Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
Good morning, Joliet.
🏘️ Community
Bob and Janet Palkon have fostered over 30 children and organized programs that supply school supplies and holiday gifts to local foster families.
Both face health challenges—Bob needs a kidney transplant and Janet is preparing for a double mastectomy—as they continue to serve their community.
🎓 Education
Residents in Will, Grundy and Kankakee counties can register for a summer 2026 online master gardener training course offered by University of Illinois Extension; the $300 fee includes a printed manual (and PDF access) with registration ending Monday and classes starting in June.
Joliet West High School named Payton Palesh and Calloway Walsh as its 2026 Mr. and Ms. Alpha Omega at its Senior Awards event on May 6 — each won a $500 scholarship and will speak at graduation.
🌲 Environment
A Will County Board committee moved a 6,100-acre solar farm project forward to a full board vote on May 21 (6-5 vote) despite growing concerns from local residents about its impact.
🏈 Sports
Seneca's baseball team held on for an 8-6 nonconference win at Princeton after building an 8-run lead and then withstanding a late rally on Thursday.
Senior Isaac Harris, moved to bat second, went 3 for 3 with three RBIs in Thursday's game to lead Joliet West to an 11-0 win over Plainfield Central in the Southwest Prairie Conference series.
His timely hitting helped the Tigers bounce back after earlier losses.
Softball teams in local conferences are competing for postseason spots as Lincoln-Way West and Joliet West lead their leagues while rematches against teams like Lockport could decide key games next week & spark intense tournaments.
Minooka beat Joliet West 5-1 Thursday to close out the regular season and build momentum as they host Bradley-Bourbonnais in the regional semis Tuesday at 6 p.m.
NHRA Funny Car driver Jordan Vandergriff, fresh off his first win, previewed the upcoming Route 66 Nationals in Joliet.
He outlined his preparation and excitement for the event scheduled soon.
The IHSA released playoff baseball pairings for Kendall County-area teams in Class 4A Oswego East, 3A Joliet Catholic, 2A Manteno, 1A Somonauk and 1A Amboy regions.
Games will start Monday, May 25 and continue through Saturday, May 30 — winners will advance as scheduled.
🎉 Joliet Events
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World of Food Trucks
11 AM – 3 PM — Gregory B. Bott Community Park — Free entry — Sample global cuisines from Chicagoland's favorite food trucks in a family-friendly festival.
Mix of '26: Beyond Beer & Bourbon Fest
12-5 p.m. — Hollywood Casino Joliet — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate summer flavors with craft beers, bourbons, and live music while supporting veterans' housing initiatives.
Pat Clark Cancer Foundation 5K
7 a.m. — Cemeno's Pizza — All proceeds benefit local cancer patients — Join the community for a charity run supporting the Pat Clark Cancer Foundation.
Windy City Thunderbolts vs. Joliet Slammers
1:05 – 4:05 PM — Duly Health And Care Field — Tickets available — Support the local Slammers and enjoy the American tradition of baseball.
🏠 Joliet Real Estate
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💼 Joliet Job Board
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📣 Joliet Announcements
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