Local Homer News
Will County Community Mental Health Board Faces $5 Million Shortfall in 2026 Grant Requests
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | March 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Community Mental Health Board has received over $9 million in funding requests for its 2026 grant cycle, far exceeding its $4 million competitive budget. Despite the looming deficit, the board is pushing forward with a $1 million initiative to expand a first-responder-led…
Read MoreBehavioral 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…
Read MoreFederal 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…
Read MoreBoard 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…
Read MoreCounty Board Authorizes Audit of Homer Glen Policing Contract; Officials Seek ‘True Cost’ of Services
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a $75,000 contract to audit the cost of law enforcement services provided to the Village of Homer Glen. County officials stated the study is necessary to update cost models that haven’t been renegotiated since 2007. Homer Glen Audit Key Points:…
Read MoreLandscape Business Approved on Cedar Road Despite ‘Dangerous Curve’ Concerns
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a special use permit for a landscape business on Cedar Road in Homer Glen, despite concerns regarding traffic safety on a dangerous curve. The approval includes a requirement for a landscaped berm to buffer neighbors. Cedar Road Landscape Business Key Points:…
Read MoreGroup 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…
Read MoreExecutive 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…
Read MoreExecutive 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…
Read MoreLand Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use Committee approved special use permits for two businesses in Frankfort and Homer Townships, overruling objections from local municipalities regarding traffic safety and zoning compatibility. Key Points: Mokena Scrap Facility: A special use permit was approved for an…
Read More