Local Mokena News
Capital 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 MoreExecutive Committee: Update to Land Resource Management Plan; Solar Farms and Rural Zoning Dominate Discussion
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee initiated the first major update to the county’s Land Resource Management Plan since 2011. Board members urged consultants to prioritize stricter regulations on solar farms, protections for property rights in unincorporated areas, and the creation of zoning classifications…
Read MoreWill County Committee Adds Path to Citizenship Support to Federal Agenda
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Legislative Committee voted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to amend its federal legislative agenda to include support for a “clear path to citizenship” for immigrants. The decision followed a debate regarding the county’s purview on federal matters and the…
Read MoreHealth Department Outlines Major Reduction in Consensus Vaccine Schedule
Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: Will County Health Department Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta clarified changes to the childhood immunization schedule, noting a reduction in “consensus” vaccines aimed at rebuilding public trust. While the recommended list has shrunk, insurance will still cover all available vaccines. Vaccine…
Read MorePublic Works Committee Forwards Condemnation Proceedings for Francis and Marley Road Improvements
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The committee authorized the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases to acquire necessary right-of-way for improvements to Francis Road and Marley Road. The county has been unable to reach agreements with several property owners. Francis and Marley…
Read MoreWill County Health Department Reports Rise in Respiratory Illnesses, Updates on Facility Issues
Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: At the January 7, 2026, meeting, Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta reported a spike in respiratory illnesses across Will County, including high levels of influenza and rising cases of norovirus. The department also provided updates on a significant elevator outage at…
Read MorePublic Works Committee Delays Vote on State Police License Plate Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee voted to postpone a decision on an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois State Police (ISP) regarding the installation of license plate reading cameras. Committee members cited concerns regarding data retention policies and…
Read MoreFlint Man Charged with 1988 Murder of Wife Joan Bernal Following Cold Case Breakthrough
Article Summary: Gilbert Bernal Sr., 82, appeared in Will County court facing first-degree murder charges connected to the 1988 disappearance of his wife, Joan Bernal, following a sealed indictment returned exactly 37 years after she was last seen. The arrest follows renewed investigation efforts by the Will County Sheriff’s Office cold case unit and the…
Read MoreHomer Glen Man Charged with Reckless Discharge, Battery to Deputy Following Standoff
Article Summary: Michael Farrell, 52, was arrested after firing over a dozen shots from his home, triggering a SWAT response and a shelter-in-place order for neighbors on December 28. Deputies recovered multiple firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition following the standoff. Homer Glen Incident Key Points: The Incident: Deputies responded to the 16100 Block of…
Read MoreFrankfort Man Arrested in Gas Station Robbery Found Hiding in McDonald’s Restroom
Article Summary: Sufyan Farhan, 27, was arrested on December 21 following an armed robbery at a Frankfort Circle K. Deputies located the suspect hiding in a nearby McDonald’s restroom after a relative tipped off law enforcement. Frankfort Robbery Key Points: The Heist: A masked suspect brandished a knife and demanded cash at the Circle K on…
Read More