Avenue in Kankakee, resulting in one death and one non-life-threatening injury. Authorities have arrested a Kankakee man in connection with the incident.
- Liberty’s Pignatiello named Middle School Principal of the Year for region
Bret Pignatiello, principal at Liberty Intermediate School, received the Middle School Principal of the Year award for the Three Rivers Region from the Illinois Principals Association.
- Kankakee County judge to hear motion in Gotion case May 20
A hearing is scheduled for May 20 in Kankakee County to address the civil lawsuit opposing the Gotion factory's construction in Manteno.
- Fire causes $15,000 in damage to Kankakee residence
A fire caused $15,000 in exterior damage to a Kankakee residence on Monday.
- Manteno’s newest park opens
Manteno's newest park has opened on the east side of town. The park's current state differs from previous expectations.
- O’Connor, Ricketts combine for McNamara no-no, Strohm perfect for Wilmington: Monday’s Daily Journal roundup
Callaghan O’Connor and Braylon Ricketts achieved a combined no-hitter, and Lexi Strohm pitched a perfect game for Wilmington softball. These highlights were part of Monday's Daily Journal roundup.
- ICE thriller between Manteno, Coal City suspended in 7th inning of 8-8 game
A high-stakes ICE Conference baseball game between Manteno and Coal City was halted by lightning in the seventh inning while tied 8-8. The game is scheduled to resume the following day.
- Daily Journal Athlete of the Week: Beecher’s Makenzie Johnson
This episode features Beecher's Makenzie Johnson, selected as the Daily Journal Athlete of the Week.
- KCC’s agriculture horticulture technology program centers hands-on learning
Kankakee Community College’s agriculture and horticulture technology program has been named an Innovator in Agriculture for the Daily Journal’s 2026 Progress Awards. The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences for its students.
- Matthews resigns Kankakee Valley Park District board seat
Michael Matthews has stepped down from his role as a commissioner on the Kankakee Valley Park District board. The resignation marks a change in the local park district
- Bishop McNamara Catholic School, an enduring inspiration
Bishop McNamara Catholic School was founded in 1922 as St. Patrick High School. It moved to its current location in 1956 and was renamed St. Patrick Central.
- Riverside Healthcare earns 4-Star 2026 VETS Indexes Employer Award for veteran support
Riverside Healthcare has been recognized with a 4-Star Employer Award by VETS Indexes for its commitment to recruiting, hiring, developing, and supporting veterans and military-connected employees.
- American Legion Auxiliary distributes poppies on National Poppy Day to support veterans
American Legion Auxiliary Post 766 will distribute red poppies on National Poppy Day, May 23. Funds raised will support local veterans and their families.
- Dozens gather for May Day Strong rally Friday in Kankakee
Approximately 75 individuals participated in a May Day Strong rally held outside the Kankakee County Courthouse on Friday afternoon. This event was part of a coordinated national day of action.
- Advanced Computer Specialists a leader in tech’s challenging landscape
Advanced Computer Specialists, based in Bradley, has been a strategic advisor in information technology for 20 years, celebrating their anniversary last year.