Joliet Cyborgs learn from robotics program, competition

The popularity of competitions proves that applying mathematical and physics concepts through designing robots resonates with both students and teachers. But for the Joliet Cyborgs team, which pulled itself up from 54th last year to 15th at this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Midwest regional …

Suspicious package near Lincoln-Way West High School found to be harmless

NEW LENOX TOWNSHIP — A bomb squad was called after a suspicious package was seen Thursday morning near Lincoln-Way West High School. Will County Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Ken Kaupas said the bundle was found around 9 a.m. at Melrose and Spencer Road. “Deputies could see …

Opponents seek to block Lockport oil pipeline

A Lockport-based environmental group wants to block an oil pipeline bridge that would deliver crude oil from storage tanks at the former Texaco refinery site to nearby barges. Members of Citizens Against Ruining the Environment (CARE) are opposed to the plan by Houston- based Cogent …

Truck takes out power lines in Plainfield

PLAINFIELD — Traffic was snarled Wednesday afternoon after a semi-truck pulled down power lines. Deputy Fire Chief Jon Stratton said the driver was not injured in the single-vehicle crash about 4:20 p.m. at Mill and Plainfield-Naperville roads. The truck was under the lines for over …

Joliet man arrested on stalking charge

JOLIET — Police say a 34-year-old man was stalking his ex-girlfriend at a casino early Wednesday. Cmdr. Al Roechner said security at Hollywood Casino called police at 12:28 a.m. after a disturbance between Lenny A. Williams, 34, and a 22-year-old woman. “She said her ex-boyfriend …

Joliet city manager quits, maybe

Joliet City Manager Thomas Thanas told the city council again that he quit, although council members are wondering if he meant it. Thanas, according to accounts, walked out of a closed council session Tuesday night, saying he was resigning and suggesting they discuss a transition …

Ex-Lockport H.S. IT administrator pleads guilty in teen sex case

A former IT administrator at Lockport Township High School pleaded guilty Wednesday to having sex with a student.

Timothy J. Hagan, 41, of Darien, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse after being accused of having sex with a 17-year-old girl in …

Courts website hacked

The Will County Courts website is suffering from a hack attack. The website was hacked last week and infected with a virus, according to Courts Administrator Kurt Sangmeister. Sangmeister said he was informed of the breach on Friday by the county’s information technology department. “We …

Joliet City Council creates  diversity committee

The Joliet City Council now has the diversity committee that was suggested by a minority voters’ group during the recent electoral campaign. The council on Tuesday unanimously approved the committee and Mayor Thomas Giarrante’s appointment of Councilwoman Jan Quillman as chairwoman and councilmen Jim McFarland …

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.

State targets doctors’ licenses

It was shocking news in January when a woman sued a Frankfort doctor, accusing him of fondling her in an exam room. Kishor Nathmal Jain had provided medical care for children and adults in Frankfort, starting in 1980 at Hedges Clinic. Jain, 59, graduated from …

Quick News: Board members sworn in

At the May 15 board meeting, the New Lenox Community Park District welcomed and swore in two commissioners, incumbent Ross Jansma and newly elected, Ted Schulz by Park District attorney, Angelo Vitiritti of Hiskes, Dillner O’Donnell Marovich and Lapp. Both commissioners were congratulated by the …

Joliet City Council wants new oversight of housing authority

The Joliet City Council could get new oversight over the city’s troubled housing authority if it moves forward with a proposal made Tuesday. The Housing Authority of Joliet in the past year fired its executive director, was put under tighter control by federal regulators and …

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 …

Man pleads guilty to raping 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 …