Will County News

August 6, 2014 Joliet mayoral candidate and current City Councilman Bob O'Dekirk released a press release yesterday regarding a bridge over the Des Plaines River to relieve traffic on local roads such as Route 53 in Joliet.  O'Dekirk states he was contacted by union officials claiming to have a plan and private money to build a toll bridge over the Des Plaines to connect CenterPoint with I-80 at Houboult Road.  Full press release from O'Dekirk: "On the heels of yet another semitrailer rollover on I-55 Monday afternoon, Joliet District 2 Councilman, Bob O’Dekirk is calling for an expedited plan to build a proposed truck bypass bridge from CenterPoint to I-80 at Houbolt Rd. "The horrific traffic accident on I-55 last week is a call to action” O’Dekirk said, “these types of accidents and numerous rollovers on both I-55 and I-80 won’t stop until we solve the truck congestion problem plaguing Joliet and the surrounding area.”   O'Dekirk

By Mary Baskerville ELWOOD—Ron Stephens recently walked from Manhattan, Illinois to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery as part of his 350 mile walk to r aise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.   Stephens, a 66-year old Vietnam Army Veteran, has walked about 20 intermittent days since Memorial Day. Ron Stephens and his wife, Lisa, at the point along Hoff Road where the Elwood’s escort met the Manhattan escort.  Manhattan and Elwood’s emergency services, police, and fire escorts were exceptional, he said. “These guys have been so helpful.” When he expressed his thanks, he said that they simply responded, “It’s our flag too. “God Bless them. The simple faith that people have. It’s symbolic: It’s our country; it’s our flag. And what more worthy cause than to take care of our wounded soldiers?” As he walked along Hoff Road, he learned the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery had been carve