Health 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 More

Public 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 More

Will 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 More

Public 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 More

Flint 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 More

Homer 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 More

Homer Glen Landscape Business Granted Extension Due to Utility Delays

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a second extension for a special use permit for a landscaping business in Homer Glen. The business owners cited delays in securing electricity from ComEd as the primary reason for the project’s stalled progress. Extension Key Points: Business: Matthuis Family Partnership…

Read More

New Lenox Used Car Dealership Approved with Conditions

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a special use permit allowing a used car dealership to operate in an industrial park in New Lenox Township. The approval comes with specific conditions regarding paving and screening to ensure the site meets county and village standards. Dealership Approval…

Read More

County Approves Engineering for Peotone Road and Safety Upgrades

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The County Board approved a Phase I engineering contract for improvements to Wilmington-Peotone Road and authorized an agreement for license plate reading cameras in Peotone. Speed limit alterations were also approved for roads in Green Garden Township and near Channahon. Infrastructure Key Points: Peotone Road…

Read More

Monee Solar Farm Projects Granted Extensions

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board granted six-month extensions for two special use permits related to commercial solar energy facilities in Monee Township. The projects, located near Will Center Road, are moving through the permitting and development phases. Solar Farm Extension Key Points: Projects: Monee 77 LLC and…

Read More