Good morning, Plainfield.

Yesterday, the Plainfield Foundation for Excellence awarded 22 District 202 teachers grants up to $500 to cover summer training fees, tuition, travel and lodging.

Many winners plan to attend programs in Chicago, Texas and Georgia—each designed to help improve their teaching skills.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County secured more than $4.7 million in state funds today to expand local trails — including $2.9 million for the DuPage River Greenway Trail extension from Naperville to Bolingbrook and $1.89 million for a new Wolf’s Crossing Road Trail connection.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias warned residents to ignore text scams that claim to be from the Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles and threaten to stop their driving—scammers try to steal personal and money details.

Several Herald-News area athletes have earned top qualifying spots for the IHSA state boys track meet at O’Brien Stadium this weekend.

Plainfield teams such as Plainfield East and Plainfield North enter races and relays with strong seedings—each aiming for a medal.

Providence's girls soccer team beat Evergreen Park 4 to 0 at the Class 2A Kankakee Sectional to advance to Friday's championship game as Gabriella Savarino scored two goals—local Plainfield Central lost 5 to 1 to Homewood-Flossmoor while Plainfield East fell 14 to 23 in boys volleyball regional play.

Plainfield South won a 2-0 playoff opener against Pekin in the Class 4A Normal Community West Regional quarterfinal on May 26 using strong pitching as Pablo Herrera struck out 13 batters while giving up only one hit.

The win gives the Cougars a promising start to their playoff run.

Lincoln-Way East beat Lincoln-Way West 4 to 1 in the Class 3A sectional semifinals Tuesday — scoring four first-half goals with a hat trick from freshman Adelyn Thomas — to advance to Friday's sectional finals against Lincoln-Way Central at 5 p.m. The win adds to a strong playoff run after a season of steady victories since early May.

22nd Annual IWEA Golf Outing

10 AM – 4 PM — Links At Carillon Golf Course — Fundraising event — Join fellow members for a day of golf and networking at this major fundraiser.

Movies in the Park

8:30-10:00 p.m. — Settlers' Park — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful evening of family-friendly films under the stars.

Cruise to Village Green

4-5 p.m. — Village Green Park — Free — Enjoy a family-friendly pre-cruise entertainment show featuring Mr. Scott’s Giant Bubble Show.

Crafts & Drafts Workshop with West Creations

6-8 p.m. — Garage Band Brewing — Ticket includes a beer — Create custom wooden projects while enjoying craft beers and summer vibes.