James Hill

Will County

John Ferak

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Joliet

Illinois

Shorewood

Andrea Earnest

Homer Glen-Lockport

Lauren Traut

New Lenox

Channahon-Minooka

Emily Rosca

Plainfield

Romeoville

Manhattan

Bolingbrook

Mokena

Cook County

Lemont

Gotion Illinois Manufacturing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Students Earn International Scholar Award
MANTENO, IL July 16, 2026 — A group of Illinois high school and college students who spent their summer immersed in advanced battery manufacturing will soon embark on a journey halfway around the world as part of Gotion Illinois' inaugural International Scholar Award Program.
Departing Chicago on Sunday, July 19, the students, accompanied by local elementary, high school, and college STEM educators, and parents will participate in a 10-day educational, arts and cultural exchange across China. The group includes high school students from Herscher, Bradley-Bourbonnais, Clifton Central, Manteno, and Kankakee Bishop McNamara that is joinng college interns from UIUC, UIC, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Virginia Polytechnic, Wheaton, and ITT and others with degree programs ranging from engineering to business to architecture.
The trip marks the culmination of Gotion Illinois' summer internship program, which provides students with hands-on exposure to advanced battery manufacturing and clean energy technologies. Throughout the summer, participating high school and college students worked with experts at Gotion Illinois’ Manteno plant, gaining hands-on experience producing energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The internship introduced students to the wide range of careers that support advanced manufacturing, from engineering and quality control to supply chain, operations and Research and Development. The International Scholar Award Program combines workforce development, STEM education, the arts and cultural exchange, providing students with an opportunity to learn from global industry leaders while experiencing a new culture firsthand.
As a global battery technology company, Gotion Illinois created the Scholar program to help students of all majors better understand the international nature of the battery industry, and the role innovation, research, the arts and manufacturing play in advancing clean energy technologies worldwide. "The International Scholar Award reflects Gotion Illinois' commitment to investing in the next generation of innovators, engineers, and community leaders," said Mark Kruesel, Vice President of Manufacturing at Gotion Illinois. "We are proud to provide them with the opportunity to explore advanced battery manufacturing, connect with industry experts, and gain a broader perspective on the global technologies shaping their future."
Over 10 days, participants will travel through Shanghai, Nanjing, Hefei, and Beijing, where they will visit advanced manufacturing facilities, tour leading universities, engage with technology experts, and explore some of China's most renowned historical landmarks. The group will return to the United States via Guangzhou. Among the highlights of the trip are visits to the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and a variety of cultural, educational, and technology-focused destinations that showcase China's advancements in innovation, manufacturing, and sustainable energy. For many of the students selected, this will be their first opportunity to travel internationally and see how the technologies they studied this summer are developed and manufactured around the world. "This is a unique opportunity to see how our local community is connected to the larger world," said International Scholar Emily Lyle. Educators accompanying the delegation say the experience will have a lasting impact not only on students but also on local classrooms and communities.
“This is just our first cohort,” said Director of Public Affairs Andrew Wheeler. “We look forward to providing enough runway for full participation from all partners, including Kankakee 111 and Kankakee Area Career Center next year. Next year begins when we kick off October Manufacturing Month with Student and educator tours of the facility, and a look at local Advanced Manufacturing in a global context.”
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About Gotion Illinois
Gotion Illinois is developing next-generation battery technology and advanced manufacturing solutions to support the growing demand for electric mobility and energy storage. Through partnerships with local schools, colleges, universities, and community organizations, Gotion Illinois is committed to workforce development, STEM education, and creating opportunities for future industry leaders.
Media Contact -&nbsp;Andrew Wheeler Gotion Illinois, Director of Public Affairs 
a.wheeler@gotion.com

Local Event: Students Earn International Scholar Award

Kankakee County

Manteno

Students Earn International Scholar Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Students Earn International Scholar Award
MANTENO, IL July 16, 2026 — A group of Illinois high school...

Timbers of Shorewood

The Del Bergeson Orchestra will provide the music for our free Outdoor Concert Series, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16 at The Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Road. Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck will be onsite from noon to 3 p.m.&nbsp;selling lobster, lobster rolls, chowder &amp; more. The concert is free and open to the public.
Running through July, the summer concert series features a broad spectrum of live music and performances spanning classic rock, traditional polkas, big band orchestra, and global folklore dance. All performances are free and open to the public.
This July, the Timbers is also hosting the “Taste of Timbers” food truck series. Local food trucks will be on-site, offering a variety of delicious dining options for the community. As part of the Taste of Timbers, specific Fundraiser Days will be held where a portion of proceeds from the food trucks will directly benefit the Alzheimer’s Association through Team Timbers.
Events are primarily hosted outdoors on the patio, offering neighborhood families, seniors, and music enthusiasts an open-air venue. In the event of inclement weather, the indoor ballroom will serve as a backup location.
“We are so excited to bring the community together this month,” said Sheila Albor, director of marketing, The Timbers of Shorewood. “There is nothing quite like enjoying live music on a beautiful summer day, and having a lobster food truck on-site makes the experience even better. We truly encourage everyone in the community to come out, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the show with us.”
Upcoming concerts include:
<ul><li>1:30 p.m., Thursday, July 16 – Del Bergeson Orchestra (Big Band)</li><li>2 p.m., Thursday, July 23 – Hearts of Zagreb (Traditional Croatian Folklore Dance Group) Note: This specific performance will be hosted inside the main Ballroom.</li><li>10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 25 – Cloggin’ Craze (New Lenox Clogging Dance Group)</li></ul>


Upcoming Food Trucks include:
<ul><li>12 – 3 p.m., Thursday, July 16 - Cousins Maine Lobster (Lobster, lobster rolls, chowder &amp; more)</li><li>12 – 3 p.m., Thursday, July 23 - Kona Ice (Shaved Ice)</li><li>9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Friday, July 24 - Ground for Good (Coffee, refreshers, lemonade) (Fundraiser Day)</li><li>11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Friday, July 24 - Serrano Takos (Fundraiser Day) </li><li>12 – 3 p.m., Sunday, July 26 - Tacos Giselle</li><li>10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Friday, July 31 LaTonya &amp; Co. (Lemonade, ice tea &amp; more)</li></ul>





The Timbers of Shorewood Senior Living, 1100 N. River Rd., Shorewood, is a rental retirement community that provides senior independent living and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents whose needs may change are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate and compassionate care. Furnished apartments are also available for short-term stays.

Learn more about the Timbers of Shorewood call 815-609-0669.

Local Event: Free Outdoor Concert with Del Bergeson Orchestra and Lobster Food Truck Onsite

Free Outdoor Concert with Del Bergeson...

The Del Bergeson Orchestra will provide the music for our free Outdoor Concert Series, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16...

Free Outdoor Concert with Del Bergeson Orchestra and Lobster Food Truck Onsite

Joliet Iron Works Historic Site

Explore one of Joliet’s hidden historic gems during Kickin’ It at the Iron Works, a free Route 66 centennial event from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 17, at <a href="https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/preserves/joliet-iron-works-historic-site" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Joliet Iron Works Historic Site</a>.
Once a powerhouse of America’s steel industry, this <a href="https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Forest Preserve District of Will County</a> site now features impressive stone foundations and a 1-mile paved walkway through the remnants of the former iron works. Forest Preserve staff will be stationed along the route to share stories about the people who worked there and the role the site played in the region’s industrial past.
Visitors can also watch a live blacksmithing demonstration, view historic photos at the preserve shelter and explore at their own pace. Stay for a quick stop or the full event.
The event is free and open to all ages. No registration is required. Parking is limited, so walking, biking or carpooling is encouraged.

Local Event: Kickin’ It At The Iron Works

Kickin’ It At The Iron Works

Explore one of Joliet’s hidden historic gems during Kickin’ It at the Iron Works, a free Route 66 centennial event from 4 to 7...

White Oak Library District: Lockport Branch

Get ready, fandom lovers! Lockport’s 10th Annual Comic and Fandom Con is leveling up again this year with over 60 artists, writers, and specialty vendors offering exclusive merch you won’t find anywhere else—all at budget-friendly prices. Show off your best cosplay for a chance to win cash prizes, rock out to live music, laugh it up with an improv group, and catch insights at the artist panel. Plus, there’s a scavenger hunt, a themed photo booth, and yes—zombies! This is your ultimate fandom adventure—don’t miss it!&nbsp;
Swag bags for the first 500 attendees. Follow your fandoms at this FREE show presented by the White Oak Library District and the Lockport Council of Arts.&nbsp;
121 E 8th Street, Lockport IL. Find out more at <a href="https://whiteoaklibrary.org/comicopolis" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">COMICOPOLIS.ORG</a> and on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/7676315335818212" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">comicopolislockport</a>.&nbsp;

Local Event: Comicopolis

Comicopolis

Get ready, fandom lovers! Lockport’s 10th Annual Comic and Fandom Con is leveling up again this year with over 60 artists,...

OPA!&nbsp;&nbsp;Come join us for Joliet&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;Fest, presented by All Saints&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;Orthodox Church,&nbsp;102 N Broadway St in&nbsp;Joliet!&nbsp; Saturday,&nbsp;July 18th noon to 9pm and Sunday, July 19th noon to 8 pm!&nbsp; Enjoy traditional&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;food, refreshing cold drinks and&nbsp;slushies,&nbsp;homemade pastries, amazing&nbsp;loukoumades,&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;coffee and frappes,&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;wine and beer, and much more!&nbsp;&nbsp;For the first time we are also offering delicious baklava sundaes!&nbsp;&nbsp;Outdoor and indoor seating is available, and free shuttle service from nearby parking at Bicentennial Park.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mark your calendars, we can't wait to see you!

Local Event: Joliet Greek Fest at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church

Joliet Greek Fest at All Saints Greek Orthodox...

OPA!  Come join us for Joliet Greek Fest, presented by All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 102 N Broadway St in Joliet! ...

Joliet Greek Fest at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church

The Family Fun Festival is an EXCLUSIVE event staged by, Including You Inc.&nbsp;Including You, Inc., here in Joliet is a 501 C3 not-for-profit, charitable fundraising organization. Including You assist other non-for-profit community service based organizations reaching out to our communities, providing such needed assistance.
Tickets are on sale @ $10 admission ($15 @door)

Contact us at: Including you Inc. PO Box 3162 Joliet IL 60434-3162Website: &nbsp; https://www.includingyouinc.org
Phone: 815-272-0782 Email: includingyouinc@icloud.com

Local Event: Family Fun Festival 

Family Fun Festival 

 
The Family Fun Festival is an EXCLUSIVE event staged by, Including You Inc. Including You, Inc., here in Joliet is a 501 C3...

Morris Plaza, 100 West Commercial Dr. (behind Walgreens)-Morris, IL

On
Sunday July 19th Junk in the Trunk Morris will hold an
outdoor flea market at our Morris Plaza home. A large selection of
items is expected to be offered for sale from 9AM until 3PM at the
Morris Plaza, 100 West Commercial Drive in Morris. The location is
behind Walgreens and a block west of Division Street (IL Rt 47). If
you would like to be a vendor in Morris on July 19th, or
at any of our upcoming events in Morris, Gardner or Mazon it is not
too late as advance registration is not required. Simply arrive at
8AM, pay the $15 vendor fee, and take an available spot. Vendors with
small trailers are welcome without an additional charge, and there is
no admission fee for shoppers. Proceeds from vendor fees received at
this event will be donated to Grundy Area Public Action to Deliver
Shelter (PADS). Junk in the Trunk Morris would like to thank the
Morris Department of Public Works for providing trash receptacles at
this event. Additional information about Junk in the Trunk Morris is
available on Facebook or contact event manager George Bennett,
630-319-0289 or <a href="mailto:morrissale@yahoo.com">morrissale@yahoo.com</a>.

Local Event: Junk in the Trunk Morris Flea Market

Junk in the Trunk Morris Flea Market


On
Sunday July 19th Junk in the Trunk Morris will hold an
outdoor flea market at our Morris Plaza home. A large selection...

Northern Builders is pleased to announce the invitation to bid for the epoxy flooring scope of work for the renovations at Fire Protection District Station #2 to any union epoxy flooring contractors. Proposals must include a formal proposal as well as a bid bond form in a sealed envelope and send it to Northern Builders office at 5060 River Road, Schiller Park Illinois. Contractors can use the plans from the link below to formulate their proposal.&nbsp;<a href="https://northernbuilders.sharefile.com/public/share/web-s369e115cfbd04c038bab51d85c4069a9" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">northernbuilders.sharefile.com/public/share/web-s369e115cfbd04c038bab51d85c4069a9</a>
Contractors have until 12 pm on July 24th to submit their proposal and bid bond form to Northern Builders. Any proposal not submitted in a sealed envelope will not be accepted.

New Lenox Fire Protection District #2 Epoxy...

Northern Builders is pleased to announce the invitation to bid for the epoxy flooring scope of work for the renovations at Fire Protection District...

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