Local Beecher News
Ad-Hoc Committee: New State Laws Force Shift in How Police Handle Student Cannabis and Tobacco Violations
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | April 14, 2026 Article Summary: As Will County updates its drug offense ordinances to align with changing state cannabis laws, officials highlighted a recent shift in enforcement that prohibits police from ticketing students for tobacco or cannabis possession inside schools, leaving the matter entirely to internal…
Read MoreLend a hand this spring at Volunteer Morning programs
Volunteers are being sought for spring programs that help spruce up the preserves by removing invasive species, controlling brush and planting native plants. Here are the spring Volunteer Morning programs. (Unless otherwise noted, programs are from 9 a.m. to noon and for ages 10 and older.) April Saturday, April 18: Joliet Junior College, Joliet. Brush…
Read MoreProposed State Legislation Sparks Debate Over Will County Veterans Assistance Commission Budget Control
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: State legislation aimed at granting county boards ultimate approval power over Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) budgets sparked debate among the Will County Board Legislative Committee regarding the balance of financial oversight and VAC independence. VAC Legislation Key Points: House Bill 5085 and Senate…
Read MoreVeterans Assistance Commission Buildout Complete, Body Scanner Installed at Juvenile Center
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Facilities Department announced the successful completion of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) building renovations and the installation of a new full-body scanner at the River Valley Justice Center. Facilities Update Key Points: The VAC buildout at 1300 Copperfield…
Read MoreForest Preserve District Advances Major Extensions and Repairs on Plum Creek Greenway Trail in Crete Township
Article Summary: The Forest Preserve District is currently undertaking dual construction projects on the Plum Creek Greenway Trail, initiating a massive 1.5-mile southern extension through Plum Valley Preserve and commencing repairs on an 80-foot bridge damaged by a fallen tree in Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. Plum Creek Greenway Trail Projects Key Points: A new 1.5-mile…
Read MoreWill County Survey Reveals Widespread AI Use as IT Drafts Governance Policy
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: An internal survey revealed that nearly a dozen Will County departments are already utilizing Artificial Intelligence software in their daily operations, prompting the IT Department to draft a comprehensive AI governance policy expected by June. AI Policy Key Points: Eleven county…
Read MoreAARP Urges Will County to Ban Cryptocurrency Kiosks Amid Exploding Senior Fraud Rates
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: Representatives from AARP Illinois presented alarming new FBI data to the Will County Board Legislative Committee, revealing $11 billion in cryptocurrency fraud losses in 2025, and urged the county to consider banning or heavily restricting unregulated crypto kiosks that disproportionately target senior citizens.…
Read MoreFish fight: action-packed eagle pic wins March photo contest
Laurie Lasseter of Woodridge snapped a photo of an eagle and herring gull locked in battle recently, and the shot was picked as the March winner in the District’s Preserve the Moment photo contest. “I am very honored to win the March photography contest,” she said via email. “There are so many incredible photographers in…
Read MoreWill County Explores Multi-Million Dollar Downtown Joliet Consolidation and City Partnership
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Capital Improvements and IT Committee reviewed four sweeping architectural options to consolidate county government facilities in downtown Joliet, including a potential partnership to build a joint complex with the City of Joliet. Financial advisors also presented bonding scenarios…
Read MoreWill County Finalizes 2025 Tax Levy at $159.5 Million, Limiting Rate Drops
Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Finance Committee reviewed the final 2025 tax levy extension numbers, which came in slightly higher than estimated at $159.5 million, though the final limiting rate decreased from the previous year to 0.4834%. Will County Tax Levy Key Points: The…
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