Posts by Newspaper Staff
State of the College: Dual Credit Program Enrollment Hits 6,000 Students
Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026 Article Summary: The “12x12x12” dual credit initiative has driven a surge in high school participation, with nearly half of all JJC students in the fall of 2025 earning dual credit. The program offers courses at a significantly reduced rate of $12 per credit hour.…
Read MoreMeeting Summary and Briefs: Finance Committee for February 3, 2026
Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 The Will County Finance Committee met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to address critical facility needs and review the county’s financial standing. The meeting featured a detailed presentation on the Treasurer’s investment portfolio, which is generating significant income for the county, and the approval of an emergency freezer…
Read MoreFairmont Neighborhood Plan Update Prioritizes Infrastructure and Beautification Following Demographic Shift
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved an update to the Fairmont Neighborhood Plan, addressing significant demographic changes and calling for urgent infrastructure improvements. The 2025 addendum emphasizes flood reduction, better communication, and aesthetic improvements for the unincorporated community between Lockport and…
Read MoreHealth & Safety Committee: Monee Church Kitchen Project Highlighted in County Health Impact Report
Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County MAPP Collaborative presented its impact report, highlighting ARPA-funded community kitchen projects in Monee and Joliet designed to improve food access and nutrition education. MAPP Collaborative Key Points: Monee Project: New Hope Christian Church in Monee has established a commercial-grade community kitchen…
Read MoreState of the College: President Namuo Pushes for Bachelor’s Degrees, Cites Record Graduation Rates
Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026 Article Summary: JJC President Dr. Clyne Namuo highlighted the college’s legislative push to offer bachelor’s degrees in applied fields to meet local workforce demands. The address also celebrated a record-breaking year for student graduation and certificate completion. State of the College Key Points: Bachelor’s…
Read MoreEmergency Freezer Replacement Approved for Adult Detention Facility
Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The committee authorized an emergency expenditure of $155,000 to replace a failed walk-in freezer system at the Adult Detention Facility (ADF). The Sheriff’s Office reported that the 18-year-old system had completely failed, forcing the facility to rent freezer trucks at a high daily cost. ADF Freezer…
Read MoreMeeting Summary and Briefs: Legislative Committee for February 3, 2026
Legislative Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 The Will County Legislative Committee convened on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to finalize its federal priorities and receive updates on state and national legislative activities. The committee unanimously approved the 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda and heard reports regarding the ongoing partial government shutdown in Washington. Chair Denise Winfrey…
Read MoreHealth & Safety Committee: Opioid Overdose Deaths Drop to Zero in January as Behavioral Health Department Expands Role
Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Health Department reported a significant decline in opioid overdose deaths, recording zero fatalities in January 2026, as the Behavioral Health Division integrates substance use and mental health services. Behavioral Health Update Key Points: Zero Deaths: There were no recorded opioid overdose…
Read MoreState of the College: JJC Announces Plans for New Campus in Grundy County
Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026 Article Summary: During his State of the College address, Joliet Junior College (JJC) President Dr. Clyne Namuo announced the college is finalizing the acquisition of land for a new campus in Morris. The expansion aims to support the growing industrial and economic needs of…
Read MoreMeeting Summary and Briefs: Public Works & Transportation Committee for February 3, 2026
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to approve various infrastructure investments and hear reports on transit services. In addition to a major presentation on the expansion of the Access Will County Dial-a-Ride system and the approval of…
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