Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: First Watch Restaurant Opening In Joliet, City Council Vote Just Days Away

Spotted on the Joliet calendar: The Final Homes. The Last Opportunity. Remington Woods Open House.

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Good morning Joliet! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • New First Watch restaurant nears approval at Joliet's Boulevard Place
  • Liquor license vote brings Joliet Trader Joe's closer to opening
  • Joliet bank robber who pulled gun on sergeant nears long federal sentence

Also on today's calendar: The Final Homes. The Last Opportunity. Remington Woods Open House. and 17 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a cap but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 68 and low of 47 degrees.
  • Sunday: Pleasant with plenty of sun, temps: high: 72, low: 47.
  • Monday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 69 and low of 44 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. First Watch Restaurant Opening In Joliet, City Council Vote Just Days Away (patch.com) — Joliet residents could soon have a new breakfast and brunch option as the City Council prepares to vote Tuesday on a liquor license for a First Watch restaurant at The Boulevard Place near I-55 and Route 30. The proposed Class E license would allow limited alcohol sales at the new Joliet location, which joins several other Chicago-area First Watch restaurants and is not expected to pose policing concerns.
   

2. Trader Joe's In Joliet: City Council Vote Nears On Class C Liquor License For Trader Joe's #880 (patch.com) — Joliet shoppers are a step closer to visiting their own Trader Joe's as the City Council readies a Tuesday vote on a Class C liquor license for the new store at 2741 Plainfield Road. City officials say only a small share of sales will be packaged alcohol, and the Liquor Commission has recommended approval after a recent hearing.
   

3. 4-Time Bank Robber Who Tried Shooting Joliet Police Sergeant Awaits Federal Prison Sentence (patch.com) — Joliet residents are learning more about local used car dealer Victor Barakat, who pleaded guilty in federal court after a 2023 Rolling Meadows bank robbery and a tense confrontation where Joliet police say he pulled a gun on Sgt. Christopher D'Arcy. Prosecutors want 270 months in federal prison while his public defender seeks 240 months, citing addiction and mental health struggles, and his pending sentence may mean Will County's attempted murder case in Joliet never goes to trial.
   

4. Joliet Police Sgt. Bill Otis Begins 10th Month On Paid Administrative Leave, Return To Force Remains Murky (patch.com) — People in Joliet are still waiting for answers about Sgt. Bill Otis, who has now spent 10 months on paid administrative leave while an outside agency and the Will County State's Attorney review serious allegations. City officials say there is no timeline for a decision, even as a Plainfield woman's order of protection against Otis remains in effect and an independent task force continues its investigation.
   

5. Joliet District 86 Recognizes School Principals (wjol.com) — Joliet Public Schools District 86 is spotlighting its principals for National Principals Month, thanking them for creating safe, welcoming schools across the city. The district lists leaders at nearly every Joliet school, so families can see exactly who's guiding their children's education and recognize the people shaping daily life in local classrooms.
   

📸 Around Joliet

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • 5th Annual Grape Harvest: Slovenian Polka Festival! —Mike Brick Read on Patch
  • Obituary: Donald Huntley —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
  • Obituary: Kenneth F. Doherty —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
  • ZZ Top & Genesis Tribute Concert —Mike Brick Read on Patch
  • Obituary: Ann Reiter-Emlund —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
  • Hello everyone!!!
    Has anyone been to woodsman's yet in Plainfield? If so what do you think? I'm excited to check it out!!!! (Nextdoor Lakewood Prairie)
  • Chipotle posted a job opening for Crew Member in Joliet. Apply here.
  • Spencer's posted a job opening for Assistant Store Manager - Spirit in Joliet. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Joliet here.

Ok Joliet! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has a cap but no head?" — A bottle (Thank you Glo M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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