Posts by Newspaper Staff
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for October 2, 2025
The Will County Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday, October 2, 2025, heard a mix of alarming and encouraging public health news, as officials reported a dramatic 50% drop in opioid overdose deaths but a simultaneous sharp increase in suicides. The contrasting data was a central focus of the meeting, with officials crediting the…
Read MoreWill County Shapes 2026 Federal Agenda, Prioritizing Health, Housing, and Workforce Funding
Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday began finalizing its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda, formally adopting key priorities that include protecting Medicaid, expanding the public health workforce, and securing funding for the Children’s Advocacy Center. The committee debated specific language, particularly concerning services for immigrants,…
Read MoreMeeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for October 9, 2025
The Will County Board’s Executive Committee held a contentious meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, dominated by debates over public access and a controversial resolution concerning immigrant rights. A proposal to move land use public hearings from the full board meeting to the committee level sparked a discussion on government transparency and efficiency, with the…
Read MoreRenovations at Veterans Assistance Commission and Court Annex on Track for Winter Completion
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: Will County’s new Veterans Assistance Commission facility in Joliet is projected to be completed by December, while major renovations for the State’s Attorney’s office in the Court Annex are on schedule for a November move-in. Director of Facilities Bill Fern updated a…
Read MoreWill County Considers First Update to Wastewater Ordinance Since 2016
Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting October 2, 2025 Article Summary: Will County is preparing to update its ordinance governing private wastewater systems, with proposed changes including the first fee increases since 2016 and updated terminology. The Public Health & Safety Committee received an initial briefing on the revisions, which will be the…
Read MoreIDOT Plans to Invest Over $1.3 Billion in Will County Roads Through 2031
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has allocated over $1.3 billion for road and bridge projects in Will County over the next six years as part of its newly released Multi-Year Program. County officials also announced the receipt of a $750,000 state…
Read MoreCommittee Advances 50% Increase in Mental Health Levy on 4-3 Vote
Will County Finance Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday narrowly approved a proposed $12 million levy for the Community Mental Health Board, a 50% increase from the previous year. The measure, which aims to bolster funding for mental health services across the county, passed on a contentious…
Read MoreWill County Poised to Launch Major Mental Health Initiative Based on Joliet Program’s Success
Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting October 2, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday considered establishing “Will County CARES,” a county-wide, cost-free mental health program modeled after a successful Joliet Fire Department initiative that has reduced local suicide rates by 50% over two years. While…
Read MoreLooming State Energy Bill Threatens to Further Limit County Control Over Solar and Wind Projects
Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: A state energy bill likely to be considered during the fall veto session or next spring could further strip Will County of its authority to regulate large-scale solar and wind projects, according to a report from the county’s state lobbyist. The proposed legislation aims to…
Read MoreControversial Immigrant Rights Resolution Postponed by Will County Board After Heated Debate
Will County Executive Committee Meeting October 9, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee voted to indefinitely postpone a contentious resolution titled “Declaring Will County’s Commitment to Ensure Communities Can Live and Work Without Fear” after it drew accusations of containing false information and sparked a heated debate over its purpose and necessity. The…
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