Good morning, Joliet.

The Forest Preserve District announced a week of free fall events starting Oct.

19 featuring birding, walking and Halloween-themed hikes at sites including Plum Creek and Riverview Farmstead (registration deadlines run from Oct. 15 to Oct. 23).

Will County Pets of the Week highlighted four adoptable animals on Oct.

12 — Minnie Pearl, a gentle 5-year-old beagle/terrier mix; Puddles, a lively one-year-old cat; and easygoing Smoke and affectionate Ash — inviting local families to meet them.

Romeoville's Caleb Patterson made crucial plays on Friday—his fake punt for a go-ahead touchdown and forced fumble helped secure a 20-14 win over Joliet Central that kept playoff hopes alive.

Bishop McNamara's flag football star Elle Weber was named Daily Journal Athlete of the Week after throwing for 145 yards and three touchdowns during the team's first playoff win on Oct.

1 — a historic first for the program.

Week 8 high school football games in our local area saw wins for Marquette, Sandwich and FCW.

Marquette beat Dwight 21-12 at Gould Stadium, Sandwich won 39-14 over Marengo, and FCW secured a 42-32 victory over St. Thomas More.

Podcast hosts Steve Soucie and Matt Rodewald reviewed Week 8 IHSA football highlights + will preview their live show on Friday night to project brackets in eight classes.

Week 8 of the Catholic League featured rocky rivalries as Loyola rallied past IC Catholic Prep and Mount Carmel beat Joliet Catholic — standout plays came from Melo Maldonado and Brady Cloherty while Nazareth and St. Francis also secured wins.

More competitive games await fans.