County Treasurer Maria Pappas is urging residents to go to cookcountytreasurer.com to see if they are...

Trees Forever is announcing a funding opportunity for Illinois communities to diversify their community forests or recover from natural or man-made disasters, particularly emerald ash borer (EAB). Trees Forever is accepting applications for Recover, Replant, Restore! tree planting grants February 1 through 25. Grants of $500 to $3,000 are available to plant more diverse disease-resistant and storm-resistant shade trees. Eligible projects include planting trees in public spaces, such as along streets and trails, community entryways, at schools, public buildings, parks and more.

Thetimesweekly.com Project Acclaim has selected the National Hook Up of Black Women, Inc. Joliet Chapter (NHBW) to receive the 4th Quarter of 2021 Reverend James E. Allen Award for Service to the Community. This award recognizes individuals or organizations who show selfless devotion of community by direct action; perform actions that have a community-wide impact; perform actions that significantly improve the life or well-being of individuals; and perform actions that enhance the best interests of the community. The National Hook Up of Black Women initiatives and efforts in the greater Joliet area certainly match the criteria for this award. Project Acclaim was particularly moved by the NHBW’s efforts to promote literacy throughout our community by giving out free books at community events and making available after-school tutoring as well as the organization’s efforts to encourage vaccination against infection and the spread of COVID-19.