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.
Today Jun 5
87° 67°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
IL rep: As if Bears ‘had a plan to rob the bank’ before considering Indiana
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois state rep whose district includes Soldier Field says the Chicago Bears are bluffing by suggesting...
Lincoln-Way High Schools Maintain Top State Rankings; EL Progress Jumps
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The 2025 Illinois Report Card data reveals that Lincoln-Way Central and East have maintained "Exemplary" status, while...
Undersheriff Brian Conser Retires After 29 Years of Service
Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board and Sheriff’s Office honored Undersheriff Brian Conser, who is retiring after nearly three decades of service....
Officials warn against limits on loans for nursing students
By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square Weeks after the federal government lowered the borrowing limit for student loans for graduate degrees in nursing, professionals and elected officials are sounding off on...
FBI to scrap $5 billion move, Patel says
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square FBI boss Kash Patel announced on Friday the agency scrapped a $5 billion plan to build a new headquarters. The FBI will permanently shut down...
AGs say ‘As You Sow’ may violate antitrust laws with anti-fossil fuel alliance
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A coalition of 18 attorneys general called on the nonprofit group As You Sow to end activities that may violate antitrust and consumer protection laws....
Manhattan-Elwood Library Board Authorizes Steps to Sell Extra Lot
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Meeting | November 24, 2025 Article Summary: Following a closed-door executive session, the Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board of Trustees unanimously directed its library director to explore...
Storm hits California over Christmas; flood watch continues
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Rainfall from an atmospheric river this week slammed Southern California, resulting in freeway collisions, flooding, mudslides and a town where residents were trapped by water....
IL dyslexia screening takes effect Jan. 1, drawing reading instruction debate
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois rolls out a new law requiring early literacy screenings beginning Jan. 1, some educators...
Colorado Springs, Denver residents pay among lowest property taxes in U.S.
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado Springs and Denver rank among the least expensive U.S. cities for property tax burden, while Boulder homeowners pay some of the most expensive in...
Illinois quick hits: Pope reacts to Pritzker bill signing
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pope reacts to Pritzker bill signing Pope Leo XIV says he is very disappointed that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate...
Study reveals top U.S. states for K-12 education
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Massachusetts and Virginia rank as the top states for K-12 education, with strong academics, high graduation rates and supportive school environments, according to a new...
2025: More than 2.5 million removed, record number of violent offenders arrested
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Under new Trump administration policies, more than 2.5 million people were removed from the U.S. this year, including a record number of violent offenders. This...
