Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How close is Manhattan’s Mike Spatola to a national title?
Also, don't miss MEN WHO COOK for the Will County Children's Advocacy Center on the Manhattan Patch calendar
What's up Manhattan! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How close is Manhattan's Mike Spatola to a national title?
Also on today's calendar: MEN WHO COOK for the Will County Children's Advocacy Center and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: How do billboards talk? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Saturday: Very warm with high clouds, with a high of 80 and low of 57 degrees.
- Sunday: Cloudy most of the time, temps: high: 73, low: 56.
- Monday: Mostly sunny and warmer, with a high of 84 and low of 62 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• National Championship Battles Set to Come Down to DIRTcar Fall Nationals at Lincoln Speedway (springfieldherald.news) — Manhattan's own Mike Spatola sits fourth in the national DIRTcar Super Late Model standings heading into the Fall Nationals at Lincoln Speedway on October 15–17, where several championships will be decided. Fans can catch multiple divisions racing over two nights, with big prize money, bonus laps, and tight points battles promising an intense finish to the 2026 season. 
📸 Around Manhattan
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Manhattan
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- MEN WHO COOK for the Will County Children's Advocacy Center →
Joliet Junior College Event Center, 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet
6:00 pm - Mission: Run 5K Run & Walk →
St. Joseph School, 275 W North St, Manhattan
8:00 am
Saturday October 17
Saturday October 24
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Tween & Teen Crafternoon →
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District, 240 Whitson Street, Manhattan
11:30 am - Mystery Book Club →
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District, 240 Whitson Street, Manhattan
11:30 am - Crafting with Mandie →
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District, 240 Whitson Street, Manhattan
5:30 pm - Teen Volunteering →
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District, 240 Whitson Street, Manhattan
4:00 pm - Painting with Tracie: "Batty" Night →
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District, 240 Whitson Street, Manhattan
5:00 pm - Bingo →
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District, 240 Whitson Street, Manhattan
2:00 pm - Spider Snacks & Stories →
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District, 240 Whitson Street, Manhattan
4:15 pm - Resume/Interview Workshop with The Workforce Center of Will County →
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District, 240 Whitson Street, Manhattan
5:30 pm - Cross Country State
Maxwell Park, 305 N Parkside Rd, Normal - Naughty Bingo @ Rosati's Hosted by Bad Jeff →
Rosati's Pizza, 108 W Illinois Hwy, New Lenox
7:00 pm
Monday October 12
Tuesday October 13
Wednesday October 14
Saturday October 17
Monday October 26
📣 Manhattan 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 Manhattan PatchAM possible:
- LiquidBooks - Used Bookstore, Print & Shipping Center — (815) 263-8369
- Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois — (312) 207-5290
- Surf Internet — (833) 544-2979
- Will County Children's Advocacy Center — 815-774-4565
- Orland Painting and Decorating Service LLC — (708) 415-2290
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
- ZZ Top & Genesis Tribute Concert —Mike Brick Read on Patch
- Walmart posted a job opening for Home Team Supervisor in New Lenox. Apply here.
- Taco Bell posted a job opening for Shift Leader in New Lenox. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Manhattan here.
🗞 Nearby News
New Lenox
- Beth Conaghan, Realtor in New Lenox, IL, Opens Permanent Office on Maple Street With Chamber Ribbon Cutting (digitalmarketreports.com)
- 'How Wrong This Decision Is': SWAT Commander Rebuked Call Not To Send Team To New Lenox Barricade (patch.com)
Frankfort
- Patch's Best 2026 Halloween Yard Haunts: Will, Kendall, Grundy Counties (patch.com)
- Eldora draws 50 entries for Clash on the Wabash (dirtondirt.com)
Ok Manhattan! 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: "How do billboards talk?" — Sign language (Thank you Ellen S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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