County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project
June 3, 2025/
The committee authorized the State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases for right-of-way acquisition needed for Francis Road improvements between Gougar Road and Interstate 80.
Eight property parcels are involved in the condemnation proceedings, including properties owned by the Joliet Park District, Commonwealth Edison Company, and several private property owners.
The Francis Road project will reconstruct the roadway to current standards and improve drainage in the corridor. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 pending completion of right-of-way acquisition.
County officials said attempts to negotiate voluntary acquisitions were unsuccessful, necessitating the legal condemnation process.
Latest News Stories
White House calls on Pritzker to cooperate with ICE
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The White House called on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday to cooperate with immigration enforcement, after the killing of a student in Chicago. White...
Manhattan-Elwood Library Board Authorizes Architectural RFQ Inquiries, Discusses Capital Campaign
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Meeting | February 23, 2026 Article Summary: The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board of Trustees directed its library director to consult with legal counsel to prepare a...
DHS pushes back on Minnesota lawsuit over Metro Surge shootings
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is defending federal agents’ actions in three Minnesota shootings while pushing back on claims of “unprecedented noncooperation” raised in...
Frankfort Man Arrested by State Police for Threatening Governor Pritzker
Article Summary: A 71-year-old Frankfort resident is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after Illinois State Police investigators linked him to a series of threatening voicemails left for Governor JB Pritzker....
Supreme Court reverses $1B copyright lawsuit
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision on Wednesday, ruled that an internet service provider is not liable in damages when its users unlawfully...
U.S. Supreme Court rules against automatic prison release punishments
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court, in an 8-1 decision, decided an individual on supervised release is not automatically extended when that person absconds from their release....
State Police address FOID, cyber security audit findings
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As his agency works to correct compliance findings by the state’s auditor general, Illinois State Police Director...
Poll: Trump demonstrates stronger cognitive, communication skills compared to Biden
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square A majority of American voters say President Donald Trump has demonstrated better cognitive and physical skills during his second term compared to former President Joe...
Illinois Quick Hits: Red Line funds ordered to be unfrozen
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is hailing a federal judge’s ruling that directs the Trump administration to unfreeze...
EXCLUSIVE: 5 years in, Operation Lone Star seizes 870 million lethal doses of fentanyl
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Five years into Texas’ border security mission, Operation Lone Star officers have seized a record amount of illicit drugs. Gov. Greg Abbott first launched OLS...
Proposal to decrease reliance on paper documents passes House
By Alan WootenThe Center Square Safety is compromised, and costs are increased by outdated rules, U.S. Rep. Brad Knott tells The Center Square. His proposal with Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Mich.,...
Explosive Offense Powers Lincoln-Way West Baseball Past Shepard in 14-4 Run-Rule Victory
After spotting the visitors a two-run lead in the top of the first inning, the Lincoln-Way West varsity baseball team unleashed a relentless offensive assault, pounding out 12 hits en...
Manhattan School District 114 Advances Search for New Transportation Vendor
Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | March 11, 2026 Article Summary: Following ongoing service issues with its current transportation provider, Manhattan School District 114 has officially entered the private market,...
Manhattan Park District Advances Round Barn Renovations, Launches Girls’ Softball Following Minor ‘Winter Fest’ Fire
Manhattan Park Board Meeting | February 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Manhattan Park District is expanding its recreational offerings with a new girls' softball league while simultaneously executing extensive renovations...