Public Works Committee Briefs
June 3, 2025/
Major Projects Update: Construction continues on several major projects including the 80th Avenue expressway overpass, Laraway Road widening near Cedar Road, and Bell Road improvements. The Bell Road project at 143rd Street intersection experienced utility conflicts that are being resolved.
Utility Agreement: The committee approved a $1.4 million reimbursement agreement with Nicor Gas Company for relocating facilities during Laraway Road improvements between Cedar Road and Spencer Road.
Public Information Meeting: The county will hold a public meeting June 26 from 4-7 p.m. at Peotone High School regarding the Eastern Will County freight mobility study. The meeting will present design alternatives for public comment.
Future Planning: Director Ronaldson noted that next year’s transportation improvement program will be based on the 2050 long-range transportation plan currently nearing completion, potentially adding new priority projects to the program.
Latest News Stories
Frankfort Board Approves New Wendy’s on Route 30 With Numerous Modifications
A new Wendy's restaurant is set to be built at the northwest corner of U.S. Route 30 and Frankfort Square Road after the Frankfort Village Board unanimously approved the project...
Historic Downtown Frankfort Property Granted Deck and Patio Variances
The owners of a historic mixed-use building in downtown Frankfort have received approval for six zoning variances to construct a new paver patio and a second-floor rear deck. The Frankfort...
Manhattan School Board Approves Staff Changes, Healthcare Extension in Special Session
Manhattan School District 114's Board of Education approved several personnel changes and a healthcare extension during a special meeting Monday evening, conducting most of its business in closed session. The...
Frankfort Approves $1.3 Million in Bills, Including Annual Insurance Payment
The Frankfort Village Board authorized over $1.3 million in payments at its meeting Monday, with nearly half of the total amount covering the village's annual insurance premiums. Trustees unanimously approved...
School District 114 June 2 Meeting Briefs
Staff Departures: Manhattan School District 114 accepted the resignations of Emily Corcoran and Caroline Pesa-Miller, both effective at the end of the 2025 school year. The board approved both resignations...
Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for June 2, 2025
Wendy's Project Approved with Multiple Variances: The Village Board gave final approval for a new Wendy's restaurant at U.S. Route 30 and Frankfort Square Road. The project required a major change...
Frankfort Park Board Holds Closed-Door Talks on Five Oaks HOA Dispute
The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners entered into a closed executive session on Tuesday, May 27, to discuss pending litigation concerning the Five Oaks Park parcel, signaling a deepening...
Manhattan Board Changes Meeting Time, Limits Public Comment
Village moves to 5:30 p.m. start time and reduces speaking period from five to three minutes The Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees approved two ordinance changes Tuesday that will...
Manhattan Challenges Neighboring Villages to Pop Tab Competition
Community fundraising effort for Ronald McDonald House expands to include multiple villages The Village of Manhattan has officially challenged neighboring communities to a summer-long pop tab collection competition benefiting the...
Manhatttan Village Board Meeting Briefs
MUNICIPAL UPDATES Memorial Day Services Planned: The I Honor Banner Ceremony will take place Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Manhattan Township Building, 230 S. Wabash Street. The ceremony dedicates...
Frankfort Township Approves Employee Raises, Details Major Infrastructure and Service Projects
Frankfort Township employees will receive a 2.5% cost-of-living pay increase after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the adjustment at its Monday, May 19 meeting. The move came as Supervisor...
Fire Station Construction Bids Due June 3, Storm Generates 40 Emergency Calls
The Manhattan Fire Protection District has received strong interest from contractors for its new fire station project, with construction bids due back June 3 and groundbreaking still targeted for July....
New High-End Bar ‘Ace & Vine’ Gets Green Light from Township Board
A new bar focused on high-end liquor and an extensive wine collection is one step closer to opening in Frankfort Township after the Board of Trustees voted to recommend a...
Fire District Maintains Strong Call Volume, Equipment Readiness
The Manhattan Fire Protection District is maintaining steady emergency response capabilities while addressing routine equipment maintenance needs across its two-station operation. Deputy Chief Dave Piper's April operational report showed continued...