Mayor March’s 2023 Village Recap

Village President Peter March got gas and made the first purchase at the Peotone Travel Center. –Photo by Jim Piacentini.

Village President Peter March got gas and made the first purchase at the Peotone Travel Center. –Photo by Jim Piacentini.

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To All Village Residents:

As we move into 2024, 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

Corning Street sidewalk and other sidewalk repairs
Resurfacing Mill Trace subdivision with MFT funds
$3 million Road improvements for 88th Avenue and Wilmington-Peotone Road

Economic Development

Opening of Peotone Travel Center
Groundbreaking for Holiday Inn Express
Opening of Dunkin’, anticipate opening of Charley’s Steak
Welcomed new businesses downtown, Janski Design, Edit the Boutique
Abandoned house on Second Street was demolished
Engineering and Design plans completed for downtown streetscape project. Project is out for bid, with bid opening end of January 2024.
Obtained grant for pro bono planning services to update our comprehensive bike/walking path plan

Finance Department

Another clean audit
Restructured village investments to take advantage of higher interest rates and put more money into general fund
Received Budget Award from Government Finance Officers Association  
Police Pension fund up to 44 percent funded from a recent low of 21 percent, due to dedication from board to fully fund and transfer to state pool of investments
Implemented online payment portal for residents to use

Administrative

Completed Village Hall remodeling project to provide a more secure employee environment
Applied for and received $900,000 grant from Will County for Conrad Street storm sewer project
Hired FT Building department coordinator
Changed building services contractor

Police Department

Chief DeMik completed his first year
Fully staffed department by hiring four full time lateral hire officers
Bought three new squad cars
Increased truck length enforcement in village
Enforcement of no parking on sidewalks
Hired new community liaison for department
Instrumental in passing comprehensive village parking ordinance
Many community outreach programs, including sip ‘n stroll, trunk-or-treat, golf cart parade, and lighted Christmas parade; No shave November donation

Aqua

Still waiting for OK from IEPA to switch over water source.  

Public Works Department

Planted over 70 parkway trees
Designated Tree City again by Arbor Day Foundation
Hired two FT employees
Successful year with branch and leaf pickup, snow plowing, street sweeping, and maintaining village infrastructure
Flower baskets and banners on downtown poles

Community Events

Will County Fair, two car shows, 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, which are all composed of dedicated and passionate people who carry out the day-to-day business of our village. Also thanks to the Village Board Trustees, who give guidance, direction, and policy for our village. I personally want to thank Trustees Julie Sluis, Gary Hudson, Nick Strba, Shelly Marevka, Todd Sandberg, and Jackie Richards 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 2024. 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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Illinois News


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Area News

Letter to the Editor

Letter to Ed.: Nagel

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Spread the loveDear Editor: Tuesday, March 29, is Vietnam War Veterans Day – a day to recognize veterans who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. The day became a national holiday in 2017. This day commemorates those who were on active duty between November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, in all…


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Weekly Area Lenten Prayer Service

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Spread the loveNext week’s Clergy Association of Greater Peotone’s Lenten Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday, March 23, at 6 p.m., at the Presbyterian Community Church in Manteno, 64 S. Walnut. The community is invited. Spread the love


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Peotone Police Blotter: March 4 – 9

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Spread the loveGabriel Morton, 45, of Chicago, was arrested on March 4, at 10:34 p.m., for DUI, breath alcohol count over 0.08 percent, and a traffic sign violation. Morton was released on bond, pending a court appearance. Matthew Santefort, 34, of Cedar Lake, IN, was arrested on March 5, at 2:22 p.m., for aggravated traffic,…


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At a Glance: Illinois Storm Chasers

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Spread the loveIllinois Storm ​Chasers: Take a ride with the Illinois Storm Chasers and learn about storm chasing, local climatology, and the why behind severe weather. The program will be held on Sunday, March 20, at 2 p.m., at Beecher Community Hall, 673 Penfield Street, and is sponsored by the Beecher Community Library. Spread the…


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PJHS & PHS Choirs sing together Thursday March 10th.

Choir Extravaganza Celebrates Music in Our Schools Month!

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Terrill Featured Speaker at Kankakee Kultivators Meeting

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Spread the love  Deb Terrill, well-known to local residents for her newspaper articles on gardening, cooking, conservation – you name it, will share her prodigious knowledge and engaging humor at the March meeting of the Kankakee Kultivators. Not only will Deb share her new program, “Seeds to Table,” and field all questions her audience might…


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Officer Kenneth Hopman being sworn in at the February 28th board meeting. Photo by Andrea Arens.

Peotone Village Board Swears in New Officer

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Spread the loveBy Andrea Arens The Peotone Village Board welcomed new police office Kenneth Hopman. Hopman’s swearing in was delayed due to his wife giving birth to their first born. Hopman was a police officer for the City of Hometown and worked for Ozinga full time. The Hopman family currently reside in Manteno. In the…


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Legion Auxiliary 392 Invitation to Prospective Members

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Spread the loveAmerican Legion Auxiliary, Peotone Unit 392, will meet on Monday, March 21, at 7 p.m., at the Post Home, 109 E. North Street. In the spirit of “Service, Not Self,” the mission of the Auxiliary is to support the American Legion and honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives…


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Rep. Haas Statement on Madigan Indictment

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Spread the loveState Representative Jackie Haas issued the following statement after the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois announced an indictment of former House Speaker Michael J. Madigan on federal racketeering charges: “The indictment of Speaker Madigan reminds us how deep the roots of corruption run in our state government and how…


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Peotone Library News

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Spread the loveResidents may register for events on the website calendar or give the library a call at 708-258-3436. Residents also may get a digital card through the library website on the Resources page. Check out online resources, plus the Museum Adventure Passes; visit museumadventure.org for more information. Youth Services March 10: YA Book Talk, Thursday,…


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Peotone Police Blotter

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Spread the loveBryson Tucker, 30, of Kankakee, was arrested on February 24 for operating a vehicle with suspended registration and no insurance. Tucker was released on bond pending a court appearance. Peotone Police Department is investigating a theft, which occurred on March 1 at Berkot’s, in which the individual is responsible for a theft of…


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King Camden Ford celebrated being cancer free at Peotone Elementary School Friday , March 3rd. Photo by Andrea Arens.

King Camden Kicked Cancer

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Spread the loveBy Andrea Arens Second grader Camden Ford, son of Monee residents Lauren and Justin Ford, has a lot of reasons to smile nowadays. His biggest, he had his last chemo treatment on Tuesday, March 1, and has been given the cancer free thumbs up! Since January 2021, Camden has been in treatment for…


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Clove Alliance Seeking Art Show Entries

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Spread the loveClove Alliance is seeking submissions for its second annual Brave, Bold, and Believed Art Show, an evening to celebrate and honor the journey of survivors and the efforts to end sexual violence. Artists are encouraged to create an original design, no larger than 30″ x 30,” in keeping with the themes of empowerment,…


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ICGS Program: ‘Indians of Iroquois County’

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Spread the loveThe Iroquois County Genealogical Society sponsors many programs throughout the year. On Sunday, March 13, a program on the Indians of Iroquois County will be presented at 1 p.m., in the courtroom of the Old Courthouse Museum, 103 W. Cherry, Watseka. The presentation is based on extensive research and includes much information, including…


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Mason Kibelkis 1000th point shot. Photo by James Piacentini.

Kibelkis, McGrath: Three-Point Achievers

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Spread the loveBy Dennis Bowling Peotone’s senior Carson McGrath and junior Madyson Kibelkis were very high achievers in the recent Class 2A three-point shooting contests. McGrath made 10 treys prior to the 2A McNamara Regional final and advanced to compete in the upcoming Class 2A Clifton Central Sectional. McGrath, who was quite pleased with his…


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