The Chicago Bears have called Kankakee County their Summer Home for nearly two decades. But did you know Kankakee County has a rich history of football? Country Herald takes a look at six former residents that went on to do big things both WITH and AGAINST the Chicago Bears, while others spurn the NFL altogether.

Mary Ann Schatz, 74, of Kankakee died on Thursday, July 25, 2019. Visitation is 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Wednesday, July 31, 2019, visitation is at 10: AM and the funeral following at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Clifton, IL.

Every August, as the Summer begins to hit it’s slow but winding end, the stars above show us that there is more to life than our day to day routine as rocks speed overhead and rates incalculable to the average person and we gaze at the delight that is the Perseids Meteor Shower.

Katherine “Katie” Kleinert, 40, of Chicago, formerly of Chebanse, died Monday, July 22, 2019. Visitation for Katie is Monday, July 29, 2019, from 10:00 AM until the funeral service at noon at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

When you talk football with Kankakee High School’s new varsity football coach, Derek Hart, you can hear the passion he has for the game in his voice. The 27-year-old Hart grew up in a football household. Hart’s father, John Hart is known as legend in high school football. The elder Hart has 294 wins and two state titles in Indiana. John Hart also has another 147 wins in Illinois. Hart says of his father, “He’ll probably end up in the Hall of Fame in Illinois and Indiana for high school football. He is successful and won a couple State Championships.”

If you have a student entering 3rd, 4th or 5th grade this year at Bradley West, be sure to save the date on August 15th starting at 6pm for Back to School Night! The evening takes place instead of an open house later in the year.