News

Originally publushed by Illinois Times on Oct. 10, 2024.

Education has always come in many shapes and forms. But in Springfield Public Schools, some of those forms may be the plank, the downward-facing dog and the butterfly.

Yes, youngsters are being taught yoga along with reading, writing and arithmetic.

Jennifer Martin, associate professor of education at University of Illinois Springfield, is partnering with Springfield Public Schools District 186 to integrate yoga and social-emotional learning into the curriculum. The idea is to equip children with productive ways to deal with anger and stress.

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura will be co-hosting a community town hall with representatives from Ascension Illinois and Prime Healthcare on Oct. 16 to discuss the recent acquisition of St. Joseph Hospital.

“I highly encourage residents, local leaders and health care workers to attend this town hall, which will provide an opportunity to learn about future plans for the hospital, services provided and how extensive care programs may be changed,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By providing this space for questions and comments, I hope we can alleviate some of the confusion surrounding this new acquisition and make sure all community members’ concerns are heard.”

The free event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 2-4 p.m. at the Joliet Public Library Black Road Branch located at 3395 Black Road in Joliet. Coffee and donuts will also be served.

Residents with questions can contact Ventura’s district office at 331-290-0443 or on her website.

Additionally, the full slideshow presentation provided by Prime Healthcaremay be found here: Prime-Ascension_IL_Elected_Officials_Town_Hall_October_2024.pdf.

Originally publusehd by The Patch on Oct. 7, 2024 

JOLIET — Cullinan Properties celebrated Monday morning's opening of the new interchange at Interstate 55 and Route 59 near I-80. The new diverging diamond will serve as the main thoroughfare into the 310-acre Rock Run Collection under development, with Hollywood Casino Joliet under construction and the first multi-family building soon to break ground. This marks the third diverging diamond for Will County. The other two are at Weber Road in Romeoville and at Houbolt Road in Joliet.

According to the press release: the new infrastructure gateway at I-55 and Route 59 in Joliet is part of a $93 million access project that will improve safety and increase access to Joliet, Shorewood, Plainfield and the surrounding communities, including to Rock Run Collection, a 310-acre mixed-use development.

JOLIET — State Senator Rachel Ventura recently announced starting this month, Southern Illinois University is hosting its Cycle Rider Safety Training Program motorcycle classes on a limited basis, including at Joliet Junior College.

“We are excited to see this popular safety training program for new motorcyclists come back to Will County,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By offering these courses, and encouraging drivers to see motorcycles on the road and – in turn – reducing motorcycle crashes, we can help prevent loss of life and give the best safety training available to new riders.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Cycle Rider Safety Training Program, which was established in 1976, offers motorcycle-riding skills at three levels, from novice users and intermediate operators as well as advanced techniques for seasoned riders.