Mark Gawron

Will County

Andrea Earnest

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Homer Glen-Lockport

Illinois

Romeoville

Lauren Traut

New Lenox

John Ferak

Joliet

Cook County

Lemont

Bolingbrook

Emily Rosca

Plainfield

Shorewood

Mokena

Orland Park

DuPage County

Woodridge

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...

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...

Quality Inn - Georgios Banquets

Dig through 40 dealer tables featuring a massive selection of Rock, Blues, Pop, Country, and Jazz vinyl, plus cassettes, CDs, and music memorabilia. General admission is just $3.00 with kids attending for free, or get early bird access with a $10.00 preview at 7:30 A.M.

Local Event: Orland Park Record Collectors Show

Orland Park Record Collectors Show

Dig through 40 dealer tables featuring a massive selection of Rock, Blues, Pop, Country, and Jazz vinyl, plus cassettes, CDs,...

Annunciation Byzantine Church

Get inspired as you tour seven beautiful and unique gardens throughout the Homer Glen area during this rain-or-shine annual event hosted by the Homer Glen Junior Woman's Club. Tickets are $16 in advance or $20 at the door, with proceeds benefiting local charities and a special opportunity for professional garden portrait sessions.

Local Event: Homer Glen Garden Walk

Homer Glen Garden Walk

Get inspired as you tour seven beautiful and unique gardens throughout the Homer Glen area during this rain-or-shine annual...

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,...

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

Channahon-Minooka

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...

Free Scrap Metal Pickup. We Pick up: All Appliances, Farm Equipment, Garden Tractors, Snowmobiles, Automotive(all car related parts), Furnaces,Nuts, Bolts, Nails, Screws&hellip;if it&rsquo;s Metal we&rsquo;ll take it away for you. If you&rsquo;re wondering if we can take a particular item just give us a call and ask. For Free Pickup please call Brian @ 815-210-8819

Free Scrap Metal Pickup

Free Scrap Metal Pickup. We Pick up: All Appliances, Farm Equipment, Garden Tractors, Snowmobiles, Automotive(all car related parts), Furnaces,Nuts...

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