Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 28th of August.
Good morning, Joliet.
🏘️ Community
Will County has a busy weekend of events starting Aug29.
At Dirt Oval Route 66 in Joliet, the Tournament of Destruction opens its gates at 4 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.—the Joliet Slammers will host a game with fireworks, a rooftop concert will play at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, a Linda Ronstadt tribute is set in Lockport at 8 p.m., and the Frankfort Fall Festival will run from Aug30 to Sept1.
📰 Economy
Will County’s Workforce Services Division is hosting a job fair today from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Workforce Center on 2400 Glenwood Ave, where 16 local employers will meet jobseekers face-to-face.
🎓 Education
Joliet Junior College and Valley View School District 365U will open the new Next STEP Coffee Shop on Sept.
10 at the Romeoville Campus to offer hands-on training in customer service and business operations for STEP students. The shop will serve coffee, lattes, smoothies, muffins, and donuts—and will be open to the public from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters.
🏛️ Government
The Ruby Street bridge in downtown Joliet will reopen on Sept.
10, weather permitting — after which the Cass Street bridge will close for a $22.8 million rehabilitation project expected to finish in late 2026. IDOT said detours will guide traffic from Cass Street to Ruby Street, Broadway Street, and Theodore Street.
On Tuesday in Peotone, IDOT collected feedback as part of its I-57 Access Study covering the area from Wilmington-Peotone Road to 1 mile east of Illinois Route 50.
Local fire officials and community members stressed the need to improve dangerous intersections on Wilmington Road — County Line Road, and engineers will present alternatives in early 2026.
🏥 Health
Dr. Pat Pappas, who leads Silver Cross's open heart surgery program launched in May 2019 (with 40 years of experience and over 25,000 heart procedures), was ranked No. 2 by Newsweek for cardiothoracic surgery as over a dozen Silver Cross staff were named among America’s Leading Doctors 2025 (adding to the hospital's top ratings).
🏈 Sports
The Bradley-Bourbonnais Edmon brothers, Lyzale and Ky'ren, return this fall to boost the football team after Lyzale earned All-State honors and Ky'ren became the first freshman to start in the backfield.
Both carry NCAA Division I hopes and scholarship offers — Coach Mike Kohl praised their explosive talent and strong work ethic as they aim for a historic postseason run.
The Joliet West girls varsity volleyball team played Lincoln-Way East at home on August 26, 2025, and Julia Adams approached the net during the match—showing her active role on the court.
Five Friday IHSA football games in Kendall County are set to feature matchups with Oswego versus Naperville Central, Oswego East versus Joliet West, St. Patrick versus Yorkville, Ottawa versus Plano and Manteno versus Sandwich.
Key figures such as Oswego receiver Teddy Manikas and St. Patrick coach Tom Zbikowski will influence the contests as teams try to build on last season’s results.
Steve Soucie reviews key matchups for the IHSA high school football season's opening Week 1 and highlights the local contest between Lyons and Joliet Catholic set for 7:30 p.m. Friday—his analysis explains how the game will reveal team strengths and areas needing improvement.
🎉 Joliet Events
Submit an event →
Lake Erie Crushers vs. Joliet Slammers
1-4 p.m. — Duly Health And Care Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting baseball game featuring local favorites, the Joliet Slammers.
Stepping Up Virtual 5K
Anytime from Sep 7-14 — KSKJ Life — Registration required — Step up for lung health and support national parks while enjoying a 5K at your own pace.
Rhapsody Of Fire Concert
6:00-8:30 p.m. — The Forge — Check for ticket details — Experience the epic sounds of Rhapsody Of Fire with a thrilling live performance.
Concerts in the Park 2025
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Preservation Park — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music in the beautiful setting of Joliet's Preservation Park.
Scorey Live Performance
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Forge — Ticketed event — Enjoy a vibrant show with reserved seating that offers the best views from the balcony.
Annual Fur Ball Fundraising Event
6 p.m. — Harrah's Joliet — Ticket purchase required — An evening of fun, food, and entertainment to support the local shelter for homeless pets.
🏠 Joliet Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Joliet Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Joliet Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Joliet.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.