Trail projects in motion across Will County
The Forest Preserve District’s 135 miles of trails are constantly evolving – with repairs, extensions and long-range plans that promise even more miles and connections in the years ahead.
“Our trails are one of the biggest draws for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts,” said Cindy Wojdyla Cain, the Forest Preserve District’s public information officer. “If we build them, people come. It’s not unusual to see people running, walking, pushing strollers, roller blading and biking along our paths as soon as they are opened.”
In addition to extending and linking trails, path maintenance also is a priority. That’s why, for instance, a major section of Old Plank Road Trail will be closed this year to rehab the pavement. See below for more information.
Whether you hike, bike, roller blade, cross-country ski or snowshoe, here’s a look at what’s new, what’s
TRAIL PAGE 2
Photo by Anthony Schalk submitted by Forest Preserve District of Will County
LOCAL NEWS
Continued From: Page 1, TRAIL
coming this year – and what’s in the works for the near future.
Rock Run Greenway Trail
Improvements have been completed along the Rock Run Greenway Trail between the Paul V. Nichols access and Black Road. Blind spots in the trail were corrected, and a boardwalk was added over a wet area.
Old Plank Road Trail
A 7-mile section of the Old Plank Road Trail from Schoolhouse Road in New Lenox west to Washington Street in Joliet will close this summer for a $1.3 million rehabilitation project. The work, which includes Americans with Disabilities Act improvements at street crossings, is scheduled to begin in August and be completed by the end of the year. The trail connection from Old Plank Road Trail to the Hickory Bikeway at Hickory Creek Junction also will be repaved.
Plum Creek Greenway Trail
A 1-mile extension is planned for the Plum Creek Greenway Trail from Plum Valley Preserve – Burville Road Access to Goodnow Grove Nature Preserve. The project includes a 400-foot bridge over
Plum Creek and a partial street route. Tree clearing will begin this year, with construction to follow as weather allows. Completion is expected by the end of 2026. This trail addition will link amenities in the greenway including the Plum Creek Nature Center, Goodenow Grove campground, Plum Valley Dog Park and existing nature trails within Goodenow Grove.
Spring Creek Greenway Trail
A 950-foot section of the Spring Creek Greenway Trail in Hadley Valley preserve will be paved east of Interstate 355 to the Bruce Road Access area. The grass will be mowed along the trail in this area to allow for equestrian use. A contract for this could be awarded in September and the work would be completed by the end of the year.
Future projects:
DuPage River Trail
Phase 1 engineering is underway to convert a section of Book Road from 119th Street south to 127th Street in Plainfield into a new portion of the regional DuPage River Trail. The sides of the now-closed road will be removed to create a 10-foot-wide path.
Theodore
Marsh
A crushed limestone loop path at
Theodore Marsh has been slated for paving to improve accessibility and streamline maintenance. The work will most likely be completed in 2026.
Wolf’s Crossing Road Trail
Also in Phase 1 engineering, this project will add a 0.75-mile trail along Wolf’s Crossing Road filling in a key gap between Hoffman Boulevard in Aurora and the Normantown Trail near Vermont Cemetery Preserve. It will connect users to the Normantown and Tallgrass Greenway trails. Partners include the City of Aurora and Wheatland Township Road District. A public information meeting for the Wolf’s Crossing Road Trail improvement project is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Oswego Public Library, Montgomery Branch.
Veterans Memorial Trail
An extension is planned for the Veterans Memorial Trail. The new segment would head north from 159th Street in Homer Glen to either 135th or 127th Street. Phase 1 engineering will determine the route. Eventually, the existing trail also will be extended south to Route 6 near Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox and west to Schneider’s Passage in Romeoville.
Romeoville Unveils New Seal for Official Documents
The Village of Romeoville has officially adopted a new village seal, which features an outline of Village Hall.
The seal is mostly used on official Village documents and has undergone many subtle changes over the years.
This redesign brings it firmly into the modern era.
“We chose Village Hall to feature on the new seal because it is a symbol of community,” said Mayor Noak. “It’s more than a building.
It’s the heart of our local government, where progress happens, and where we come together for community engagements, service, and civic pride.”
Joliet Hall of Pride Induction Ceremony Honors Community Champions
The Joliet Area Historical Museum is proud to announce the Joliet Hall of Pride Induction Ceremony, celebrating the outstanding individuals whose enduring dedication and service have shaped the Joliet community.
The event will honor inductees from 2023, 2024, and 2025, and will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60432.
Members of the public are invited to an evening of celebration and connection:
5:30 PM: Cocktail Reception featuring heavy appetizers, cash bar & access to museum exhibits
6:30 to 8:00 PM: Hall of Pride Induction Ceremony
Tickets: $25 per person | $200 for a table of 8
RSVP Deadline: August 1, 2025
Purchase Tickets: www.jolietmuseum.org or in person at the museum gift shop during museum hours of operation. You may also call (815) 723-5201.
Honoring Community Excellence: Hall of Pride Inductees
Since its inception, the Joliet Hall of Pride has inducted nearly 150 remarkable individuals whose impact on the community continues to resonate. The Joliet Area Historical
Museum looks forward to welcoming the newest inductees.
Class of 2023
Debra Condetti
Debra Condotti has dedicated her professional life to serving individuals with disabilities through her leadership at Easterseals. Under her guidance, the organization significantly expanded both in geographic reach and scope of services, including the development of an extensive autism program and the first group homes for people with developmental disabilities in the region. She also spearheaded the creation of inclusive childcare and an independent community day program, breaking barriers in accessibility.
As the first female president of the Rotary Club of Joliet, she has continually opened doors for others through her leadership and mentorship. Her numerous accolades affirm her lifelong commitment to making a difference in the Joliet area.
Tony Arellano
Tony Arellano, a Vietnam veteran and former special education teacher, has been a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, veterans, and senior citizens across Will County. His leadership roles in numerous organizations—from the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois to the Spanish Community Center—demonstrate his lifelong
dedication to service. Tony’s community engagement has earned him prestigious recognition, including the Silver Eagle Award from the Joliet Rotary Club. His work has uplifted countless individuals and families by championing inclusivity, education, and civic engagement. Tony’s unwavering commitment to justice and equity makes him a model inductee in the Hall of Pride.
Class of 2024
R. Dale Evans
R. Dale Evans has exemplified leadership and service throughout his life, embodying Joliet’s enduring spirit both locally and on the national stage. His deep involvement in civic, educational, religious, and social organizations underscores a lifetime of commitment to community betterment. With numerous honors recognizing his efforts in volunteerism and advocacy, Mr. Evans continues to inspire through his work across Illinois and California. He brings Joliet’s values wherever he
goes, serving as a proud ambassador for the city’s legacy. His contributions reflect the very essence of what the Hall of Pride seeks to honor— dedication, leadership, and love for community.
Dick & Millie Schuster
Dick and Millie Schuster have spent over four decades documenting and preserving the stories of Joliet through their tireless volunteer work with Joliet Community Television. As a devoted team, they have filmed countless civic, educational, and cultural events, providing vital access to information for the entire community. Their commitment to quality storytelling and service is evident in every project, often going above and beyond by personally delivering DVDs and never turning down a chance to serve. Through their lens, they have connected generations of residents to the heart of their city. Their legacy is one of passion, partnership, and profound civic contribution.
Class of 2025
SSG Jose Dueñez Jr.
Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. exemplified the highest ideals of courage, dedication, and love— for his country, his family, and his community. A Joliet native, he quickly rose through the military ranks, earning respect and admiration for his exceptional leadership and character. His military service spanned multiple deployments and was recognized with numerous commendations for excellence and bravery. Beyond the uniform, Jose was a devoted husband, father, and man of faith, whose kindness and integrity touched all who knew him. His ultimate sacrifice reminds us all of the cost of freedom and the enduring legacy of a true American hero.
Each inductee has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community enrichment, leadership, and service—hallmarks of the spirit of Joliet.
Did you know?
Value of homes in U.S.A increased between 2019 and 2024
According to the Zillow Home Value Index, the median value of homes in the United States increased dramatically between 2019 and 2024.
Data from the online real estate listing service indicates the median value of a home in the U.S. in August 2019 was $243,386.
Just half a decade later, that value had risen to $361,282, marking a 67 percent increase in median home value over that time.
Housing prices have experienced an even greater uptick in Canada, where data from the Canadian Real Estate Association indicates that the average selling price of homes sold in August 2024 was $717,800 CAD ($529,427.75 USD), a roughly 73 percent increase since August 2019, when the average homes sold in Canada went for $522,700 ($385,527.84 USD).
Data from the online real estate listing service indicates the median value of a home in the U.S. in August 2019 was $243,386.
The spike in housing costs has greatly outpaced inflation.
In fact, according to a 2024 report from the real estate data firm Clever, if home prices had increased at the same rate as inflation since 1963, the median price of a home in the U.S. would be $177,511, which is less than half the median value reported by Zillow in August 2024.
Sue Danbom
November 24, 1950 – June 21, 2025
Sue Danbom, celebrated training leader and mentor, passed away on June 21, 2025, in Bellevue, Washington.
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Sue Danbom, an extraordinary professional, mentor, and friend, whose passion for empowering others was reflected in her thoughtful instruction, compassionate leadership, and steadfast dedication to lifelong learning.
Susan “Sue” Heisler was born to Gene and Harold Heisler on November 24, 1950, in Chicago. Raised in Plainfield, Illinois, she graduated from Plainfield High School in 1968, where she distinguished herself as a member of the acclaimed Grand Choir, a group selected to perform at the prestigious Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City.
Her natural talent for communication flourished at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, where she earned a Bachelor of
Arts in Speech, complemented by a minor in Psychology, in 1972. While breaking barriers as one of ExxonMobil’s first female sales representatives in Atlanta in 1976, Sue met her future husband, Bob. After relocating to Seattle in 1992, she excelled in the recruiting industry at Volt Workforce Solutions, where she earned Branch Manager of the Year honors three times.
Her exceptional leadership led to her promotion as Director of Corporate Specialty Training Programs, where she developed and implemented nationwide initiatives that fostered employee development and career advancement.
Outside of work, Sue was a dedicated speaker, educator, board member, mentor, and advocate for businesswomen in the Seattle area. Her legacy lives on in the countless professionals she coached, mentored, and inspired.
Her most cherished roles were as
TO: Jann Owen; Will County Clerk, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Kaitlin Owen, Christopher Owen, Virgil Owen; Occupant, 812 Grove Lane, Bolingbrook, IL; Parties in occupancy and possession; any unknown owners and occupants.
TAX DEED NO. 2025TX000223. FILED: June 30, 2025.
TAKE NOTICE. County of Will. Date Premises Sold 12/5/2022.
Certificate No. 21-00216. Sold for General Taxes of (year) 2021.
Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and special assessment number N/A Warrant No. N/A Inst. No. N/A.
THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES. Property located at. 812 Grove Lane, Bolingbrook, Illinois. Legal Description or Property Index No. 12-02-16-110031-0000.
TO: Lorena
Rafael Hurtado, Will County Clerk, SBA Monarch Towers III RA: Corporate Creations Network Inc., T-Mobile Central LLC RA: Illinois Corporation Service Company, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee for SBA Tower Trust Secured Tower Revenue Securities c/o Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, PNC Bank, N.A., Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee for SBA Tower Trust Secured Tower Revenue Securities, TSS-Alternative and Structured Finance Services, SBA Depositor LLC c/o Illinois Secretary of State, SBA Depositor LLC RA: Corporate Creations Network Inc.; Occupant, 15410 S Indian Boundary Line Rd, Plainfield, IL; Parties in occupancy and possession; any unknown owners and occupants.
TAX DEED NO. 2025TX000212. FILED: June 30, 2025.
TAKE NOTICE. County of Will. Date Premises Sold 12/5/2022. Certificate No. 21-00333.
wife to Bob; mother to Jay and Laura; grandmother to Tyler, Jace, and Harper, and dog mom to four beloved retrievers. Sue’s family will remember her as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, a vibrant and adventurous soul, a creative force, and an extraordinary woman in every sense.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Lina Costin and her dedicated staff at Newport Hills Villa Care Adult Family Home for their compassionate and exceptional care of Sue.
Friends are invited to sign the family’s online guestbook at www.flintofts.com.
This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on 12/1/2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the county clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming. This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before 12/1/2025.
This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of this county in the Will County Courthouse, 100 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432, on 12/18/2025 at 9:00 AM in room 905.
YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY. Redemption can be made at any time on or before 12/1/2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Will County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Joliet, Illinois. For further information contact the County Clerk. ADDRESS: 302 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432. TELEPHONE: (815) 740-4615. Scribe Funding LLC, Purchaser or Assignee.
Dated: July 11, 2025.
Published July 17, 2025, July 24, 2025, & July 31, 2025
Sold for General Taxes of (year) 2021. Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and special assessment number N/A Warrant No. N/A Inst. No. N/A.
THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES. Property located at. 15410 S Indian Boundary Line Rd, Plainfield, Illinois. Legal Description or Property Index No. 06-03-17-100-005-0000. This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on 12/1/2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales.
Check with the county clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming. This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before 12/1/2025. This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of this county in the Will County Courthouse, 100 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432, on 12/18/2025 at 9:15 AM in room 904.
YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY.
Redemption can be made at any time on or before 12/1/2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Will County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Joliet, Illinois. For further information contact the County Clerk. ADDRESS: 302 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432. TELEPHONE: (815) 740-4615. Scribe Funding LLC, Purchaser or Assignee.
Dated: July 11, 2025.
Published July 17, 2025, July 24, 2025, & July 31, 2025
Hurtado;
TAKE NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 21-00174
TO:
Michael J Niehaus
Ronald N Niehaus
Judith G Niehaus
Michael J Neihaus
Ronald N Niehaus
Judith G Niehaus
Cameron Gilchrist
Nathan Valtman
Occupant Will County Clerk
Spouse of Michael J Niehaus
Spouse of Micael J Niehaus
Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots.
A Petition for Tax Deed on premise de-
scribed below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WILL County, IL as Case No. 2025TX000134
The Property is located at: 249 Seabury Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 Property Index Number: 12-02-11-402015-0000
Said Property was sold on 12/5/2022 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2021.
The period of redemption will expire on 11/12/2025. On 12/03/2025 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner will make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed.
1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 8147-955803
Published 7/17/2025, 7/24/2025 & 7/31/2025
TAKE NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 21-00188
TO: Ernesto Munoz Jr Spouse of Ernesto Munoz Jr Occupant AERO HEC ACQUISITION I LLC Associated Bank NA Will County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots.
A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WILL County, IL as Case No. 2025TX000135
The Property is located at: 130 Wethersfield Ln, Bolingbrook, IL
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Village of Niles Planning and Zoning Board on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Niles Municipal Building, 1000 Civic Center Drive, Niles, Illinois, to hear the following matter(s):
25-ZP-23
Phillip Chung of 8304 W Park Ave, Niles, IL 60714 is requesting approval of a Variation from Village of Niles Zoning Ordinance Appendix B Section 9.4 to allow a canopy to encroach 15’ into the required rear yard setback where a maximum encroachment of 3’ is permitted at 8304 W Park Ave, Niles, IL 60714.
PIN #: 09-25-402-045-0000
All persons interested should attend and will be given an opportunity to be heard. For additional information regarding the above case(s) or should any individual need auxiliary aid or service, such as sign language interpreter or materials in alternative formats, please contact the Village of Niles Community Development Department at 847-588-8077.
Published July 24, 2025
60440
Property Index Number: 12-02-14-108018-0000
Said Property was sold on 12/5/2022 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2021.
The period of redemption will expire on 11/12/2025. On 12/03/2025 at 9:15 AM the Petitioner will make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed.
1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 8147-955804
Published 7/17/2025, 7/24/2025 & 7/31/2025
