Award

Sauk Valley Community College’s Impact Program has received the Lieutenant Governor Award for Excellence in Revitalization.

The Regional Development Co., based in Valparaiso, Indiana, highlighted its 2024 achievements and recognized top lenders Nov. 7 at its annual membership meeting.

On Oct. 25, Gurnee Park District’s Board of Commissioners President Jim Goshorn was recognized for his 15 years of service at the Illinois Association of Park Districts “Best of the Best” Awards Gala.

For the second consecutive year, Lake County Journal cartoonist Tom Beck has placed first and second in his division in the 2024 Northern Illinois News Association Awards competition.

Jennifer Hintzsche's PherDal Kit, an at-home fertility kit, has been named to TIME’s 2024 Best Inventions List.

Timothy Schlegel, a Morrison native, was recently nominated by the state of Illinois for a National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Outstanding Theater Educator Award.

Mary Ellen Young recently was named the recipient of the 2024 Montrew Dunham Award

Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Assistant Superintendent for Business Todd Drafall recently was presented with the Director Scholarship by the Illinois Association of School Business Officials

The Great Teachers Award has recognized 425 Joliet-area educators since its inception in 2008.

Katelyn Bowers was presented with the award from United Voices for Children.

Rick Curia, dealer principal at Ken Nelson Auto Group, a Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Nissan, Toyota, and Ram dealership in Dixon, has been nominated for the 2025 TIME Dealer of the Year Award.

Elina Triantou of Renaissance Center Banquets in Joliet, said the goal was to “bring together non-profits and celebrate the outstanding efforts of those who have made a difference.”

Adam Jomant of Lockport is an operations specialist for the Will County 911 System, staff photographer for the Joliet Slammers, freelance photographer, volunteer for the Will County Emergency Management Agency, and avid hiker and storm chaser.

Kendall Kyker was recognized for consistently going above and beyond to create positive impacts for the city of Polo when he was named Polo Chamber of Commerce 2024 Citizen of the Year. Mark Maginnis was named the 2024 Carole Nettz Volunteer of the Year.

The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police presented Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow with the award on Aug. 22 at the ILACP executive board meeting at the Midwest Security & Police Conference/Expo in Tinley Park.

Kelly Rohder-Tonelli, JJCs executive director of strategic engagement, will be honored at the 37th ATHENA luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 18 at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate’s Victorian Ballroom in Joliet.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, named in honor of Orville and Wilbur Wright, who were credited with inventing the world’s first airplane, was created by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2003 to recognize pilots who have continuously practiced safe flight operations.

It was work that brought Earleen Hinton to the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner, and she was busy shooting photos when Donna Mann started reading the Citizen of the Year’s biography

The Lake County Coroner’s Office on July 25 received the 2024 Life Changer Award for Outstanding Teams from the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Network organization, recognizing its valiant efforts to make an impact on organ and tissue donation.

Awards to be announced at Chamber dinner Aug. 15.

The Illinois Library Association has announced Jennifer Drinka, executive director of the Antioch Public Library District, as the recipient of the Librarian of the Year award for 2024.

Dixon Rural Fire Chief Dustin Dahlstrom presented the department’s Lifesaving Award on Tuesday to Amy Kutz. She is the first civilian to receive the award.

A Naperville woman won the Quilters Dozen 2024 PrairieFest Quilt Raffle.

Yorkville resident Jennifer Lasater has received a national honor for her commitment to developing student careers as vice president of student and career advancement at Purdue Global, an online university for working adults.

Bonnie Winfrey, president of the Zonta Club of Joliet Area, said the club has bestowed Woman of the Year award to a Zonta Club member every year since the club was founded in 1973.

A Montgomery police officer was awarded the Life Saving Award after his courageous actions saved a life.

Plainfield police Sergeant Eric Munson is a 25-year veteran of the Plainfield Police Department.

Firefighter/Paramedic William Perry of the Coal City Fire Protection District has been awarded the State of Illinois Medal of Honor.

Eaden Hvarre of Dixon was honored with the Senior of the Year award, which recognizes the senior who excels in academics and campus involvement.

City of Rock Falls Electrical Director Dick Simon was presented a Distinguished Service Award at the 2024 annual conference of the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency, Illinois Municipal Utilities Association and Illinois Public Energy Agency.

Jeffrey A. Lee, Lake Villa Township assessor in Lake County, was recently awarded the 2024 Marshall Theroux Memorial Award.

For Amber Morris, the journey into nursing wasn’t a straightforward path. Yet, she is a recent recipient of a DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses.

Transcriptionist Chrissy Stork is responsible for transcribing and maintaining all of the reports for both the operations and corrections divisions.

Senior Airman Travis J. Spong, 23, was honored for quick lifesaving actions he carried out at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

The winning design was selected from among 60 entries

The Greater Joliet YMCA recognized Bill Lauer’s 80 years of YMCA membership and more than 60 years of board service at its gala on Feb. 24.

Sergeant Nancy Velez was selected as the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office Employee of the Year for 2023. Velez has been with the sheriff’s office since May 2009.

For the past 23 years, longtime Gurnee resident, Barbara “Barb” Hooker has been a steadfast presence at Gurnee Park District.

We invite organizations to submit a brief biography of their honorees along with a photo.

The Illinois Principals Association has selected Tiffany Drake of Woodland District 50 as the Lake Region Middle School Principal of the Year.

Margo Empen was presented with the ILMEA Outstanding Administrator Award at the ILMEA’s annual conference on Friday, Jan. 26, in Peoria.

Chef K.C. Gulbro of FoxFire in Geneva talks about the restaurant's recent award on the weekly podcast “It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee,” which provides a backstage pass to all things entertainment.

For an added accolade, head baker Anna Harmon is a finalist in the national ‘Greatest Baker’ competition.

The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network Board of Directors selected Morrison Community Hospital CEO Pam Pfister as the recipient of the organization’s highest award, The Presidential Award.

The SVACC Chamber Champion Award will be given to an individual or group who “goes above and beyond” to improve the quality of life for the people of the Sauk Valley.

Grant will bring in up to $1 million for each of four years for the organization.

Lee County telecommunicator Dylan Ehlers and Deputy Alejandro Castro were presented with the Life-Saving Award for helping to save a 52-year-old who was electrocuted.

Rep.Brad Fritts honors Midwestern Clothing Company.

Karen Hosler, a registered nurse in the CGH Emergency Department, was recently recognized as a recipient of the DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses.

Candance Bousum recognized for her extraordinary service.