Meeting Briefs

L-W School Board June 26 Meeting Briefs

Special Education District Update: The fence installation around the playground at Lincoln Way Area Special Education District 843 has been completed except for one gate section that will allow equipment access for repairs. Extended school year programming is underway with appropriate staffing and transportation. District officials are still awaiting details on new state reimbursement opportunities for private special education facilities.

FOIA Request from Ethiopia: The district received an unusual Freedom of Information Act request from Ethiopia, prompting brief discussion among board members about the international origin of the request.

Policy Updates: Board members approved second reading of policy changes primarily involving Title IX updates dating back to 2020, with most changes consisting of footnote and reference updates rather than substantive language modifications.

Meeting Schedule Change: The August 2025 board meeting was moved from August 21 to August 18 to meet the 30-day public notice requirement between tentative and final budget presentations.

Capital Projects: The board approved a $4.5 million transfer for summer 2025 capital improvement projects, an annual accounting exercise that allows payment for current construction work from the next fiscal year’s budget.

Investment Strategy: The district is working with PMA Financial Network on additional investment opportunities as spring tax revenues are received and life safety bond proceeds are managed until needed for summer 2026 projects.

Latest News Stories

MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Former Peotone Firefighter Mike Shivers Recommended for Fire District Board Position

The Manhattan Fire Protection District board unanimously recommended Mike Shivers to fill a vacant trustee position left by the recent death of Trustee Bill Osborne. Shivers, a former Peotone Fire...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Fire District February 17 Meeting Briefs

New Commissioner Sworn In: Attorney John Motylinski administered the oath of office to Commissioner Anton "Tony" Brncich, who was appointed by the Board of Trustees in December. Brncich officially began...
Police Crime

Manhattan Police Reports

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. On January 27, officers stopped Marshbanks, Turquoise E (42)...
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township Bridge Project Saved After County Commissioner Intervenes with Forest Preserve

A critical bridge replacement project in Manhattan Township, jeopardized by a stalemate with the Will County Forest Preserve District and the potential loss of $500,000 in funding, has been saved...
Manhattan Township

Soltage Solar Farm Clears Township Hurdle with Detailed Landscaping Plan

A proposed solar farm by Soltage Renewable Energy has cleared a key local hurdle after its representative presented a detailed landscaping and aesthetics plan that satisfied the Manhattan Township Board....
Manhattan Township

Solar Developer Commits Up to $800,000 for Smith Road Improvements

Summit Ridge Energy, a solar farm developer, has committed to providing up to $800,000 for the engineering and construction of improvements along Smith Road, Manhattan Township officials announced Tuesday. The...
Manhattan Township

Meeting Briefs: Manhattan Township for February 11, 2025

Baker Road Bridge Work Imminent: Highway Commissioner Jim Baltas reported that the Road District crew will soon begin trimming trees to prepare for the upcoming construction on the Baker Road Bridge....
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township to Review Solar Farm Proposal at Special Meeting

Manhattan Township will host a special meeting Jan. 28 to review a proposed solar farm development at the corner of Cherry Hill and Manhattan roads. Soltage Renewable Energy Provider has...
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township Briefs

Township Approves $81,000 Assessor Budget: Manhattan Township trustees unanimously approved the 2025-2026 assessor's office budget request of $81,000 during their Jan. 14 meeting. The budget includes increases for employee salaries...
Jackson Township

Jackson Township Property Values to Rise 13% in 2025 Assessment

Jackson Township property owners will see assessed values increase by 13.18% in the upcoming assessment cycle, Assessor LeGrett reported at the township's January 8 monthly meeting. The increase, which will...
Jackson Township

Jackson Township Advances Infrastructure Projects Despite Winter Conditions

Jackson Township continues progress on major infrastructure improvements while maintaining winter road operations, officials reported at the January 8 township meeting. Supervisor Matt Robbins updated the board on the ongoing...
Jackson Township

Jackson Township Meeting Briefs

Meeting Approvals: Jackson Township trustees unanimously approved December 2024 meeting minutes and the monthly financial statement during their January 8 meeting. The board also approved the assessor's 2025 budget as...
Police blue and red flashing light on the car in the street

Manhattan Police Reports

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. On November 25, officers cited Parker, Kenneth R (53) of...
Blue flasher light of siren of police car

Manhattan Police Reports

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. On November 17, officers cited Randle, Devante (24) of...