Behavioral Health Division Drops Wait Times, Reports Zero Opioid Deaths in February

Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: Will County’s Behavioral Health Division reported significant operational improvements, including a near-elimination of wait times for therapy and an expansion of substance use recovery services. The county also recorded zero opioid overdose deaths in February while distributing nearly 1,200 boxes of Narcan. Behavioral…

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Federal Funding Freezes Threaten Will County Public Health Programs Amid Ongoing Lawsuits

Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: Will County health officials are bracing for potential service disruptions as they monitor multiple federal lawsuits surrounding frozen public health grants. Hundreds of millions in federal funds have been halted, threatening local initiatives like HIV prevention, prenatal case management, and early childhood referral…

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Board Splits Along Party Lines to Approve 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board adopted its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda in a 10-9 vote, establishing the county’s priorities for lobbying efforts in Washington D.C. The agenda prioritizes infrastructure funding, healthcare protections, and immigration policy. Federal Agenda Key Points: Infrastructure: Seeks funding for Laraway Road and Gougar Road…

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County Approves $1.9 Million for Wilmington-Peotone Road Engineering

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board authorized nearly $2 million in Motor Fuel Tax funds to begin Phase I design engineering for improvements to Wilmington-Peotone Road. Wilmington-Peotone Road Key Points: Project Limit: Wilmington-Peotone Road (CH 25) from U.S. Route 45/52 to Center Road (CH 19). Cost: $1,989,737.00. Funding Source: County Motor…

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Group Presents Allegations of 2024 Voter Roll Errors to County Board

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a resolution calling for the review of election systems and integrity, following public comments alleging inaccuracies in the 2024 election. Election Integrity Resolution Key Points: Public Comment: Volunteers from “Unite for Freedom” presented data alleging voter roll errors in Illinois. Resolution: Calls for…

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Green Garden Township Residents Threaten Incorporation to Block 6,000-Acre Solar Farm

Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: Residents of Green Garden Township warned county officials they are moving to incorporate as a village to gain zoning control and stop a proposed 6,000-acre solar energy facility. The objectors cited concerns over zinc contamination in soil and the destruction of rural farmland. Solar…

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Executive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel

Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: A dispute over committee appointments erupted when Republican leadership challenged the removal of Member Vince Logan from the Executive Committee. Speaker Joe VanDuyne maintained that “Whip” positions do not carry automatic appointments to the committee, leading to accusations of power balancing. Committee Appointment Key…

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Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites

Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee moved forward a resolution supporting a massive manufacturing project that promises nearly 2,500 permanent jobs and the revitalization of two major industrial sites in Joliet and Channahon. The project relies on a proposed property tax abatement which officials…

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Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval for a new 5-megawatt commercial solar farm in Will Township near Peotone, which includes a $200,000 community donation budget and pollinator-friendly landscaping. The project, developed by Cenergy Power, will now advance to…

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State 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…

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