Phi Theta Kappa has recognized academic excellence in the two-year college since 1918. It is the largest honor society in American higher education, with more than 1.5 million members. The society offers opportunities for scholarships, intellectual enrichment, and personal development through programs based on the society’s hallmarks of scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship.

“Locavore Farm draws visitors from across the Midwest to enjoy the bounty of Kankakee County’s local homegrown goodness. Congratulations to Chris and Rachel Jones and their team for being awarded this special recognition from the State of Illinois.” says Staci Wilken, Executive Director, Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “With a growing list of agritourism entrepreneurs, Locavore Farm has put Kankakee County on the map as a farm-to-table destination in Illinois.”

“We are very happy to be able to do this for our community for the third year in a row,” stated Fire Chief Adam Riegel. “Any time we are able to bring Santa with us to an event, the excitement on children’s faces make it that much more special.”

Murdock began his folk career in the Chicago area in the mid 1970’s, expanding his repertoire of blues and popular music as his interest in folk music and the maritime tradition grew. This holiday concert commemorates the turn of the century tradition of carrying Christmas trees to Great Lakes port cities, as the final cargo at the end of the shipping season during the lumber schooner days. Murdock has written a very popular song about one of the most famous of these ships, the Rouse Simmons.

Join the Village of Manteno as we kick off the holiday season with the 7th Annual Lighting of Main Street on Saturday, December 7th. The event begins at 3:00pm with the Holiday Business Walk going until 7pm with over 25 businesses participating. Santa Claus will arrive at 3:30 and the Lighting of Main Street takes place at 5:45pm outside the Leo Hassett Community Center located at 211 N. Main Street. While you are on your way to see Santa on the Square on Second, stop by the Fountain on the Square and watch a live Ice Sculpture demonstration (3-4:30) sponsored by Taylor Ford of Manteno. Walk through our Christmas Tree Lane decorated by local businesses and Santa Claus (sponsored by Silvano’s Pizza) will be taking requests from 3:30-7:45pm. Hungry? You can grab a bite to eat at the Bennett-Curtis Food Truck located at the Square on Second or at one of our local restaurants!

“People need to realize the importance of the census. If everyone is not counted, we are in jeopardy of losing a voice in Congress. We will lose representation on important committees and a large amount in federal funding including Medicaid, federal student loans, food stamps, as well as cuts in more than 100 critical programs across the state. All of this is based on the census,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly.