Bob Okon

Illinois

Regional Reporter at Joliet Herald-News

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Articles

Business plans brewing at Joliet’s Union Station

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Bob Okon

The operator of the Grand Ballroom at Union Station in Joliet wants a lease extension while the city is reviewing several proposals for new use of the MyGrain Brewing space. The ballroom and former brewpub make up nearly all the space leased out by the city of Joliet for private use at the 1912 train station. The proposed lease for the Grand Ballroom could keep the Mistwood Golf Club as the operator of the space until 2037.
Will County seeks quick-take powers to acquire land for 143rd Street expansion

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Bob Okon

Will County is seeking quick-take authority to move ahead with the controversial 143rd Street project in Homer Township, while some county board members are trying to slow down the process. The Illinois House of Representatives this week approved House Bill 250, which would allow the county to expedite eminent domain acquisition of private land for the road improvement opposed by many residents who live along 143rd Street.
Groundbreaking Monday for Joliet regional water project

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Bob Okon

Officials from Joliet and five neighboring communities go to Chicago on Monday for a groundbreaking for the pipeline that will bring them Lake Michigan water. The 60-mile pipeline will bring water to Crest Hill, Shorewood, Romeoville, Minooka and Channahon along with Joliet – all members of the Grand Prairie Water Commission. The groundbreaking will take place at the start of the pipeline in Durkin Park on the southwest side of Chicago.
Joliet reports no homicides in 2025 as violent crime declines

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Bob Okon

Joliet has seen “consistent declines in violent crime” for several years, highlighted by no homicides “so far” in 2025 and a sharp drop in shootings, Mayor Terry D’Arcy said during his State of the City speech this week. “This progress is no accident,” D’Arcy said.
Mayor D’Arcy declares Joliet ‘renaissance’ as city rebrands itself as ‘a destination’

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Bob Okon

Mayor Terry D’Arcy in his first State of the City address on Wednesday proclaimed a Joliet renaissance. D’Arcy pointed to projects and plans around the city, as well as claims of “changing the culture” at City Hall. “If I were asked to describe Joliet at this moment in time, I would say our community is experiencing its own renaissance,” D’Arcy said early in his speech.
Hollywood Casino Joliet plans to open in August

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Bob Okon

The new Hollywood Casino Joliet will open Aug. 11, pending regulatory approvals, Penn Entertainment announced Wednesday. “The countdown to the opening of our newest casino begins today,” Jay Snowden, chief Executive officer and president for PENN said in a news release announcing the opening date. Penn previously had estimated the opening of the casino for the fourth quarter of this year. The casino is being built in the Rock Run Collection development at Interstates 55 and 80.
‘It’s my responsibility to help if I can‘: New Joliet volunteer response team ready for emergencies

2 weeks ago | shawlocal.com | Bob Okon

The new Certified Emergency Response Team in Joliet is a group of volunteers of different backgrounds, neighborhoods and ages with a common purpose. “It’s getting to know the community,” Tim Carlin said when asked why he signed up. “I believe it’s my responsibility to help if I can help.”The CERT volunteers number 28, and the plan is to expand the group to 200 by the end of 2026. A class for the next group of CERT trainees starts June 10.
Project to stop carp at Brandon Road lock in Joliet Township back on

2 weeks ago | shawlocal.com | Bob Okon

The Brandon Road Interbasin Project aimed at blocking invasive carp from getting into the Great Lakes apparently is proceeding again in Joliet Township as planned. Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday announced that the state has completed the acquisition of a nearly 50-acre parcel at the site needed for continued construction.
Senators Durbin, Duckworth calling out Prime Healthcare for service reductions

2 weeks ago | shawlocal.com | Bob Okon

Nurses on Wednesday called for a public outcry against cuts at Saint Joseph Medical Center, a day after the two Illinois U.S. Senators raised questions about new owner Prime Healthcare’s management of the Joliet hospital and two others. Kankakee-based St. Mary’s Hospital has also been impacted by cuts directed by Prime Healthcare, the new owner which took possession of these hospitals in March.
Joliet nurses urge public pushback against hospital cuts

2 weeks ago | shawlocal.com | Bob Okon

Nurses on Wednesday called for a public outcry against cuts at Saint Joseph Medical Center, a day after the two U.S. Senators from Illinois raised questions about new owner Prime Healthcare’s management of the Joliet hospital and two others. The nurses’ town hall meeting in Joliet was scheduled before the release of the letter from Senators Richard Durbin and Tammy Duckworth. But many of the same issues were raised.