Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Manhattan Village Board for July 15, 2025

New Planning Commissioner Appointed: Mayor Mike Adrieansen appointed Gwen Petrella to the Manhattan Planning and Zoning Commission. The Village Board unanimously authorized the appointment for a term ending May 1, 2026.

Eastern Avenue Reconstruction to Begin: Public Works Superintendent John Tyk announced that the reconstruction of Eastern Avenue is expected to begin in early August. Following a pre-construction meeting with contractor PT Ferro Construction, the project is scheduled for completion by November 21, though work may be finished sooner depending on the delivery of culverts.

Support for America’s 250th Anniversary: The village formally expressed its support for the Illinois America250 Commemoration, a state-level initiative to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. The resolution encourages local participation in events recognizing Illinois’ role in the nation’s history.

Trustee Attends Remotely from D.C.: Trustee Clint Boone attended the meeting electronically from Washington D.C., where he was advocating for physical therapy legislation with the American Physical Therapy Association. Boone reported that he had a brief, unplanned meeting with U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson during his trip.

Village to Hire Accountant: The finance department is in the process of hiring for a new accounting position. Finance Director Justin VanVooren reported that three candidates are being interviewed, and an update is expected at the next board meeting.

Upcoming Workshops Scheduled: The village has scheduled two workshops for officials. A comprehensive plan workshop will be held on July 23 at 5 p.m. to discuss long-term village planning with consultants. A finance workshop is scheduled for September 9 at 5 p.m.

Latest News Stories

Frankfort-Township-Logo-Graphic

Outdoor Bar Expansion Gets Green Light from Frankfort Township

The Frankfort Township Board has approved a special use permit that will allow a bar in an unincorporated area to expand its service outdoors. The unanimous decision was made during...
Frankfort-Township-Logo-Graphic

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Township Board for April 14, 2025

The Frankfort Township Board of Trustees met on Monday, April 14, 2025, to address zoning matters and new business. The board took a firm stance against government consolidation, unanimously passing...
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township Recommends Denial of Bruns Road Rodeo Permit Amid Neighbor Objections

The Manhattan Township Board unanimously recommended that Will County deny a permit for a large-scale commercial rodeo on Bruns Road, following a contentious public hearing where neighbors cited a history...
Manhattan Township

Road Contract Awarded as Township Races Against Bridge Funding Deadline

The Manhattan Township Highway Department has awarded a $91,000 contract for its annual road resurfacing program, while simultaneously facing a critical deadline that puts $500,000 in county funding for a...
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township Halts Electric Aggregation Program, Citing Poor Pricing

Residents in unincorporated Manhattan Township will no longer be enrolled in a group electricity purchasing plan after the Township Board voted unanimously not to renew its electric aggregation contract. The...
Manhattan Township

Meeting Briefs: Manhattan Township for April 8, 2025

Assessor’s Office to Replace Server, Receives New Tax Multiplier: Assessor Joe Oldani reported that the township’s server is not compliant with current security methods and must be replaced by the end...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Fire District Receives Clean Audit, Adds 9 New Firefighters Despite Staff Departures

The Manhattan Fire Protection District received a clean audit report for fiscal year 2023 while addressing staffing challenges with nine new part-time firefighters set to join the department at the...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Construction Manager Decision Delayed for New Fire Station Project

The Manhattan Fire Protection District has postponed a decision on hiring a construction management company for its new fire station project while fee structures are finalized. Board members met with...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Manhattan Fire District March 17 Meeting Briefs

Vehicle Updates Progressing: The new Tahoe ordered last year has arrived but will require several months before entering service. The ambulance damaged in December's crash is currently at the body...
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township to Fight State Consolidation Bills, Citing Threat to Local Services

The Manhattan Township Board is mounting a formal opposition to a series of state bills that officials believe threaten the existence of township governments across Illinois. During their monthly meeting...
Manhattan Township

Massive Battery Storage Facility Proposed in Manhattan Township, Could Be “Largest in Illinois”

A proposal for a 15-acre battery storage facility that could be the "largest substation in Illinois" is under consideration in Manhattan Township, a project that could reshape a portion of...
Manhattan Township

Proposed Bruns Road Rodeo Sparks Concerns Over Safety, Zoning, and Past Violations

A proposal to host a large, multi-weekend rodeo on Bruns Road has raised numerous red flags for the Manhattan Township Board, which cited concerns ranging from public safety and zoning...
Manhattan Township

Soltage Solar Farm Clears County Committee; Township Eyes Aesthetic Improvements

The proposed Soltage Solar Farm has passed a key hurdle, gaining approval from the Will County Land Use Committee in a 5-1 vote, Manhattan Township Supervisor James 'Jim' Walsh reported...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Manhattan Township for March 11, 2025

Dial-A-Ride Service to be Absorbed by County: The Southwest Dial-A-Ride service is being absorbed by the larger Will County Dial-A-Ride service, which is offered through PACE. Township officials expressed hope that...
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 March 5, officers stopped Leal Acosta, Julio C (25)...