The men and women of Charie Company of the 1st Battalion 178th Infantry Airmobile Army National Guard based in Kankakee Illinois are coming home after serving in the Middle East.   They are expected to arrive at the Manteno I-57 Exit around 12-1pm on Sunday.  The parade route will go thru Manteno and then down Rt. 50 on the way to the Community Resource Center (Old Armory Building) in Kankakee, IL. Come out on Sunday and thank the troops for their service!

Check out the Task Force Thankful website for more details and to leave a message for the troops or click on the maps in PDF format below for the parade route.

Manteno Map

Bradley Map

Kankakee Map 

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Our local newspaper,  The Daily Journal recently reported that Kankakee County Foreclosures that were filed countywide were lower in May compared to years past.    Only 18 foreclosures were filed this May,  compared to 45 in May of 2008.   This represents a six year low in foreclosure filings.  

As for the first five months of 2009,  259 foreclosures have been filed but on a positive note that is lower compared to 2008 when 300 foreclosures were filed.  

Interest rates are low,  plenty of homes to choose from and if you are a first time homebuyer,  you may be eligible for a $8000 tax credit.    Looking for a home? ,  contact Brian today. 

The Chicago Bears Training Camp for 2009 is getting ready to start up again on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL.  This year, the Bears will be in Bourbonnais from July 31st- August 21st.

Click here for a complete training camp schedule.

Here are some of the special events taking place during training camp.

• Family Night @ Soldier Field - Sat. August 8th,  The Bears take their practice to Soldier Field.

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Come out to the 34rd Annual Friendship Festival in Bourbonnais this weekend!  As always the Friendship Festival is located at the Municpal Center in Bourbonnais.  Fun for all ages, including the carnival rides, bean bag tournament, children's parade and live music and performances.  

Note: No Fireworks this year due to cost increases to put on the show.  

For complete information visit www.bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com

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The Village of Manteno's Fireworks will take place on Friday, July 3rd at 9pm,  as they have for many years the fireworks show will take place at the Manteno Sportsmen's Club.  which is located at 851 N. Main St. on the north end of town.  

The 4th of July is here and the City of Kankakee will sponsor the Fireworks over the Kankakee River this year on July 4th.  The festivities begin with the gates opening at 3pm.  The Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform at 5:30 and 7pm and the spectacular fireworks display will follow at dusk that evening.    Admission is $15 per carload.   Hope to see you there!

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The Kankakee Farmer's Market takes place each Saturday this spring from 8am-Noon, weather permitting.

The Spring Farmer's Market will open April 25th and runs until May 16th 2009 , It is a great place to take the whole family, be sure to take some time to come out and support our local vendors. There is something for everyone including produce, plants, foods and specialty homemade items.

**Be sure to mark your calendar as the Farmer's Market continues into the summer starting May 23 and goes through October 17. The Summer market hours are 7am to Noon.**