Will County News

On July 6, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Treasury Department released data on businesses who received loans under the Paycheck Protection Program. Data shows loans made to businesses in Manhattan, Illinois helped to retain 775 jobs: To view data for all Illinois businesses, go  here .  According to the Small Business Administration:  "The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses. Click  here  to read more about PPP loan forgiveness."

Tina and Joel Brownlee of Wilmington were the high bidders for the historic Route 66 icon Gemini Giant and Launching Pad restaurant Friday, but walked away without the prize. The 2,600 square foot former Launching Pad restaurant at 810 E. Baltimore Street in Wilmington drew a $177,500 bid—but that amount failed to match the owner’s reserve. Auctioneer Jim Bednar said he will negotiate with the Brownlees and the owner over the next couple of days to see if they can come together on price. The auction drew a mixed crowd of about 40 locals, neighbors, bidders, and watchers.   After the auction, Brownlee said she grew up in Wilmington “and enjoyed the Launching Pad.” Her family would like to see the restaurant “come back to life.”

Recreation pop quiz:  Where in Will County can you: a.) hike next to a restored prairie b.) view and explore bunkers that housed ammunition produced at the Elwood Ordinance Plant and used in World War II c.) observe a herd of bison roam a prairie Any guesses? Here's a visual clue of the bunkers: Visual clue of the bison: Answer: Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie! Midewin is one of Will County's most unique assets.  At over 19, 000 acres, Midewin was created by a land transfer from the Department of the Army to Department of Agriculture.   For more info and maps, go to the Midewin website .

The South Suburban Council of moveon.org is hosting an educational forum regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership  Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Black Road Branch of the Joliet Public Library.  The forum will be led by Carson Starkey of the Illinois Fair Trade Coalition. Flyer of event made by Moveon.org Trans-Pacific Partnership Meeting in Joliet