• Fire destroys Bourbonnais eatery

Fire destroyed the Harolds Chicken location across from Olivet in Bourbonnais overnight. Bourbonnais Fire Protection Chief Jim Keener says firefighters were called to the scene just before two this morning when someone called in they'd seen smoke coming from the building. When they got there, firefighters found fire inside the building. Chief Keener says the building is a total loss. No one was injured battling the blaze, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

• Kankakee Police make arson arrest

Kankakee City Police have made a second arrest in connection to a to garage fire June 13th in the 400 block of South Elm Avenue. According to reports, detectives arrested the owner of the home, 24 year old Noah F. Mirrielees, just before 5 Wednesday afternoon on charges of arson to defraud insurance and was transported to the Jerome Combs Detention Center. 27 year old Carlos S. Vazquez was arrested near the scene of the fire the day it took place and charged with Arson.

• Traffic stop nets Kankakee Police a drug arrest

A traffic stop Wednesday afternoon netted Kankakee City Police a drug arrest. According to reports, officers pulled over a white SUV in the 1500 block of West Court Street just after 4 Wednesday afternoon for an equipment violation. Reports say the officers could smell the odor of burnt cannabis coming from inside the SUV and asked the driver, 23 year old Jose S Soto to step out of the car. A search of the SUV allegedly turned up several grams of raw cannabis, two suspected xanx pills, THC Wax and powder, a digital scale, .45 caliber magazine loaded with 8 live rounds, and a bb gun. Soto was arrested and charged with possession of ammunition with no foid card, manufacture with intent to deliver cannabis, among other charges.

• Nugent to join prisoner review board

Former Manteno Mayor Tim Nugent is set to resign from his position as the president of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County and be appointed to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board by Governor JB Pritzker. Nugent tells us he had always planned to step down from the Economic Alliance once his time as Mayor came to an end and that he's more than qualified for this new position. Nugent added he applied for the position online. Nugent's last day at the Economic Alliance is September 12th and his first day on the Illinois Prisoner Review Board will be September 16th. According to Illinois dot gov, board members get paid close to 148 thousand dollars annually.

• What to do around Kankakee County this weekend

Time now to find out what's going on around Kankakee County this weekend. With a look at a few of the events, here's Nicole Gavin, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County

• Powerball jackpot rolls over....again

The Powerball jackpot is jumping to a staggering one-point-seven billion dollars. There wasn't a winner on Wednesday night of the one-point-four billion dollar jackpot, the fourth largest in game history. If you win, you can elect to receive annuity payments of over five-million annually for over 30 years, or take a one-time lump sum of 770-million-dollars before taxes. The next drawing is on Saturday.

• Will County Deputies investigate Crete Township shooting

Will County Sheriff's Police are investigating after two people were found shot in a car in Crete Township Tuesday night. In a Facebook post, Will County Deputies say there were called to the 23-hundred block of East Exchange Street in Crete Township about 9:15 Tuesday night. When they got there, they found a car parked in the roadway with multiple bullet holes and shattered windows. Reports say a search of the area turned up some 40 shell casings. Deputies say they found two people inside the car, each suffering gunshot wounds. The female driver had been shot in the head and hand, while the male passenger was hit in the hip and buttock. Both were taken to the hospital where the man died of his injuries. Will County Deputies continue to investigate the shooting.

• 1% grocery sales tax to remain in Manteno

The one-percent sales tax on groceries will continue in the Village of Manteno. During Tuesday night's Village Board meeting Manteno Trustees voted to keep the tax in place once the State level tax expires January first. During the public comment portion of the meeting, Manteno resident Francine Fatima spoke out against the tax. During his portion of the meeting, Trustee Mike Barry who chairs the Finance Committee said letting the tax expire would hurt village finances. In the end, trustees voted unanimously to keep the tax in place once it expires January first.

• Manteno prepares for Oktoberfest

During Tuesday night's Manteno Village Board meeting, Manteno Chamber of Commerce President and Village Marketing and Community Relations Director Jakob Knox noted the Village's Oktoberfest celebration is quickly approaching. Oktoberfest is scheduled for the weekend of September 25th in downtown Manteno.

• Local historical bus tour announced

Tickets are now on sale for a historical bus tour around Kankakee County next month. Nicole Gavin, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County has the details. There are only 34 seats available on the bus. Planned stops on the tour include the George R. Letourneau House and Log Schoolhouse, the French Heritage Museum, the Kankakee County Museum and the Perry Farm. You can contact visit Kankakee County for more information.

• Bourbonnais PD has new Patrol Commander

During last night's Bourbonnais Village Board meeting, Police Chief Dave Morefield swore in Brent Barrie as a new Patrol Commander in the Village. Also during last night's meeting, Chief Morefield noted the hire of a new patrolman, which brings the department up to full strength.

• Bourbonnais Village Board has first reading of Ordinance to outlaw certain drugs in the Village

The Bourbonnais Village Board last night, heard the first reading of an ordinance that would outlaw Cannabinoid and Kratom drugs in the Village. County Coroner Bob Gessner was there to support the legislation. Gessner noted there have been several deaths in Kankakee County from these types of drugs over the last few years. The Ordinance would make the possession of these drugs punishable by a fine. The second reading and possible passing of the Ordinance will be held at the next Village Board meeting on September 15th.

• Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

Kankakee City Police are looking for help to identify those responsible for a shots fired incident in the 700 block of South Wall Street late last month. With our Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week, here's Kankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski. Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could result in a cash reward.

• Second property tax payment due this week

Now that Labor Day is passed, Kankakee County Treasurer Nick Africano wants to remind you that the second installment of your property tax bill is due this week. Africano says you can also pay your tax bill online if you like. He adds once this year’s taxes are paid and we hit the first of next year, you can register for another way to pay your property tax bill if you like. Africano points out that the only caveat is that there be enough money in the account to make your tax payments when they come due next year. You can contact the Treasurer’s Office if you have any questions about your tax payment or the Choices program.

• Kankakee United luncheon set for tomorrow

Kankakee United's quarterly community luncheon will be tomorrow at 11:30 at the Kankakee Tran Depot. Rhonda Currie says all community leaders and residents are welcome to attend the free event. Currie says if you’re interested in attending the free lunch tomorrow to pre-register by scanning the QR code on the City of Kankakee Facebook Page or website.

• BTPD Scarecrow sign-ups start today

You can enter the Bourbonnais Township Park District’s Annual Scarecrow Contest starting today. Director of Recreation and Marketing, Cherie Smolkovich. Smolkovich says this year’s Scarecrow Festival will be Sunday, September 21st at Perry Farm. She said there are usually over 100 scarecrows on display each year.

• Powerball jackpot tops $1.3 billion

Monday's Powerball drawing has come and gone, with no winner still of the one-point-one billion dollar jackpot. Matching all the right numbers in the next drawing on Wednesday and taking the cash option could make one lucky winner - or winners - almost 600-million dollars richer. The estimated jackpot is now one-point-three billion dollars.

• Monee PD warns of possible scammers

The Monee Police Department says they've been made aware of a person going door to door, saying they're a Village employee working for ComEd and they need to check the home-owner's electric meter. Monee Police say there is no such employee or program with the Village of Monee and ComEd. They say if you see this person, or someone like her you should call 9-1-1.

• Tourism up in Kankakee County

Tourism in Kankakee County showed major returns in 2024. Nicole Gavin, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County, breaks down the numbers for us. According to a press release sent by Gavin, visitor spending dipped slightly last year by one half of a percent but claims that's indicative of a strong and stable tourism sector.

• What to do around Kankakee County this weekend

There's plenty to do around Kankakee County this Labor Day holiday weekend. With a look at a few of the events, here's Nicole Gavin, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County

• Kankakee County looks for input

The Kankakee County Planning Department has started an initiative to make roadways safer in the county. Planner Two for the county, Tyler Goodrich, says this effort starts with asking area residents and travelers to fill out a survey. Goodrich says if you have any questions about the survey or the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, you can contact her office at 815.937.2940 or email goodrich@kankakeecountyil.gov

• Kankakee County Sheriff's Office warns "Don't Drink and Drive"

It's the Labor Day weekend and Kankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski reminds you not to drink and drive. Law enforcement around the state will have stepped up patrols this holiday weekend. Last year there were 11 fatal crashes in Illinois over the Labor Day travel period.

• Kankakee Firefighters put out mattress fire

Kankakee City Firefighters were called to an apartment building in the 300 block of North Dearborn overnight. Fire Chief Brian LaRoche says the call came in about 3:15 this morning and when they got there they found a mattress on fire in one of the apartments and quickly put it out. Fire crews were on the scene for about an hour checking on medical needs of any of the residents in the apartment building's 60 units. There were no injuries reported.

• Kankakee City Police make arrests in August 7th shooting

Kankakee City Police report a pair of arrests in connection with an incident earlier this month that sent two people to the hospital. According to reports, it was just after 11:30 in the evening on Thursday August 7th when officers were called to a report of gunfire at Crestlane Apartments. When they got there, officers say they found a large group of people outside the building and learned a woman and her nine-year-old sun had been taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds. On August 11th, City Police arrested Jazmon Hermon in connection with the shooting and Tuesday they arrested 37-year-old Antoinette Love and 39-year-old Priscilla Love on charges that included Mob Action. Antoinette Love was additionally charged with Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Assault for allegedly using a stun gun during the fight.

• City Police arrest man for threatening officer/family

Kankakee City Police report the arrest of a man after he allegedly threatened an officer and his family. According to reports, it was just before midnight Tuesday night when officers were called to the gazebo on South Schuyler Avenue for a group of people hanging around with garbage around them on the ground and tables. Reports say when officers made contact with the people, most of them agreed to leave, but one, identified as 50-year-old Emmanuel Franklin allegedly refused to leave and started making threats against the officer and his family. Franklin was arrested by City Police for threatening a public official

• Secret Food Pantry today in Bourbonnais

Another of those Secret Food Pantry mobile pop-up events is planned for today in the Village of Bourbonnais. This one runs from 11 this morning until noon at the location on Briarwood Lane. A five-dollar donation is suggested and the donation enters you into a raffle for a 50-dollar gift card. Organizers of the event suggest you show up no more than a half-hour before it begins and you follow the route outlined by Bourbonnais Police. You can get that route and more information on the Village of Bourbonnais' website or its Facebook page.

• Illinois State Police step up patrols for the holiday

It's the start of the long holiday weekend, and for many that means taking a road trip. Illinois State Police Trooper Jayme Bufford has a few things for you to keep in mind if you're hitting the road for the holiday. Trooper Bufford says the ISP will have increased patrols on the roadways this weekend. Last year there were 11 fatal crashes on Illinois roadways over the Labor Day Holiday period.

• Kankakee County State's Attorney opens new office

The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning at the Kankakee County States Attorney's Community Division office on North Schuyler Avenue in Downtown Kankakee. States Attorney Jim Rowe said this office is for any county resident who needs help. Rowe added that the Community Division Office is one hundred percent covered by grants.

• Regatta starts Friday

The 2025 Kankakee River Regatta kicks off tomorrow on the Kankakee River. Mayor Chris Curtis tells us about some of the events. Mayor Curtis says new this year is a tailgate area on the south side of the river for people to barbecue if they'd like. More info is available at kankakee river regatta dot com.

• Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

Kankakee City Police are looking into a pair of robberies to pizza delivery people Saturday evening. With our Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week, withKankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy, Trent Bukowski. Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could result in a cash reward.

• Tourism up in IL

Illinois leaders are touting record-breaking tourism revenue last year. Governor Pritzker announced that Illinois welcomed 113-million domestic and international visitors who spent a record 48-point-five-billion-dollars in 2024. The tourism surge also led to a new all-time high in hotel tax revenue figures in fiscal year 2025. Chicago saw a nearly eight-percent rise in overnight visitors last year.

• Gas prices up heading into the holiday weekend

What you're going to pay at the pump is up again today. According to Triple-A the average cost for a gallon of regular no-lead gas is now three-dollars-53 cents across the Land of Lincoln, that's up four cents overnight. Gas in the Kankakee area is up slightly to 3.38 on average, meaning the price at the pump has jumped 15 cents in the last two days. Triple-A says gas is running 3.44 a gallon on average in Iroquois County, 3.38 in Ford County and 3.53 in Grundy County.

Across the State line, a gallon of gas will set you back three-dollars-23 cents a gallon on average in Newton County, 3.34 in Benton County and 3.27 in Jasper County. Triple-A says a gallon of gas is running three-dollars-35 cents on average across the Hoosier State.

• Powerball jackpot rolls over....again

The Powerball jackpot rolled over again. With no grand prize winner on Monday night, the jackpot jumps to 815-million-dollars. The next drawing takes place Wednesday with the cash option just shy of 368-million-dollars.

• Kankakee house hit by gunfire

Just after 1:30 Monday morning, Kankakee City Police were called to the 700 block of South Wall for a report of shots fired. When they got there, officers say they found gunfire damage to a house. Reports say nobody was injured by the gun fire and officers recovered a pair of spent shell casings from the sidewalk in front of the house.

• Pizza delivery men robbed in Kankakee over the weekend

Kankakee City Police report a pizza delivery man was robbed over the weekend. It was just before eight Saturday night when officers were called to the 900 block of East Willow by a man who said he'd been making a pizza delivery, when he was approached by a man who was wearing all black and a mask who told him to give him everything he had. The pizza delivery man said he handed over his wallet and the man ran off.

About an hour and a half later, another pizza delivery guy was robbed while making a delivery to the same address. This time, the masked man allegedly carried a machete and demanded the driver's cash. City Police are looking for suspects in the case.

• Kankakee man arrested in gun charges

Kankakee City Police report a weekend gun arrest. According to reports, it was just after two Saturday morning when City Police were sent to the area of South Nelson and East Hickory for a report of a man carrying a rifle. When they got there, officers say they a group of men in a black SUV with another man approaching the car to get in. Officers stopped the man and searched him. That search allegedly turned up a handgun in the man's waistband. City Police arrested 22-year-old Raul J Ortega on various gun-related charges.

• Kankakee man arrested after allegedly firing shotgun

Kankakee City Police report the arrest of a man after he allegedly fired of a shotgun in the 700 block of East Hickory over the weekend. According to reports, it was just after one Saturday afternoon when officers were called to a report of shots fired. When they got there, officers say they were told a man with a shot gun had fired off six rounds before going back into the house. Reports go on to say 25-year-old Arturo Perez-Gallegos came out of the house and officers told him to put up his hands, which he did, but then he reportedly went back into the house. A short time later Gallegos and another man came out of the house and said they'd not heard any gunshots and that they'd been remodeling the house next door. Both men were taken to the Police Department for questioning and once they got permission to search the house, officers say they found a 12 gauge shotgun inside and spent shell casings on the porch. Perez-Gallegos was arrested on several gun-related charges.