Local Mokena News
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…
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 MoreScrap Metal Drop-Off Near Mokena Approved by Single Vote
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: A contested proposal for an outdoor recyclable material drop-off facility in Frankfort Township passed by a single vote following objections from neighboring municipalities. The facility will operate on a 1-acre parcel in an industrial subdivision. Mokena Scrap Facility Key Points: Location: 11103 W. 189th Place, Mokena (Frankfort…
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 MoreState 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…
Read MoreLegislative Committee: Lobbyists Report on Federal Shutdown and Legislative Outlook
Legislative Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: Federal lobbyists provided the Legislative Committee with an update on the partial government shutdown and the status of appropriations bills. While critical departments like Transportation and HUD are currently closed, lobbyists expressed optimism that a resolution would be signed shortly to reopen the government. Legislative Update…
Read MoreCapital Imp Committee: Veterans Assistance Commission Set to Move into New Facility
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) is scheduled to move into its new headquarters at 1300 Copperfield Ave. on Feb. 25, 2026. The renovation project is nearing completion, allowing the county to exit its current lease by March 1. VAC…
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