Good morning, Joliet.

On Saturday, Aug. 15, community members gathered at Robert Dornbusch’s home to give the Vietnam veteran—who is battling lung cancer—a warm welcome after his birthday breakfast.

Despite rain canceling a planned parade, neighbors and local organizations showed support with signs and heartfelt presence.

Will County Center for Community Concerns will distribute holiday food baskets to 125 families starting Sept.

1, with applications accepted Monday through Friday at their office; proof of residency, income, and photo ID is required. For details, call 815-722-0722.

The Herald-News spotlights adoptable pets from local shelters — featuring dogs and kittens with unique needs like Dominick, Mist, Scout, Rebel, Flittle, and Zarude.

Interested adopters can email the shelters or visit their websites for details.

Entrepreneur Savanna Wilhelmi plans to open Maison Maryanna, a resale boutique for special occasions including bridal selections, at 124 N.

Ottawa St. in downtown Joliet this October — she awaits a City Council vote for the special use permit on Tuesday.

Joliet Catholic Academy will ask for Council approval today for its stadium and sports facilities; preliminary plans have been approved and excavation began east of its Larkin Avenue campus, with the project including a capacity (5,500 seats) and 933 on-campus parking spots.

The Friday Night Drive podcast hosts Steve Soucie and Josh Welge preview high school football Week 1 games and playoff changes for the 2026 season, offering local insights on key matchups in Illinois.

Nazareth's football team is set to make its season debut Friday, Aug.

21 at Plunkett Park. Rebuilt with Division I talent, including junior QB JJ Chapman and returning star lineman Luke Injaychock (Missouri recruit), the Roadrunners look to avenge last fall's overtime loss and spark a deep playoff run.

Bolingbrook's five-star recruit Darieon Prescott, who committed to Notre Dame, built his game by adding more than 30 pounds this offseason, and coaches praise his natural leadership.

He is set to embrace expanded roles on the defensive line in his junior season — challenging himself and his team for success.

Five boys golfers including Aidan Barker, Gabe Ciesielski, Kaden Downer, Cal Foster, and Cooper Thorson are set to compete this season in several tournaments in the Herald-News area.

Their past performances have made them local picks to watch in the 2026 season.