John Ferak

Appleton

Reporter and Editor, Joliet Patch at Patch

Editor/Reporter of @jolietpatch; best-selling true crime author of 5 books including WRECKING CREW. White Sox fan, GB Packers fan, born in Joliet, IL.

Articles

Stop Hindu Temple Construction Near Drauden Road: Citizen Tells Joliet City Council

2 days ago | patch.com | John Ferak

JOLIET, IL — A young man named Brandon Perez spoke during the public comment section of Tuesday night's Joliet City Council meeting imploring his elected officials to stop a Hindu Temple from being built near Caton Farm Road and Drauden Road. "I have a proposal for a park to be built," Perez explained. "But before I give this speech, I just want to let the City Council know that I love everyone regardless of their color. That's how my parents taught me. Race, religion, belief doesn't matter.
Joliet Murder Victim Manuel Mejia Perez, Funeral Funds GoFundMe Underway

3 days ago | patch.com | John Ferak

JOLIET, IL —A total of $190 has been raised thanks to five donations toward the $10,000 GoFundMe fund-raising goal for the Funeral Costs For A Young Life Lost RIP Manuel Mejia Perez. Manuel became the city of Joliet's first homicide victim for 2025 when he was fatally shot in an alley on the southeast side of Joliet, near the 300 block of DesPlaines Street on Monday. Manuel's killer got away before the Joliet police and Joliet Fire Department paramedics arrived at the scene.
Teen, 14, Dies Inside Wilmington House: Police Investigation Underway

3 days ago | patch.com | John Ferak

WILMINGTON, IL — Plainfield Police Commander Kevin McQuaid of the Will-Grundy Major Crimes Task Force confirmed for Joliet Patch that investigators are helping the Wilmington Police Department investigate the circumstances of Tuesday afternoon's death of a 14-year-old boy in Wilmington.
Joliet's Eric Lurry Federal Lawsuit: Will City Council Settle Lawsuit Or Head To Trial?

3 days ago | patch.com | John Ferak

JOLIET, IL — At Tuesday night's meeting — behind a locked door in closed session, —the Joliet City Council is expected to meet with their attorneys to decide whether to reach a settlement with Nicole Lurry to resolve her 5-year-long federal lawsuit surrounding the death of her husband Eric Lurry in the presence of the Joliet police. The federal judge issued his ruling of 68 pages, and while some of plaintiff Nicole Lurry's claims were thrown out by the judge, several others stayed.
Raynor Ave. Needs To Be Shutdown: But Why This Long?

3 days ago | patch.com | John Ferak

JOLIET, IL — The city of Joliet issued a press release on Tuesday advising everyone that as part of the Plainfield Road Water Main Improvement Project, new pavement must be constructed at the Six Corners intersection of Plainfield Road and Black Road and Ruby Street and North Raynor Avenue. The work to construct the new pavement is scheduled to begin the morning of Monday, June 9 and be completed on Monday, June 23.
Illinois Summer Festival Guide 2025

3 days ago | patch.com | John Ferak

It may not officially be summer until June 20, but the weather has already started to warm and schools are wrapping up for the year, which means it's time to take a look at the summer festivals and events coming up in the Chicago area. Here are some events to keep you and the kids busy until school is back in session and the weather cools off. From live music and food fests to craft beer and fireworks, there's no shortage of entertainment to be had.
Scabby The Rat Occupies Hufford Junior High Construction Site: 10 Photos, Video

3 days ago | patch.com | John Ferak

JOLIET, IL — The giant new Hufford Junior High School is being built near the corner of Larkin Avenue and Ingalls Avenue but not everyone is thrilled with the ongoing construction work. There is an inflatable rat strapped to the ground on Ingalls Avenue and a human person wearing a furry costume walking along the street to let motorists know that Local 150 is fuming mad with Joliet District 86 Superintendent Theresa Rouse and other District 86 school officials.
Long John Silver Demo: Trendy New Business Will Be Built Here: Photos

3 days ago | patch.com | John Ferak

JOLIET, IL — For the past four years, Joliet area residents drove past the empty Long John Silver restaurant on West Jefferson Street and they could not step inside to order fried fish, shrimp or hush puppies. On Tuesday morning, the vacant Long John Silver had its date with Gould Brothers Demolition and the Gould Brothers prevailed, smashing and destroying the Long John Silver building into pieces. If you're sad to see the empty Long John Silver gone, don't be.
Louis Lakota, Age 83, Joliet American Legion Band Past President

4 days ago | patch.com | John Ferak

(The following obituary was provided to Joliet Patch on behalf of Tezak Funeral Home.)JOLIET, IL — Louis J. Lakota, Jr., age 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Lou is survived by his children, Louis J.
Joliet Shooting A Few Blocks Down The Street From City Police Station

4 days ago | patch.com | John Ferak

JOLIET, IL —The Joliet Police Department issued a Facebook bulletin around supper time on Monday advising everyone that officers and detectives are investigating a shooting near the 300 block of Desplaines Street. A portion of the area is closed off as part of this investigation and we request the public avoid the area at this time. Further details will be provided once they become available, the agency noted.