Letter to the Editor: Mayor Peter March

Letter to the Editor

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Dear Editor and All Village Residents:

As we move into 2023, I feel it is important for all to see what their village government has accomplished for them in the past year. There was a great deal done with our limited budget and small staff. Here is an accounting of some of our accomplishments in no particular order:

Capital projects

Ahlborn storm sewer extension
Wilmington Road sidewalk – connecting Gull Landing to rest of village
RR street parking – a project discussed for more than 30 years
Resurfacing Penny Lane, Garfield Street, Mill Street
• Getting rid of the Blaine Street Bump.

Economic Development

Ground breaking for I-57 travel center, bonds sold to fund Wilmington Road and 88th Avenue road improvements
Second Street Saloon demolished, 217 Second Street scheduled for demo
$2.5 million grant received from state to help with our downtown streetscape. Engineering and plans being done now and hopefully some construction later in 2023.

Finance Department

New consultant
New audit firm with clean audit
Many new procedures and policies to enhance and streamline finance department
Budget under control and finances on track.  
Police Pension fund up to 42 percent funded from a recent low of 21 percent, due to dedication from board to fully fund and transfer to state pool of investments. Our portion to fund will be lower next year due to these factors and will allow us to free up some of that money for other uses.

Administrative

New Village Clerk – Stacey Hartwell
• Two new part-time clerical employees

Police Department

Said farewell to Chief Mort
Contracted for police chief search
Hired Chief Dave DeMik
Bought one new and one used squad car
Continue to provide seamless public safety to village residents

Aqua

Still waiting for OK from IEPA to switch over water source  
Both water towers painted  
Completion of water and sewer extension west of I-57

Public Works Department

Planted more than 120 parkway trees. Partnership with Morton Arboretum for 50 free trees last spring. Received grant to help with cost of trees planted in fall.
Designated Tree City again by Arbor Day Foundation
Successful year with branch pickup, snow plowing, street sweeping, and maintaining village infrastructure
Bicycle art project in downtown
New planters at First and Main
Flower baskets and banners on downtown poles
Pocket Park on Second Street – Public Works employees coordinated rehab of empty lot to create pleasant green space in downtown.

Community events

Will County Fair, three car shows hosted by the Peotone Car Club, Christmas in the Village, Tree lighting, Mill Open House, and others

There are many people to thank for this great year. Thanks to the Administration, Police and Public Works Departments, all composed of dedicated and passionate people who carry out the day-to-day business of our village. Also thanks to the Village Board of Trustees, who give guidance, direction, and policy for our village. I personally want to thank Trustees Pat Bowden, Julie Sluis, Gary Hudson, Nick Strba, Shelly Marevka, and Mike Jones for their dedication and service to our village. Last but not least, I would like to thank the wonderful residents of Peotone. We appreciate your feedback and support!

We look forward to another productive and progressive year in 2023. We look for the continued help and support from our staff, residents, and officials to make that happen!

Happy New Year!

Mayor Peter March


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Area News

Village officials and contractors posed for an official picture before groundbreaking actually commences in a couple of weeks. –Photo submitted.

Peotone Village Board Discussed Increasing Spending Authority

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Spread the loveBy Andrea Arens A proposed ordinance amendment changing the village administrator’s maximum expenditure authority without board approval from $5,000 to $25,000 failed at the March 11 board meeting. Section 31.093 of the village code allows the administrator to approve expenditures up to $4,999 without board approval. The suggested change was explained by village…


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Former Illinois State Police trooper who pleaded guilty in relation to deadly crash postpones hearing

Peotone Police Blotter: March 3-14

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Spread the loveMarch 6: Peotone Police received a complaint of reckless driving in the area of Barton and Hickory. Peotone Officer responded to the area, finding accused vehicle legally parked and unoccupied. No additional action taken at this time. March 7: Peotone Police were requested to the 100 block of Second Street for a domestic…


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Family Tree Story/Craft Time with Kathy Gates

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Spread the loveThe Kankakee County Museum, 801 South Eighth Avenue in Kankakee, is excited to host this new opportunity featuring local children’s book author Kathy Gates, for an hour-long program that includes a book reading and keepsake activity. During the story and craft hour, children will learn the importance of one’s family tree and that…


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KPL Hosting Amy Kemp Interview, Book Signing

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Posing with a very happy Jonah Young are Coach Mark Gall, Coach/Dad Jay Young, Jonah, and Head Coach Clint Ifland. –Photo submitted.

PJHS’s Jonah Young Takes First in State!

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Spread the loveRecently, Blue Devil and PJHS student Jonah Young took his place at the top of the podium after taking first place in the 119-pound weight class at the IESA Wrestling Tourney. The state tourney was held at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb March 8 and 9. Jonah finished his seventh grade season…


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Peotone Library News

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Spread the loveThe library will close early, at 3 p.m., on Friday, March 29. Mark your calendars for the Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale – Thursday, April 18, Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20. Interested in the Homebound Delivery Program? Contact the Adult Services Department for more information and guidelines. Youth Services…


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Spread the loveRecently Peotone High School held its annual Unified Basketball Game, with the students trouncing the high school staff, 60-29. In addition to taking home a very lopsided win, it also was a time to honor seniors Jack Klawitter and Ethan Ferrier. Ethan Ferrier is the son of Tara and Matthew Ferrier and a…


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Library Hosting Illinois Storm Chasers

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Christ Community Church Hosting Ladies, Girls Tea April 20

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Spread the loveChrist Community Church in Peotone will host Daughters of the King Ladies and Girls Tea on Saturday, April 20, from 1-3 p.m., at 103 W. Corning Avenue. Tickets are $15 for ages 13 through adult, $10 for ages five-12, and free for girls ages four and under. The purpose of the event is…


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Register for Springfest 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk

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‘Brave, Bold, and Believed’ Art Show Holding Opening Night

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Spread the loveJoin Clove Alliance for the opening night of its fourth annual Brave, Bold, and Believed Art Show, as they celebrate and honor survivors’ journeys, as well as their efforts to end sexual violence. Opening night will be held on Thursday, April 4, from 4:30 -6:30 p.m., at the Kankakee County Museum. The evening…


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Semi-Annual Craft Show at Veteran’s Home May 3-4

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Spread the loveMark your calendars now for the semi-annual Manteno Illinois Veterans’ Home Craft Show on Friday and Saturday, May 3 – 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Veterans Hall at the home. There will be craft and décor items for all seasons, patriotic, beach, and holiday items, wreaths, garden and yard décor,…


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Dr. Autorino is seeing patients in Kankakee. –Photo submitted.

Riccardo Autorino, MD, PhD, Joins Riverside Urology Specialists

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Manhattan FPD swore in eight new full time firefighters on March 5. –Photo courtesy the Manhattan FPD & JLT Photography.

Manhattan FPD Swore in Eight Full-Time, Two Part-Time Firefighters

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Spread the loveOn Tuesday, March 5, the Manhattan Fire Protection District proudly swore in eight full-time and two part-time firefighters, after they each completed one year of probation! Congratulations to full-time firefighters Lou Helis, Thomas Kerrigan, John Marek, Kadin Phelon, John Slattery, Shaun Stapinski, Jacob Walsh, and Troy White, plus part-time firefighters Ryan Bernabei and…


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‘Mess of Feelings’ Workshop March 16

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