County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project
June 3, 2025/
The committee authorized the State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases for right-of-way acquisition needed for Francis Road improvements between Gougar Road and Interstate 80.
Eight property parcels are involved in the condemnation proceedings, including properties owned by the Joliet Park District, Commonwealth Edison Company, and several private property owners.
The Francis Road project will reconstruct the roadway to current standards and improve drainage in the corridor. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 pending completion of right-of-way acquisition.
County officials said attempts to negotiate voluntary acquisitions were unsuccessful, necessitating the legal condemnation process.
Latest News Stories
Music, drama teacher sues Catholic HS over ‘anti-gay’ discrimination
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A gay man who was fired from the position of music and theater director at Marquette High School in Alton has filed...
Illinois Quick Hits: IDPH accountability officer fired
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The former chief grant accountability officer for the Illinois Department of Public Health is being held accountable...
Trump: Chicago crime is down in spite of ‘incompetent’ Pritzker
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump says crime in Chicago would go down virtually 100% if not for Gov. J.B....
‘Put politics aside’ to support no tax on tips, Illinois Democrat says
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Democratic state legislator is looking to bring the federal no tax on tips policy to the...
Frankfort Village Board Reduces C-1 Liquor Licenses, Approves New Venue
Frankfort Village Board Meeting | January 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Frankfort Village Board voted to reduce the number of Class C-1 liquor licenses available in the village following the...
Pritzker: State will not build stadium for Bears
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says the state will not build a stadium for the Chicago Bears. Pritzker...
Capital Imp Committee: Facilities Director Reports on VAC Progress and Critical Health Department Elevator Repairs
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary:Facilities Director Bill Fern provided updates on major renovation projects, including the completion of the Court Annex and the...
‘Good Food For All’ Initiative Proposes Local Agricultural Asset Mapping for Will County
Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: Bob Heuer of HNA Networks presented a "Good Food For All" initiative to the Public...
Public Works Committee Advances $3.2 Million Engineering Contract for Mills Road Reconstruction
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The committee forwarded a resolution to award a $3.2 million contract to HDR Engineering, Inc. for...
Board Members Debate “Commitment to Truth” in Media Resolution
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: A proposal to demand the reinstatement of the "Fairness Doctrine" for news media sparked a philosophical debate on...
Executive Committee: Speaker VanDuyne and Member Butler Clash Over Removal of Committee Chair
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026 Article Summary: A heated exchange erupted during the January 8 Executive Committee meeting when Member Daniel Butler challenged Speaker Joe...
Finance Committee: County Appropriates Fees from $25 Million Wilmington Warehouse Project
Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Finance Committee approved the appropriation of an administrative fee tied to a major industrial renovation in Wilmington....
Capital Imp Committee: Begins Drafting Policy to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in County Government
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary:The Will County Board Capital Improvements and IT Committee began formulating a comprehensive policy regarding the use of Artificial...
Public Health Committee Chair Demands Animal Control Agreements for Crete, Monee
Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: During the January 7, 2026, Public Health and Safety Committee meeting, Chair Daniel Butler demanded...
Public Works Committee Considers Taking Over Kankakee County Line Road to Expedite Bridge Repairs
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Division of Transportation (WCDOT) is exploring a jurisdictional transfer of a section of...