Maria Yazmin Garcia

Will County

John Ferak

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Joliet

Illinois

Independent journalist and creator of Cookie’s World covering crime, courts, public records, and community stories. Based in the Joliet area, with a focus on firsthand courtroom reporting, primary-source documents, fact checks, and case developments in Will County and beyond.

Shorewood

Andrea Earnest

Homer Glen-Lockport

Lauren Traut

New Lenox

Channahon-Minooka

Emily Rosca

Plainfield

Romeoville

Manhattan

Bolingbrook

Mokena

Cook County

Lemont

New Lenox Village Commons

WE NEED YOU&nbsp;&nbsp;to join us for our 7th Annual Warriors Walk Ruck March on Saturday,&nbsp;September 19, 2026. We know that your weekend is probably busy, but OUR VETERANS NEED US NOW! The event is free, or you can donate. Create a team and have people sponsor you for how far you walk.&nbsp;&nbsp; Please remember that many Veterans will not be able to march that day!&nbsp; 
<figure><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/3443549/20260830/113807/ruck-march___30113806463.jpg" id="Ruck March.png" data-image="Ruck March.png"></figure>

The Warrior’s Walk
The Warrior’s Walk is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation based in Illinois, uniting a network of VFWs, American Legions, businesses, and schools throughout the Chicago area. Together, we are dedicated to ending Veteran suicide and raising awareness of the mental health challenges faced by our nation’s heroes. 
 
Founded in 2019 by Ryan Brazel, the Warrior’s Walk has been proudly supported by the Harry E. Anderson VFW Post #9545 and has grown exponentially. 
 
In 2024, the Thomas E. Hartung American Legion Post #1977 transitioned from a lead supporter to a contributing partner, playing a pivotal role as we grew into an independent organization. 
 
With the support of our community, we are determined to make a lasting impact on Veteran suicide. Together, we can work toward a brighter future for those who have served.
<a href="https://form.jotform.com/252563467991167" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">form.jotform.com/252563467991167</a>
$169,500 has been donated to Combat Veterans Suicide

<figure><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/3443549/20260830/113615/your-paragraph-text-1-1024x663___30113614878.jpg" id="Your-paragraph-text-1-1024x663.jpg" data-image="Your-paragraph-text-1-1024x663.jpg"></figure>
About the March
The Warriors Walk is a FREE event dedicated to raising awareness of Veteran suicide prevention through a ruck march. A ruck march, a longstanding military tradition, involves walking while carrying a backpack or weighted pack, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and unity.
DISTANCE OPTIONS:
- The Memorial Mile (1 mile)
- 5K (3.36 miles)
- 5 miles (4.8 miles)
- 10 miles (9.96 miles)
- 20 miles (19.5 miles)
WHEN &amp; WHERE
The third Saturday of September at 9:00 AM at the New Lenox Village Commons (1 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL). Registration begins at 8:00 AM.
ROUTE
East along the Old Plank Road Trail toward the Frankfort VFW at Pfeiffer and Sauk Trl Rd. Halfway points for each distance will be marked, and participants will turn around and march back to the New Lenox Village Commons.
Making a Difference
The Warriors Walk supports Veterans and their families by raising funds for essential mental health care. Every dollar raised through fundraising, events, sponsorships, and partnerships goes to organizations that promote positive mental health for Veterans.
Our Commitment to Veterans
We collaborate with organizations that provide accessible, stigma-free mental health services for Veterans, Service Members, and their families. These organizations offer:
* Free and affordable therapy sessions tailored to trauma treatment.
* Ongoing access to mental health care through in-person and telehealth services.
* Personalized support through a network of experienced mental health professionals.
By participating in The Warriors Walk, you directly contribute to life-changing mental health services for those who have served our country.
Sponsor or donate
Create a Team and have friends sponsor you for every mile you walk. Check with your workplace to see if they will match the donations you raise. Remember, we are a 501c(3) not-for-profit corporation

Local Event: New Lenox 7th Annual 2026 WARRIORS WALK for Veterans Suicide Prevention

New Lenox 7th Annual 2026 WARRIORS WALK for...

WE NEED YOU  to join us for our 7th Annual Warriors Walk Ruck March on Saturday, September 19, 2026.  We know that your weekend...

New Lenox 7th Annual 2026 WARRIORS WALK for Veterans Suicide Prevention

Don't miss the chance to save on the biggest names in lighting and home decor during our Annual Storewide Sale. Shop our in-store discounts of -25% off all regular retail prices on in stock and special ordered items in categories of lighting, ceiling fans, home decor and more, as well as unbeatable deals starting at -70% off under our tent. 
This is the biggest sale we run all year, you don't want to miss it! Sale Days and Hours- Thursday September 17th, Friday September 18th 9am-5pm and Saturday September 19th 9am -4pm&nbsp;

Local Event: Annual Storewide Sale and Clearance Event 

Annual Storewide Sale and Clearance Event 

Don't miss the chance to save on the biggest names in lighting and home decor during our Annual Storewide Sale. Shop our...

This spring, the Troy Baseball family learned that two dads from the same team, Bob and Juan, were facing the same difficult battle: both are in desperate need of a living kidney donor.
As a baseball family, we couldn't stand by and let them fight this battle alone.
After tossing around ideas for how we could help, Home Runs for Hope was born. 
&nbsp;HOME RUNS FOR HOPE
Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Troy Baseball — Lou Von Field
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/21961+S.+River+Rd.,+Shorewood,+IL?entry=gmail&amp;source=g" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">21961 S. River Rd., Shorewood, IL</a>
This isn't just a fundraiser — it's a baseball game for ALL ages!
We want our Troy Baseball family, friends, neighbors, and supporters to come together for an afternoon of baseball, fun, and most importantly, hope for Bob and Juan.
&nbsp;How to Play
Everyone who wants to take the field should register as a DUO:
&nbsp;One child, ages 5–17&nbsp;One adult, ages 18–99+&nbsp;$10 registration fee per duo
Whether you're a seasoned baseball player, a weekend warrior, or someone who just wants to have some fun with your child, we want you on the field!
You don't have to be the best player. You just have to be willing to step up to the plate for two dads who need our help.
Every inning brings us one step closer to hope.
And while we're gathering to play ball, we'll also be raising awareness about living kidney donation and how someone may be able to help give Bob or Juan a second chance at life.&nbsp;Let's Fill the Field

Troy Baseball has always been about more than baseball. It's about family, friendship, teamwork, and showing up for one another.
Now it's our turn to show Bob and Juan just how strong their Troy Baseball family really is.
Grab your kid. Find a partner. Register your duo. Bring your friends. Come play ball. Come support. Come spread hope.

Local Event: Home Runs For Hope 

Home Runs For Hope 

This spring, the Troy Baseball family learned that two dads from the same team, Bob and Juan, were facing the same difficult...

Introducing Jessica L. Weaver&nbsp; Sterk Family Law Group. P.C. has expanded their family of professionals with the addition of Law Clerk Jessica L. Weaver. Jessica L. Weaver is a Law Clerk at Sterk Family Law Group and supports the attorneys and legal team through legal research, case preparation, document review, and day-to-day case support. Jessica is currently working towards her Juris Doctor at DePaul University College of Law. Through her role at the firm, she is gaining hands-on experience while expanding her knowledge of family law and estate planning.&nbsp;Get to Know Jessica L. Weaver 
Why did you choose to work in Family Law?
Honestly, I started law school not really knowing what area of law I wanted to practice; I just knew I wanted to do something to help people. After I completed my third semester of law school, I had a small existential crisis because I still wasn&rsquo;t sure what area of law I wanted to go into after graduation. I decided to take two family law classes the following semester, and I realized that this was exactly what I had been looking for. Family law is a great way to help people at very significant points in their lives, and I look forward to learning more about how to provide support during these times.&nbsp;&nbsp;
How do you get away from stress and separate your work from your home life?
I&rsquo;m not always the best at this, but I try to be very intentional about having a &ldquo;hard stop&rdquo; time when I&rsquo;m studying or doing work. There have been times when I&rsquo;m hyper-focused on a task and am not looking at the time, and before I know it, it&rsquo;s 11 PM, and I need to be in bed. After the twentieth or so time of that happening, I decided to set an alarm to mark a &ldquo;hard stop&rdquo; time, and after that time, I am no longer allowed to be on my computer to do any more work. I still sometimes just keep going and ignore the alarm, but I&rsquo;ve definitely gotten better!
Who is your hero?
My sister is definitely my hero. She&rsquo;s seven years older than me and has been my biggest role model in life. She&rsquo;s a psychologist who has her own practice now, and seeing her work so hard to achieve her goals has been a huge inspiration.&nbsp;
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is from C.S. Lewis &ndash; &ldquo;There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.&rdquo;&nbsp;
What do you do in your spare time?
I recently learned how to crochet, so I love doing that while I&rsquo;m watching TV or YouTube videos. It&rsquo;s a good way to decompress and shut my brain off so I&rsquo;m not thinking about everything I need to get done. I also like to read any and all genres of fiction books!
What is your favorite holiday and why?
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving! There&rsquo;s great food, of course, but I also really enjoy that the theme of the holiday is &ldquo;giving thanks.&rdquo; It&rsquo;s nice to have the reminder to slow down and be thankful for all of the good things in your life.&nbsp;
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would definitely be a cat! They just get to laze around and nap or play all day, and that sounds like a great life!
Sterk Family Law Group, P.C.,&nbsp;11508 West 183rd Place NW, Orland Park, IL 60467,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@sterkfamilylaw.com?subject=Sterk-Website-Contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">info@sterkfamilylaw.com,</a>Phone: <a href="tel:815-600-8950" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">(815) 600-8950</a> &bull; Fax: (815) 600-8519

Orland Park

Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. Welcomes Law Clerk...

Introducing Jessica L. Weaver Sterk Family Law Group. P.C. has expanded their family of professionals with the addition of Law Clerk Jessica L....

Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. Welcomes Law Clerk Jessica L. Weaver

Introducing Kelly M. McDermott
Sterk Family Law Group. P.C. has expanded their family of professionals with the addition of Office Administrator Kelly M. McDermott.&nbsp;
Kelly M. McDermott is the Office Administrator at Sterk Family Law Group. Kelly works closely with their leadership team and staff to manage the daily operations of the firm and keep the office running smoothly. 
Her responsibilities include overseeing administrative processes, coordinating accounting and benefits matters, managing vendor relationships, assisting with compliance, and providing support to our team.
Kelly has more than 20 years of experience in office and operations management. Her background includes working with leadership teams, managing confidential information, coordinating financial and administrative processes, and keeping the many moving parts of a busy office organized. Kelly joined Sterk Family Law Group in 2026.
Get to Know Kelly M. McDermott
<ul><li>How do you get away from stress and separate your work from your home life? I love to cook so that would be my &ldquo;happy place&rdquo; when needing down time.&nbsp; Even though it&rsquo;s still work, it&rsquo;s enjoyable work!</li><li>Who is your hero?&nbsp; My sister Kim, who fought a brave battle against cancer.&nbsp; Even though she is no longer with us, I feel her presence every day and try to emulate her fighting spirit in everything I do!</li><li>What is your favorite quote?&nbsp; &ldquo;Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better&rdquo;.&nbsp; - Maya Angelou</li><li>What do you do in your spare time?&nbsp; With a full time job, three children, two dogs a cat and a Jeff, I don&rsquo;t really know what that is but I volunteer at my church on our worship team and on the board.</li><li>What is your biggest accomplishment?&nbsp; Building a family and a life I&rsquo;m proud of while continuing to grow personally and professionally.</li><li>How do you like working with Sterk Family Law Group, P.C.?&nbsp; I don&rsquo;t know yet!&nbsp; Excited to see where this adventure takes me!</li><li>What is a fun fact about you?&nbsp; I have never met an occasion I couldn&rsquo;t over plan! Halloween! I love decorating, getting creative and going completely overboard transforming the house every year.</li><li>What is your favorite holiday and why?&nbsp; Halloween! I love decorating, getting creative and going completely overboard transforming the house every year.</li><li>If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?&nbsp; A house cat.&nbsp; I would like to spend my days napping in sunny spots, being fed by someone else and judging everyone around me.</li></ul>
Sterk Family Law Group, P.C.,&nbsp;11508 West 183rd Place NW, Orland Park, IL 60467,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@sterkfamilylaw.com?subject=Sterk-Website-Contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">info@sterkfamilylaw.com,</a>Phone: <a href="tel:815-600-8950" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">(815) 600-8950</a> &bull; Fax: (815) 600-8519

Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. Welcomes Office...

Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. Welcomes Office Administrator Kelly M. McDermott

Introducing Cynthia L. Petersen&nbsp;
Sterk Family Law Group. P.C. has expanded their family of professionals with the addition of Attorney Cynthia L. Petersen.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Attorney Cynthia L. Petersen has focused her legal career in family law and understands the importance of combining legal knowledge and skill with empathy for clients navigating difficult and emotional circumstances. 
At Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. she focuses on complex financial matters involving retirement assets, providing in-house legal guidance to help ensure the necessary documents accurately reflect and carry out the intended terms of the division. 
Cynthia earned her Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, serves as Treasurer of the Jo Daviess County Bar Association, serves as a board member at a local animal shelter, and has been a board member of her community&rsquo;s Chamber of Commerce.
Get to Know Cynthia L. Petersen
<ul><li>What do clients look for in an attorney? &ndash; Clients looking for an attorney want someone who can understand their circumstances and the emotional issues involved in their situation.&nbsp; Knowledge and expertise are important, but empathy isn&rsquo;t far behind.&nbsp; A good attorney has the knowledge and skills while a great attorney has the knowledge, skills and the ability to relate to their clients.</li><li>Why did you choose Family Law? &ndash; Family law is one of the most rewarding areas of the law.&nbsp; Not only do we help people who are in sometimes their worst situation in life, but we also act as a bridge between the court, which approach cases like a financial and/or business transaction, and the client who is often going through emotional trauma and may not be in a frame of mind to make the best decisions about the financial aspects of their case without the help of a good attorney.</li><li>What is your greatest fulfillment as a family law attorney? &ndash; My favorite part of practicing family law is doing my best when negotiating a fair settlement for my client or using my best litigating skills to get what my client needs in their case.&nbsp; The happiness and gratitude expressed by the client is truly heart warming.</li><li>How do you get away from stress and separate your work from your home life? &ndash; I am an artist and photographer so painting a picture or going through the countryside and taking pictures is relaxing for me.&nbsp; I am also a singer and sing on the worship team at church, which is my favorite stress reliever.</li><li>Who is your hero? &ndash; My mother is my hero.&nbsp; She is wise, loving and always affirming.&nbsp; She taught me how to approach life with joy and positivity.&nbsp; She trained me to sing and taught me how to be confident.</li><li>What is your favorite quote? &ndash; My life verse is Ephesians 2:10 &ndash; &ldquo;For we are God&rsquo;s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.&rdquo;</li><li>My favorite funny quote is: &ldquo;Dogs have owners, Cats have staff.&rdquo;</li><li>What do you do in your spare time? &ndash; I love to watch good TV shows with my husband in the evening, or go to a good movie.&nbsp; Of course, singing, taking photos and going shopping with my 2 daughters is also fun.</li><li>What is your biggest accomplishment? &ndash; I had a case in which the ex-spouse did not want his former wife to have his executive &ldquo;top hat&rdquo; pension.&nbsp; I prevailed at court and the ex-husband appealed.&nbsp; I did an oral argument in front of the Appellate Court and they quoted me when affirming the trial court&rsquo;s decision and sending the case back to the trial court to enforce the ruling.</li><li>How do you like working with Sterk Family Law Group, P.C.? &ndash; Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. represents their clients zealously and really cares about them.&nbsp; I love being part of that.</li><li>What is a fun fact about you? &ndash; My husband and I own an escape room business, which is very fun.&nbsp; I love to watch people trying to figure out the riddles, clues and other challenges and it is even more fun to watch their reactions when they win.</li><li>What is your favorite holiday and why? &ndash; I should say Mother&rsquo;s Day, because I am a mother of 3, but my favorite holiday is Easter because it is a joyful holiday &ndash; and I get to sing great songs at church!</li><li>Are you connected to the counties in which you practice? &ndash; I am a board member of a pet shelter in my county and have been on the board of the Chamber of Commerce in my small town as well.&nbsp; Our town has a town choir in the Christmas season and I love being a part of that.</li><li>If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? &ndash; I would love to be a dog with a pampering owner.&nbsp; I spoil my dog and cats and often say to them, &ldquo;Ah to spend my day lazing around and getting treats.&nbsp; Wouldn&rsquo;t that be the best?!&rdquo;</li></ul>Sterk Family Law Group, P.C.,&nbsp;11508 West 183rd Place NW, Orland Park, IL 60467,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@sterkfamilylaw.com?subject=Sterk-Website-Contact" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">info@sterkfamilylaw.com, </a>Phone: <a href="tel:815-600-8950" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">(815) 600-8950</a> &bull; Fax: (815) 600-8519

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Maria Yazmin Garcia, Neighbor

Posting Activity

New Lenox 7th Annual 2026 WARRIORS WALK for Veterans Suicide Prevention

Annual Storewide Sale and Clearance Event

Home Runs For Hope

Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. Welcomes Law Clerk Jessica L. Weaver

Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. Welcomes Office Administrator Kelly M. McDermott

Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. Welcomes Attorney Cynthia L. Petersen