CRETE, Ill. - What was once a premier harness racing training facility in Will County is now getting a new lease on life — in a completely different line of work.

Some owners still train and board their horses at what used to be known as the Double Dakota Farm in far south suburban Crete. As interest in harness racing declined, the facility itself began to deteriorate over the past several years.

What we know:

The owner recently sold it to Jim O’Connor, the executive director of the Second Story Foundation.

From recovery to reinvestment

"This is really a project about giving back what was given to us," O’Connor said.

O'Connor is also a certified alcohol and drug counselor with the nonprofit organization, whose mission is to support men in early recovery from substance-use disorde

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