Good morning, Joliet.

Local pumpkin farms are welcoming families with pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hayrides this fall.

Among the choices, Abbey Farms, All Seasons Orchard and others offer kid-friendly attractions through early November.

The Negro Motorist Green Book aided African American travelers on Route 66 during segregation by listing safe stops such as Joliet’s Southside YMCA (311 S.

Chicago St.) when many hotels and restaurants excluded them. It was published from 1936 to 1967 and served as a vital survival tool.

The eastbound and westbound lanes on I-80 between Chicago and Richards streets in Joliet remain closed for emergency repairs and are expected to reopen today before the evening rush — motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid delays.

Will County shelters offer Pets of the Week featuring Cailey, a smart cattle dog; Ciao, a gentle cat; and Amy, a playful terrier—animals ready for adoption.

Contact NAWS Humane Society, Will County Animal Protection Services, or The Kitty Squad (via email) for details.

Joliet West won 20-6 over Joliet Central on Monday in a flag football game as Mallory Crisafulli threw a touchdown pass and ran for another; the Tigers built on early challenges with a strong second-half surge.

Lockport’s Griffin Russell was voted The Herald-News Athlete of the Week after throwing three touchdowns, running for one, and helping his team secure a 38-15 win over Lincoln-Way West.

The senior quarterback’s strong performance followed a week of intensive practice that set the stage for success.

Grace Christian’s volleyball team secured a comeback win over Kankakee on Monday, Sept.

21 at its home gym — led by senior Sarah Rauwolf with eight kills. The Crusaders will play Clifton Central on the road tomorrow.

Haven Barwegen, a freshman runner at Bishop McNamara, was named Athlete of the Week by the Daily Journal after winning her first race on Sept.

12 and then a second event on Sept. 16 — she now aims for a top-25 finish at state.

High school teams played in CCL Week 5 football games today, with Nazareth handing Providence its first loss and Fenwick holding off St. Francis.

In Joliet, Joliet Catholic dominated Marian Catholic — an exciting boost for local high school football this fall.

IHSA announced that WJOL’s Scott Slocum and the late Jim Teckenbrock will be honored with the Distinguished Media Service Award during high school games later this season.

Slocum will receive his award Friday, Dec. 18 at Joliet West High School; Teckenbrock is the first posthumous honoree.

Chicago Catholic League football players shined in Week 5 of the IHSA season.

Loyola’s Matthew Lee threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns + Montini’s Damacio Ortegon caught three touchdowns, while Joliet Catholic’s Dylan Travis returned two interceptions for scores, with each player contributing critical stats in matchups.