tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21585137323495255412024-03-15T07:15:08.250-07:00Will County NewsLocal News for Will County, Joliet, New Lenox, Manhattan, Wilmington, Peotone, Beecher, Elwood, and Frankfort Illinois. All Photos Copyright, All Rights Reserved, Unless Otherwise Noted. Email requests for use with attribution to willcountynews@gmail.com.willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comBlogger533125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-60634423170030707672024-03-15T07:09:00.000-07:002024-03-15T07:14:36.824-07:00Governor Pritzker Announces Proposal to Demolish and Rebuilt Stateville Correctional Center<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Corrections have announced the Governor's budget proposal will include funds to rebuild Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The budget proposal also includes funds to rebuild Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln. Funding for the rebuilding is included in the budget proposal before the General Assembly.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">View of Stateville:
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YogJvJgbn0I?si=gDTAKc9AgP4tBFJi" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Read the full announcement from the Governor's <a href="https://gov.illinois.gov/news/press-release.29750.html" target="_blank">office</a>:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Chicago— Today Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) announced plans to dedicate capital funds to rebuild Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln and Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill, addressing critical infrastructure needs at both facilities. The funding is included in the capital proposal the governor presented the General Assembly as part of his FY25 budget proposal.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The capital investments will begin to address years of disinvestment in facilities built almost a century ago, saving the state hundreds of millions in deferred maintenance and annual upkeep costs. The capital investment plan will initially focus on rebuilding two facilities that have been identified as having the most significant deferred maintenance costs as the administration continues to assess the IDOC infrastructure and where additional investments might be needed.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"The capital funds dedicated to Stateville and Logan further demonstrate our commitment to continuing to rebuild and strengthen our state's infrastructure," said Governor JB Pritzker. "These investments will allow staff to work in modern and safe facilities, ensure those who are incarcerated can safely serve out their sentences, and save taxpayers hundreds of millions in deferred maintenance costs from years of neglect."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>IDOC will work with the Capital Development Board and stakeholders on a timeline and next steps, with work to begin pending capital appropriations in the FY25 budget. Based on assessments of each facility and land availability, it is anticipated that Stateville will be temporarily closed and demolished with a new facility to be built on its grounds. The status of Logan in the interim is still to be worked through with various stakeholders, and the location of the new facility is still being finalized.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The plan estimates construction costs will total between $805 to $935 million. Governor Pritzker's proposed FY25 capital budget included $900 million in new funds to demolish and rebuild these facilities. Long-term, the projects are expected to save the state an average of $34 million in annual operations savings, over the long term, by lowering overtime, maintenance, and utility costs on the facilities. Rebuilding these facilities will also save the state hundreds of millions in deferred maintenance costs that have accrued after decades of neglect. These facilities were selected based on a 2023 CGL report the state contracted to identify and prioritize IDOC facility needs.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>In accordance with the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) process, construction will not commence until all requirements of the State Facilities Closure Act are met. The design and buildout of the new facilities is anticipated to be completed over the next three to five years. IDOC will coordinate closely with staff at these facilities, organized labor, individuals in custody, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth the rebuilding process and the department is continuing its work to hire for a number of open positions.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"This plan marks a pivotal moment in IDOC's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and the individuals in our care," said Latoya Hughes, Acting Director of IDOC. "These investments underscore Illinois' unwavering commitment to implementing modernized and secure correctional environments while taking a fiscally responsible approach to address aging infrastructure."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"The Illinois Justice Project has an essential goal to reduce the number of people in prison. We also support the elimination of any and all conditions that are unsafe and unhealthy or put those housed in the Illinois Department of Corrections at risk," said Illinois Justice Project Director Ahmadou Dramé. "We will continue to work with advocates and policymakers alike to reduce incarceration and create humane conditions for those who are incarcerated.""</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-50597740661119935682024-03-14T10:14:00.000-07:002024-03-14T10:14:47.724-07:00Lockport Township High School District Referendum Question on Primary Ballot<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Voters in the Lockport Township High School District 205 will see a referendum question on their March 19, 2024 Primary Election ballot.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The referendum question will <a href="https://www.lths.org/o/lthsd/page/referendum#voting" target="_blank">read</a>:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Shall the Board of Education of Lockport Township High School District Number 205, Will County, Illinois, alter, repair, renovate, equip and improve the site of the Lockport Township High School Central Campus, including preserving and protecting the exterior of the building, Veterans Foyer and main gym, replacing and improving HVAC and major mechanical systems, renovating and updating instructional areas and classrooms and improving accessibility to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $85,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?"</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Central Campus is used as a freshman center for students entering the district from "seven feeder schools and two private schools", according to a District referendum website. The District website states: "the Central Campus Freshman Center also eases 9th graders into the routines and rigors of high school. Success in freshman year is a crucial indicator of a student’s success in high school and is strongly correlated with the likelihood a student will graduate. Currently, “9th Grade on Track,” as measured by the 2022-2023 Illinois Report Card, grades LTHS freshmen at 97.5%, compared to the state average of 87.4%. The LTHS Board of Education firmly believes that Central Campus should remain a freshman center."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For more information on the proposed referendum, go to the District's website <a href="https://www.lths.org/o/lthsd/page/referendum#voting" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-86637683733926665602024-03-14T07:38:00.000-07:002024-03-14T07:38:11.294-07:00Peotone Park District Referendum on March Primary Ballot<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Voters in the Peotone Park District will see a Peotone Park District Referendum question on their March 19, 2024 Primary Ballot.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The question on the ballot will read:</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; font-family: helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">"Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the Peotone Park District, Will County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.0547% above the limiting rate for levy year 2022 to maintain, improve and protect parks and for other park purposes and be equal to 0.1796% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2024?</em></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; font-family: helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><ol style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; font-family: helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">The approximate amount of taxes extendable at the most recently extended limiting rate is $137,112, and the approximate amount of taxes extendable if the proposition is approved is $197,160.</em></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">For the 2024 levy year the approximate amount of the additional tax extendable against property containing a single family residence and having a fair market value at the time of the referendum of $100,000 is estimated to be $18.</em></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">If the proposition is approved, the aggregate extension for 2024 will be determined by the limiting rate set forth in the proposition, rather than the otherwise applicable limiting rate calculated under the provisions of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (commonly known as the Property Tax Cap Law)."</em></li></ol><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #212121; font-family: helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">The Peotone Park District website has a page with information on the referendum <a href="https://peotoneparkdistrict.com/2024-referendum/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #212121; font-family: helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #212121; font-family: helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"><br /></span></span></div>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-28972317104012540172024-03-10T06:41:00.000-07:002024-03-10T06:41:02.218-07:00Demolition of Old Will County Courthouse<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Demolition is progressing on the old Will County Courthouse in Joliet. More of the exterior walls have been removed on the side of the courthouse facing Jefferson Street and more of the structural beams are exposed:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2vKIIEayZMU" width="320" youtube-src-id="2vKIIEayZMU"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-43731750257069391372024-03-09T08:26:00.000-08:002024-03-09T08:26:54.371-08:00Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Shares News of Spring 2024 Prescribed Burning<p> <span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The U.S. Forest Service is sharing news that prescribed burning of the prairie will take place at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie this spring. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsdG-wDaW0Gew7DzAUmN9EMocnfYwzDKIwiYzxDfCiUgJIEcPuQxFijxf2gJ_d6hSrJdNKwqZph7NBYrZjVhE3UrWJJN7eT0Vy07WXtZvJI7tnjNJABuSR20QwmP3jlGcv2-mqnni8X87_inYLvgbgEkNixdbh_oaF0w29pNoO7X0KnnPK5Hox0N9ez6g/s4032/20180330_182620.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsdG-wDaW0Gew7DzAUmN9EMocnfYwzDKIwiYzxDfCiUgJIEcPuQxFijxf2gJ_d6hSrJdNKwqZph7NBYrZjVhE3UrWJJN7eT0Vy07WXtZvJI7tnjNJABuSR20QwmP3jlGcv2-mqnni8X87_inYLvgbgEkNixdbh_oaF0w29pNoO7X0KnnPK5Hox0N9ez6g/w640-h480/20180330_182620.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Prescribed burn at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Photo courtesy of U.S. Forest Service.<p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Press release regarding Spring 2024 prescribed burning at Midewin:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>"WILMINGTON, Ill. (March 4, 2024) – The USDA Forest Service will be conducting prescribed burns throughout Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (NTP) during the spring of 2024. These prescribed burns generally happen between now and the beginning of May. Where and when these burns occur will be dependent on factors such as wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity, and smoke dispersion. Trailhead kiosks and the visitors center have more specific information on when specific areas will be burned, usually the day before.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>All prescribed fire projects will be conducted in accordance with an approved burn plan to ensure the safety of people and property in the area. Burn plans describe the specific conditions under which burns will be conducted including the weather, number of personnel, and opportunities to minimize smoke impacts.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>“The prescribed fire implementer spends months each year planning and prepping for these burns,” said Joseph Parr, Midewin NTP’s forest assistant fire management officer. “Planning is a rigorous process and thought is given to things like fuels, containment, weather, smoke and other impacts to the local communities and recreationalist.” </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Visitors are asked to avoid areas where prescribed burns are being conducted. As a result of the burns, some residents and visitors may see or smell smoke. People should not be alarmed; the fires will be carefully monitored. Local authorities will be notified prior to burn days and kept informed throughout burning operations.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>The use of prescribed is a cost-effective tool that Midewin NTP and the Forest Service use to accomplish many different objectives.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i> “Enhancing and stimulating native vegetation, hazardous fuels reduction, woody vegetation encroachment and site prep for restoration are just a few areas that benefit from prescribed fire.” said Parr.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Since 1996, volunteers and staff have been working with over 275 native Illinois prairie plants to restore and enhance natural areas. Approximately 3,000 acres of land are actively undergoing restoration or enhancement, and several tools are necessary to attain restoration goals. The use of prescribed fire is among the most effective and necessary pieces of the restoration process. </i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"></span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>For more information please contact the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Visitor Center at (815) 423-6370 or email SM.FS.Midewin_RSVP@usda.gov."</i></span></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-64958680180029226002024-03-09T06:49:00.000-08:002024-03-09T06:49:26.382-08:00Local VFW Post Joins Work to Keep Gemini Giant in Wilmington<p><span style="font-size: large;">The Wilmington VFW Post is joining the local effort to keep the Gemini Giant in Wilmington. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">The statue is up for online bid at the </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.grafeauction.com/event/the-launching-pad/lot/1" target="_blank">Grafe Auction website</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wilmington's VFW Post 5422 posted to their Facebook page on March 8, 2024 that: <i>"</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Wilmington VFW Post 5422 along with Save the Gemini Giant have teamed up to make an effort to keep the Gemini Giant in Wilmington and relocate it 1 mile west on Route 66 to the VFW. We need your help. " Read the full post <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0Wkcy8Fs2xCTQtvwP6NYQCbuU9nXuVk1Nt1NeVzsciKRTkMLqNPpe9Mrby5YyaeWgl&id=100066859825908" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Gemini Giant has greeted Route 66 travelers to Wilmington for decades:</span></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bir3VRIWB0M?si=aR6VMg8yTjHnkZQ5" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-63145881215072293862024-03-08T07:15:00.000-08:002024-03-08T07:15:16.900-08:00Route 66 Statue Gemini Giant Online Auction Bid Stands at $45,000<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;">As of 9:00 a.m. Friday March 8 2024, online bidding for the historic Gemini Giant stands at $45,000. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The statue is up for online bid at the <a href="https://www.grafeauction.com/event/the-launching-pad/lot/1" target="_blank">Grafe Auction website</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Gemini Giant has greeted Route 66 travelers to Wilmington for decades:</span></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bir3VRIWB0M?si=aR6VMg8yTjHnkZQ5" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-54963626839099701102024-03-07T05:43:00.000-08:002024-03-07T05:43:46.036-08:00Launching Pad's Gemini Giant, Online Auction<p> <span style="font-size: large;">The historic Gemini Giant statue is up for online bid at the <a href="https://www.grafeauction.com/event/the-launching-pad/lot/1" target="_blank">Grafe Auction website</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Gemini Giant is a familiar site for travelers along historic Route 66 and has sat for decades outside the Launching Pad restaurant. As of the morning of March 7, 2024, the bidding sat at $42,550. </span></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bir3VRIWB0M?si=aR6VMg8yTjHnkZQ5" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-34982268618427678852024-03-05T05:46:00.000-08:002024-03-05T05:46:28.383-08:00Will County Board to Hold Special Meeting on Homer Glen 143d Street Expansion Resolution Veto<p>The Will County Board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 5th at 10:45 a.m. "to enforce Resolution 24-27 that was signed by the Will County Executive", according to a press release by the Board:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzANn9Uiwl7Hx3xHIB-4PvTGe0yQGop7KL3i3BRgCKYrfWVVz0FdERmS86nj5yNhSjWffSF89v6pODFOUzy524PE-lk3ZCSiLP8ZtAYy6B0uBinpe2Z_t0DYs-1YXSEg2D7EOIjkj5jIiB5CN7ncvbh3S-Iz4L0D8GFG7ejpwdTRuA57vfiyCa5Z1hJAE9/s1496/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-05%20at%207.19.42%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1496" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzANn9Uiwl7Hx3xHIB-4PvTGe0yQGop7KL3i3BRgCKYrfWVVz0FdERmS86nj5yNhSjWffSF89v6pODFOUzy524PE-lk3ZCSiLP8ZtAYy6B0uBinpe2Z_t0DYs-1YXSEg2D7EOIjkj5jIiB5CN7ncvbh3S-Iz4L0D8GFG7ejpwdTRuA57vfiyCa5Z1hJAE9/w422-h381/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-05%20at%207.19.42%20AM.png" width="422" /></a></div><br /><p>Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant released a <a href="https://willcounty.gov/county-offices/administration/county-executive/press-releases/statement-from-the-will-county-executive-on-resolution-24-27" target="_blank">statement</a> that the resolution was signed in error and it was never the Executive's intent to deliver the signed resolution to the County Clerk. Full Statement of the County Executive:</p><p><i>"Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant today vetoed Will County Board Resolution #24-27, concerning the expansion of 143rd Street between State Street/Lemont Road and Bell Road. </i></p><p><i>Incorrect reports have been made publicly that the County Executive signed and delivered this resolution with the intent to make it effective. While the resolution was signed in error, the County Executive did not authorize delivery to the Clerk’s Office as it was never the County Executive's intention to return a signed resolution to the County Board. Instead, the County Executive exercised her veto powers authorized under the law, which is consistent with her public comments on media outlets following the County Board meeting.</i></p><p><i>After consulting with legal counsel, the County Executive immediately contacted County Board leadership via email to make them aware of the error. In addition, the County Executive spoke to the County Board Chair and leadership to explain the situation and that a formal veto was forthcoming. County Board leadership acknowledged the error.</i></p><p><i>Veto Message from the County Executive to the Will County Board:</i></p><p><i>Today I veto Resolution #24-27, which fails to address traffic demands and public safety.</i></p><p><i>First, the expansion of this segment of 143rd Street has been a subject of discussion for over a decade. For many years, the Will County Board has recognized the need to address increased levels of traffic and the threats to public safety that exist on the current roadway.</i></p><p><i>The Will County Board has repeatedly provided a clear direction to the Will County Division of Transportation to pursue expansion in this segment of 143rd Street. The full County Board has unanimously approved this project to proceed 10 separate times since 2009. Time and time again, the elected representatives that serve on the County Board, including those that represent the communities along 143rd Street, have voted for this project.</i></p><p><i>Following the unanimous direction of our elected legislative body, Will County has held a consistent position since 2009: That the existing two-lane road is a danger to the public, impedes the flow of traffic, and prevents the safe passage of residents throughout the county.</i></p><p><i>Second, based on the County Board’s direction, Will County has already expended over $6.2 Million on this project. The Will County Division of Transportation has expended time and resources on identifying a level of expansion that both creates a safer roadway and aligns with feedback received from the public and local elected officials during the project development. Although several members of the board expressed a belief that the County should “cut our losses” on this project following years of consistent direction, I do not believe that individual board members changing their mind should come with a $6.2 million dollar price tag for the taxpayers.</i></p><p><i>Third, further, the votes made during the February 15 County Board meeting do not provide clear direction to County staff on how to proceed with this project. While Resolution #24-27 is misleadingly labeled as a directive to “cease” the expansion, the resolution is also calling for the Division of Transportation to proceed with a three-lane expansion.</i></p><p><i>The County Board later voted unanimously to include language within its legislative agenda that advocates for the use of quick-take proceedings for this project. This follows the statements made by several board members that no property should be acquired for this project. It is not clear to what extent the County Board is in favor of continued acquirement of right-of-way property along this specific corridor, as these two resolutions are contradictory.</i></p><p><i>Fourth, compared to the years of research, public feedback, and legislative deliberation of the full 143rd Street expansion project, Resolution #24-27 does not provide a solution to the safety and traffic challenges that currently exist.</i></p><p><i>Decision-making in public service is never easy. In this case, I believe the necessary decision is to ensure the safety of Will County residents.</i></p><p><i>Therefore, pursuant to 55 ILCS 5/2-5010, I hereby return Resolution #24-27, with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety."</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p>Many Homer Glen residents oppose the 143rd Street expansion project and have rallied to attend Board meetings and email County leadership to express their concerns with the road expansion. </p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><br /></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-62972506939643073242024-03-02T05:34:00.000-08:002024-03-02T05:34:07.799-08:00Joliet Park District to Sell Splash Station Water Park on Route 6<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> The Joliet Park District announced it will <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JolietParkDistrict/posts/pfbid0ANkBVsN7abyYWdYAnvZqqV9kaow15MGK4aU4cCaU72BVdG6U7yvVf73be7Xkj3UMl" target="_blank">sell</a> the Splash Station water park property on Route 6. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The announcement included a quote from Park District President Sue Gulas:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“When the demographics of Rt. 6 began to quickly change in a short time, Splash Station saw a drastic decline in attendance resulting in vast revenue loss for several years in a row. While we fully understand that there were residents who loved the water park and relied on it for summertime family fun, unfortunately that number was a very small percentage of the total residents in the area. As a park district it is our job to provide activities and settings for residents to “take time for fun”, concentrate on their health and wellness or just enjoy what the Joliet Park District has to offer to the community. Sometimes, there are things offered to the community that produce a break-even status and that’s ok if we’ve provided a well-received activity. Not everything has to generate huge revenue, but we could not sustain a significant yearly loss either. As a board, we collectively agreed to move on from the water park. With the sale of Splash Station we can look at options to better serve and reinvest into the community.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In recent years and with the completion of the Houbolt Road Bridge, the area near the Splash Station property has witnessed an increase in warehouse development. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The District's statement went on to say: "The Board of Commissioners is considering a number of projects with the potential proceeds from the sale. The scope and location of these projects is dependent on the final sale price."</span></p><p><br /></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-24661369389933261782024-02-11T06:44:00.000-08:002024-02-11T06:44:39.388-08:00Exterior Demolition Starts on Old Will County Courthouse<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Exterior demolition has begun on the concrete building that used to serve as the Will County Courthouse.</span></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zmzb5fWz5H0?si=Xa1vOjaAE_gyfzcV" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><span style="background-color: #b2b2b2;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #b2b2b2;"><br /></span><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;">The courthouse was built in 1969 and was designed by Otto Stark. To read more about the history of the courthouse and efforts to preserve the building, visit this Landmarks Illinois article <a href="http://www.landmarks.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Will-County-Courthouse-2022-Most-Endangered-Historic-Places-in-Illinois.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #b2b2b2;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #b2b2b2;"><br /></span><div><span style="background-color: #b2b2b2;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #b2b2b2;"><br /></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-26300012032600301522024-01-26T06:27:00.000-08:002024-01-26T06:36:05.441-08:00Joliet Diocese Announces Parish Restructuring Plan for Joliet Parishes<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Citing changes including a reduced number of incoming priests, an aging population of priests, and costs associated with maintaining historic church buildings, Joliet Bishop<a href="https://www.diojoliet.org/w/bishop-ronald-hicks-decision-concerning-the-restructuring-of-the-joliet-deanery" target="_blank"> announced</a> a "targeted restructuring decision" for parishes in Joliet. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The decision grouped parishes and then determined which buildings would remain as worship sites and which building would close. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">For the grouping consisting of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Joseph (in Joliet rather than Rockdale) St. Bernard, St. Mary Magdalene, and St. Anthony, it was determined:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">-Our Lady of Mount Carmel will remain in its current structure.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">-The remaining parishes will be merged into one with two worship sites, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Joseph.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">-St. Bernard and St. Anthony will close. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">A view of St. Joseph Church in downtown Joliet: </span><a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/6aLZFJvxVDU?si=ESw5nbVcM7Xg_IdT">https://youtube.com/shorts/6aLZFJvxVDU?si=ESw5nbVcM7Xg_IdT</a></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">For the grouping consisting of St. Paul the Apostle, St. Jude, St. Patrick, Sacred Heart and St. Joseph (Rockdale), it was determined that these parishes will be merged and that St. Paul and St. Patrick will be worship sites. St. Joseph in Rockdale will be a mission of the new parish. St. Jude and Sacred Heart will close. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">A view of Sacred Heart Church:</span></p><p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ck_Hi2EoX60?si=1heFxsTokKKBOBVQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">For the grouping consisting of Cathedral of St. Raymond, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary Nativity, Holy Cross, St. Ambrose (Crest Hill) and St. Anne (Crest Hill), it was determined that:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"The Cathedral of St. Raymond will remain in its current structure.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">St. John the Baptist will remain in its current structure. When the Franciscans can no longer staff St. John’s, the parish will be amalgamated into St. Raymond. At that time, a decision will be made as to whether St. John’s Church remains open as a worship site.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">St. Mary Nativity will become a territorial parish, but otherwise will remain in its current structure. Holy Cross will be become a personal mission of St. Mary Nativity serving the Polish community.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">St. Ambrose and St. Anne will unite in an amalgamation; St. Anne will be extinguished and the church will close."</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-40931363749699560042024-01-18T05:05:00.000-08:002024-01-18T05:05:36.072-08:00Warm Water Siphon Activated to Help with Ice Jam on the Kankakee River<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">The Will County Emergency Management Agency reported on Jan. 17, 2024 on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WillCountyEMA/posts/pfbid02yssYBupQMna2hdG12GasHffVo2zj5LJz3tUDEtZQ3FoK1kx8erbxz81VKyUK5Z82l" target="_blank">its Facebook page</a> that the warm water siphon from the Dresden Nuclear Power Plant Cooling Pond has been activated. The siphon moves warmer water from the cooling pond to the Kankakee River to "reduce risk factors associated with ice jams."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The release of warm water from the cooling ponds is regulated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, since fish are impacted by water temperature. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Will County Emergency Management Agency also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WillCountyEMA/posts/pfbid0PJLbqLmKDMC9syjfGFdTojFHSh6RGRAc2EVcXMV57MGSCXiJ6xHRonLVsfj2LKp2l" target="_blank">posted</a> on January 17, 2024 that: "The City of Wilmington IL and the Will County Emergency Management Agency are advising residents of potential flash flood conditions due to ongoing ice jams on the Kankakee River. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until temperatures rise above freezing and the river ice has fully melted. "</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-3232490814144668102024-01-17T07:43:00.000-08:002024-01-17T07:43:59.861-08:00Gotion Holding Two Job Fairs at Kankakee Community College<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Gotion, Inc., which recently announced it will open an electric battery manufacturing facility at the old Kmart warehouse location in Manteno, Illinois, will hold two job fairs at Kankakee Community College on January 17 and 18th, 2024. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Go to the College's website <a href="https://news.kcc.edu/2024/01/10/meet-recruiters-at-the-riverfront-campus-and-north-extension-center.html" target="_blank">here</a> for more info.</span></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-77314773649683672112024-01-06T11:10:00.000-08:002024-01-06T11:10:22.548-08:00City of Joliet Passes Ordinance Regarding Unscheduled Intercity Bus Drop Offs<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> The Joliet City Council passed an ordinance regulating unscheduled intercity bus drop offs at their first Council meeting of 2024. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The ordinance was drafted after buses carrying asylum seekers attempted to drop off passengers at several suburban communities in Will County during the last weeks of December 2023. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The ordinance establishes rules related to drop offs and establishes penalties. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can read the ordinance and watch Council debate on the ordinance <a href="https://joliet.granicus.com/player/clip/5187?view_id=6&meta_id=515144&redirect=true&h=e592b45695d653b62e9fd75bb6601235" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-80109372605920778552023-12-29T05:45:00.000-08:002023-12-29T05:45:15.979-08:00Demolition Begins on Old Will County Courthouse<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Demolition has begun on the old Will County Courthouse: <a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/xBEiN-rRVtA?si=r-BtH4sdIjLyAaIv">https://youtube.com/shorts/xBEiN-rRVtA?si=r-BtH4sdIjLyAaIv</a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The new Will County Courthouse opened in late 2020. Video of the new courthouse under construction:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bWUTVJF0o3g?si=YI24K3jTvi4Zp2jT" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Despite efforts by preservationists to save the building, the County voted to demolish the old courthouse. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/willcountycourthouse/" target="_blank">Preservationists</a> 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.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and Joliet Mayor Terry D'Arcy announced in June of 2023 that they were discussing the <a href="https://willcounty.gov/county-offices/administration/county-executive/press-releases/will-county-and-city-of-joliet-begin-discussions-on-a-consolidated-government-campus" target="_blank">possibility</a> of developing a government campus on the site of the old courthouse for Will County and City of Joliet government services. </span></p><br />willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-42394060756389379462023-12-26T06:38:00.000-08:002023-12-26T06:38:30.965-08:00Mayor Declares State of Emergency After Unscheduled Bus Carrying Migrants Arrives in Manhattan<p><span style="font-size: large;">The Mayor of Manhattan, Illinois has signed an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/manhattanillinois/posts/pfbid02NQ84LBurqQoqKTrD5HTb7vfZhDKmvGz2FNoUbCDd39mMzNbKJ8TzkySZMPUJmKFcl" target="_blank">executive order </a> 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. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Village of Manhattan will discuss this issue at its next Village Board meeting in 2024. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Will County's Emergency Management Agency issued a <a href="http://willcountynews.blogspot.com/2023/12/will-county-emergency-management-agency.html" target="_blank">statement</a> 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 <a href="http://willcountynews.blogspot.com/2023/12/lockport-mayor-declares-state-of.html" target="_blank">executive order</a> on Dec. 22, 2023. <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPvF2Kqq2lqI_pwEhNivaKN64L1JtzlMIlcuJakx20zgMyZQHAFOKIHwEKCC9vHkPQwxVchTFRlUyrVn6MstvHOksWsRajUGBEk0WpHf9HfcltG_wCxQ8Ugz-oBw8Usv9MHr53zesI2pj6EEjnlgjZAo-KyX2GxQDHwvYYiMfbnitsGiA4Q8evt2aN3zc/s1040/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-26%20at%208.07.49%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="732" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPvF2Kqq2lqI_pwEhNivaKN64L1JtzlMIlcuJakx20zgMyZQHAFOKIHwEKCC9vHkPQwxVchTFRlUyrVn6MstvHOksWsRajUGBEk0WpHf9HfcltG_wCxQ8Ugz-oBw8Usv9MHr53zesI2pj6EEjnlgjZAo-KyX2GxQDHwvYYiMfbnitsGiA4Q8evt2aN3zc/w450-h640/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-26%20at%208.07.49%20AM.png" width="450" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manhattan Executive Order Related to Buses Carrying Migrants From Texas</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-26820589327002193602023-12-24T11:29:00.000-08:002023-12-24T11:29:44.015-08:00Lockport Mayor Declares State of Emergency, Signs Executive Order Regarding Unscheduled Intercity Buses<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Lockport Mayor Steve Streit signed an <a href="https://www.cityoflockport.net/DocumentCenter/View/6028/Lockport-Exec-Order-2023-001?bidId=" target="_blank">executive order</a> on December 22, 2023 related to incidents in which unscheduled buses carrying migrants arrived in Lockport. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMO2roEwypWmIJGM9ufv903IB9ud041UebAfpCZhz4JSrcsV-u9_CzZ0s9mfpHs44lahCOI_rs0FWO7mpnLcwhlvFuj52L1f5U17XpOrRtRl6kTki0cQNkqg1BuNE9HuUoRzHWBSLMxPViw7Sze79Zqgxr0bcPvEe7qZVnRXMeT0dUYe4iOw379rheOAd/s2438/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-24%20at%201.16.32%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="2438" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMO2roEwypWmIJGM9ufv903IB9ud041UebAfpCZhz4JSrcsV-u9_CzZ0s9mfpHs44lahCOI_rs0FWO7mpnLcwhlvFuj52L1f5U17XpOrRtRl6kTki0cQNkqg1BuNE9HuUoRzHWBSLMxPViw7Sze79Zqgxr0bcPvEe7qZVnRXMeT0dUYe4iOw379rheOAd/w640-h372/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-24%20at%201.16.32%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">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".</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">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 entire list of rules and regulations are visible <a href="https://www.cityoflockport.net/DocumentCenter/View/6028/Lockport-Exec-Order-2023-001?bidId=" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The order remains in effect until the end of the next Lockport City Council meeting on "January 3, 2024, in which the City Council can adopt such Rules and Regulations or other similar ordinance in its place".</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To read the full executive order, go <a href="https://www.cityoflockport.net/DocumentCenter/View/6028/Lockport-Exec-Order-2023-001?bidId=">here</a>. </span></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-85143674216370275402023-12-23T05:52:00.000-08:002023-12-23T05:52:51.319-08:00Will County Emergency Management Agency Coordinating Migrant Bus Arrivals in Will County Suburbs<p> <span style="font-size: large;">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<a href="https://willcounty.gov/county-offices/administration/county-executive/press-releases/will-county-coordinating-with-municipalities-and-state-on-texas-bus-arrivals" target="_blank"> press release</a>:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu0erTB7MfCMShW5uyGxXDJBxOWZBa_VBV1C6f1JqUNGkqnjxKqBji5toIEurRH5cllDTO9kvWkbuYB5EK2ZhkQJrpJVn75tEUzYWF2bvC8ole3IZkU12B-QH_92XOEbvmqKd9eHKI8pLtGW7CQKWmykhGGDOXvKFrgZFtnT7M7vaDSPlb8YJjlnrSya0/s1776/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-23%20at%207.47.36%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1776" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu0erTB7MfCMShW5uyGxXDJBxOWZBa_VBV1C6f1JqUNGkqnjxKqBji5toIEurRH5cllDTO9kvWkbuYB5EK2ZhkQJrpJVn75tEUzYWF2bvC8ole3IZkU12B-QH_92XOEbvmqKd9eHKI8pLtGW7CQKWmykhGGDOXvKFrgZFtnT7M7vaDSPlb8YJjlnrSya0/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-23%20at%207.47.36%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"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.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“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.”</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>An official landing zone for asylum-seekers is being operated by the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication at 800 S. Des Plaines Avenue, where the City is coordinating with the State of Illinois to provide shelter while working to identify permanent placement. </i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The increase in bus operators arriving in collar counties followed a City of Chicago ordinance adopted on December 13 that impounds unscheduled buses that arrive at certain times. Bus operators from the State of Texas have begun targeting suburban Metra stations as drop-off locations for asylum-seekers seeking to reach the nearest landing zone, located in the City of Chicago.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“We appreciate the open lines of communication between our local public safety leaders, the Metra Police Department, and other partners during the response to this situation,” said County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “County government will continue working with the state and the City of Chicago on gathering the latest information, along with advocating for the federal government to pressure Texas officials to begin providing information on planned bus arrivals.”</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Will County EMA will continue providing information and support to local governments throughout the Holiday weekend. Due to the lack of coordination and information from the State of Texas, there is no clear indication of the number of buses that might be arriving in Will County in the near future."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-73634591233432323582023-10-03T06:04:00.000-07:002023-10-03T06:04:45.802-07:00Governor Pritzker Press Release: Joliet Township Awarded 8.6 Million To Provide Direct Support to Asylum Seekers<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">A <a href="https://gov.illinois.gov/news/press-release.27078.html" target="_blank">press release</a> 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. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">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."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">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 recording of the City of Joliet Pre-Council meeting where this issue was discussed can be viewed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRSF2VdYZnk" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-64756539038444543942023-09-18T08:20:00.003-07:002023-09-18T08:22:46.950-07:00Brandon Road Bridge Closed Until Late 2024<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">On September 14, 2023, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced the Brandon Road bridge would remain closed for repairs until late 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYBRx6I7WeV4B9pgIqJXBz15MbfmWN17CR1MB2o8VdA7qGn1phHfW6Il_vNcGMEyAT8j8FTE2NM3vk-0IXOC2JCO1jOmdAmJs0MHWQkWNDNLH0qkIvK_cxwLkqCzLoUGWARkrCAOeB_l4qEWrvs8DVOBy2AaWi_NFnb_cD2DNuBRoiOOxnBuPcImDrfYl/s952/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-18%20at%209.20.04%20AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="952" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYBRx6I7WeV4B9pgIqJXBz15MbfmWN17CR1MB2o8VdA7qGn1phHfW6Il_vNcGMEyAT8j8FTE2NM3vk-0IXOC2JCO1jOmdAmJs0MHWQkWNDNLH0qkIvK_cxwLkqCzLoUGWARkrCAOeB_l4qEWrvs8DVOBy2AaWi_NFnb_cD2DNuBRoiOOxnBuPcImDrfYl/w400-h255/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-18%20at%209.20.04%20AM.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon Road Bridge in Joliet</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Notice from IDOT: "</span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">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.</span></p><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">The bridge will remain closed to begin repairs, originally scheduled to start later this month.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">The project is anticipated to be completed late 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">A detour will direct motorists to McDonough Street via U.S. 6, U.S. 52/Illinois 53 and Laraway Road to cross the river. IDOT is working to get all traffic detours signs in place.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">Over the </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">next six years</span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,000 miles of highway and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">Accomplishments </span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">through Year Four of Rebuild Illinois included approximately $12.1 billion of improvements statewide on 5,339 miles of highway, 533 bridges and 762 additional safety improvements.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">For more information on IDOT projects, click </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">here</span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">. Find traffic and road conditions at </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">www.gettingaroundillinois.com</span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">. You also can follow IDOT on </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">Facebook </span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">and </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">Twitter."</span></p></div></div></div>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-4967539450986376032023-09-08T08:25:00.003-07:002023-09-08T08:25:29.869-07:00Governor Pritzker in Manteno to Announce New Battery Plant <p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Governor Pritzker is in Manteno, Illinois to announce a new battery plant in the old K-Mart Warehouse. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Watch live here: </span><a href="https://www.illinois.gov/about/live-video.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">https://www.illinois.gov/about/live-video.html</span></a></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-78606200522946121012023-08-07T10:58:00.002-07:002023-08-07T10:58:25.021-07:00Vehicle Thefts on the Rise in Eastern Will County<p> 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.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://apps.myocv.com/blog/a52660433/pressReleases" target="_blank">Press release</a> from the Sheriff's office describing recent events:</p><p><i>"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 determined that the Volkswagen SUV had been stolen out of Skokie.</i></p><p><i>The Will County Sheriff's Office put out a 2-mile radius reverse 911 call to area residents warning them to shelter in place while deputies combed the area for the suspects. Sheriff's deputies and K-9 Units located the Silverado on the 8000 block of W. Offner Road. Once it was determined that the subjects had left the area, the 911 alert was cancelled. </i></p><p><i>During this investigation, and several prior motor vehicle thefts reported within the last few weeks, specifically in Wilton, Peotone, Green Garden, and Monee Townships, it has come to our attention that many witnesses have not come forward with information after they have observed suspicious people and vehicles in their neighborhoods. While our deputies comb neighborhoods for video surveillance or any additional information in order to catch the vehicle thieves, we have become aware that an abundance of information has not been reported that would be extremely helpful in the investigations.</i></p><p><i>We are urging residents: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING! Please assist our deputies by calling 911, submitting a crime tip at www.willcosheriff.org, or contacting Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or crimestoppersofwillcounty.org. (You may remain anonymous when submitting.)</i></p><p><i>Sheriff's deputies believe that the vehicle thieves are familiar with the area and are targeting the eastern area of Will County. Most of the vehicles stolen have occurred in the overnight hours, however, a vehicle was stolen out of an open garage in Peotone in the middle of the day while the residents were home. This type of crime is considered a "crime of opportunity". Please take the extra few seconds to LOCK YOUR VEHICLES AT ALL TIMES. Leaving your vehicle unlocked is an open invitation for these criminals. "</i></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-64117240803088648582023-08-05T09:05:00.004-07:002023-08-05T09:05:48.295-07:00Will County Offering Tire Recycling Event<p><span style="font-size: large;"> 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.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Information from the Will County Green <a href="https://www.willcountygreen.com/tire_recycling_collection_-_fair_grounds_2023/" target="_blank">website</a>:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"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.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>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:</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Tires will be accepted if ALL of these guidelines are met:</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>1. Participants must be Will County residents (ID may be required)</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>2. Accepted Tires: Auto, small truck and farm tires</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>3. NO business tires, industrial tires or off road tires</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>4. NO heavily soiled tires; heavily soiled tires will be rejected for disposal</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>5. Off-rim and on-rim tires will be accepted during this event</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>6. Participants must be able to unload their own tires (100 tires max. per vehicle)</i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>7. This event is being held at the Will County Fairgrounds and all participants should ENTER from West Street. "</i></span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89_5R1K8isB4f8G9Vv3T-zfWHV_iRXyNOAWBib09ZCTQ_OVNju7Q-R-3Na2Tk6mI1SRA98c8YA-o6SoolS8SYn1Rn1krCCrR7ygI8Qx_VBX4Ogn3uSDE1S7t2KuMO4J9cDAI5-T_V2qFFb5lJidTOUfjNkFA8gKi2oWwdwxC_QtZblwyqmDYVXAwDXltn/s1600/will%20county%20fair%20006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89_5R1K8isB4f8G9Vv3T-zfWHV_iRXyNOAWBib09ZCTQ_OVNju7Q-R-3Na2Tk6mI1SRA98c8YA-o6SoolS8SYn1Rn1krCCrR7ygI8Qx_VBX4Ogn3uSDE1S7t2KuMO4J9cDAI5-T_V2qFFb5lJidTOUfjNkFA8gKi2oWwdwxC_QtZblwyqmDYVXAwDXltn/w640-h428/will%20county%20fair%20006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit Building at the Will County Fairgrounds</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158513732349525541.post-18996672965646434652023-07-15T06:42:00.003-07:002023-07-15T06:42:38.470-07:00Illinois Supreme Court to Announce Opinion in SAFE-T Act Case<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">The Illinois Supreme Court plans to announce its opinion in the SAFE-T Act case on Tuesday, July 18th at 9:00 a.m..</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMJs2_pPJABWojFoGN-DJycgdGuml5Lwigc40UPzGEwRsOxVj8m20qHbVu1FS_m1rPEYIP0v-4YYLAy9hpqRKbBvRBrW4nbVNu9DlcXQ5MVsWyfqRyLjzBZmKwgTlZryxoIcYxRO4m_qNFpnc9kNRhnJYCpTPyoTQRHkfJGIJ3jF-tNNYmpGRuqiUCDwN/s1204/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-15%20at%208.31.35%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="1204" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMJs2_pPJABWojFoGN-DJycgdGuml5Lwigc40UPzGEwRsOxVj8m20qHbVu1FS_m1rPEYIP0v-4YYLAy9hpqRKbBvRBrW4nbVNu9DlcXQ5MVsWyfqRyLjzBZmKwgTlZryxoIcYxRO4m_qNFpnc9kNRhnJYCpTPyoTQRHkfJGIJ3jF-tNNYmpGRuqiUCDwN/w640-h190/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-15%20at%208.31.35%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illinois Supreme Court tweet regarding announcement of its opinion in SAFE-T Act case</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe was the first State's Attorney to file a lawsuit arguing the SAFE-T Act was unconstitutional. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Supreme Court will post opinions to this website: </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.illinoiscourts.gov</span></span></p><p><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>willcountynewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11356828633541039062noreply@blogger.com