Local Beecher News
Will County Sees 50% Drop in Opioid Deaths, But Alarming Rise in Suicides
Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting October 2, 2025 Article Summary: Will County is experiencing a dramatic 50% reduction in opioid overdose deaths compared to last year, a success officials attribute to proactive naloxone distribution and community programs. However, Coroner Laurie Summers reported a simultaneous and “condensing” increase in suicides, with rates on…
Read MoreAccess Will County Dial-a-Ride on Track for Full County-Wide Service in 2026
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Access Will County dial-a-ride program is set for a major expansion in 2026, with plans to incorporate New Lenox, DuPage, and Wheatland townships and begin a five-year phase-in for the five central Will County townships. The expansion aims to create a…
Read MoreWill County Eyes Major Overhaul to Consolidate Scattered Government Offices
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: Will County officials are formally debating a new facilities master plan to address aging buildings and dozens of scattered departments, with options including a new, consolidated county building in downtown Joliet. The Board’s Capital Improvements & IT Committee on Tuesday discussed the…
Read MoreSheriff’s Office Reports Crime Down 10%, Cites Body Cam Footage as Main Challenge of Safety Act
Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting October 2, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Sheriff’s Office reported a nearly 10% overall drop in crime compared to the same period last year, though proactive enforcement has led to a 700% increase in child pornography cases. An official told a county committee that the biggest…
Read MoreCounty Board Abates Over $25 Million in Property Taxes for Bond Payments
Article Summary: Will County property taxpayers will be spared over $25 million in taxes for the 2026 payment year after the County Board voted to abate taxes for six separate general obligation bonds. The board will instead use other county revenue sources to make the debt service payments, a common fiscal practice that avoids a…
Read More“Federal Policy Uncertainty” Blamed for Delay of Peotone Solar Farm; County Grants Second Extension
Article Summary: The Will County Board has granted a second permit extension for a solar farm in Peotone Township after the developer, Trajectory Energy Partners, cited “ongoing uncertainty regarding federal renewable energy policy” as a cause for delay. The extension for the Pralle Farms Partnership project on West Kennedy Road pushes its deadline to February…
Read MoreWill County Grants Extensions to Five Solar Projects Sold to New Developers
Article Summary: The Will County Board approved first-time permit extensions for five commercial solar projects across Monee, Crete, and Joliet townships, all of which were recently sold to larger energy developers. The new operators, Nautilus Solar and Madison Energy Infrastructure, now have until 2026 to begin construction as they work to secure final permits. Solar…
Read MoreWill County Board Approves Controversial Drug Recovery Retreat in Crete Township
Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a special use permit for The Second Story Foundation to operate a long-term residential recovery program for men on a 68-acre horse farm in Crete Township. The 17-2 vote came after extensive debate and testimony from residents and township officials who raised concerns about safety, property values,…
Read MoreWill County Board Formally Opposes Heavier, Longer Trucks on National Roadways
Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing any federal legislation that would increase the size and weight limits for commercial trucks on the nation’s roadways. The resolution cites significant risks to public safety and accelerated damage to local and state infrastructure not designed for such vehicles. Truck Size and Weight Legislation…
Read MoreCrete Township Community Center to Get New Digital Sign
Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a special use permit and two variances for Crete Township, allowing for the installation of a new on-premise dynamic display sign at its community center. The digital sign will be used for township announcements and emergency alerts. Crete Township Sign Key Points: Project: Crete Township will modify an existing…
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