Local Joliet News
On the road to 100 years: How the Forest Preserve District expanded
As the Forest Preserve District approaches its centennial year in 2027 with a total of nearly 24,000 protected acres, it’s a good time to reflect on how the District grew into a countywide system of preserves, trails and visitor centers. That growth didn’t happen by accident. Early on, the District followed a philosophy of one…
Read MoreExecutive Committee Advances Sweeping Updates to Adult Entertainment and Wireless Facilities Ordinances
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee advanced two major ordinances completely rewriting the county’s regulations for Adult Entertainment Establishments and Wireless Telecommunication Facilities, establishing strict new operational boundaries, fees, and location restrictions. Will County Business Ordinance Updates Key Points: Ordinance #26-133 / 26-4249-01…
Read MoreAd-Hoc Committee: County’s Lack of Home Rule Stifles Effort to Ban Kratom and Non-Nicotine Vapes
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | April 14, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved updates to its tobacco and alternative nicotine regulations, raising retail license fees while acknowledging that the county lacks the legal authority to ban substances like Kratom or non-nicotine vapes without state legislation.…
Read MoreIndiana Man Faces Federal Indictment, Potential Death Penalty for Momence Bar Owner’s Murder
Article Summary: State prosecutors have officially transferred the first-degree murder case against Julius Burkes to the U.S. Department of Justice. The 47-year-old Indiana man now faces federal charges, including the possibility of the death penalty, for the February armed robbery and murder of 30-year-old Courtney M. Drysdale. Federal Prosecution Key Points: Julius Burkes, 47, of…
Read MoreAd-Hoc Committee: New State Laws Force Shift in How Police Handle Student Cannabis and Tobacco Violations
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | April 14, 2026 Article Summary: As Will County updates its drug offense ordinances to align with changing state cannabis laws, officials highlighted a recent shift in enforcement that prohibits police from ticketing students for tobacco or cannabis possession inside schools, leaving the matter entirely to internal…
Read MoreP&Z Commission Overrides Staff Denials, Rescuing Special Use Permits for Joliet Wedding Venue and Romeoville Barge Terminal
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to overturn administrative denials for two delayed commercial projects—a rural wedding venue in Joliet and a petroleum barge terminal in Romeoville—after applicants missed strict deadlines to file for special use permit extensions. Zoning Appeals…
Read MoreWill County P&Z Commission Grants Extensions for Joliet Township Solar Farm Ground Cover
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously granted a final deadline extension for a commercial solar developer in Joliet Township, giving the company until September 2026 to plant specialized native pollinator ground cover beneath its solar arrays. Joliet Solar Farm Key…
Read MoreLend a hand this spring at Volunteer Morning programs
Volunteers are being sought for spring programs that help spruce up the preserves by removing invasive species, controlling brush and planting native plants. Here are the spring Volunteer Morning programs. (Unless otherwise noted, programs are from 9 a.m. to noon and for ages 10 and older.) April Saturday, April 18: Joliet Junior College, Joliet. Brush…
Read MoreProposed State Legislation Sparks Debate Over Will County Veterans Assistance Commission Budget Control
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: State legislation aimed at granting county boards ultimate approval power over Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) budgets sparked debate among the Will County Board Legislative Committee regarding the balance of financial oversight and VAC independence. VAC Legislation Key Points: House Bill 5085 and Senate…
Read MoreVeterans Assistance Commission Buildout Complete, Body Scanner Installed at Juvenile Center
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Facilities Department announced the successful completion of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) building renovations and the installation of a new full-body scanner at the River Valley Justice Center. Facilities Update Key Points: The VAC buildout at 1300 Copperfield…
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