Local Crete News
Will County Braces for 6,000-Acre Solar Project; Prepare for ‘Massive’ Solar Hearings
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Will County Braces for 6,000-Acre Solar Project; Commissioners Weigh Conflicts and Crowds Article Summary:The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission is preparing for two high-stakes public hearings in March regarding massive solar farm proposals. Discussion during the meeting revealed that one of the projects, centered in…
Read MoreSanctuary Status Threatens Emergency Management Funding, Draft Report Warns
Article Summary: Will County’s proposed federal agenda warns that critical emergency preparedness funding is being withheld due to a federal review of “sanctuary jurisdiction” compliance, leaving the county with only a fraction of necessary grant money. Emergency Funding Key Points: The Document: These figures were released as part of the Federal Legislative Agenda, a report outlining the…
Read MoreFrankfort Township Road Commissioner Warns County Panel Against Low-Speed Vehicles
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee moved forward with a ban on low-speed vehicles on county roadways following testimony from Frankfort Township Road Commissioner Bill Carlson. Officials clarified that the ban applies only to county-maintained roads, leaving townships to create…
Read MoreDraft County Federal Agenda Opposes Sharing Medicaid Patient Data with ICE
Article Summary: A proposed federal policy platform presented to the Will County Board takes a hard line against a federal agreement that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to access the personal data of Medicaid enrollees, citing privacy concerns. ICE/Medicaid Key Points: The Document: This stance is included in the draft Federal Legislative Agenda, which defines the…
Read MoreCounty Board Debates Legislative Agendas; State Agenda Passes, Federal Agenda Sent Back
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board engaged in a vigorous and at times confusing debate over its 2026 legislative priorities, ultimately passing an amended State Legislative Agenda while sending the Federal Legislative Agenda back to committee. The meeting was marked by complex parliamentary maneuvers, debates over grammar,…
Read MoreLobbyist Updates: State Session Resumes; Transit Safety Concerns Raised
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: State lobbyists briefed the Will County Legislative Committee on the upcoming General Assembly session, noting a likely focus on the budget and data center energy needs. During the discussion, Member Julie Berkowicz raised concerns about crime on mass transit systems and the lack…
Read MoreBoard Members Debate “Commitment to Truth” in Media Resolution
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: A proposal to demand the reinstatement of the “Fairness Doctrine” for news media sparked a philosophical debate on the role of government in journalism during the Legislative Committee meeting. While the specific resolution was withdrawn, members agreed to include a general statement supporting…
Read MoreExecutive Committee: Speaker VanDuyne and Member Butler Clash Over Removal of Committee Chair
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026 Article Summary: A heated exchange erupted during the January 8 Executive Committee meeting when Member Daniel Butler challenged Speaker Joe VanDuyne’s authority to remove Member Destinee Ortiz from her committee chair position. VanDuyne maintained that as Speaker, he holds the sole authority to appoint and…
Read MoreCapital Imp Committee: Begins Drafting Policy to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in County Government
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary:The Will County Board Capital Improvements and IT Committee began formulating a comprehensive policy regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by county employees. Members discussed establishing strict guardrails to protect jobs, ensure data accuracy, and maintain human oversight in government operations. AI Policy…
Read MorePublic Health Committee Chair Demands Animal Control Agreements for Crete, Monee
Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: During the January 7, 2026, Public Health and Safety Committee meeting, Chair Daniel Butler demanded that the county establish intergovernmental agreements with the villages of Crete and Monee regarding animal control services. Butler insisted the topic remain on the agenda…
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