Lee Provost

Kankakee

Reporter at Kankakee Daily Journal

All things business, politics and city hall. Part-time runner and full-time dad.

Articles

Curtis: 500 new housing units in Kankakee by 2030

6 days ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

KANKAKEE – Only moments after taking the mayoral oath of office for the second time, Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis laid out a series of lofty goals, including the creation of 500 new residential units by 2030. “It’s a bold goal, I know,” Curtis said just after Monday’s meeting concluded. “If you don’t set lofty goals, you will never reach them.”Within the city that has long struggled to gain new housing developments, Curtis said there is no reason Kankakee cannot succeed with new housing.
Mission of Mac’s Tracey Valant: Igniting students

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

Upon approaching her 1988 Tinley Park High School graduation, Tracey Valant had the next phase of her life somewhat mapped out. Like many other 18-year-olds, she may not have had the important conversation with her parents about those plans. She had plans of being a hairdresser. Her father, Felix, a now-retired Chicago Public School teacher and principal, had a different idea.
For Becky Williams, teaching always the goal

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

Becky Williams is one of those unique people. Some people walk across the high school graduation stage to be handed their diploma and have no idea what the next phase of life has in store for them. Williams, 49, of Bradley, had that question answered at the ripe old age of 7. As a second grader, she knew being a teacher was her future profession. Her brother and sister could certainly attest to that fact.
2nd career for KCC’s Stevenson ranks first

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

Several minutes before the introduction to psychology class began in the third-floor classroom at Kankakee Community College, Professor Cari Stevenson left herself a set of instructions. She scratched down a series of reminders on the classroom’s whiteboard. There are several items she noted to address. As the minutes to the start of the 12:30 p.m. class neared, she made sure she was ready with the fully armed Smart Board. Students offered a few comments as the free-flowing, energetic class began.
Gathered in prayer

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

KANKAKEE – Jim Rowe is Kankakee County’s top law enforcement official. The Kankakee County Courthouse is where he plies his sharp skills as its top prosecutor. But on this day of temperamental weather, he was more preacher than prosecutor. Rowe was the chief sponsor of the second Kankakee County National Day of Prayer as the law books and the courthouse gavel gave way to song, reflection and faith.
Maronich retires from Riverside Healthcare

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

KANKAKEE – When Carl Maronich arrived at Riverside Healthcare in 2006 as the director of communications and marketing, he did not have a set timeline as to how long he would be at the site. He could never imagined his largely behind-the-scene stay would have lasted until mid-2025. The 63-year-old Maronich will end his Riverside career May 16. A farewell party celebrating Maronich’s Kankakee-based career was held Friday at Hoppy Pig.
Gov. Ryan funeral services set

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

KANKAKEE – Funeral arrangements for the late Gov. George Ryan have been set, and the services will be held this week in his hometown of Kankakee. The visitation service will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Schreffler Funeral Home, Kankakee Chapel, 1900 W. Court St., Kankakee. A memorial service will be held Thursday, beginning at noon, at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 196 S. Harrison Ave., Kankakee. Ryan died Friday in his Kankakee Riverview home at the age of 91, surrounded by family.
Play ball! Bradley’s 315 Sports Park opens

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

BRADLEY – The first pitch at the 315 Sports Park flew across home plate at about 6 p.m. Friday. While it was delivered by a youngster and was nothing more than the best fastball the hurler could muster, it was historic nonetheless – weather permitting, of course. When the brand new baseball crossed home plate it ushered in a dramatically new era, specifically for Bradley, and generally for Kankakee County, in terms of youth sports and economic development.
Gov. Ryan dies

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

KANKAKEE – George Ryan and his longtime hometown of Kankakee were nearly inseparable and most could not think of one without thinking of the other. On a bright sunny Friday morning, the former one-term Illinois Republican governor died inside his South Greenwood Avenue brick home in Kankakee just before noon, his son, George “Homer” Ryan Jr. confirmed to The Daily Journal. Ryan died at the age of 91.
‘Strides are being made’: Kankakee gun violence dropping

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

KANKAKEE – There has been an area of Kankakee which has been a source of violence. While the boundaries have often changed due to shifts in population, the now-1st Ward area – more specifically a six-block area in and around the King Middle School – has remained a focus for many with this issue. Aaron Clark, director of the Kankakee Forgives program founded in 2018, said shots fired figures have dropped by 44% in this specific area.