Grundy County’s top 2024 stories

It was a busy 2024 in news around Grundy County, with new business developements, infrastructure projects, and many changes as Grundy County continues its rapid growth.

Minooka man federal fraud charges

A federal judge ordered Minooka businessman Ken Courtright to pay about $68.7 million to almost 380 payees as part of his restitution in a case where he was found guilty of committing wire fraud. Courtright was found guilty in 2023 of committing wire fraud through his company, Today’s Growth Consultant. Prosecutors said Courtright was operating a Ponzi scheme.

Liberty Street closed after January roof collapse

Liberty and Jefferson streets in Morris spent most of January closed after the northern roof of 322 Liberty St. collapsed, spilling brick and debris into the road after a bunch of snow and severe cold snap. January 2024 was defined by the weather, and Morris didn’t even have it the worst of the Grundy region.

Wilmington residents evacuate as floodwaters rise

Ice jams created flooding issues along the Kankakee River on the west side of Grundy County heading into Wilmington, creating dangerous conditions for residents. People living near North and South Islands in Downtown Wilmington, and in Phelan Acres north of the Dresden Cooling Lake. It closed many roads, including Illinois Route 53.

Morris farmer planning for his 71st year growing crops

Martha Blum with AgriNews shared the story of Bob Friestad, a Morris farmer who has been farming for over 71 years now. Friestad said farming is all he’s ever wanted to do, and he started in high school farming a few acres on the west edge of town.

Constellation receives support to renew Dresden Clean Energy Center’s license for 20 years

In what may seem minor now, Constellation received support from the Grundy County Board and many others around the county to renew its license to run the Dresden Clean Energy Center for another 20 years. After a closing scare just a couple of years ago, local government bodies were able to provide support when Dresden needed it.

Semi crashed into Morris apartment building

Morris residents on Anne Lane received a terrifying scare on a June Wednesday morning when a blown tire caused a semi to leave Interstate 80 and crash into the front of the building. Morris Deputy Fire Chief Dave Wiechen said it was a tractor-trailer carrying clothes dryers that weighed approximately 12,000 pounds. Luckily, ever resident made it out of the building safely.

Goodwill Park officially opens

Goodwill Park in Morris opened after a year of construction, one of the many parks around Morris receiving renovations as part of the city’s parks plan. While the park is open and well-used, there are still some concerns from residents.

Babe’s Tap owners Marvin and Kris Perino retire

Marvin and Kris Perino retired from owning and operating Babe’s Tap in Coal City, making it a 35-year career as restauranteurs. While they had many good years and many great memories, the two thought it was a good time to retire and spend time with their grandchildren, and maybe even sleep in for once.

True North opens a second location at the former Grundy County Nursing Home

True North opened a second location in Morris, and it makes an interesting use of the former Grundy County Nursing Home at 1338 Clay St. The rooms are now filled with thrift items, vintage clothing and crafts, but teach room has kept the name tags on the doors.

Minooka voices concerns over Canadian National hub

The Village of Minooka, along with the rest of Grundy County, has many concerns about a potential Canadian National logistics hub that’s being planned on McLinden Road. While the hub itself will be in Channahon, it borders Minooka and there’s a lot of concern over the amount of traffic it will bring. The hub is still in the planning stages, and many government bodies like Morris, Channahon, Minooka, and Grundy County have partnered for a traffic study to better plan how extra truck traffic will affect residents.

Morris Hospital YMCA opens Monday, Dec. 16

It’s been a long road to get there, but the new Morris Hospital YMCA at 2200 W. Dupont Ave. opened it’s doors officially Monday, Dec. 16. The 60,000 square-foot facility features an eight-lane lap pool, a health and wellness center, a gymnasium, indoor walking track, group exercise studios, a cycling room, a healthy eating kitchen, youth play spaces and meeting rooms. The property is surrounded planned residential developments, Morris Grade School and West Side Park to the east.

Grundy Eunoia opening in Mazon

There was a need, and the community worked to make it happen. The Community Foundation of Grundy County cut the ribbon with the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce on Grundy Eunoia, a mental health center focused on helping children. Clinical Director Adam Kotoski said it will be open and accepting clients by January.

New Morris fire station opens on Armstrong Street

The Morris Fire Department has a new centrally located home at 200 Armstrong Street, allowing for better response times to the east side of town and giving the firefighters an updated space. Morris residents should stop in for a bit of history: The front room on the building’s south side has a museum, complete with some old fire trucks.

Grundy County rallies around the Tabler family after tragic fire

When Bill and Alec Tabler passed away in a tragic house fire in early November in Diamond, people from around Grundy County worked to provide and gather funds to aid the surviving family in their recovery. In the time since, community members have raised over $80,000 through a GoFundMe page, and even more has come through at the Morris Fire Department.