The Creston Village Board of Trustees on June 2 discussed plans for festivities on Friday, July 17, in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, visited Rochelle and Ogle County on May 28 and met with city and county officials.

The work will require traffic to be reduced to a single lane in each direction beginning Monday, the city of Joliet said.

The first phase of the project will pass approximately 4,700 addresses, bringing fiber connectivity to communities including Lisbon, Millbrook, Millington, Montgomery, Newark, Oswego, Plattville and Yorkville.

In recognition of Infrastructure Week, Illinois American Water is highlighting significant investments underway in Sterling to strengthen water service, enhance reliability, and support long-term system performance for customers.

As we move further into spring and summer, we begin following the great number of projects and happenings throughout our community.

A ribbon cutting was held May 28 for Rochelle’s recently completed pocket park.

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, the Lake County Board and the Village of Wauconda marked the completion of the Bangs Lake Outfall Improvement Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 18 in Wauconda.

The Rochelle City Council unanimously approved the $355,787 purchase of a new Horton all-wheel-drive ambulance from Foster Coach Sales on May 26.

The Rochelle Township High School board on May 18 recognized retirees who will finish their careers this month.

The pool will open one hour earlier each day, starting at 11:30 a.m. rather than 12:30 p.m. Early access will be available for pool pass holders and all-inclusive REC members at 11 a.m. Adult swim will take place Monday through Thursday from 7-10:30 a.m.

The Ogle County Board unanimously approved two change orders May 19 for an ongoing Memorial Plaza project on the south side of the historic Ogle County Courthouse property.

Lane closures along Kirk Road near St. Charles are expected to delay drivers, as the railroad works on improving a roadway crossing. A detour has been posted to direct people away from the construction zone.

The meeting on Wednesday is part of the Phase One Study on proposed improvements to the 9.3-mile segment of Wilmington-Peotone Road near Manhattan.

Cass Street bridge downtown now expected to stay closed until at least late summer 2027. Brandon Road bridge reopening pushed back.

The city of St. Charles is currently staring down a water deficiency of 500,000 gallons per day. This is despite a recent well project being completed and another one approaching its finish in 2027. The search is already beginning for a new drinking water well.

The Hillcrest Village Board voted unanimously May 13 to waive competitive bidding for a short-term repair of the currently closed Hemstock Road bridge, which is owned by the village.

As we head into road travel season, here’s a brief glance at the construction work that could cause backups along Illinois Route 71 and Illinois Route 47 in the Kendall and Grundy counties region.

As Kane County works on roadway realignment to address traffic delay concerns at Fabyan Parkway at Illinois Route 25 in Batavia, a public meeting is planned for this month to discuss the project and how it will impact residents.

The Rochelle City Council voted 6-1 on May 11 to increase and extend its utility tax structure to pay for sidewalk improvements.

Inspections on both bridges are expected to be completed by May 23, weather permitting, the Illinois Department of Transportation said.

Traffic back-ups along Illinois Route 31 are expected in St. Charles starting Monday, May 11 as workers reduce roadway lanes to repair a water main.

The Kankakee City Council is making a substantial investment in the repair of its streets.

The city of Rochelle’s work on three ongoing construction projects in its downtown area is progressing to new phases with a planned total completion date of the end of 2026, Interim City Manager and City Engineer Sam Tesreau said May 6.

Part of a bike path in St. Charles behind Riverside Avenue (Illinois Route 25) near the Fox River is expected to reopen sometime Friday, after crews repair a ruptured water main, according to the city.

The Creston Village Board heard an update May 5 on an ongoing water tower mixer installation and cleaning project.

With Yorkville residents staring down 20% annual water hikes over the next five years, the city announced some other infrastructure fees are staying put. However, YBSD wastewater fees are being hiked 5% for residents and 10-20% for non-residents.

The plan authorizes $376 million in funding for grade crossing safety improvements and highway-rail grade separations at approximately 387 crossing locations.

Moving into the height of roadway construction season, the city of Yorkville approved another $3.8 million in improvements, ranging from roadway resurfacing and concrete patching.

With utility rates hiking about 50% by 2029, the city of St. Charles is turning to state and federal lawmakers seeking relief from the state's unfunded lead pipe replacement mandate.

Kankakee downtown parking lot, including the Farmers' Market lot, will be getting some needed attention.

The strategic plan establishes Kendall County’s key priorities for the next several years.

The $1.3 million project, which consists of resurfacing the 1.2-mile stretch of Illinois 50, shoulder widening and sidewalk ramps, is expected to be completed in September.

The Rochelle City Council on April 27 voted unanimously to deny a development agreement with Midwest Power Investors for a proposed data center within city limits.

As we enter the month of May, I am proud to reflect on the progress and activity happening throughout our great city of Rochelle.

Yorkville city staff provided a closer look at the project, including what construction has already been started and what work residents of Kendall County can soon expect.

Francis Road will be fully closed between Silver Cross Boulevard and Gordon Street in New Lenox, the Illinois Department of Transportation said.

Farmland prices are expected to decrease from 1% to 5% this year, according to Illinois professional farm managers.

The city of Yorkville passed a budget for fiscal year 2027 the city finance director said sets Yorkville up for a “strong” five-year financial outlook.

The ramps are expected to reopen in 2028, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The budget reflects the village of Manhattan's growing population while improving roads, upgrading water and sewer systems, and enhancing traffic safety.

Yorkville resident Alicia Castillo announced she is running for mayor because she sees a lack of affordable housing, minimal social services, high taxes and low employment opportunities.

Minooka Village President Ric Offerman said during his State of the Village address that the village has reached a settlement with Canadian National in its lawsuit to keep semis off some of its main roads.

The updated comprehensive plan will address key topics including land use, transportation and growth management. The Kendall County Regional Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday.

“I think about the communities of Manhattan, Peotone and Manteno who feel helpless when accidents keep happening,” said state Sen. Patrick Joyce, a Democrat from Essex.

The proposed Royal Highlands Estates would be comprised of 21 duplex units and 26 single-family homes.

The Hillcrest Village Board voted April 14 to move forward with a short-term repair of the currently closed Hemstock Road bridge, which is owned by the village.

The Rochelle City Council on Monday unanimously approved an employment agreement with Zeke Jackson, Rochelle’s next city manager.

The Hillcrest Village Board held a discussion April 8 regarding the currently closed Hemstock Road bridge, which is owned by the village.

The three Will County forest preserve projects and engineering for the Lockport Trail are being funded by the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program.