2012 | livability.com/kankakee/il ®
Kankakee County, illinois Hearts of Gold County mentors provide opportunities for local kids Perfectly All Dressed Up Frank and Ready to Go Bradley House designed Small towns boast big by Frank Lloyd Wright improvements
sponsored by the Kankakee Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Manteno Chamber of Commerce Kankakee The Hilton Garden Inn and RiverStone Conference Center is located directly off of Exit 308 on I-57 in Kankakee. At Hilton Garden Inn hotels you’ll find everything you need right where you need it. Focusing on what guests have said they need and want most while traveling, our property will offer quality accommodations, amenities, and services in a comfortable atmosphere designed for both the business and leisure traveler. Hilton Garden Inn hotels deliver the highest degree of service and cost savings without sacrificing the quality associated with the Hilton name. This is the difference between limited service hotels and the “focused-service” Hilton Garden Inn. Our focused-service is anything but limited service. The Hilton Garden Inn – Kankakee features: • 110 beautifully appointed spacious guest rooms, including eight suites • Indoor pool and hot tub • On-site fitness center • Complimentary high-speed Internet in all guest rooms • Full service restaurant on property – The Great American Grill open daily for breakfast and dinner • Room service • HHonors benefits and rewards • 24-hour Pavilion Pantry Convenience Mart • Pavilion lounge open nightly Attached to our magnificent hotel is the Riverstone Conference Center. Boasting 9,000 square feet of divisible meeting/banquet space, we can accommodate up to 994 guests. Full catering selections are available for breaks, breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. All food served within the Riverstone Conference Center is prepared in our own fully equipped kitchen. The Riverstone Conference Center is completely state-of-the-art, and we can accommodate any special needs.
455 Riverstone Pkwy. • Kankakee, IL 60901 (815) 932-4444 • www.kankakee.gardeninn.com 2012 edition | volume 9 ®
Kankakee County, Illinois
contents
Features
6 Perfectly Frank Bradley House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
18 10 all Dressed Up and Ready to Go Small towns boast big improvements
12 Hearts of Gold County mentors provide opportunities for local kids
departments
4 almanac 14 biz Briefs 16 Chamber Report 17 economic Profile 18 local Flavor 20 Health & Wellness 22 arts & Culture 24 sports & Recreation 27 education 28 Community Profile 29 through the Lens
on the cover The Bradley House Photo by Jeff Adkins
All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste. 12 Please recycle this magazine
livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 1 ®
® Kankakee County, Illinois
editorial project Manager mitch Kline content Director Lisa battles Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editor Jill Wyatt Contributing writers Laura Hill, Jessica Mozo, Braxton Shoop Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Rachael Gerringer, Taylor nunley Digital Edition Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier color imaging technician Alison Hunter Integrated Media Manager matt mcwhorter Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan
Business Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman STORY BY JESSICA MOZO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS Executive Vice President Ray Langen Hearts f one thing can be said about the citizens of “They didn’t come because I was the best player – KanKaKee CoUnty mentors Kankakee County, it’s that they care deeply they came because I had gone to their schools and Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter Provide rare oPPortUnities for children. Several Kankakee residents spent time with them,” he says. “Now I want my Ihave turned their compassion for youth into players to have a positive influence on young people, of Gold For loCal CHildren unusual opportunities to help kids learn and succeed. because they are the future of our society.” Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester The Soldiers have worked with more than 7,000 Band Director Jerry Luzeniecki students, and Bradford says some experiences have Kankakee County mentor Jerry Luzeniecki has brought them to tears. Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner enriched thousands of students’ lives by bringing “When we do an anti-bullying assembly, we break music into their worlds. Luzeniecki has been a band the ice by giving kids raffle tickets and calling them Senior V.P./business Development Scott Templeton director since 1979, directing bands in Downers Grove, out randomly to try to shoot three hoops in a row to Momence and the Bourbonnais Elementary School win a prize,” he says. “At one school, there was a kid District, where he has been employed since 1994. named Harvey who had been bullied for years. We senior V.P./Agribusiness Publishing Kim HOlmberg He directs the seventh and eighth grade bands at the randomly drew his number, and he came down to Upper Grade Center and the Jazz Band, and teaches the court and made the first shot. All the kids started V.P./business Development Charles Fitzgibbon fourth grade music at Shabbona Elementary School. chanting his name.” “Some of the most important lessons learned in the Harvey then made the second shot – and the third. band room have nothing to do with music,” Luzeniecki “I told him no student had ever made three in a row, V.p./External Communications Teree Caruthers says. “Bands help students develop fine motor skills, and the kids started going crazy. He became hero for hand-eye coordination, self-discipline, citizenship the day,” Bradford says. “Teachers on the sidelines were and teamwork skills. My students have to follow crying, and we all teared up on the bus afterward. We V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester multiple-step, sequential instructions. Rhythm counting talk to the kids about treating each other with respect, is related to fractions. Music also offers the opportunity because you never know who will grow up to be what.” V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens to learn to handle frustration and develop perseverance.” Luzeniecki jokingly refers to himself as a “proud band Tyjuan Hagler Foundation Football Camp geek” who has developed lifelong friendships through Kankakee native and NFL player Tyjuan Hagler, v.p./Travel publishing Susan Chappell music. He and his wife have lived in Bradley for 30 years. formerly with the Indianapolis Colts, is also dedicated “As a band director, I’ve met students who have to helping kids succeed. In 2007, Hagler started the V.P./Sales Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky grown up to be soldiers, doctors, educators, pilots, police annual Tyjuan Hagler Foundation Football Camp officers, firefighters and musicians, as well as great moms to help give kids ages 6 to 18 the tools they need and dads,” Luzeniecki says. “Their parents give of their to become better athletes – and better people. Controller Chris Dudley time and offer kind words of encouragement. The band “All my favorite memories are of my childhood directors in the Kankakee area are an extended family. in Kankakee playing backyard football,” Hagler says. Senior Accountant Lisa Owens We call on each other when there’s a need. It just doesn’t “I started the camp because when I was a kid, I wished there get much better than that.” was someone to mentor me. Now I have the opportunity to give back to the community I loved growing up in.” Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Kankakee County Soldiers The one-day camp happens the first Saturday in Members of the Kankakee County Soldiers, a June and is free of charge. It includes sessions on the professional basketball team, touch the lives of fundamentals of football, character building and Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman Kankakee County students every week by doing safety skills, and awards and autographs with programs in local schools on everything from reading Hagler and other NFL players. sales support Coordinator alex marks and developing life skills to anti-bullying. The Soldiers “The community helps out so much. It feels good have been mentoring elementary and junior high to help the kids, and the best part is seeing the smiles students for six years, ever since team owner Barry on their faces,” Hagler says. “These kids are gonna be our sales support project manager sara quint Bradford made youth one of the team’s top priorities. future. And everybody wants our future in good hands.” “I grew up in inner-city Chicago, and I was one of system administrator daniel cantrell the few who made it out and got to play professional basketball and see the world,” Bradford says. “A lot For More Information of people were there for me and stuck their necks Database Manager/IT Support Chandra Bradshaw out for me. In 2001, when Michael Jordan came KANKAKEE COUNTY SOLDIERS back to the NBA, I had some discussions with www.kcsoldiers.com Web creative director allison davis him that made me realize the impact a person can have on someone else’s life.” TYJUAN HAGLER FOUNDATION Early in his basketball career, Bradford noticed tyjuanhaglerfoundation.org Web Content Manager John Hood A holiday concert at the Bourbonnais upper Grade Center that kids he mentored would come watch his games. Web project manager noy fongnaly 12 kAnkAkee County LIVABILITY.COM/KANKAKEE/ILLivABiLity.Com/kAnkAkee/iL 13 Web designer II Richard stevens Web development lead Yamel Hall Web developer i nels noseworthy Web Account Manager Lauren Eubank Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Creative Services Director Christina Carden Creative Technology Analyst becca ary audience development Director deanna nelson Share with a friend Distribution Director Gary Smith Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Easily share an interesting article, stunning photo or Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop advertisement of your business on Facebook, Twitter or via email.
Images Kankakee County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Kankakee Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Manteno Chamber of Commerce HAVE A BLOG OR WEBSITE? and their member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Embed the digital magazine in your site to add Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 compelling, local information. or by email at [email protected]. For more information, contact: Kankakee Regional Chamber of Commerce 137 E. 5000 North Rd. • Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 933-7721 • Fax: (815) 933-7675 DO MORE THAN JUST kankakee.org Manteno Chamber of Commerce 211 N. Main St. • Manteno, IL 60950-1245 Phone: (815) 468-6226 • Fax: (815) 534-5333 READ ABOUT IT www.mantenochamber.com Visit Images Kankakee County online at Experience the community through video and find links livability.com/kankakee/il ©Copyright 2012 Journal Communications Inc., to other sites for additional information. 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.
Member The Association of Magazine Media Member Custom Content Council Member Kankakee Regional Chamber of Commerce livability.com/kankakee/il and the Manteno Chamber of Commerce
2 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 3 livability.com/kankakee/ilWhat’s Online
2012 | livability.Com/KanKaKee/il Photos & Videos ® See more great photos of KanKaKee CoUnty, illinois Kankakee County in our online Hearts oF Gold County mentors provide photo and video galleries opportunities for local kids Perfectly all dressed UP Frank and ready to Go Bradley House designed Small towns boast big by Frank Lloyd Wright improvements
Facts Get the most up-to-date info on cost sPonsored by tHe KanKaKee reGional CHamber oF CommerCe of living, top employers, schools, and tHe manteno CHamber oF CommerCe population demographics and more Digital Living here Learn the basics about local magazine neighborhoods, schools Flip through the pages and health care providers of this magazine and easily share articles using Facebook, Twitter or email.
2 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 3 Almanac Welcome to Kankakee County An introduction to the area’s people, places and events
Room to Pray Olivet Nazarene University students have found peace and inspiration in the university’s chapel for more than 100 years. Promising to continue that tradition while replacing the aged original chapel, Olivet opened a new chapel called the Betty and Kenneth Hawkins Centennial Chapel in honor of the two benefactors who primarily made the chapel possible. The chapel is currently the biggest building in Bourbonnais, with more than 3,000 seats, a massive pipe organ (shown here) and a cross that extends 100 feet above ground level to symbolize the 100-plus years during which Olivet has provided “Education with a Christian Purpose.” On a tangential note for sports fans, Olivet is also Waterborne Fun the home of the Chicago Bears training camp. The Kankakee River is a major waterway extending through northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana that once served as a commercial shipping route between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. Today, the Kankakee River is primarily used for recreation and is open to everyone for activities such as canoeing, swimming and fishing. The 4,000-acre Kankakee River State Park is located along the northwest portion of the Kankakee River, and offers many recreational activities; among them biking, camping, hunting, horseback riding and snowmobiling. The park extends on both sides of the river offering views of scenic bluffs and woodlands. For those who want to see the Kankakee River without the exertion of paddling a canoe, Midwest Duffy Electric Boats offers electric boat cruises from the dock of the Bradley House. These zero-emission boats (shown above) are the perfect way to traverse the Kankakee River as they offer silent operation, enabling passengers to enjoy the river’s natural beauty.
4 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 5 Celebrating Corn Every year, Herscher residents celebrate an old and locally loved Fun tradition, the Corn Bowl. The Corn Bowl is a popular homecoming event Things in downtown Herscher that began in 1976. to Do The Herscher Lion’s Club assembles this gathering, which in July 2012 will mark its 37th n Have a water-filled year. As its name suggests, the Corn Bowl centers day splashing and around the Midwest’s mainstay crop. The Corn Bowl water sliding at is a grand block party in which virtually everyone from the Herscher community Splash Valley comes together to enjoy music, companionship, pork sandwiches, bratwurst, Aquatic Park. hot dogs and, of course, the season’s first taste of fresh, roasted sweet corn. n Explore Kankakee County Museum for its many featured Built to Last exhibits. n Become a race One of the oldest historic structures in Kankakee County fan as the Kankakee is the Stone Barn (shown here), which was added to the Speedway brings on National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Since pioneer dirt track racing for Lemuel Milk built it in 1860, the Stone Barn has housed your entertainment. horses for the Kankakee fire department; was used as a car and sign paint garage; a bakery and restaurant; and, n Get the family since 1976, as headquarters for the Junior League of together to play Kankakee County. Most recently, the Stone Barn became with real farm animals, the site of the French Heritage Museum, which preserves bike, roller blade and artifacts and information about Kankakee’s rich French cross country ski at historical influence. the Perry Farm Park.
Kankakee County At A Glance Kankakee Population (2010 estimate) Kankakee County: 113,449
Bourbonnais: 18,631, Bradley: 15,895, 1 Kankakee: 27,537, Manteno: 9,204 Manteno 45 Grant Park Location 50 Essex 57 Kankakee County is 60 miles Bourbonnais Momence south of Chicago. Bradley 17 Beginnings Herscher Limestone Kankakee The Illinois Legislature established Aroma Park Hopkins Park Kankakee County in 1853, although KANKAKEE St. Anne early settlers arrived in 1834. Sammons Point For More Information Kankakee Regional Chamber of Commerce 1137 E. 5000 North Rd. What’s Online Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Check out photo galleries and videos of Phone: (815) 933-7721 Kankakee County at livability.com/kankakee/il. Fax: (815) 933-7675 www.kankakee.org
4 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 5 Perfectly Frank Bradley House owned, operated by Wright in Kankakee
6 k An k ak e e Co u nt y Story By Kevin Litwin | Photography By Jeff Adkins
amed architect Frank threatened with demolition in a public space, and Wright Lloyd Wright designed 2001, so former Kankakee County of Kankakee purchased it two Kankakee homes that residents Gaines and Sharon Hall in 2010 for that purpose.” Fwere both constructed bought Bradley House to restore in 1900 – Hickox House and the everything,” Dunbar says. Beauty and Practicality B. Harley Bradley House. In 2012, “Gaines is an architect who Dunbar says the house has both remain showplaces next restored the entire house with the many interesting Wright touches, door to each other on South use of Wright’s original blueprints including leaded glass windows Harrison Avenue in the from 1900. The Halls completed with tulip patterns. Riverview Historic District. the renovation with the intent “The front of the house has Hickox House is privately that the house would become distinctive peaks with 12-foot owned and not open to the public, but Bradley House is owned by a not-for-profit group, Wright in Kankakee, and is open for tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The one-hour tour costs $15, and the home can also be rented for weddings, receptions, meetings and conferences of 100 or fewer people. “It is a large 6,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom, four-bathroom, two-story house that gives visitors a lot to see during the one-hour tour,” says Elisabeth Dunbar, Bradley House executive director. “Both Wright houses are on the National Register of Historic Places, but Bradley House has arguably the more interesting history. It has seen its share of tragedy, misuse and intrigue over the years.” Boarded up Twice That intrigue includes original owner Harley Bradley’s suicide – although not on the property – and the home’s use as a restaurant for 30 years. It was damaged and fell into disarray, foreclosures saw it boarded up twice, and a man who eventually purchased and worked on restoring Bradley House in the mid-1980s was kidnapped from the premises and killed. “In addition, the carriage house that connects to the home was
Elisabeth Dunbar, Bradley House executive director, in the second- floor master suite at the Bradley House in Kankakee
livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 7 8 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 9 overhanging eaves, which are Chicago-based architectural firm, to draw tens of thousands of visitors beautiful as well as practical, and chose Kankakee for his first each year. because Wright designed them venture in that style. “Today, the house is a home to provide shade in the hot Illinois “He used neutral earth-tone museum, meeting place, event summers,” she says. “The Bradley colors and long, horizontal lines location, art and education center, is also his first Prairie-style house, that mimic the flat horizon of the and a public place that this meaning it was built in sync Midwest prairie,” Dunbar says. community can be proud of and with its natural surroundings.” enjoy,” she says. “There is something Wright began developing his Tens of Thousands always occurring here. Check our Prairie style in the early 1890s As the overall economy improves, website, www.wrightinkankakee.org, when he was employed with a Dunbar expects the Bradley House to stay up to date.”
Areas in the Bradley House available to tour include the dining room (left); the first floor (top left); a stairwell (top right); the gift shop (bottom right), which is located in the former stables; and the kitchen (bottom left).
livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 9 All Dressed Up Ready to Go Small Kankakee County towns boast big improvements
10 k An k ak e e Co u nt y Story By Laura Hill Photography By Jeff Adkins any American small towns tell a sad tale of deserted Main streets and dwindling amenities. But Watseka and Manteno are Mturning that story upside down, becoming two of Kankakee County’s most popular destinations. Watseka Theatre a Star In Watseka, residents and visitors are flocking to a rehabbed downtown block where they can enjoy a meal, see a concert and shop, courtesy of one couple’s vision. Chuck Gomez, a professional musician and concert/special events producer in Chicago, nurtured a longtime dream to rehab the theater, which had closed in 1998, in his hometown. An attempt 25 years ago to buy the building fell through, but in May 2007 he and life partner Debra Liddell succeeded. Designed by famed architect Louis Skidmore, the art deco movie house needed work. Undaunted, the couple took on the rehab and opened the following New Year’s Eve. The 300-seat Watseka Theatre has since bloomed, offering enthusiastic audiences everything from major country music and rock acts to internationally recognized comedy shows, to vaudeville and the annual Watseka Blues, BBQ and Arts Festival. A storefront, part of the building’s façade, became the Club Café serving pizza and pasta weekday evenings and gourmet dinners with accompanying live music on Friday nights. An adjacent former town hall became an ice cream parlor, and Liddell’s artful accessories are offered at nearby Artful Endeavors. Manteno Manicures Main Street In Manteno, several major projects are changing the face of the village. The first two phases of 67-acre Legacy Park, a major recreation area, were completed in 2011, giving the town 11 more soccer fields, two football fields, a splash pad, baseball practice field, an amphitheater and more. “Manteno has grown to 9,000 people in the past 10 years, and we really needed this,” says village administrator and police chief Bernie Thompson. The park, a joint project of the village and the township of Manteno, was largely funded by $800,000 in state grants. In spring 2012, construction will begin on a public plaza and enhanced pedestrian walkway at Main Street and First Street that will connect to a new bus transfer station across the railroad tracks on Oak Street. A joint project of River Valley Metro and the village of Manteno, the $530,000 improvement will feature a 45-foot flagpole, benches and extensive landscaping. Another proposed destination plaza on Main Street at Second Street could begin construction as early as 2014, Thompson says. It would contain restaurants – a new Pizza Stone restaurant has opened there already – and events such as ice skating, crafts fairs and more. Pizza Stone recently opened in Manteno. Left: The “We’ve done a lot here, too, with streetscape along renovated Watseka Theatre holds major music acts, Main Street,” says Thompson. “Manteno is a very comedy shows, vaudeville and the annual Watseka Blues, nice town, and very attractive.” BBQ and Arts Festival.
livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 11 BusinessHearts Kankakee County mentors provide rare opportunities of Gold for local children
A holiday concert at the Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center
12 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 13 Story By Jessica Mozo | Photography By Jeff Adkins f one thing can be said about the citizens of “They didn’t come because I was the best player – Kankakee County, it’s that they care deeply they came because I had gone to their schools and for children. Several Kankakee residents spent time with them,” he says. “Now I want my Ihave turned their compassion for youth into players to have a positive influence on young people, unusual opportunities to help kids learn and succeed. because they are the future of our society.” The Soldiers have worked with more than 7,000 Band Director Jerry Luzeniecki students, and Bradford says some experiences have Kankakee County mentor Jerry Luzeniecki has brought them to tears. enriched thousands of students’ lives by bringing “When we do an anti-bullying assembly, we break music into their worlds. Luzeniecki has been a band the ice by giving kids raffle tickets and calling them director since 1979, directing bands in Downers Grove, out randomly to try to shoot three hoops in a row to Momence and the Bourbonnais Elementary School win a prize,” he says. “At one school, there was a kid District, where he has been employed since 1994. named Harvey who had been bullied for years. We He directs the seventh and eighth grade bands at the randomly drew his number, and he came down to Upper Grade Center and the Jazz Band, and teaches the court and made the first shot. All the kids started fourth grade music at Shabbona Elementary School. chanting his name.” “Some of the most important lessons learned in the Harvey then made the second shot – and the third. band room have nothing to do with music,” Luzeniecki “I told him no student had ever made three in a row, says. “Bands help students develop fine motor skills, and the kids started going crazy. He became hero for hand-eye coordination, self-discipline, citizenship the day,” Bradford says. “Teachers on the sidelines were and teamwork skills. My students have to follow crying, and we all teared up on the bus afterward. We multiple-step, sequential instructions. Rhythm counting talk to the kids about treating each other with respect, is related to fractions. Music also offers the opportunity because you never know who will grow up to be what.” to learn to handle frustration and develop perseverance.” Luzeniecki jokingly refers to himself as a “proud band Tyjuan Hagler Foundation Football Camp geek” who has developed lifelong friendships through Kankakee native and NFL player Tyjuan Hagler, music. He and his wife have lived in Bradley for 30 years. formerly with the Indianapolis Colts, is also dedicated “As a band director, I’ve met students who have to helping kids succeed. In 2007, Hagler started the grown up to be soldiers, doctors, educators, pilots, police annual Tyjuan Hagler Foundation Football Camp officers, firefighters and musicians, as well as great moms to help give kids ages 6 to 18 the tools they need and dads,” Luzeniecki says. “Their parents give of their to become better athletes – and better people. time and offer kind words of encouragement. The band “All my favorite memories are of my childhood directors in the Kankakee area are an extended family. in Kankakee playing backyard football,” Hagler says. We call on each other when there’s a need. It just doesn’t “I started the camp because when I was a kid, I wished there get much better than that.” was someone to mentor me. Now I have the opportunity to give back to the community I loved growing up in.” Kankakee County Soldiers The one-day camp happens the first Saturday in Members of the Kankakee County Soldiers, a June and is free of charge. It includes sessions on the professional basketball team, touch the lives of fundamentals of football, character building and Kankakee County students every week by doing safety skills, and awards and autographs with programs in local schools on everything from reading Hagler and other NFL players. and developing life skills to anti-bullying. The Soldiers “The community helps out so much. It feels good have been mentoring elementary and junior high to help the kids, and the best part is seeing the smiles students for six years, ever since team owner Barry on their faces,” Hagler says. “These kids are gonna be our Bradford made youth one of the team’s top priorities. future. And everybody wants our future in good hands.” “I grew up in inner-city Chicago, and I was one of the few who made it out and got to play professional basketball and see the world,” Bradford says. “A lot For More Information of people were there for me and stuck their necks out for me. In 2001, when Michael Jordan came Kankakee County Soldiers back to the NBA, I had some discussions with www.kcsoldiers.com him that made me realize the impact a person can have on someone else’s life.” Tyjuan Hagler Foundation Early in his basketball career, Bradford noticed tyjuanhaglerfoundation.org that kids he mentored would come watch his games.
livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 13 Business Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define Kankakee county’s economic climate Scorecard Business At A Glance $1.3 billion Annual Retail Sales
$11,264 Retail Sales per Capita
$28 million Annual Hotel and Food Sales
8,399 Total Number of Firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts
Minne Monesse Golf Club Biz: Golf course Buzz: Located near Grant Park, Minne Monesse Golf Club was established in 1926. This privately owned and operated course offers a country club experience without the high cost, and provides a challenge for players of all levels. Minne Monesse Golf Club comprises rolling hills, water on 11 of the 18 holes, large oak trees and a clubhouse suitable for a variety of events. www.minnemonesse.com
14 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 15 Sun Chemical Biz: Ink and pigment provider Buzz: Providing ink, pigments, varnishes and coatings for a variety of industries, Sun Chemical has more than 300 locations worldwide, including an operation in Kankakee. The company creates cosmetic pigments, narrow web ink products, high-performance plastic pigments, ink for publications and screen graphics, and much more. Sun Chemical also focuses on sustainability and eco-efficiency, working to decrease its ecological impact. www.sunchemical.com
Kankakee Area YMCA Biz: Fitness center Buzz: Serving residents for more than 116 years, the Kankakee Area YMCA offers an array of fitness-focused amenities including a wellness center with cardio and strength training equipment, an aerobics studio, gym, climbing wall, swimming pools and more. Members can also enjoy group fitness classes, such as yoga, Zumba and kickboxing. Child care is available before and after school. www.k3ymca.org
The Daily Journal Biz: Newspaper Buzz: The Daily Journal serves the “Our Business is Helping YOUR Business.” Illinois counties of Kankakee, Will, Iroquois, Ford, Grundy and Livingston, and Lake Village in Indiana. The newspaper, which has been published for 156 years, is the area’s primary source for local news, sports, information and entertainment. Owned by the Small Newspaper Group, The Daily Journal also produces a website, i57Life.com, that offers coupons, contests, dining news and more. www.daily-journal.com
Cigna Corporation Biz: Health service company Buzz: Formed in 1982, Cigna Corporation is the fourth largest health insurer in the country, and serves 29 additional countries. The company offers health- care products and services, as well as group disability, life and accident insurance, and international insurance coverage. Cigna Corporation operates an office in Bourbonnais, and 200 E. Court St. P: (815) 935-1177 serves approximately 66 million Ste. 507 F: (815) 935-1181 customers worldwide. Kankakee, IL 60901 www.kankakeecountyed.org www.cigna.com
14 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 15 Business Chamber Report Chamber says regionalism is key to economic growth
avid Hinderliter says that in advantages, technology, schools many people commute to work in Dtoday’s tough economy, it and colleges, quality of life and other counties, as well as Chicago. is advantageous to promote the other assets,” says Hinderliter, Hinderliter says Kankakee’s macroeconomics of a region as president and CEO of the proximity to Chicago gives opposed to the microeconomics Kankakee Regional Chamber of residents access to big-city of an individual community. Commerce. “You need to trumpet amenities without having to endure “Regionalism is what it’s the bigger picture to attract more the crowded streets and sprawl. all about, to promote an entire industry and big companies.” “But as far as creating positive region’s overall workforce, jobs, Kankakee County is considered economic development and smart cultural diversity, transportation a bedroom community where growth in our own community, we can offer many positives,” Hinderliter says. “For example, health care and manufacturing are two of our main job producers, and we are conveniently located at Interstate 57 and near I-80 for companies that deal with distribution and warehousing. Also, Kankakee County has the lowest sales tax in the state, so people in surrounding counties can shop here and save money.”
Young Professionals Andrew Ollis, vice president of government affairs for the Kankakee Chamber, says the establishment of a dynamic Kankakee Regional Young Professionals group is also helping to draw top employees to the area. “Our KRYP group is a ready-made network for people relocating here, and is ideal for young professionals ages 21 to 39 who might not know many people in the community,” he says.
Active Philanthropy Ollis says that the group also gets involved in philanthropic endeavors. “We collected and shipped 300 pairs of new shoes to Haiti after their earthquake in 2010,” he says. “And to support young professionals as well as our entire business community, we make it easy for our members to communicate directly with our elected officials on any matter they choose through rivervalleyvoice.org, our advocacy website.” – Kevin Litwin
16 k An k ak e e Co u nt y economic profile
Business climate From its agricultural roots to its strong manufacturing base, the Kankakee River Valley offers economic incentives such as international trade assistance, technology support and workforce development programs.
taxes 11% 6.25% Bachelor’s Degree County Sales Tax 7% 6.25% Graduate Degree Total Sales Tax Transportation income Greater Kankakee Valley Airport MAJOR EMPLOYERS $21,499 (815) 939-1422 Per Capita Income www.kvaa.com Riverside HealthCare River Valley METRO Shapiro Developmental Center $47,835 Mass Transit District Provena St. Mary’s Hospital Average Annual (815) 937-4BUS (4287) Cigna Health Care Household Expenditure (815) 935-1403 Baker & Taylor www.rivervalleymetro.com CSL Behring LLC WORKFORCE Amtrak (800) 872-7245 Kankakee Community College Olivet Nazarene University 75% Economic Peddinghaus Corp. White-Collar Jobs Resources Sears Logistics Services Inc. Van Drunen Farms Kankakee Regional 25% Chamber of Commerce Armstrong Blue-Collar Jobs (815) 933-7721 World Industries Inc. www.kankakee.org K-Mart Distribution Center EDUCATION Manteno Chamber Bunge Oils Inc. of Commerce City of Kankakee 29% (815) 468-6226 Nucor Steel Associate Degree www.mantenochamber.com
livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 17 Local Flavor
Tastes Like Kankakee restaurants serve culinary favorites with Midwestern flair
weet or savory, oven-baked Sor pan-fried, you’ll find just what your taste buds are craving in Kankakee County. The region is dotted with locally owned restaurants, each with something unusual to offer – from the irresistible cookie bouquets at Nana’s Cakery & Bake Shoppe to the priceless antiques at The Country Mansion. Nana’s Cakery & Bake Shoppe When folks in Kankakee County need to satisfy a sweet tooth, they head for Nana’s Cakery & Bake Shoppe in Bradley. For more than 30 years, Nana’s has been the place to go for made-from- scratch cakes, cupcakes, cookies and brownies. Special occasions also call for Nana’s confections – the bakery can whip up an impressive cookie bouquet or custom-decorated cake for any holiday, wedding or other occasion. On Fridays and Saturdays, locals flock to Nana’s for fresh-baked pastries, coffee cakes and cinnamon rolls. And during the holiday season, Nana’s offers yule logs, pies, holiday cake balls, pumpkin bars, Christmas cookies and dessert trays. La Villetta Restaurant Also in Bradley, La Villetta Restaurant has been serving reasonably priced Italian cuisine for nearly two decades. Family- owned and -operated, La Villetta What’s Online s
Read more about Kankakee County’s food in The Bacon Wrapped Beef Shoulder k scene at livability.com/kankakee/il. Tender at The Country Mansion ff Ad
Je restaurant in Dwight
18 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 19 makes all its soups and sauces original fireplaces in the lounge The Iroquois Cafe from scratch daily. One of and antiques throughout. No visit to Kankakee County La Villetta’s specialties (and its The menu includes homemade would be complete without most popular dish) is Chicken soups, fresh salads, panini, wraps, stopping in the Iroquois Cafe Sicilian, sautéed chicken breast hand-battered and fried tiger in Iroquois. A popular dining in a light parmesan breading shrimp, cedar plank-grilled establishment for more than 35 topped with creamy red bell salmon, filets and ribeyes, prime years, the Iroquois Cafe’s menu pepper sauce over linguini. rib, and pork chops. Be sure to consists mainly of sandwiches The menu also includes favorites wander around The Country throughout the week, with daily such as homemade lasagna, Mansion’s gorgeous grounds, specials such as hot wings on eggplant parmesan and ravioli, which bloom with flowers in Thursdays, fish on Fridays and and a variety of pastas, steaks springtime and are equally steaks on Saturdays. and seafood. as pretty in winter. – Jessica Mozo The Country Mansion History buffs should not miss He’s One Talented Truck Driver dining at The Country Mansion in Kankakee County native Tony Scruggs of Grant Park rose to national fame on Dwight. Located in an elegant 1891 season two of Fox’s competitive MasterChef game show. The 52-year-old truck driver home that was originally the Scott was eliminated from the competition in June 2011 after making it to the final 16. Boarding House, The Country Scruggs’ signature dish was a pan-seared Mahi Mahi with mango salsa and paella. Mansion features handcrafted His dream is to open a restaurant with his wife. oak and maple woodwork,
livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 19 Shot in the Arm Riverside expands, Provena St. Mary’s merges
What’s Online For more insight on Kankakee County’s health and wellness offerings, head to livability.com/kankakee/il.
20 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 21 Health & Wellness
he prognosis is positive at Riverside Medical care facility with a Level II emergency/trauma center. TCenter and Provena St. Mary’s Hospital, where It has an award-winning chest pain department and both facilities made some important news in recent is one of only 16 hospitals in Illinois accredited by the times – and continue to make news. Society of Chest Pain Centers. Since 2008, Provena St. Mary’s has annually received the Distinguished Riverside Medical Center Hospital Award for Patient Safety from HealthGrades This highly rated hospital was established in and is only one of 10 hospitals in Illinois to receive 1964 and serves the Kankakee region and other this distinction for four consecutive years. south suburban counties of Chicago as a not-for- profit medical facility. It has campuses in Kankakee Provena, Resurrection Merge as well as Bourbonnais, with the Bourbonnais Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care hospital breaking ground in June 2011 on a completed a merger in November 2011 to create 30,000-square-foot addition that will include the single largest Catholic health care provider an accredited sleep center. in Illinois. Both Provena and Resurrection will For the past four years, Riverside Medical has continue to operate individually, but will both been named one of the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals be under the direction of the new organization. by Thomson Reuters. The hospital’s spine surgery The new system includes 12 hospitals, 28 program has also been ranked No. 1 in the state long-term care facilities and senior residential of Illinois by HealthGrades, and Riverside Medical facilities, six home health-care agencies, and also maintains five-star ratings in areas such more than 50 primary and specialty care clinics. as cardiac care, stroke treatment, and knee It serves more than 4.5 million people who live and hip replacement. in Kankakee, Aurora, Chicago, Danville, Elgin, Des Plaines, Joliet, Rockford, Urbana and Provena St. Mary’s Hospital Avilia, Ind. Provena St. Mary’s in Kankakee is a 189-bed acute – Kevin Litwin
Riverview Pharmacy is a family owned and operated business located in the Kankakee, Illinois area. We have been providing service to the local community since 1976. During this time, our friendly and knowledgeable staff has filled millions of prescriptions for both the local residents and numerous residential facilities. Our staff takes pride in doing their work accurately and quickly. Riverview Pharmacy accepts most insurance and offers low prices for the cash paying customer. The pharmacist is always available for patient consultation throughout the day if a customer has any questions concerning their prescription. ✤ Quick service (Waits under 10 minutes) ✤ Accepts most forms of insurance ✤ Low prices for cash paying customers ✤ Free local delivery upon request ✤ Weekly medication planners ✤ Patient consultation ✤ Medication lists available ✤ Yearly print-offs (for tax purposes) ✤ 24-hour answering service
475 Brown Blvd. #105 ✤ Bourbonnais, IL 60914 (815) 933-1735 ✤ (815) 933-3370 fax Let Our Family www.riverviewrx.net Take Care of Your Family
livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 21 Metro Centre Arts Gallery
An award on display at the Metro Centre Arts Gallery in Bourbonnais s in k ff Ad y Je b s o t o ph
22 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 23 Arts & Culture Open Your Mind Kankakee County keeps residents well versed in art and music
ankakee County is eager to studio at Kankakee Community as well as hits such as Twilight Kshowcase arts and culture College. Join DJs Shuffle Shoes and Saga: New Moon and Avatar. options. Art galleries, big names Sky Dobro while they play blues The theater has proudly kept in entertainment, theaters and musicians such as Stevie Ray its original art deco motif that a rich history make Kankakee Vaughn, Allman Brothers Band includes a cobalt blue ceiling and County a great place to and Fruteland Jackson, to name intricate geometric designs in expand your artistic mind. a few. The show is public and green, red, gold and silver. The commercial free and airs Saturday Paramount is graced with five Metro Centre night from 8 p.m. to midnight. screens, and two are equipped Arts Gallery with digital 3D capabilities. Housed in the Metro Transit Classic Appeal Center is the Metro Centre Arts Meadowview Theatre in Compelling History Gallery, which opened in 2009. Kankakee has been airing movies The Kankakee County Museum Headed by the Community Arts since 1967, and its interior was presents rotating exhibits that Council, the gallery’s space is designed by Hans Teichert of chronicle Kankakee County’s available to local artists or groups Chicago, a renowned artist known experiences during the 20th who are members in good for his unusual creations. The century. Exhibits contain significant standing with the council. All Paramount Theatre, which first artifacts and archival materials participants have the option to debuted in Kankakee in 1931, has that are supported with period sell their work at the gallery, and premiered such classics as Gone photographic images, all past exhibits include paintings, With the Wind and Wizard of Oz, depicting Kankakee natives. photography, cibachrome prints and mixed media. Know Your Jazz Jazz musician Orbert Davis grew up in Momence, and as a child he travelled to Chicago once a week for trumpet lessons. Later, he decided to stay in Chicago to receive his bachelor’s degree in trumpet performance from DePaul University in Chicago Container teChnologies and his master’s in Jazz Pedagogy from Northwestern University. Plastic Bottle Manufacturer Orbert Davis and his partner At Ring, we have always believed our corporate responsibility goes Mark Ingram own and operate beyond just providing quality products. Orbark Productions, which has With this vision, we strive for excellence in customer relations, talented worked with clients such as personnel and our commitment to sustainability. With a long history that Atlantic and Capitol, CBS, MCA predates the current trend of sustainability, Ring has always believed and the Warner Brothers record in a near-site/on-site business model for strategic plant locations. This companies. Davis founded the drive and outward way of looking at our resources has made us a Jazz Alive program and Chicago leader today in our industries for carbon footprint and sustainable Jazz Philharmonic that focus on business practices. teaching life and academic skills through music and art. Davis is Clarence heber, Plant Manager also an associate professor at the 1825 American Way • Kankakee, IL 60901 University of Illinois at Chicago. (815) 939-7270 E-mail: [email protected] Listen Up The Friends of the Blues Radio www.ringcontainer.com Show is broadcast from WKCC’s
livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 23 Sports & Recreation
photo by Jeff Adkins Nature’s Playground Kankakee residents find plenty of places to play
hether hitting the links to two days and was renamed Sprinting in the Water Wat an area golf course, Gotcha! Outdoors Sports and The Bradley-Bourbonnais swimming in the local high Adventure Show. In addition Community High School school’s competition-grade to numerous seminars, swimming pool is the place to pool or attending the area’s demonstrations and vendor be for aquatic sports in Bradley. huge annual outdoors show, exhibits, the show features The school’s impressive, multiuse Kankakee residents find games and prize giveaways, heated swimming pool is 75 feet plenty of places to play. live reptile exhibitions and long and 13 feet deep. Its diving archery target shooting. Celebrating board, warm-up area and The 2012 show featured eight-lane capacity make it the Outdoors guest speakers Hank Parker, the perfect place for numerous Each January, fans of outdoor a 2003 Bass Fishing Hall of water competitions, such as lap sports flock to the First Church Fame inductee and host of Hank swimming, diving and water polo. of the Nazarene to attend one of Parker’s Outdoor Magazine, and Although the pool is often Kankakee’s best outdoors events. Jimmy Sites, the award-winning available to the public for open The fourth annual Outward Bound national television host of swimming, it is the home of the Adventure Sports Show expanded Spiritual Outdoor Adventures. Bradley-Bourbonnais Community
Above: A swim meet at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School in Bradley Right: Outdoor Bound Adventure Sports Show, now named Gotcha! Outdoors Sports and Adventure Show
24 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 25 High School boys’ and girls’ varsity and junior varsity swim od
teams as well as the Bradley- r Bourbonnais Swim Club team, c Pen i
fittingly named the “Dolphins”. Er f
The varsity and junior varsity y o s e
teams compete against area rt rival teams while the Dolphins o Cou t o
participate in such events as h P Sprint to the End, a water-sprinting competition, and Splash Bash, a noncompetitive open swim event for children in grades 3 through 6. Playing the Holes Golf is a major recreational activity in Kankakee, which is home to numerous courses. The South Shore Golf Club in Momence offers a challenging course with small, bunkered greens and seven holes that contain water traps. The Manteno Golf Club course in Manteno contains tall trees as well as six water hazards. The Minne Monesse Golf Club, opened in 1926, boasts a par-72 layout, graceful rolling hills, water traps on 11 holes and grand oak trees. The Shamrock Golf Club in St. Anne is a par-60 executive course tucked away in a wooded area with narrow fairways and daunting mature tree lines. The Oak Springs Golf Club, also in St. Anne, opened in 1969. Its course spans 6,260 yards. The Aspen Ridge Golf Course in Bourbonnais offers more affordable rates for its 18-hole course, which extends over 5,968 yards. The Kankakee Country Club is a private establishment opened in 1916 that offers a par-70 course over 5,745 yards. Finally, the public Kankakee Elks Country Club in St. Anne opened in 1901. Its course spans an impressive 6,430 yards. – Braxton Shoop
24 k An k ak e e Co u nt y livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 25 6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1 3/22/10 11:40:09 AM Top 10 Great Places to Ride a Bike
clayton’s Legend Park Smithfield, NC Landahl Park Blue Springs, MO Riverfront Park Salem, OR Stanky Creek bike trails Collierville, TN Kankakee River Trail Kankakee, IL Kankakee Kerr Scott Trail North Wilkesboro, NC made the list. Bend Riverside Trail Top 10 Great Places Bend, OR to Ride a Bike Tongue River trail See more Top 10 lists at Livability.com. Sheridan, WY San Angelo State Park San Angelo, TX Paseo del Bosque Albuquerque, NM
Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 27 Education Extra Credit Students have strong academic options
ultiple choices are available to students who Mwant a strong education in Kankakee County. Kankakee Public Schools The Kankakee Public School District 111 has an enrollment of 5,500 students in grades pre-K through 12, and serves the city of Kankakee, the village of Aroma Park, and rural areas east and south of the city. Other areas of Kanakakee County, including the cities of Bradley, Manteno and Bourbonnais, are served by independant districts and boards. more than 110 undergraduate programs along with There are 12 districts in the county several graduate studies and continuing education options. Its motto is “Education with a Christian Kankakee Community College Purpose,” and more than 20,000 degrees have KCC offers more than 45 areas of study, and the been granted to students throughout the university’s majority of its 3,500 full-time students complete 105-year history. their two-year degrees and then transfer to four-year institutions. The college also works with area Kankakee Area Career Center businesses to conduct specialized workforce training The career center has provided vocational and programs, and oversees the Kankakee Education technical education to regional high school students and Employment Center, a one-stop location for for more than 40 years. The underlying function of adult learners, job seekers and businesses seeking KACC is to prepare students for viable career paths. qualified workers. The center offers a selection of A total of 16 programs are offered at the center, post-secondary programs‚ including bachelor of including automotive repair, 3D design and arts degrees in criminal justice and communications, computer technology. as well as master of arts degrees in education. Grundy Livingston Governors State University Kankakee Workforce Board Located in Chicago, and just 40 minutes from Both Kankakee Community College and Olivet Kankakee County, is Governors State University, which Nazarene University collaborate with Grundy offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees Livingston Kankakee Workforce Board on numerous through 54 programs. Qualified students who attend community service projects aimed at improving the KCC can transfer to GSU and pay the same tuition skill level of the workforce to strengthen the local after completing the necessary credit hours. economy. Its focus is to meet the needs of businesses looking for skilled workers, and meet the training, Olivet Nazarene University education and employment needs of individuals. In Bourbonnais‚ Olivet Nazarene University offers – Kevin Litwin
For Complete Waste Removal REED’S RENT ALL Residential Commercial & SALES INC. Recycling Roll-off Dumpsters (815) 939-3117 Special Hauling ➦ Portable Restrooms HOME OWNER ➦ CONSTRUCTION Family Owned and Operated ➦ PARTY EQUIPMENT for Over 50 Years 907 N. Indiana Ave. (815) 932-1115 Kankakee, IL 60901 www.mydisposal.com www.reedsrentall.com
livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 27 Ad Index
27 A&J Disposal
17 America’s Bistro
16 Bunge north America
15 CSL Behring
15 Economic Alliance of K ankakee count y
C2 Hilton gArden inn
3 K ankakee communit y college
19 K ankakee count y convention & visitors Bureau
17 Manpower
27 Reed’s rent All & sAles inc .
23 Ring container technologies
C4 River vAlley metro
21 Riverview pharmacy
community profile
Snapshot Located just 60 miles from Chicago, Kankakee County boasts small-town charm and big-city amenities. The region is separated from urban life by more than 30 miles of open prairie. As residents will tell you, it’s truly the best of both worlds.
Cost of Living MARITAL STATUS: $56,335 56% Median Household Income Married $107,153 44% Median Home Price Single
$739 ETHNICITY: Median Rent Climate (for a Two-Bedroom Apartment) 79% Mild summers and cool White winters make for a pleasant Household year-round climate in Information Kankakee County. 13% Black 85° F AGE: July Average High 36 5% 12° F Median Resident Age Hispanic January Average Low 29% 3% 38” 19 and Under Other Annual Rain Fall (vs. National Average 46% Annual Rain Fall of 37”) 20-54 TRANSPORTATION time zone 25% 3% Central 55 and Over Median Travel Time to Work
advertisersvisit our A&J Disposal Hilton Garden Inn Reed’s Rent All www.kankakeesanitary.com www.kankakee.gardeninn.com & Sales Inc. America’s Bistro Kankakee Community College www.reedsrentall.com www.kcc.edu Bunge North America Ring Container Technologies www.bungenorthamerica.com Kankakee County www.ringcontainer.com Convention CSL Behring & Visitors Bureau River Valley Metro www.cslbehring.com www.visitkankakeecounty.com www.rivervalleymetro.com Economic Alliance of Kankakee County Manpower Riverview Pharmacy www.kankakeecountyed.org www.us.manpower.com www.riverviewrx.net
28 k An k ak e e Co u nt y Through the Lens
Get the Story Behind the Photo
Now that you’ve experienced Kankakee County through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.
From Our Photo Blog: Kankakee County Located on the banks of the Kankakee River, The B. Harley Bradley House and Stable recently opened its doors to visitors as an arts and education center thanks to local not-for-profit organization, Wright in Kankakee. Designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the house is recognized as his first prairie-style design. The house, built in 1900, has been a private residence several times over, as well as a restaurant and a law office in its century-long existence. I got to spend several hours wandering around the house alone taking photographs for Images Kankakee County magazine. Being a photographer, I was really struck by the placement of the windows and the way the light changed the look of the house’s interior at different times of the day. And the lines created by the woodwork gave me multiple options with which to compose photos within each room. It was like looking at a piece of artwork from the inside out, rather More Online than the outside in, which is usually the case … See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at Posted by Jeff Adkins throughthelensjci.com.
livab i lit y.co m/k an k ak e e /i l 29