Will County Community Mental Health Board Faces $5 Million Shortfall in 2026 Grant Requests

Will County Executive Committee Meeting | March 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Community Mental Health Board has received over $9 million in funding requests for its 2026 grant cycle, far exceeding its $4 million competitive budget. Despite the looming deficit, the board is pushing forward with a $1 million initiative to expand a first-responder-led…

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Behavioral Health Division Drops Wait Times, Reports Zero Opioid Deaths in February

Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: Will County’s Behavioral Health Division reported significant operational improvements, including a near-elimination of wait times for therapy and an expansion of substance use recovery services. The county also recorded zero opioid overdose deaths in February while distributing nearly 1,200 boxes of Narcan. Behavioral…

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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…

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Board 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…

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County Approves $1.9 Million for Wilmington-Peotone Road Engineering

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board authorized nearly $2 million in Motor Fuel Tax funds to begin Phase I design engineering for improvements to Wilmington-Peotone Road. Wilmington-Peotone Road Key Points: Project Limit: Wilmington-Peotone Road (CH 25) from U.S. Route 45/52 to Center Road (CH 19). Cost: $1,989,737.00. Funding Source: County Motor…

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County Board Authorizes Audit of Homer Glen Policing Contract; Officials Seek ‘True Cost’ of Services

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a $75,000 contract to audit the cost of law enforcement services provided to the Village of Homer Glen. County officials stated the study is necessary to update cost models that haven’t been renegotiated since 2007. Homer Glen Audit Key Points:…

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Scrap 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…

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Soltage Drops Battery Storage Plans, Secures Extensions for Two Crete Solar Projects

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board granted second extensions to special use permits for two solar energy projects in Crete Township. The developer, Soltage, has removed battery energy storage systems from the plans. Crete Solar Extensions Key Points: Projects: Crete Cottage Grove Solar 1, LLC and Crete Goodenow Solar…

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