Community Corner
š± Patch AM: Tear Down Ruby Street Bridge, Jackson, Cass, Jefferson, McDonough Street Bridges: Joliet Councilman Moreno
Be sure to catch Sports Cards and More Show @ Orland Park Civic Center - Sunday, August 23, 2026 on the Joliet Patch calendar

Hello again Joliet! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Joliet councilman pushes to replace aging downtown drawbridges
- What did a Will County judge just toss from this Joliet church lawsuit?
- Joliet-area community remembers the life of Judith Grygiel
Also on today's calendar: Sports Cards and More Show @ Orland Park Civic Center - Sunday, August 23, 2026 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the Buffalo say when his son left? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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- Sunday: Lots of sun; nice, less humid, with a high of 77 and low of 53 degrees.
- Monday: Pleasant with some sun, temps: high: 78, low: 58.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny and humid, with a high of 78 and low of 62 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Tear Down Ruby Street Bridge, Jackson, Cass, Jefferson, McDonough Street Bridges: Joliet Councilman Moreno (patch.com) — Joliet residents are facing major disruption after the sudden August 14 closure of the Ruby Street Bridge, prompting Councilman Juan Moreno to demand better communication and long-term fixes from state and federal officials. In a detailed letter, he urges demolition and full replacement of Joliet's aging downtown movable bridges, including Ruby, Cass, Jackson, Jefferson, and McDonough, along with a clear notification protocol for future closures.
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2. Priest Accused Of Sexual Assault At Hammel Woods: Joliet Diocese Attorney Wins Big Pretrial Ruling (patch.com) — A Will County judge has dismissed several key counts in a civil lawsuit against the Diocese of Joliet and a former Holy Family parish priest, narrowing but not ending the case. The suit, filed by a former employee identified as Jane Doe, centers on alleged misconduct tied to her work at Shorewood's Holy Family and the Diocese's response, with Joliet-based attorneys and church officials deeply involved.
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3. Judith Grygiel (freepressnewspapers.com) — A longtime area resident who was born in Joliet and later lived in Wilmington is remembered for her artistic talent, love of family gatherings, and passion for the outdoors. Her body has been donated to medical science, and instead of a traditional funeral, her family will hold a joyful celebration of life at a later date.
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4. Joliet Junior College Night of Stars honors 4 local leaders (shawlocal.com) — Joliet Junior College is inviting the community to its Night of Stars celebration on Sept. 1 at the Main Campus Theatre in Joliet, honoring four standout leaders and partners. Attendees will hear how local advocates for health, education, and agriculture have strengthened JJC and the wider Joliet area. Tickets are available online for the early-evening event.
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5. Oswego Co-Op's Alli Wiertel shoots Wedgewood women's record 64: Saturday's Record Newspapers sports roundup (shawlocal.com) — A standout girls golfer shot a women's course-record 7-under 64 at Wedgewood Golf Course to win medalist honors at the Joliet Township Invite, where Oswego Co-Op finished third as a team. The roundup also highlights strong performances by Yorkville girls tennis and several area boys golf teams at the Roger Keller Classic.
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📸 Around Joliet
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Joliet
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Sports Cards and More Show @ Orland Park Civic Center - Sunday, August 23, 2026 →
Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park
9:00 am - Closest to the Pin Contest →
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2500 S Arbeiter Rd, Joliet
11:00 am - Nik & Ivy Maker's Market - Summer Edition (Anniversary Events) →
Nik & Ivy Brewing Company, 1026 S State St, Lockport
12:00 pm - Sontag Speed Supplies Car Show →
Sontag Speed Supplies, 1931 Donmaur Dr, Crest Hill
10:00 am
Sunday August 23
Saturday August 29
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Nurses Ministry Annual Health Fair →
Second Baptist Church, 156 S Joliet St, Joliet
12:00 pm - St Mary Nativity & Holy Cross Parish Picnic →
700 Theodore St, Joliet
12:00 pm - The Frosted Republic: How Illinois Taught America to Celebrate in Cake →
White Oak Library District: Crest Hill Branch, 20670 City Center Blvd, Crest Hill
7:00 pm - THE CENTER Young Adults →
1451 B Black Rd, Joliet
6:00 pm - Ugly Kid Joe At The Forge →
The Forge, 22 W Cass St, Joliet
6:30 pm - Holiday Food Basket Sign-up →
Will County Center For Community Concerns, 2455 Glenwood Ave, Joliet
12:00 pm - Labor Day UNLIMITED Attractions Wristband at Haunted Trails (Joliet) →
Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center & Picnics, 1423 N Broadway St, Joliet
12:00 pm - September Meeting of 100+ Women Who Care of Will County →
Coom's Corner Sports Grill, 1225 E 9th St, Lockport
6:00 pm
Sunday August 23
Tuesday August 25
Thursday August 27
Saturday August 29
Tuesday September 1
Monday September 7
Tuesday September 8
📣 Joliet Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Joliet PatchAM possible:
- Timbers of Shorewood — (815) 609-0669
- Oswego Service Group, LLC — (630) 892-2400
- Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory — (815) 744-0022
- Will County Children's Advocacy Center — 815-774-4565
- Bisa Lina Cannabis Dispensary — (815) 418-0200
- Kobi's Massage Therapist — (312) 219-4103
- Marker Law, LLC — (331) 295-8005
- Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois — (312) 207-5290
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Obituary: Trevor J. Wright —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
- Obituary: Kathleen P. Mackowiak (nee Martin) —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
- Obituary: Judith M. (Mulvey) Wetherbee —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
- Obituary: Charlene Ann Kobe (née Strong) —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
- GARAGE SALE 🥳Today SATURDAY 8/22@ 20537 McGilvray Dr.
, Crest Hill, IL 60403 - Women's Clothing size Large, Women's Shoes size 9.5, Men's Sport Coats- Size 46L, Christmas Decor, Very nice Outdoor Pergola… (Nextdoor Cambridge Run-Old Renwick) - I need some flag poles and dug and hung in my front yard.
In Joliet by the hospital. Julie already came out. Only serious inquiries, please! Please inbox me. (Nextdoor Infantry Drive)
- J. C. Penney Company, Inc. posted a job opening for Beauty Consultant - Louis Joliet Mall in Joliet. Apply here.
- Walgreen Company posted a job opening for Customer Service Associate - Temporary in Joliet. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Joliet here.
Ok Joliet! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Bison! (Thank you Judy M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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