Author: Joliet City News

The City of Joliet has begun the first phase of a long-awaited water main replacement project in the Preston Heights area, marking the first major infrastructure upgrade since the city assumed ownership of the former Southeast Joliet Sanitary District (SEJSD) water and sewer system earlier this year. The project will replace aging water mains throughout the former SEJSD service area, with the goal of improving water system reliability for more than 700 households in Preston Heights and surrounding areas of unincorporated Joliet Township. For many Preston Heights residents, the investment addresses an issue that has affected the community for years.…

Holston Human Capital Development and Joliet Unity Movement celebrated Illinois Citizens Reentry Day by bringing residents together.

The City of Joliet Economic Development is celebrating a major win after being named City of the Year at the 2026 Illinois Commercial Real Estate Awards presented by REjournals. The statewide award recognizes communities that stand out for their economic development, investments, and growth. Joliet was chosen over five other finalists: Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Oswego, Pekin, and Romeoville. The award comes with more than $1 billion in construction valuation over the past 14 months. City officials pointed to several major projects that helped earn the recognition, including the expansion of Rock Run Collection, the opening of Hollywood Casino…

J-Town Running Club: A Community of Friendship and Fitness since 2021

For many formerly incarcerated individuals, the challenges of reentry do not end once they walk out of prison. Finding stable housing, employment, transportation, mental health support, and rebuilding confidence can become major obstacles while trying to start over after incarceration. For Pamela Fort, helping people navigate those struggles through New Day Employment Network (NDEN) has become more than community work — it has become a calling. “To whom much is given, much is required,” Fort said. “God gave me a ministry, and that ministry is really working with the justice-impacted population.” Fort’s work in the community began years before the…

Drivers prepare for heavy delays as lane closures begin on Interstate 80 between Richards Street and Wheeler Avenue in Joliet for bridge repairs and pavement work. The weekend construction project will continue over four consecutive weekends while crews work to improve aging roadway infrastructure along the busy I-80 corridor.

A new tattoo studio is officially coming to downtown Joliet after the City Council voted 8-1 Tuesday night to approve a special use permit for tattoo artist Joseph Spillie to open a business inside the Crystal Square building at 81 North Chicago Street near the city’s growing City Square district. Before the vote, council members spent several minutes discussing health regulations and oversight tied to tattoo businesses, particularly the handling and disposal of biohazard materials and used needles. Councilman Larry Hug raised questions about who is responsible for monitoring those safety requirements. “When it comes to the health-related issues, disposal…

Several business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across Will County will be recognized next month during the Juneteenth CEO Celebration & Awards Gala hosted by the African American Business Association of Will County at the Renaissance Center in downtown Joliet. The annual event honors individuals whose leadership, service, and business success continue opening doors and making a lasting impact throughout the community. Among this year’s honorees is Quintin Randall, who will receive the 2026 Micro-Enterprise of the Year Award. Joseph Awinongya Jr. was selected as the 2026 Young Professional of the Year. Terry and Deidre Morris will be honored…

The former basketball player said he had basketball scholarships on the table and dreams of continuing his athletic career after high school. But behind the talent and potential, Davis admitted he was living a double life.

“This was never just about breaking things. It was about creating a safe outlet for people who need a place to release, reset, and keep moving forward.”
— Tyrell Hundley