Local Frankfort News
Will County Legislative Committee Unanimously Backs Resolution Demanding Return of Local Solar Siting Control
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Legislative Committee unanimously passed an amended resolution on Tuesday demanding the Illinois General Assembly repeal or amend state laws that stripped local governments of their authority to regulate the siting of commercial solar, wind, and battery energy facilities. Resolution…
Read MoreNine Will County Municipalities Face Expired License Plate Reader Agreements; Crest Hill Opts Out
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: Will County’s network of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) is undergoing a renewal phase, with nine municipalities operating on expired agreements, prompting upcoming testimonies from local police chiefs regarding the cameras’ effectiveness. ALPR Renewal Key Points: Agreements for ALPRs located on…
Read MoreJudge Orders Will County Board to Approve Previously Denied Solar Farm Permits
On Wednesday, Will County’s efforts to maintain local control over solar farm developments were dealt a heavy blow when 12th District Associate Judge Ben Braun ruled the County Board must approve several previously denied solar farm requests. Braun’s long-awaited ruling combined lawsuits filed against the county by Channahon McKinley Woods, RPIL Solar 13, Florence Renewables…
Read MoreWill County Prepares for Route 66 Centennial with $3.4 Million in Grant Projects
Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: Will County is gearing up to be a central hub for the 100th anniversary of Route 66, backed by $3.4 million in state grant funding that will pay for new attractions and a nationally televised baseball game at the Old Joliet Prison. Route 66 Centennial…
Read MoreCounty Board Members Pitch “Granny Flats,” Hobby Farm Zoning, and Farmland Mitigation in LRMP Brainstorm
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026 Article Summary: During a brainstorming workshop for the county’s new Land Resource Management Plan, Will County Board members pitched a variety of hyper-local zoning concepts. Proposals included “small agriculture” zoning for artisan farmers, mandatory land-replacement mitigation for developers paving over farmland, and…
Read MoreWill County Board Approves Tax Abatement for $345 Million Hyundai Translead Project
Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board has authorized an agreement of intent to abate taxes for a massive $345 million manufacturing project by Hyundai Translead that promises to bring nearly 2,500 jobs to the Joliet and Channahon area. Hyundai Translead Project Key Points: The board approved Resolution…
Read MoreWill County Kicks Off Comprehensive Land Resource Management Plan Update with Focus on Proactive Zoning and Environmental Justice
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee held a special workshop to kick off the county’s first major Land Resource Management Plan (LRMP) update since 2001. County Board members urged consultants to draft a plan that shifts the county…
Read MoreInfighting and Calls for Resignation Disrupt Will County Board Meeting
Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: Calls for the resignation of a Will County Board member over a recent misdemeanor conviction derailed the end of the board’s meeting, prompting reprimands from leadership and pleas to restore professional decorum. Board Decorum Key Points: Board members Steve Balich and Mark V. Revis publicly…
Read MoreWill County Land Use Committee Splits Votes on Massive Earthrise Solar Projects Amid Intense Public Opposition
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | April 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Tuesday faced a marathon session dominated by two massive solar farm proposals from Earthrise Energy, ultimately advancing the 2,258-acre Plum Valley Solar project while deadlocking on the 6,099-acre Pride of the…
Read MoreJJC Board Approves Fall 2026 Course Fees Amid Debate Over Student Costs
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | March 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees approved a series of course fee increases for the Fall 2026 semester to cover surging material costs, despite pushback from some trustees regarding the financial burden on students. Course Fee Increases Key Points: The board approved…
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