Local Manhattan News
Will County Public Works: Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Expands to All 24 Townships, Eliminating Borders
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary:In a major overhaul of county transit, officials presented a quarterly report confirming that the Access Will County Dial-a-Ride program now covers all 24 townships, removing residency barriers for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The expansion consolidates multiple fragmented systems into a single, cohesive…
Read MoreWill County P&Z Forwards Monee and Manhattan Residential Projects
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: The PZC approved zoning requests facilitating residential improvements in Monee and Manhattan. The approvals allow for the construction of a new home on a narrow lot in Monee and the expansion of a historic home in Wilton Center. Residential Zoning Key Points: Monee Variance: Christina…
Read MoreWill County P&Z: Wilton Township Wedding Venue Secured for 2026 Season
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: For the third consecutive year, the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a temporary use permit for a wedding and events venue on Doyle Road in Wilton Township. The venue, which operates seasonally, received praise from county staff for its history of…
Read MoreWill County P&Z Grants Variances for Unpermitted Structures in Crete and Manhattan
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Planning and Zoning Commission approved variances for property owners in Crete and Manhattan who built agricultural structures without obtaining proper permits. Staff had recommended denial in both cases, arguing that ignorance of zoning rules does not constitute a hardship. Compliance Variance Key Points:…
Read MoreWill County Braces for 6,000-Acre Solar Project; Prepare for ‘Massive’ Solar Hearings
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Will County Braces for 6,000-Acre Solar Project; Commissioners Weigh Conflicts and Crowds Article Summary:The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission is preparing for two high-stakes public hearings in March regarding massive solar farm proposals. Discussion during the meeting revealed that one of the projects, centered in…
Read MoreSanctuary Status Threatens Emergency Management Funding, Draft Report Warns
Article Summary: Will County’s proposed federal agenda warns that critical emergency preparedness funding is being withheld due to a federal review of “sanctuary jurisdiction” compliance, leaving the county with only a fraction of necessary grant money. Emergency Funding Key Points: The Document: These figures were released as part of the Federal Legislative Agenda, a report outlining the…
Read MoreFrankfort Township Road Commissioner Warns County Panel Against Low-Speed Vehicles
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee moved forward with a ban on low-speed vehicles on county roadways following testimony from Frankfort Township Road Commissioner Bill Carlson. Officials clarified that the ban applies only to county-maintained roads, leaving townships to create…
Read MoreDraft County Federal Agenda Opposes Sharing Medicaid Patient Data with ICE
Article Summary: A proposed federal policy platform presented to the Will County Board takes a hard line against a federal agreement that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to access the personal data of Medicaid enrollees, citing privacy concerns. ICE/Medicaid Key Points: The Document: This stance is included in the draft Federal Legislative Agenda, which defines the…
Read MoreCounty Board Debates Legislative Agendas; State Agenda Passes, Federal Agenda Sent Back
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board engaged in a vigorous and at times confusing debate over its 2026 legislative priorities, ultimately passing an amended State Legislative Agenda while sending the Federal Legislative Agenda back to committee. The meeting was marked by complex parliamentary maneuvers, debates over grammar,…
Read MoreFreight Clusters Drive Push for Overhaul of Wilmington-Peotone Road; County Advances Broader 2050 Plan
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Article Summary: Citing the emergence of “new freight clusters,” Will County is seeking federal support for a massive study to redesign 22 miles of the Wilmington-Peotone Road corridor. Simultaneously, the Board approved immediate drain tile investigations for the route and outlined a broader 25-year master plan for…
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