Will County News

  Demolition has begun on the old Will County Courthouse:  https://youtube.com/shorts/xBEiN-rRVtA?si=r-BtH4sdIjLyAaIv The new Will County Courthouse opened in late 2020.  Video of the new courthouse under construction:    Despite efforts by preservationists to save the building, the County voted to demolish the old courthouse.   Preservationists argued the building represented one of the best local examples of brutalist architecture, and that a public-private partnership should be utilized to redevelop the courthouse building for new uses. Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and Joliet Mayor Terry D'Arcy announced in June of 2023 that they were discussing the possibility of developing a government campus on the site of the old courthouse for Will County and City of Joliet government services. 

The Mayor of Manhattan, Illinois has signed an executive order   after a bus carrying migrants from Texas arrived at the Manhattan Metra station on December 21, 2023.  The bus eventually went on to Joliet since there were no more trains to Chicago available in Manhattan at the time the bus arrived.  The Village of Manhattan will discuss this issue at its next Village Board meeting in 2024.  Will County's Emergency Management Agency issued a statement on its efforts to coordinate response to the issue among the municipalities of Will County and the State of Illinois.   The Mayor of Lockport also signed an executive order on Dec. 22, 2023.  Manhattan Executive Order Related to Buses Carrying Migrants From Texas

  Lockport Mayor Steve Streit signed an executive order on December 22, 2023 related to incidents in which unscheduled buses carrying migrants arrived in Lockport.  The order finds that "incidents have occurred in the City of Lockport as well as other suburban communities in which buses have discharged or unloaded passengers within the city without sufficient clothing, resource, food, and other sustaining items without means to obtain shelter;" and that "the unloading of passengers in inclement or severe weather conditions without a coordinated plan poses a significant threat to the health, safety, and welfare of said passengers". The order establishes rules and regulations for the City of Lockport regarding unscheduled intercity buses, including a requirement of "background check information for all proposed passengers (including 3rd party contractors or individuals assisting in the transportation of passengers) over the age of eighteen (18) years."  The

  After reports of buses from Texas dropping off asylum-seekers at Metro stations in Will County, the Will County Emergency Management Agency released the following press release : "The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is working to provide information and coordinate with municipalities and state agencies as the Chicagoland region is experiencing an increase in buses transporting asylum-seekers from the State of Texas. “Our municipalities have seen an increase in buses from Texas disembarking passengers at Metra stations and other locations throughout the county,” said Will County EMA Director Allison Anderson. “We are working to coordinate information between public safety agencies, the State of Illinois, and the City of Chicago. Our priority is ensuring humane transportation of asylum-seekers to the official Chicago landing zone.” An official landing zone for asylum-seekers is being operated by the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication at

  A press release from the office of Illinois Governor Pritzker has been updated to reflect that Joliet Township, not the City of Joliet, has applied for and been selected to receive 8.6 million dollars from the State of Illinois.   According to the press release the funds: "will make it possible for municipalities to provide direct services to migrants who have fled their homes to escape violence and other threats. The funds will be used for shelter and housing support, food, wraparound services, legal support, and health care." The award to Joliet Township was discussed at the October 2nd Joliet City Council Pre-Council meeting.  Joliet Mayor D'Arcy and Council members stated they had no knowledge of the grant application and questioned how the Township would carry out grant activities without coordination with the City and its departments, such as the Joliet Fire Department.  The Mayor asked Joliet Township Supervisor Angel Contreras to withdraw the grant.  A recordin

  On September 14, 2023, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced the Brandon Road bridge would remain closed for repairs until late 2024. Brandon Road Bridge in Joliet Notice from IDOT: " The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that Brandon Road bridge over the Des Plaines River, in Joliet, is closed as a result of a mechanical component malfunction. The bridge will remain closed to begin repairs, originally scheduled to start later this month. The $3.4 million project includes repairing the bridge deck, joints and brakes, replacing mechanical components and structural steel. Additionally, as part of upgrading the downtown movable bridges to allow them to be controlled from a central location, new aerial cables and control system will be installed, along with various tender house upgrades. The project is anticipated to be completed late 2024. A detour will direct motorists to McDonough Street via U.S. 6, U.S. 52/Illinois 53 and Laraway Road to cross t

 Governor Pritzker is in Manteno, Illinois to announce a new battery plant in the old K-Mart Warehouse.   Watch live here:  https://www.illinois.gov/about/live-video.html

 According to a press release from the Will County Sheriff's Office on Monday, August 7, 2023, vehicle thefts are on the rise in Eastern Will County. Press release from the Sheriff's office describing recent events: "This morning, 8/7/23 at 3:50am, Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of an unknown dark colored Silverado parked in a driveway on the 28000 block of S. 80th Avenue in Peotone Township.  The caller/homeowner advised they observed two male subjects near the side of their residence and exchanged one round of gunfire with one of the subjects.  The two subjects then drove off in the Silverado.  No one was injured.  The homeowner also advised tht an unknown, unoccupied, Volkswagen SUV was parked near his barn.  Deputies observed a window broken out of the vehicle with gasoline poured throughout the inside.  The homeowner believes that is was at the time of the gunfire exchange that stopped the suspects from lighting the vehicle on fire.  It was later determ

 Will County Green, a division of the Will County Land Use Department, will offer a tire recycling event in Peotone at the Will County Fairgrounds on September 16, 2023. Information from the Will County Green website : "Will County is sponsoring a car and light truck tire collection event at the Will County Fair Grounds in Peotone on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 8am to 3pm. This event is for residents and farmers. NO business or governmental organizations may participate. The State of Illinois had offered tire collection events on a nearly annual basis in the area, often partnering with Will County. In years where the State did not, the County has funded smaller collection to prevent mosquito breeding and the spread of associated diseases, such as West Nile Virus.  This year the County is funding a collection for residents and farmers that have unwanted tires.  Please keep the following in mind: Tires will be accepted if ALL of these guidelines are met: 1. Participants must be Will Cou

  The Illinois Supreme Court plans to announce its opinion in the SAFE-T Act case on Tuesday, July 18th at 9:00 a.m.. Illinois Supreme Court tweet regarding announcement of its opinion in  SAFE-T Act case Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe was the first State's Attorney to file a lawsuit arguing the SAFE-T Act was unconstitutional.   The Supreme Court will post opinions to this website:  http://www.illinoiscourts.gov

  Lockport will celebrate with fireworks on Monday, July 3, 2023 at dusk at historic Dellwood Park.  In the case of inclement weather, a make-up date will be announced. Dellwood Park was built by the Chicago and Joliet Electric Railway, an electric railroad that provided passenger service between Joliet and Chicago. Here are some views of Dellwood Park, paired with some historical postcards:  

 Joliet will celebrate Independence Day with fireworks on both July 3rd and 4th. The July 3rd fireworks take place at Bicentennial Park.  Details here . On July 4th, Joliet will host fireworks at Memorial Stadium, 3000 West Jefferson Street.  Gates open at 7 p.m..

  Star Wars Day returns to Downtown Joliet on Saturday, June 3, 2023.   Ribbon cutting and parade kick off at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Will County Building. Check out a schedule of events here  and the parade route here .   Here is a map of road closures and timing from the Joliet Police Department.

  The Illinois House and Senate have passed a bill, House Bill 2531, that amends the Public-Private Agreements for the South Suburban Airport Act.   The bill amends the Act to include language defining cargo-oriented development.  The bill says that the Illinois Department of Transportation shall develop a process to obtain prequalification offers from developers.  More details here:

  Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie has released the June 2023 Midewin for Kids Program Schedule.  Registration is required, details below: "Date(s): Jun 14, 2023 - Jun 28, 2023 All programs are free, registration is required. To register call 815-423-6370 or e-mail SM.FS.Midewin_RSVP@usda.gov   All programs begin at the Midewin Welcome Center. The Welcome Center address is 30239 S. State Route 53, Wilmington, IL 60481  June  Bird is the Word - Wednesday June 14, 10-11:30 AM  Fun with Fossils - Thursday June 15, 10-11:30 AM  Can You Dig It? - Saturday June 17, 10 AM-12:00 PM  Walk Like an Animal – Tuesday June 20, 10-11:30 AM The Bison Project – Thursday June 22, 10-11:30 AM  Crayfish Corner – Tuesday June 27, 10-11:30 AM Batty Evening - Wednesday June 28, 8-9:30 PM Fees: Free Registration required: Yes"

  The Will County Building's Parking Lot in Downtown Joliet will host textile and household goods collection event from May 08, 2023 - Friday, May 12, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..  The County Building is located at 302 N. Chicago Ave. in downtown Joliet.   Press release from the Will County Land Use Department: "Textile Collection at the County Office Building PARKING LOT Monday through Friday during normal business hours. This event will accept clean clothing, blankets, tablecloths, linens, drapes, towels, shoes, and more. Bring items for reuse and recycling. See Scott Slocum from WJOL AM1340 on Friday morning 5:30am-9:00am. Small home goods in working condition will also be accepted each day. Recycle old shoes, clothes, and other textiles at the County Office Building PARKING LOT Monday through Friday during normal business hours in cooperation with Helping Hands. Helping Hands supplies thrift stores with a wide selection of must-have secondhand clothing keeping more th

  The University of Illinois Extension is offering a virtual course, "“Fill Your Pantry: Canning with Confidence". Canned food at Will County Fair: “Canning is more popular than ever before. There is a lot of misinformation circulating online about food preservation practices and canning in particular. Through this series, we want to make sure everyone has the most up-to-date information for safely canning their food at home,” says Extension Educator Kristin Bogdonas. According to the Extension Service, "each session will provide participants with instructions, recipes, and resources to get started canning safely and will include a video demonstration showing each canner in action." Session dates and times: June 8, Noon: Canning with Confidence: Boiling Water Bath Canners June 15, Noon: Canning with Confidence: Steam Canners June 22 Noon: Canning with Confidence: Pressure Canners Register at:  go.illinois.edu/FillYourPantry

  Bald eagles have become an increasingly common sight in Will County in the last decade.  Bald eagle flying over the Kankakee River in Wilmington: On April 4, 2023, the Forest Preserve District of Will County reported the arrival of one eaglet.  The District reported: "The confirmation came on Monday, April 3, from volunteer Joel Craig, who was checking on the nest where eagles laid eggs in late February. This is one of two active nests in the preserves we are monitoring, and the eagles in this nest laid eggs about a week before the eagles in the second nest. " The District reminds the public that: "eagles and their nests are federally protected and human interference could cause them to abandon the nest and their eggs. The National Audubon Society recommends being at least 330 feet away from a nest. That's about the length of a football field. In order to protect these birds, we never publicly disclose nesting locations. If you should come across a nest, be sure t

 Do you have electronics you need to recycle? Will County Green, part of the Will County Land Use Department, is offering free electronics recycling on Saturday, April 8, 2023. Info on the Event from the Will County Green website : "The event will take place at: A-Team Recyclers Parking Lot, 304 Gregory Ct., Shorewood, IL, 60404 Time to clean out the house and recycle all those old electronics in the basement, attic, crawlspace, garage, collecting dust that you have not used, or have not worked in years. No appointment needed. Located near the intersection of Black Rd and Rtt 59. Please enter from Vertin Blvd, to Capista Drive and make a right onto Gregory. Electronics ONLY will be accepted in the parking lot of A-Team Recyclers facility in Shorewood on Saturday, Apri 8 from 8am-noon. No appointment necessary. Located near the intersection of Black Road and Route 59, behind the shopping area. Please enter from Vertin Blvd, to Capista Drive and make a right onto Gregory. A limit of

  For results in the April 4, 2023 election in Braidwood, Illinois, go here  for Will County results and here for Grundy County results. Results will begin to post after the polls close.  Please remember that election night results are unofficial.

  For results in the April 4, 2023 municipal election for Trustee in the Village of Manhattan, go here .  Remember that election night results are unofficial and will not include all mailed-in and provisional ballots.

  For results in the April 4, 2023 election for members of the Naperville City Council, go here for DuPage County results and here for Will County results.  The City of Naperville has land in both counties. Results on election night are unofficial and will not include all mailed-in and provisional ballots.

To view results in the April 4, 2023 municipal election in Homer Glen, Illinois, go here to find an alphabetical listing of results. Results will start to post after polls close.  Election night results are unofficial.  

  For results in the April 4, 2023 election in Joliet, go here for Will County results and here for Kendall County results.  Joliet is comprised of land in both counties. Election night results are unofficial and will not include all mailed and provisional ballots.

  To view results in the April 4, 2023 election for the New Lenox School District 122 School Board, go here .  There are eight candidates on the ballot for three seats.  Candidates on the ballot: Candidates on the ballot for the April 2023 election for New Lenox District 122 School Board Election results will begin to post after polls close. Election night results are unofficial and will not include all mailed and provisional ballots. 

  To view results in the April 4, 2023 election for School Board for the Naperville Community School District 203, go here for Will County results and here for DuPage County results. Results will begin to post after polls close.  Election night results are unofficial and will not include all mailed-in and provisional ballots. 

  To view Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education Election results, go here for Will County Clerk's election results page.  Results will begin to post after polls close.  Election night results are unofficial and will not include all mailed-in and provisional ballots.

  To view results in the April 4, 2023 election for the Board of Education in the Homer School District 33C, go to the Will County Clerk's page here .  There are six candidates on the ballot for three seats on the Board: Candidates on the ballot for the April 4, 2023 election for School Board of the Homer 33C School District in Will County Please remember that election night results are unofficial and will not include all mailed-in and provisional ballots.   

  To view results in the April 4, 2023 Board of Education election for the Frankfort School District 157-C, go to the Will County Clerk's page here . There are nine candidates on the ballot for four seats.  The candidates on the ballot are: Candidates on the ballot for the April 4, 2023 election for Board of Education of the Frankfort 157-C School District in Will County. Results will begin to post after polls close.  Please remember that election night results are unofficial and will not include provisional and all mailed-in ballots. 

  For results in the April 4, 2023 election for Board of Education Members in the Beecher School District 200U, go to the Will County Clerk's page here . Remember that election night results are unofficial and will not include all mailed-in and provisional ballots. 

  To view results in the April 4, 2023 election in Bolingbrook, Illinois, go here for Will County results and here for DuPage County results.  Bolingbrook is comprised of land in both counties. Please remember election night results are unofficial and will not include all mailed and provisional ballots.

  To see results in the April 4, 2023 Manhattan School Board election, go here . Please remember election night results are unofficial and will not include all mailed and provisional ballots. 

  For unofficial election night results in the April 4, 2023 election for the Mokena School District 159 Board of Education, go here . Results will begin to post after polls close and won't include all mailed-in and provisional ballots.

  To see results in the election for Board of Education for the Lockport Township High School District 205, go to the Will County Clerk's page here . Results on election night are unofficial and won't include all mailed and provisional ballots. 

  For results in the April 4, 2023 election for the Joliet Township High School District School Board, go here .  Results will begin to post after polls close.  Election night results are unofficial and will not include all provisional and mailed ballots. 

  For election results for members of the Board of Education for the Minooka Community High School District 111, go here for Grundy County results and here for Will County results.  The district covers land in both counties. Please remember that election night results are unofficial and will not include all mailed-in and provisional ballots. 

  For results in the April 4, 2023 Mayor of Naperville election, go here for DuPage County results and here for Will County results.  Naperville is comprised of land in both counties. Results will begin to post after polls close.  Election night results are unofficial and will not include all mailed and provisional ballots.

  To view results in the April 4, 2023 election in Lockport, go to the Will County Clerk's page here . Please remember election night results are unofficial and will not include all mail and provisional ballots.

For results in the April 4, 2023 election in Channahon, Illinois, go here for Will County results and here for Grundy County results. Election night results are unofficial and do not include all mailed and provisional ballots.

  For results in the April 4, 2023 municipal election in Coal City, Illinois, go here for Grundy County results and here for Will County results. Election night results are unofficial and will not include all mailed and provisional ballots.

  For results in the April 4, 2023 election in Will County, go here . Results will begin to post after polls close.  Please remember that election night results are unofficial and may not include all provisional and mailed-in ballots. 

 Press release from Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie:  "WILMINGTON, Ill. (March 3, 2023) – The USDA Forest Service will be conducting prescribed burning starting next week in parts of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Preparations are being made to conduct burning as weather permits. You might see smoke due to the controlled burning.  Prescribed burning on the USDA Forest Service - Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Photo by Joseph Parr / USDA Forest Service. USDA Forest Service staff will initiate prescribed fire operations as weather patterns shift to favorable, modest temperatures and moderate humidity that is conducive to burning. Wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity, and measurable moisture in vegetation are taken into consideration. Burning will be conducted in wide array of areas across Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.  Since 1996, volunteers and staff have been working with over 275 native Illinois prairie plants to restore and enhance natura