Illinois
Komatsu mining truck named 2024 ‘coolest thing made in Illinois’
Gov. J.B. Pritzker congratulates the finalists for “the coolest thing made in Illinois” during the fifth annual “Makers Madness” contest ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion Wednesday. The contest is hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association.
Cole Longcor/Capitol News Illinois
A mining truck manufactured by Chicago-based Komatsu was crowned the winner of the 2024 “Makers Madness” contest, earning the title of “the coolest thing made in Illinois” at the Governor’s Mansion Wednesday.
The truck was among more than 200 entries in the fifth annual contest hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and sponsored by Comcast Business. The bracket-style contest lasted eight weeks and collected almost 315,000 votes for the products entered, narrowing them down to the top 16, then to the final four, which were recognized Wednesday.
The truck, made by Komatsu in Peoria, has a hauling capacity of up to 400 tons and has “new innovations in suspension transmission, electric drive technology and autonomous operation,” according to Komatsu. The 980E-5 truck weighs more than 1.3 million pounds.
Dan Funcannon, a vice president at Komatsu, said the trucks are the “coolest machines on the planet.”
“These machines are manufactured in Peoria and shipped around the world to support mining the minerals and materials that are required to do this manufacturing around the globe,” he said at Wednesday’s ceremony. “We feel it’s a big honor and also responsibility to sell these products throughout the world.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker congratulated the finalists and said manufacturing is key to the state’s economy.
“This room is full of talented and driven people who continue to propel our state toward a brighter future,” he said. “Our economic growth is due in large part to the thriving manufacturing sector that you all help to build every day.”
Three other finalists, covering a wide range of products, also were recognized at the ceremony. Mullen’s Imitation French Dressing, made by J.D. Mullen Company in Palestine, was founded by World War I veteran and Illinois restaurateur John Mullen. The MQ-25 Stingray Drone Refueler, built by Boeing in Mascoutah, is the first unmanned aircraft to refuel another aircraft midflight. Enviro Buildings’ Mod Box, made by Craig Industries in Quincy, is a modular insulated outdoor building used for construction and security offices.
According to the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, the industry is responsible for almost a third of the state’s jobs and contributes more than $580 billion to the economy annually.
The Rosenberg moon habitat, made by Ingersoll Machine Tools in Rockford, was the 2023 winner. St. Charles-based Bison Gear and Engineering Corp.’s pull tight pool cover gearmotor was named one of the 16 coolest products made in Illinois in 2022.
• Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
A woman was taken into custody, accused of breaking into a home in Aurora, Illinois, on Saturday morning.
Aurora Police said around 9:14 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of South Edgelawn Drive for a report of a residential burglary after a neighbor reported what they described as a suspicious person on the property.
Arriving officers found evidence of forced entry at the home and encountered a woman inside the residence who refused to come out.
Police said officers secured the area and members of the department’s negotiating team and Special Response Team responded to the scene. After more than an hour of negotiations, officers took the woman into custody without further incident and she was taken to an area hospital for evaluation.
No other individuals were inside the residence, and there were no injuries to officers or anyone in the area.
Investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
These real estate transactions, recorded the week of June 29, are compiled from information on file with Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties. They represent sales of $78,000 or more.
PEORIA COUNTY
3713 W. Pagewood Drive, Peoria: US Bank National Association to Mauricio G. Soto and Lorena Veladquez Montenegro, $92,900.
1506 N. Third St., Chillicothe: Holloway Holdings LLC to Michael Pareja Jr., $115,000.
14513 N. Grandview Drive, Chillicothe: Damien E. Wineinger to Nicholas Deaton, $116,000.
715 W. Corrington Ave., Peoria: Zachary and Jacqueline Taylor to Ellis W. Deputy and Parker M. Ross, $127,500.
1501 W. Marlene Ave., Peoria: Mary Lawless to Melissa P. Blain, $143,000.
123 SW Jefferson Ave., #E5C, Peoria: Jose Tapia to Peoria Property Management LLC, $145,000.
101 N. Hazel St., Chillicothe: Darnell S. Wilkins to Gage R. DeVries, $147,000.
420 W. Albany Ave., Peoria: Debra Yang to David Ramsey to Madelyn Brandt, $160,000.
638 N. Coolidge Court, West Peoria: Jose J.B. Garcia and Garciela C. Abascal to Gary P. Unferth, $160,500.
5133 N. Montclair Ave., Peoria Heights: Dalton A. Carlson to Carrie Randell, $164,900.
1022 S. Allen Ave., Peoria: Kenneth Gausselin to Jakob C. Uryasz, $170,000.
1405 W. Daytona Drive, Peoria: Kimberly J. McKinney to Josef L. Taylor, $170,000.
2228 W. Moss Ave., West Peoria: Lauren Deppe to Sheila White, $174,900.
918 N. Hushaw Ave., Chillicothe: Tyler and Paige George to Rissa M. Foster and Austin Laroe, $174,900.
3120 N. Biltmore Ave., Peoria: Timothy and Courtney Arnett to Nicole McClean, $180,000.
509 W. Florence Ave., Peoria: Yolanda Shuster to Grant D. Hagedorn and Paris Lucas, $185,000.
2320 W. Winnebago Drive, Peoria: Jake Ott to Megan and Michael Davis, $188,000.
123 SW Jefferson Ave.,, #E26, Peoria: Wayne G. Walker and Brenda Goodbread Walker to Frederick W. and Kathleen A. Page, $190,000.
811 N. Elbert Court, Hanna City: Andy and Tristin Anderson to George L. and Sharon L. Robertson, $192,500.
1729 E. Truitt Road, Chillicothe: Robert A. and Leah N. Santini to Austin V. Davis and Lexi M. Ludolph, $195,000.
5315 N. Isabell Ave., Peoria: Thomas and Teresa Stegall to Michelle V.R. Vargas and David Bean, $195,000.
1113 N. Maplewood Ave., Peoria: Diego A. Galindo and Katherine E. Hitchcox to Jesse S. and Rachel Mitchell, $200,000.
11217 N. Oakwood Drive, #3, Peoria: Jiyoun Kim to Christopher M. and Deangela M. Broadhurst, $215,000.
5333 N. Big Hollow Road, Peoria: Brent and Kimberlee Christians to Darin M. and Normandy Kennery, $220,000.
118 W. Merle Lane, Peoria: Josef L. and Nicole E. Taylor to Anthony Licea, $249,900.
1604 W. Devereux Drive, Peoria: Evan A. Zeddies and Jordan Barone to Timothy J. Draher, $251,000.
1320 W. Holly Hedges Drive, Peoria: Mohammed Osman and Jetlira Islami to Kristopher Lanham, $266,000.
505 W. Merle Lane, Peoria: Aaron K. and Mycah L. Amstutz to Luke D. and Alexandra Murphy, $269,900.
2407 W. Carriage Lane, Peoria: Sofia R. Beltran Dimaculangan and Michelle A. Echavez to Karen G. and Allan Pedregosa, $270,579.
1820 W. Gaylord Ave., Peoria: Michael and Alice Ardis to Robert S. and Madison Hessling, $279,900.
1255 W. Wonderview Drive, Dunlap: Cheryl and Jeremy J. Norfleet to Madalyn G. Niemann and Brandon Barnes, $288,500.
16004 N. Centerville Road, Edelstein: Lisa Leitner to Seth and Maria Leitner, $292,000.
1001 SW Adams St., Peoria: Chic Flats LLC to Michael N. and Jane M. Fielder, $299,000.
205 W. Southgate Drive, Elmwood: Dustin M. and Andrea Turner to Camden B. Jennings and Stacey J. and Sierra F. Peterson, $303,000.
2303 W. Kenfield Court, Peoria: DeTrail and Parker Davis to Dhaval M. and Prarthna D. Chaudhary, $303,090.
7125 N. Willow Bend Point, #34, Peoria: Holly Van Slyke to Beverly J. Satterfield, $320,000.
22014 N. Route 40, Edelstein: Larry D. and Vera M. Baer to Grant and Sarah Knobloch, $325,000.
12116 W. Jo Dan Court, Hanna City: Randall and Kelly Beyries to Christopher J. and Jennifer R. Rosenbohm, $337,000.
303 W. Aspen Way, Peoria: Cesar and Emily Esparza to Nicole Brusich and Joshua Vincent, $395,000.
12227 N. Wood Ridge Court, Dunlap: Jamie Borden and Zachary Bonson to Benjamin Tilly, $395,000.
2003 W. Miners Drive, Dunlap: Tyler and Alea Sheikh to Harshkumar I. Patel, $395,000.
7023 N. White Fir Drive, Edwards: Roger A. and Phyllis L. Malcolm to James and Lynne Gibbons, $400,000.
3104 W. Rosebury Lane, Dunlap: Logan and Shelby Bader to Cartus Financial Corporation, $430,000.
3104 W. Rosebury Lane, Dunlap: Cartus Financial Corporation to Ta Min Meng and Fan Yang, $430,000.
11316 N. Chesapeake Lane, Dunlap: Brian L. Williams to Sameer A. and Bhumi S. Shah, $493,500.
1205 W. Poplar Woods Court, Dunlap: Thomas and Mahliet Zimmerman to Ajay and Marli Gnanasekaran, $515,000.
14101 N. Evans Mill Road, Princeville: Bennett W. Avery to Bradley A. Cox, $525,000.
6009 W. Sunflower Drive, Peoria: Jess Burns to Ciara J. and Gregory D. White II, $533,000.
3900 N. Hawthorne Place, Peoria: Kevin M. and Molly C. Fahey to Timothy E. and Jacqueline M. Fahey, $600,000.
6410 W. Willow Oak Court, Edwards: Kevin N. and Kathy A. O’Brien to Vincent Roger and Charlotte L.E. Bozec, $633,000.
4000 W. Tangleoaks Court, Peoria: Keith and Casey Knepp to Daniel and Erica Husser, $832,000.
TAZEWELL COUNTY
434 Wesley Road, Creve Coeur: Juanita K. and Wayne E. Roberts to Travis Polston, $80,000.
1263 Sewell Lake Road, Manito: Everett F. Jr. and Janice G. Shue to Dee Ann and Tim R. Clark and Cynthia and David Sarff, $82,500.
100 Thrush Ave., Pekin: Tammy J. Crawford to Marissa Lawson, $85,000.
304 Sherwood, Pekin: Nancy S. Barnes and Luana S. Rademaker to Stanley J. Lundy, $90,000.
303 5th St., South Pekin: Edward D. Stoehr to Angela S. Johnson, $90,000.
400 Pekin Ave., East Peoria: Christopher and Tammy L. Finch to Jerry W. Deforest Jr., $108,000.
1430 Fisher St., Pekin: Dawn L. Wade to Cartus Financial Corporation, $113,000.
1430 Fisher St., Pekin: Cartus Financial Corporation to Hunter Meyers, $113,000.
106 Meadow Lane, Unit 2A, Mackinaw: Hillside Development Partners LLC to Ashley R. Douglas, $115,000.
16 Cracklewood Court, East Peoria: Pamela S. and William E. Aten to Peoria Heights Properties LLC, $120,000.
1313 Janssen St., Pekin: Phillip C. Kennedy Jr. and Bianca M. Langenbahn to Justin Lee, $120,126.
110 E. Park Ave., Deer Creek: Ivan L. and Kimberly A. Schoebein to Dillon Getz, $128,000.
305 Ehrett St., Creve Coeur: Angie L. and Brett A. Smith to Cameron Smith, $130,000.
102 Lincoln Road, Marquette Heights: Bradford R. Dunlap to Sharon K. and William R. Poston, $145,000.
1008 W. Jefferson St., Washington: Joshua K. Robinson to Colton D. and Rachel S. Sergenti, $145,000.
601 Pekin Ave., Creve Coeur: Jayson P. Couri to Andrea Miller, $149,500.
200 Anna St., East Peoria: Dawn G. Page to Rooted Beauty Company Property LLC, $150,000.
206 Kerfoot St., East Peoria: Cameron A. and Kayleigh Bush to Kylie Ellis and Brandon Pate, $150,000.
307 Camelot Drive, Washington: Ryan W. Blackorby to Jordan Schertz, $152,500.
2212 Belmont Drive, Pekin: Angela Bowden and Brett Gambetti to Alexis Hoffman and Tate Leitner, $154,900.
526 State St., Pekin: Richard A. and Theresa L. Sebelist to Karli L. Carlyle and Joshua McCree, $155,000.
301 Gem St., East Peoria: Cory B. and Hannah F. Kirwan to Gavin Whitaker, $157,500.
211 Oakdale Ave., Pekin: Anthony T. Cates and Colette L. Huskisson to Natilee C. Pitts, $160,000.
106 Ernest St., Washington: Amy J. and Christopher O. Lambert to Anchor Roots Equity LLC, $175,000.
116 Geraldine St., Green Valley: Brian M. Green to Joshua Pfanz, $177,500.
408 S. Eastern Ave., Minier: Bradley J. and Reita M. Rifner to Frank Zimmerman, $195,000.
1009 Eisenhower Drive, Pekin: Dalton Calvin to Dillon E. and Heather A.N. Pollitt, $200,000.
713 Pekin Ave., Creve Coeur: Andrea Miller to Evona S. and Michael A. Bowman, $205,000.
Parcel Number 05-05-10-300-015, Tazewell County: Alexandria Place LLC to Harris and Briarbrook LLC, $215,000.
317 Ken Ave., Morton: John M. Rellihan to Mayci Edwards and Vincent Massaglia, $245,000.
15611 Red Shale Hill Road, Pekin: Sharon L. Hundt to Brittany M. and Nicholas D. Toel, $250,000.
111 Patriot Drive, East Peoria: Terry R. Lamprecht to Debra D. and Timothy Kemp, $265,000.
102 Bittersweet Lane, East Peoria: Janet K. and John R. Ledbetter, $265,000.
Parcel Number 07-07-24-400-003, Tazewell County: Pamela S. Wiegand to Shelly R. Knapp, $269,810.
2102 Cordova Court, Pekin: John C. and Kristine S. Fordham to Angela J. Johnson and Daniel K. Prescott, $275,000.
101 N. Missouri Ave., Morton: Christopher P. Kryszak to Emma and Clayton Brown, $275,000.
206 W. Jefferson St., Morton: Scarfe Family Estates & Investments LLC to Stammtisch 2026 LLC, $275,000.
1813 Oakwood Drive, Pekin: Kirk A. and Tammy D. Zymkiewicz to Chalise M. and Matthew L. Jones, $277,000.
201 NW Washington St., Hopedale: Melody L. and Toby T. Terrell to Haley and Jacob Davis, $287,000.
410 S. Eastern Ave., Minier: Stacy Rinkenberger to Deborah L. to Mark E. Deterding, $295,000.
218 Tamarack Ave., Morton: Bryanna and Eric W. Martin to Chad and Trisha Mucciante, $317,500.
1437 Santa Fe Road, Washington: Chanda Dunston to Terry R. Lamprecht and Ellyce Polizzi, $320,000.
545 Whispering Oaks Drive, Groveland: Debra and James Williams to Christopher J. and Rebecca J. Heisler, $325,000.
29531 E. Lakeland Road, Deer Creek: Frank M. and Marianne H. Strawn to Ivan L. and Kimberly A. Schoenbein, $330,000.
203 Stonewood Drive, East Peoria: Michelle and Troy R. Miller to Brock Boeding and Megan Locknar, $360,000.
820 S. Locust St., Tremont: Joann M. and Roger D. Beutel to Julia R. and Matthew D. Stuber, $500,000.
432 Onyx Drive, Morton: Joshua P. and Laura L. Sutter to Jake T. and Jenna E. Klyber, $550,000.
2108 California Road, Pekin: Deanna J. and James S. Rowells to Ryan J. Henderson and Daniela I. Kocher, $670,000.
200 Cimmeron Drive, East Peoria: Larry F. and Susan M. Overcash to Smidt Properties LLC, $575,000.
26805 Liberty Lane, Washington: Brent A. and Sara B. Heider to Cartus Financial Corporation, $613,000.
26805 Liberty Lane, Washington: Cartus Financial Corporation to Carl M. and Lisa A. Volz, $613,000.
WOODFORD COUNTY
1327 Lakeview Ave., East Peoria: Taylor A. Riggio to Christopher M. Schmidt, $155,000.
208 Missouri St., Spring Bay: James B. and Betty A. McCarty to Ronald Nasser and Michelle L. Adams Nasser, $194,900.
1252 N. Skyview Drive, East Peoria: John and Tina Christianson to Nicholas and Ashlyn Christianson, $226,000.
901 Easy St., Roanoke: Michael A. and Yvonne M. Jenkins to Jeremiah E. and Megan E. Knapp, $259,500.
603 Manor Drive, Metamora: Ethan and Morgan Volz to Donald and Amanda Wilson, $270,000.
283 E. Lucille St., East Peoria: Kent A. and Clara J. Cook to Brett A. and Angie Smith, $285,000.
222 E. North Lakeview Drive, East Peoria: Brannon and Allison Ramsdale to Bradford Dunlap, $295,000.
1139 Willow Lake Drive, Metamora: Daniel A. and Kimberly F. Grieves to Kevin and Kendahl Grieves, $340,000.
(WGME) Sen. Tammy Duckworth, from the state of Illinois, is publicly opposing Dr. Nirav Shah’s run for the U.S. Senate in Maine, citing his past performance as Illinois’ public health director.
Duckworth posted on X Thursday that her opposition is based on Shah’s handling of a 2015 Legionnaires’ outbreak at a veterans home. Duckworth said Shah “put his image before the safety of veterans” during the outbreak, which resulted in the deaths of 13 people.
Shah has previously responded to criticism of how he handled the outbreak. During a debate on CBS13 when he was running for governor, Shah said, “If what we demand are leaders with unblemished records, then what we will get are leaders who have not been tested. I have been tested, I have learned, I am better for it, and that will make me a better governor for every single Mainer.”
Shah also responded directly to Duckworth’s comments, saying he was praised — including by Sen. Susan Collins — for how he handled the COVID-19 pandemic. He also reemphasized his willingness to answer questions in town halls across Maine.
Shah noted most Maine voters will likely not have a say in who gets the nomination, but said they still deserve to hear candidates’ thoughts in debates before taking on Collins.
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