Read the description of each pet to learn about it, including where it can be adopted in Will County.

Dougie is a 5-year-old, 30-pound Chihuahua mix that was surrendered with two other dogs from the same home. He is friendly and affectionate. Dougie needs a home with another dog because he enjoys and relies on canine companionship. He doesn’t mind cats and does well with children. Please consider adopting Dougie along with his two friends. To meet Dougie (and his two friends), email Dogadoption@nawsus.org. Visit nawsus.org.

Hilaria is a 9-month-old female torbie kitten that was rescued in southern Illinois. Hilaria is friendly, sociable and confident. When visitors approach Hilaria’s kitty tower, she will jump up for pets and attention. When petted, Hilaria will make biscuits or roll over for belly rubs. Hilaria will make a sweet and loving companion. To meet Hilaria, email Catadoptions@nawus.org. Visit nawsus.org.

Winifred can be nervous meeting new people, she shows her wild side once she’s comfortable. She’s energetic, playful, goofy, and loves to zoom around. Winifred needs extra help with potty training due to her past living situation. She needs a patient home with a fenced yard to allow her to decompress and adjust to a new way of life. She also needs an owner with prior beagle experience. To meet Winnie, email the Will County Humane Society at willcountyhumane.com and follow the instructions for the adoption process.

Eight-year-old Banks was adopted from the humane society as a kitten and recently returned, where the shelter’s veterinarian discovered Banks had a severe urinary blockage. Banks has recovered but must remain on prescribed urinary food. Banks is very sweet and will lean his whole body into cheek rubs. While recovering in a foster home, Banks was curious and enjoyed lounging on the cat tree or sleeping in a cozy basket. Banks previously lived with dogs and is currently being introduced to other cats. To meet Banks, email the Will County Humane Society at willcountyhumane.com and follow the instructions for the adoption process.

Honey is gentle, calm, affectionate and always happy to receive pets and treats – two of her favorite things. Honey enjoys spending time with people and gets along wonderfully with other cats. She loves watching the world from a sunny window. Honey will make a mellow, loving companion. To meet Honey, visit thekittysquad.com/adoptables.

Sweet Clementine loves cozy couch time, lounging, and watching the world from the window. She prefers a calm home and does well with one respectful cat, gentle dogs and older kids. Clementine will make a snuggly, low-key companion. To meet Clementine, visit thekittysquad.com/adoptables.

Temporary lane closures will begin for roadwork along Seil Road between Raven Road and River Bluff Drive – including the Seil Road-Raven Road intersection – so the Illinois Department of Transportation can replace “the aging and load-restricted Seil Road Bridge over the DuPage River,” according to a news release from the village of Shorewood.

“Drivers are encouraged to plan and allow additional travel time while using alternate routes,” according to the release.

Full closures of the bridge and surrounding roads in the $9 million reconstruction project likely won’t begin until later in March.

Shorewood plans to provide advance notice to residents and motorists after contractors confirm the full closure dates.

The reconstruction will take place in three stages:

Stage 1: Storm sewers installation, bridge construction and roadway widening, including mini-roundabouts

Stage 2: Continued bridge construction and reconstruction, along with widening of Seil Road between Canterbury Drive and River Bluff Drive

Stage 3: Placement of the final pavement surface

The Illinois Department of Transportation required the weight limit be reduced to 5 tons after an April 23, 2023, bridge inspection.

In 2025, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation‘s annual bridge inspection report, the Seil Road Bridge remained reduced to one lane – in the center of the bridge – under a 5-ton weight limit indefinitely.

Andrés Reyes García and his wife Paula Naranjo opened Sumercé Colombian Coffee Roasters together on Feb. 2, 2025.

In addition to serving 100% Colombian specialty coffee, Sumercé sells signature drinks and traditional Colombian baked goods.

Signature drinks include arequipe aatte (a sweet espresso drink featuring Colombian caramel), matrimonio latte (a coffee drink featuring cheese, caramel, berry blend), espresso orange, Honey Lemoned Sumercé and coffee and tropical fruit frappés.

Traditional Colombian baked goods include fluffy bona (Colombian cheese bread with bacon), Sumercé waffles and Colombian Empanadas.

García recently chatted with Shaw Local about why he and Naranjo opened a coffee shop, how they chose a location for their business and what makes Sumercé unique to the area.

Why did you open a Colombian coffee shop?

Garcia: Coffee is one of the most important cultural symbols in Colombia. We wanted to create a place where people could experience a small part of that culture here in the community. Our goal was not only to serve coffee, but also to share the warmth, hospitality and flavors that are part of everyday life in Colombia.

How did you choose your location?

Garcia: We chose this location because we saw potential in the area and believed it was a place where a community-focused coffee shop could grow. We wanted to be in a neighborhood where people could come frequently, meet friends, work, or simply enjoy a good cup of coffee.

Is this your first business?

Garcia: This is not our first business. We are trained as journalists and communicators, and our professional background is in audiovisual media – photography, video and communications. We run an audiovisual production company called SD Productions. That experience in storytelling, branding and visual production helped shape the identity and concept of Sumercé.

How did you decide which items to place on the menu?

Garcia: We wanted the menu to represent Colombian flavors while still being accessible to everyone. That’s why we serve Colombian specialty coffee along with traditional baked goods such as almojábanas, pandebonos and empanadas. Many people visit us because they are curious to try Colombian coffee and food.

What are the community and seasonal events you’ve previously hosted?

Garcia: Throughout the year, we try to create experiences that bring people together. We have organized themed drink launches, seasonal promotions, small community gatherings, car shows and special celebrations connected to Colombian culture. These events help introduce our traditions while creating a welcoming space for neighbors and families.

Who created the artwork in your shop?

Garcia: The visual identity of the coffee shop is very important to us. Much of the creative direction has been developed internally, combining our experience in design and visual storytelling with elements inspired by Colombian culture.

Why did you want to host events at your coffee shop?

Garcia: Because we believe a coffee shop should be more than just a place where people buy coffee. It should be a place where people connect and a community is created. Events allow us to share culture, create memorable experiences and strengthen relationships with the community.

Why and how did you choose the name “Sumercé”?

Garcia: “Sumercé” is a traditional and respectful way of addressing someone in some regions of Colombia. It expresses warmth and closeness. We chose the name because it reflects how we want every customer to feel when they visit us.

What have you learned in the one year since you opened Sumercé?

Garcia: The biggest lesson has been understanding how important community really is. Good coffee matters, but what truly brings people back is how they feel when they walk through the door. We have learned to listen to our customers, adapt quickly and focus on creating a welcoming environment.

Why should people visit your shop?

Garcia: Because Sumercé offers more than coffee – it offers an experience. People can discover high-quality Colombian coffee, enjoy traditional flavors, and experience the hospitality that is such an important part of Colombian culture.

Sumercé Coffee is located at 1701 N Larkin Ave., Unit 1004, in Crest Hill.

For hours, menu and more information, call 815-656-6456 or visit sumerce.coffee.

Northern Builders is a real estate developer and general contractor.

Construction is already underway on the industrial facility, which sits on approximately 19.9 acres along West Spencer Road, strategically positioned near the Interstate 80 and I-355 interchange.

Building features will include a 40-foot clear height, 13,808 square feet of office space, 12,911 square feet of mezzanine space, 412 car parking spaces, 30 exterior dock doors, four drive-in doors and 13 trailer parking stalls, expandable to 88 stalls.

Construction should be complete by December.

We welcome news about business developments in our communities. We appreciate hearing about local business comings and goings, new hours, expansions, and milestones in the Joliet area. If you have a tip to share for Eyes on Enterprise, email news@theherald-news.com.

Brother James Gaffney Award of Excellence: Rialto Square Theatre

Ambassador of the Year: Howard Wright

New Business of the Year: Duffy Signs

Retail: C & C Vision Gallery

Financial Services nominee: Old National Bank

Professional Services nominee: Bays Investment Corporation

For a complete list of all award recipients and nominees, visit jolietchamber.com.

We welcome news about business developments in our communities. We appreciate hearing about local business comings and goings, new hours, expansions, and milestones in the Joliet area. If you have a tip to share for Eyes on Enterprise, email news@theherald-news.com.

Read the description of each pet to learn about it, including where it can be adopted in Will County.

Miley is an 18-month old, 40-pound terrier that was found as a stray. She is sweet, loving, gentle, easy-to-handle, and enjoys being close to people. She loves to play and would do well in an attentive and active family. She gets along well with other dogs and doesn’t seem to mind cats. Miley needs a home where she can feel safe, loved, and part of the family. To meet Miley, email Dogadoption@nawsus.org. Visit nawsus.org.

Two-year-old Woodrow was rescued from a local animal control where he was at risk of euthanasia. Woodrow is currently quiet and reserved since he’s overwhelmed by the rescue’s new smells and sounds and is still learning trust. He can be petted once he feels reassured. He especially loves neck and chin scratches. This sweet cat needs a home where he can feel safe and loved. To meet Woodrow, email Catadoptions@nawsus.org with any questions or to meet him. Visit nawsus.org.

Daphne is a sweet, energetic and loving 10-month-old husky mix. Daphne loves to run and jump around, and she appears to be dog-friendly. To meet Daphne, email the Will County Humane Society at willcountyhumane.com and follow the instructions for the adoption process.

Joey is a sweet and laid-back 5-year-old, FIV-positive tabby. He needs a home where he can curl up in a cozy bed and nap and lie near people for pets. To meet Joey, email the Will County Humane Society at willcountyhumane.com and follow the instructions for the adoption process.

Nine-month-old Filip is gentle, curious, sweet and loyal. He enjoys soft attention and time with people. He’s beginning to explore the world with growing confidence each day. Filip will thrive in a home that understands and appreciates the instincts of herding breeds and benefits most from an owner who will guide him as he grows. To meet Filip, call Hopeful Tails Animal Rescue at 779-206-2132 or visit hopefultailsanimalrescue.org.

Nine-month-old Dajana is playful, gentle, curious and loyal, She loves exploring and learning and looks to people for understanding and connection. She is ready for belly rubs, squeaky toys and a cozy bed of her own. Dajana needs an owner with herding breeds experience. To meet Dajana, call Hopeful Tails Animal Rescue at 779-206-2132 or visit hopefultailsanimalrescue.org.

Jerry DeCaire will chat about his decades-long experience in the industry while creating artwork from noon to 3 p.m. at the library’s downtown branch at 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet.

The free event is geared toward teens and adults. Registration is required.

Patrick Maloney, adult services librarian and moderator for the library’s comic book club, said DeCaire reached out to the library and offered to host the program.

Maloney said the comic book section is a popular area at the library. So agreeing was “a no brainer,” he said.

“I’m a huge fan of his work and comics in general, so I was really excited about it,” Maloney said. “And I know our patrons will be excited, too.”

Maloney said DeCaire will discuss his professional illustration techniques, visual composition for storytelling. and insights into the comic book industry.

He feels the event is perfect for fans of graphic novels, aspiring artists, art students and anyone interested in learning about the craft behind superhero storytelling.

Maloney said people don’t often realize all the steps involved into making a comic book.

“There’s the sketching, the coloring and the editing and so many computer programs you can use for this. And that’s just for the amateurs,” Maloney said. “He’s got such a laundry list of superheroes he’s drawn and he’s well-regarded for what he’s done. He’s one of the greats, for sure.”

DeCaire’s autographed art demonstration drawings on March 21 will be given away free to attendees, Maloney said

Maloney said although the library’s digital media studio is closed on Saturdays, attendees to DeCaire’s presentation should visit the studio at a later date.

“Because if they get the comic book bug and want to do some of this, the digital media studio is the perfect place to come and make some comics,” Maloney said.

To register and for more information, call 815-740-2660 or visit jolietlibrary.org.

This family-owned restaurant, first opened in Country Club Hills in 2006 and specializes in cheesesteaks and lemonade.

The cheesesteak is also known as a Philly cheesesteak.

That’s because the sandwich originated in Philadelphia in 1930 when Harry Olivieri and his brother Pat, who ran a hot dog stand, grilled sliced beef with onions, according to The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia.

The brothers added cheese to their sandwiches after Kraft introduced Cheez Wiz in 1952, according to The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia.

Baby’s Cheesesteak and Lemonade offers several varieties of cheesesteaks, including half beef and chicken and all chicken – as well as Philly rolls: steak, chicken or buffalo chicken, according to the menu on the restaurant’s website.

The restaurant also serves catfish.

Baby’s Cheesesteak and Lemonade is located at 201 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet.

Previous businesses at 201 N. Ottawa St. include Harold’s Shrimp, Chicken & Pizzeria and Al Baskins clothing store.

For more information, visit babyscheesesteakjoliet.com.

We welcome news about business developments in our communities. We appreciate hearing about local business comings and goings, new hours, expansions, and milestones in the Joliet area. If you have a tip to share for Eyes on Enterprise, email news@theherald-news.com.

On March 1, pickleball players from the South Suburbs gathered at Pickled! in Frankfort for the “Serving Up Support” fundraiser, according to a news release from Trinity Services.

The goal was to raise money for Trinity Services and a new research-based virtual reality training system. The system provides more than 100 virtual lessons for people with disabilities, such as crossing streets safely and interviewing for a job.

Sponsors for the event included ONIX, the primary fundraiser sponsor and manufacturer of performance pickleball paddles, balls, and accessories; Alsip Nursery, Rich’s Landscaping; First National Bank of Manhattan; and Bill Pattara State Farm Insurance.

Annette Krapil was the founding chair of Serving Up Support, the committee that planned and executed the pickleball fundraiser

Steve Soderborg, an experienced instructor and active in the Chicago area pickleball community, served as the designated pickleball coordinator.

Experienced players could play against one another at the fundraiser, while beginners could take lessons.

Instructors were Bridget Aguado – an emerging professional pickleball player and a top-rated player in her region – and her son, Josiah, a youth professional pickleball player achieving success at major tournaments, according to the release.

Attendees could also purchase raffle tickets and bid for silent auction items, with all proceeds going to Trinity Services.

In 2025, coffee shops, craft breweries and construction businesses experienced increased and fluctuating supply costs, which often hit consumers’ wallets.

Cheryl Lee, past president of the Northern Illinois Home Builders Association and president of CL Design-Build Inc., a custom homebuilder in the western suburbs, including Plainfield, said tariffs only exacerbate the current housing affordability crisis.

Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, the Trump administration “still has broad authority over trade policy and tariff-driven material costs,” Lee said.

And these directly affect local builders, suppliers and small businesses, she said.

“By now, most people know that tariffs impact numerous raw building materials and components, ranging from lumber, steel and aluminum to home appliances, that are sourced from nations across the globe,” Lee said.

“These added costs pass from manufacturers through distributors and builders and ultimately to consumers, driving up the price of new homes and remodeling projects,” she said.

According to the National Association of Home Builders’ April 2025 member survey, tariffs added $10,900 to a new home’s average cost.

The higher cost deters buyers, causing “a ripple effect” in the construction industry: reduced demand halts new construction, often resulting in subcontractors losing their primary income source, Lee said.

Small firms and independent contractors “are essential” to home construction, she said.

“Building a standard single-family home typically requires an average of 22 to 24 different subcontractors,” she said. “While the number of firms – subcontractors – is around two dozen, the total number of individual people, including employees, laborers and site supervisors, can range from roughly 25 to over 50 additional people throughout the construction process.“

Lee said that number also does not include “architects, engineers, interior designers, surveyors and material suppliers such as lumber yards, lighting showrooms, plumbing supply houses.”

“I stand with the National Association of Home Builders as they urge the administration to exempt essential building materials from any tariff strategy in order to support local business and preserve housing affordability,” she said.

According to the Brewers Association, the recent Supreme Court ruling “only covers tariffs imposed using the IEEP (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) as their basis for authority” and not tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum under other statutes.

Steel and aluminum are materials used in the brewing industry. One common use of aluminum is packaging for soda and beer cans.

The Illinois Craft Breweries Guild said Illinois has 300 craft breweries. Will County has breweries in Joliet, Lockport, Plainfield, New Lenox and Shorewood.

Tariffs’ impact on coffee is more complicated.

Daniel Bednarz, owner of Gost Coffee in New Lenox, said in 2025 that tariffs could impact the price of coffee for countries that produce robusta coffee.

But the main problem for people who purchase and sell arabica coffee grown in Central America and South America was climate change, Bednarz previously said.

That situation might be improving.

“Brazil had amazing growing weather for coffee, and future prices for coffee have been dropping to lows that haven’t been seen in over a year,” Bednarz said.

And tariffs? Bednarz said, “It’s too early to see what action the current administration will take in the longer term.”

“Like everything, time will tell...meaningful change is hard, is long process,” Bednarz said. “It takes patience and hope that all these decisions are for the greater good.”

Mike Dillon, who co-owns Walt’s with siblings Bill Dillon and Victoria Dillon, said they served about 500 orders on Sunday.

“This was our best opening day ever,” Mike Dillon said. “It wasn’t warm, but it was sunny out ... we had five or six cars in the parking lot before we even opened. People wanted to be the first customers of the year.”

Temperatures had dropped into the 20s by 5:30 p.m., but that didn’t deter ice cream enthusiasts.

“Business was steady all day, right until closing,” Bill Dillon said.

Julie Dieter of Joliet came out after sunset with her children Peyton, 8, and Jackson, 5.

“We always try to come out for opening day,” Dieter said.

Their orders included a turtle sundae (for Dieter), cotton candy ice cream with cherry dip (for Peyton) and vanilla ice cream with a cherry dip face (for Jackson).

Jeff and Nancy Crampton of Joliet ordered far more than that, all in cups: watermelon sherbet, two orders of yellow cake batter ice cream (two scoops each) and two orders of chocolate chip cookie dough and coconut (three scoops each).

Nancy Crampton said this was the couple’s first opening day. Jeff Crampton said they typically open Saturdays and Sundays during ice cream season.

“Don’t let him fool you,” Nancy Crampton said with a laugh. “He sometimes also has it for lunch during the week.”

Jeff Crampton said the sherbet was for his father Raymond Crampton of Joliet, who has cancer, receives hospice care and hasn’t eaten in days.

“When he heard we were coming here, he asked for watermelon sherbet,” Jeff Crampton said.

Mike Dillon said customers do occasionally buy ice cream to take to loved ones in hospice or the hospital.

“It’s really touching for us to be part of their lives – that we’re something they think about – in a much more serious time," Mike Dillon said.

Walt’s beta-tested 10 new flavors in 2025, Mike Dillon said. Two of them sold well and became part of the 2026 menu: black cherry and monster cookie. Walt’s also dropped blue moon.

“We’re actually up to 36 flavors,” Mike Dillon said.

His favorite? Butter pecan, which he claims is the best butter pecan he’s ever eaten. Bill Dillon prefers the yellow cake batter.

“It’s got a really nice chocolate ribbon running through it,” Bill Dillon said. “It hits the spot for me.”

Walt’s Ice Cream is open from noon to 10 p.m. Mondays through Sundays, through late October. Walt’s is located at 1314 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet.

Frosty Tips in Joliet also opened on Sunday.

Frosty Tips dates back to 1949, created by Eldon Stroup on West Jefferson Street in Joliet. The Stroup family operated Frosty Tips for 24 years.

In 1973, Chris Dragatsis bought the store and property. The following year, a second store opened in the Shorewood Plaza at 700 W. Jefferson St., Frosty Tips’ current location.

Frosty Tips offers soft and hard-serve ice cream, slushes, pops and blitzes that incorporate a customer’s choice of candy or cookie dough pieces.

Another longtime favorite ice cream venue is Minooka Creamery. The Minooka Creamery is expected to open Friday, according to the Creamery Facebook page.

Built in 2012, Silver Cross Hospital’s Pavilion A is a 175,000-square-foot building that’s 96% occupied with a 12-plus-year weighted average lease term, according to a news release from Arrow Strategy Group, announcing the sale.

Silver Cross occupies approximately half the offices under a long-term lease.

Other tenants in Silver Cross Hospital’s Pavilion A include Duly Health and Care, DaVita Kidney Care, Rush University Medical Center and UChicago Medicine.

Farpoint and The Landes Group “structured the acquisition with long-term financing designed to support the building’s role in the community, with a focus on resilience and stability for all parties,” according to the release.

Farpoint and The Landes Group partnered to deliver long-term real estate solutions for health systems across the United States.

The U. S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and Iran’s retaliations are restricting the exportation of oil, causing prices to rise.

Although the U.S. is the largest economy in the world, “we still depend on oil and gas from other countries in the world,” said Oguzhan Batmaz, assistant professor of economics at Lewis University in Romeoville.

The Associated Press reported that energy prices rose sharply on Monday due to disruptions in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and damage to production facilities in the region. This raises uncertainty about how U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran will affect the crude oil supply.

Currently, 20% of global crude oil comes from this region, Batmaz said.

“This will affect oil prices significantly because of the uncertainty,” he said.

The uncertainty isn’t limited to the ability to move the oil.

“For example, when we ship products from one location to another, we always insure them,” Batmaz said. “Now, because of that tension, insurance companies don’t want to cover that particular shipment.”

U.S. oil rose 6.3% to $71.23 per barrel on Monday. For every $1 increase per barrel, retail prices increase 2.5 to 3 cents, which consumers experience two to seven days later, Batmaz said.

“This morning, Joliet gas prices were $3.04 to $3.16,” Batmaz said. “Prices could [soon] be $3.25 to $3.40.”

Unfortunately, a decline in availability doesn’t affect a decline in demand.

“Say we get a 20% decline in oil immediately. But we still have to go to school and work,” Batmaz said. “Oil is essential for many of our products. So demand is still stable and not going down.”

Because local refineries supply local gas stations, they will find ways to increase their products, Batmaz said.

“But this will take time,” he said.

Will County may also temporarily pay more for gas than their neighbors because Citgo has planned maintenance scheduled for March 9.

Practically speaking, if the price of crude oil jumps to $100 a barrel, consumers can expect to pay $5 more to fill up a 20-gallon car, Batmaz said.

“But hopefully this tension will mitigate soon,” he said, “and we will not pay this kind of change in gas prices.”

President Donald Trump on Monday said the U.S. has “the capability to go far longer” than its originally projected four-to-five-week timeline for military operations against Iran, the Associated Press reported.