The Aroma Park Fire Protection District was put to test after the March 10 tornado that tore through the small Kankakee County community, as this storm hit so close to home for them and their families. Yet the department of 25 personnel, including both part-time and paid on-call.

When people need a police officer, firefighter or animal control officer, a calm voice often is what callers need to hear.

In the days following the March 10 tornado in Kankakee County, the Grace Christian Academy teacher discovered she was capable of more than she knew; that teacher was Christine Johnson.

Kankakee cross country coach Rich Olmstead and soccer coach Vincent Mkhwanazi, though not originally from the Kankakee area, have seen the community they love and now call home come together in an inspiring way following March's devastating tornado.

A bar owner who opened her doors during a tornado. A veteran turned trauma therapist. A paraeducator who said she’d never leave her kids. Meet the Kankakee Daily Journal’s 2026 Everyday Heroes, nominated by our readers

Whether it is doing his job as a lieutenant with the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, or as a coach of a traveling baseball team, Russell Belcher is well versed in team work.

The Daily Journal honors the everyday heroes making a difference in Kankakee County through their hard work, kindness and dedication.

Veterans Day events are planned across Kankakee County and beyond to honor local veterans on and before the Nov. 11 holiday.

Momence Superintendent Shannon Anderson found a solution to his aimlessness and struggles in high school through the Marine Corps.

Years after his two tours of service concluded, Bourbonnais resident Ty "Doc" Watson found his place in the world.

Check out our photos from our Thank You Veterans special section in Kankakee County for 2025.

Manteno teacher and softball coach Josh Carlile, known as "Sarge" to his players, has carried on the rich military tradition of his family with his life of service.

Manteno teacher and softball coach Josh Carlile, known as "Sarge" to his players, has carried on the rich military tradition of his family with his life of service.

Up until two years ago, Robin Senesac said he didn’t think of himself as a veteran.

During a recent Veterans Treatment Court session, Kankakee County Circuit Judge Marlowe Jones was talking to a veteran via Zoom.

Jared Walters’ journey to becoming an officer with the Manteno Police Department in May made a stop in the U.S. Army.

With thousands of military veterans in Kankakee County, the area's Veterans Assistance Commission has been ready to serve here since 1987.

During his junior year at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School, Nick Mayo enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves.