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Will County Year In Review: 2017's Top Stories
A look at the people and events that made the news in Will County in 2017.
It's time to take stock of 2017 and get ready for 2018 — and time to take a look back at the year that was in Will County.
From heartbreaking tragedies to events that made local history, here's a look back at some of Patch's biggest stories of the year.
Claar Wins Ninth Term
Despite a contentious campaign against challenger Jackie Traynere, Bolingbrook's mayor won re-election once again.
Find out what's happening in Plainfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Baby Sema'j's Unsolved Homicide
After a massive search involving helicopters, divers and bloodhounds, missing baby Sema'j Crosby was found dead in her Joliet Township home last April. An autopsy did not initially reveal how she died, though the death was later ruled a homicide. Her home burned down a day after her funeral, deepening the mystery. More than half a year after the toddler's death, there have been no arrests and no indication police are any closer to solving the case.
Beecher Family Tragedy
A pregnant young mother and her three toddlers died within days of a tragic Will County crash that occurred as the family was driving to a nearby church. The crash claimed the lives of Lindsey Schmidt, 29, and sons Owen, 6; Weston, 4; and Kaleb, 18 months. A fundraiser was established for the Schmidt family, and a suburban man has been charged with 16 counts of reckless homicide in the deaths of the mother and children.
Find out what's happening in Plainfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Reed Street Murder-Suicide
In another heartwrenching tragedy, a Joliet mother gunned down her twin daughters before taking her own life in August. The mother and children were identified as 41-year-old Celisa Henning and 6-year-old twins Makayla and Addison Henning.
New Name For Joliet Stadium
The minor league ballpark used by the Joliet Slammers has a new name: Route 66 Joliet Stadium.
Plainfield Jewel Murder-Suicide
On Oct. 28, former cop Raymond Zene shot his estranged wife, Elaine Zene, as she arrived for work at a Plainfield Jewel-Osco store before returning to his home and committing suicide, police said. Elaine Zene had previously filed for restraining orders against her husband, and the former couple was due to appear in court in their divorce case days after the shootings.
Joliet Bartender Found Murdered
Twenty-four-year-old Katie Kearns was found dead days after she vanished from the Joliet bar where she worked. A member of the Joliet Outlaws Motorcycle Club, which has a clubhouse near the bar, is charged in her killing.
Romeoville Metra Station Nearly Complete
Commuters will have more options in 2018 when the new Metra station is complete.
New Will County Courthouse Breaks Ground
The 10-story, $215 million facility is expected to open in 2020.
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