Will County News

The City of Joliet is seeking input from real estate experts, citizens, and the Urban Land Institute-Chicago District in order to discuss strategies to address redevelopment options for the Joliet Correctional Center, also known as the Collins Street Prison.  The City of Joliet has engaged the Urban Land Institute Chicago District Council (ULI Chicago) to organize a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) on January 24th and 25th, 2012.  This panel will bring together a diverse set of real estate experts to focus on strategies to address redevelopment options for the Collins Street Prison. Joliet Collins Street Prison.  Photo by ULI Chicago. ULI Chicago is a non-profit research and educational institution that facilitates the open exchange of ideas, information and experience among leaders of the land use industry. ULI selected the members of this TAP for their expertise relevant to the challenges and opportunities of the prison site. All panel members donate their t...

MANHATTAN—Voters in the Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District will vote on a proposal to raise $3.5 million for purchase of a new library building. According to the library’s web page, the referendum question seeks $3.5 million in bonds to be issued for purchasing 13,000 square feet of the building in the Manhattan Station at the corner of Gougar and Sweedler Roads.  The amount includes remodeling and purchse of furniture, shelving and electronic materials. The breakdown includes $2.2 million for purchase of the building, $1 million to remodel, and $250,000 for furnishing the library. The referendum question is on the March 20, 2012 ballot. As a resident and user of the Manhattan-Elwood Public Library, I was sent this email from the library about the referendum: -Vote March 20, 2012-

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) is proud to nominate eight Illinoisans from the 11th Congressional District to the United States Service Academies. “One of the greatest honors I have as your Representative is to nominate focused, driven students throughout the 11th Congressional District to a United States Service Academy,”  said Congressman Kinzinger .  “The nominating process is extremely competitive.  The hard work and dedication of these young men and women is what makes our nation's military unmatched to any other. The nominees represent the heart, soul and future of our nation.  I'm humbled by their commitment and courageous ambitions." The 11th District's eight nominees were chosen based on the information included in their applications, test scores, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and the requirements of each U.S. Service Academy.  Each Service Academy will determine who will receive an appo...

The Manhattan Fire Department invites everyone to an Open House to celebrate the retirement of Captain Jim Toepper and mark his 37 years of service on the volunteer force. Manhattan Fire Captain Jim Toepper The Open House to honor Toepper will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, January 29. All are invited.   The open house is at the Wilton Center Federated Church, 14101 W. Joliet Rd. Manhattan, IL, just east of Cedar Road on U.S. Route 52 in Wilton Center. The Fire Department would love for you to come help celebrate Toepper’s 37 years!