News
Black Illinois House members split on gay marriage bill, Sun-Times survey finds
SPRINGFIELD — Less than half of Illinois House Black Caucus members say they back the push to legalize same-sex marriage or are likely to support it, a Chicago Sun-Times survey of the pivotal voting bloc has found. Four members of the 20-member caucus have told the Sun-Times they will vote for same-sex marriage while five others indicated they are leaning toward a ‘yes’ vote. Seven remain undecided, and four are opposed.
Will County is serious about space problems
JOLIET — The Will County Board is poised to start chipping away at its serious space shortage after more than a decade of debate. With $14.3 million in existing funds, the county could soon start on a path toward $441 million in new buildings. “We …
Rockdale man pleads guilty to charges he raped his roommate
A convicted bank robber accused of raping his roommate whom he found online was sentenced Tuesday to 32 years in prison for the assault. William R. Swiderski, 53, pleaded guilty to two felony charges of criminal sexual assault before Will County Judge Daniel Rozak. Rozak …
Oklahoma tragedy gives Joliet firefighters reminder during tornado training
JOLIET — The training may have been scheduled for weeks, but Monday’s tragedy in Oklahoma gave local fire department supervisors a very recent reference for their tornado response drill. “It’s coincidental, but with the horrific images and stories we are hearing from Moore, Oklahoma, it’s …
Kendall County Board to move quickly on noise ordinance
YORKVILLE — Robin Eggert says she is “living like a prisoner in my own home.” The prison is noise, and the jailer is the neighbor who lives the width of a small driveway away from Eggert in Boulder Hill, and plays loud music with heavy, …
Sky’s the limit — and the norm — for Frankfort company
Every time the White Sox hit a home run, every time the Bears or Bulls are introduced at a home game, or whenever the city of Chicago has a special event, they are on the scene sparking the celebration.
“They” are the team of technicians, …
Pulse: Mystery smell infiltrates county office
Something seemingly stinks in the Will County Recorder of Deeds office at 58 E. Clinton St. Dave Delrose, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1028, said the sewer-type smell comes and goes and “some days it’s very overwhelming.” After …
NIU administrator to retire after FBI probe
A Northern Illinois University administrator who went on leave after an FBI investigation will retire at the end of the month.
3 Brookfield Zoo dolphins expecting
Chicago Zoological Society officials say three Brookfield Zoo bottlenose dolphins are pregnant. Officials say Allie, 26, Tapeko, 31, and Spree, 10, are due to give birth this summer and fall.
Alleged purse snatcher crashed into semi on I-80
Police say a Joliet man mugged two elderly women in different grocery stores before crashing a stolen car into a semi-truck on Saturday. Joliet Cmdr. Al Roechner said Matthew J. Boban’s crime spree began at 11:55 a.m. when he arrived at Jewel, 1401 W. Jefferson …
Immigrant center for Joliet to go public
JOLIET — After months of debate behind the scenes, a proposed immigrant detention center finally will get a full public airing at a future city council meeting. During Monday’s meeting, council members voted unanimously to have City Manager Tom Thanas arrange a time when Corrections …
Quick News: Medical society donates $20,000 to hospitals
Will-Grundy County Medical Society officials met with representatives of three local hospitals — Morris Hospital, Silver Cross Hospital and Presence St. Joseph Medical Center — to donate $20,000 to advance nursing education at each institution in honor of Nurses Week earlier this month, according to …
Plainfield clears way for removing 180-year-old house
While most demolition requests lead to debate by Plainfield trustees, a request Monday night by a homeowner to raze his approximately 180-year-old house was approved unanimously. Terrence Melbourn plans to tear down the house, 24025 W. Ottawa St., so he can replace it with a …
Despite objections, Plainfield OKs new Starbucks
Over the objections of some residents and the village traffic committee, the Plainfield Village Board will allow a popular coffee chain to open a shop near one of the busiest intersections in the village. The board on Monday night approved a special-use zoning permit for …
Joliet man accused of stealing girlfriend’s guns
JOLIET — Police say a city resident stole two guns from a girlfriend in Georgia, took a long-distance bus trip to Chicago and then grabbed a ride to Joliet, where he was arrested Sunday while visiting another girlfriend. Cmdr. Al Roechner said police were called …
Search and rescue continues after devastating Moore tornado leaves at least 24 dead
MOORE, Okla. — A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds up to 200 mph. At least seven children were among 24 killed, and officials said the death toll was expected to rise. Hospitals were treating more than 120 patients, including about 50 children. The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office said there could be as many as 40 more fatalities from the tornado.
