The Village of Manhattan received input from about 35 residents and stakeholders at a design input event, which showcased various architectural design options that could be implemented into future downtown design guidelines. “The idea here is that these guidelines will help inform any repairs, future development. This will help you. They’re all asks — they’re […]
Author Archives: Stephanie Irvine
Where the Sidewalk and the Budget Ends
Monday’s Peotone Village Board meeting covered a lot, primarily expenditures and improvements within the village. During the capital improvement workshop, there was a conversation regarding sidewalk improvement. Village President Peter March brought up the section between Gull Landings and the Meadow that, if improved, could improve accessibility. “We could really use some sidewalks on the […]
Grant Park Eyes Updates to Hilgert Park
Grant Park is looking forward to hearing from the community on proposed changes and updates to Hilgert Park if the village is awarded grant funding to make them happen. At the January 21 board meeting, resident Valgene Raloff attended the meeting to provide his comment on the proposed layout changes to Hilgert Park in hopes […]
JJC’s Culinary Arts Program Cooking Up Success
Seven alumni of Joliet Junior College’s Culinary Arts program have attained success and recognition by finding careers at Michelin restaurants, a distinction only the best restaurants achieve. Four of JJC’s distinguished chefs and alumni include: Executive Chef James Bingham, a 2009 graduate; Pastry Chef Tony Kozlowski, a 2011 graduate; Sous Chef Joshua Quade, a 2018 […]
Have Your Dog’s Back
With families all over welcoming new furry family members into their homes, many are unprepared for the challenges of dog ownership – not just potty training, barking, obedience, and grooming – but health concerns down the road, like intervertebral disc disease, lumbosacral syndrome, and osteoarthritis, among others. The United States Humane Society estimates that 69 […]
More Than Skin Deep
When SF Aesthetics opened in Manhattan last spring, many didn’t realize that a dual family practice and walk-in urgent care facility were in the same space, under the name First Care Family Clinic. Many Manhattan residents are finding the facility helpful, with cold and flu season well underway. Several shared their experiences with the family […]
Sun Not Setting on Will County Solar Developments
With legislation that ties the hands of county officials and bars them from denying solar projects that meet state regulations, Will County is moving full steam ahead with recently proposed solar developments. On January 2, the Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved a 52-acre solar development proposed by New Lenox Community Energy Initiative […]
Manhattan School District Superintendent Search Ongoing
The Manhattan School District, recently named a defendant in not one but two federal sexual harassment lawsuits, is pressing forward with its search for a new superintendent. The school district was named a defendant in a civil rights case filed by former HR Director Chris Ruddy on August 30, 2024, alleging discrimination and sexual harassment. […]
St. Joe’s Sprinklers Center of Political Feud
The St. Joseph School sprinklers, a hot topic discussed at the last board meeting, came up again, this time at the behest of Paula Gibbs, a member of the public. The topic dominated the last board meeting and spilled over in the days that followed, with social media sparring between trustee candidate Tom Biscan, who […]
MFPD Project Fire Buddies Makes an Impact
The Manhattan Chapter of Project Fire Buddies made the rounds to its six fire buddies from within the District over the Christmas holiday, making sure each Fire Buddy felt extra special. The Manhattan Fire Protection District started its chapter in 2022 and has been brightening the lives of its buddies ever since. The fire buddies […]
