Bipartisanship Highlighted as Courthouse Committee Leadership Changes

In what members described as a rare display of cross-party cooperation, Will County’s Ad Hoc Courthouse Committee reflected Thursday on its bipartisan achievements as leadership prepares to transition in December. Outgoing chair Janet Diaz, who will leave the County Board next month, will hand leadership responsibilities to Sherry Williams, maintaining continuity on the courthouse park…

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‘Courtside Plaza’ Selected as Name for New Will County Courthouse Park

The Will County Ad Hoc Courthouse Committee voted Thursday to recommend “Courtside Plaza” as the name for the new downtown Joliet park, following a survey that showed majority support for the designation. The committee’s decision came after considering several historically-themed alternatives, including a proposal to honor Civil War veterans whose memorial statues will remain in…

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Will County Board Delays Vote on Controversial 3,600-Acre Solar Project

The Will County Board voted Thursday to postpone until February a decision on a controversial 3,600-acre solar farm proposal in Custer Township, with residents raising concerns about the project’s unprecedented scale and environmental impact. The proposed commercial solar facility by AIONA Energy, a Spanish-based company operating through U.S. subsidiaries, would be located south of Smiley…

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Will County Board Passes Resolution Supporting Agriculture While Debating Ceremonial Actions

The Will County Board passed Resolution 24-315 Thursday recognizing agriculture’s economic importance to the county, though the action sparked debate about how to handle ceremonial measures. The resolution noted Will County’s 780 farms generate $234.7 million in annual sales, with the county ranking sixth statewide in honey production and eighth in Christmas tree sales. Board…

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HERO and Family Guidance Centers Closer to Receiving Opioid Settlement Funds After Board Action

In an emotional meeting Thursday, the Will County Board cleared a path for two organizations combating the opioid epidemic to receive long-delayed settlement funding, following testimony from both grieving families and recovery success stories. The board approved Resolution 24-314 establishing the Will County Opioid Program, which will allow distribution of national opioid settlement funds according…

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Will County Board Recognizes Departing Members After November Election

Three Will County Board members attended their final meeting Thursday, with colleagues praising their combined 12 years of service as they prepare to step down following the November election. Meta Mueller, who served six years and held multiple leadership positions including Democratic Whip, was recognized for her work chairing several key committees including Capital Improvements…

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Will County Board Approves 2025 Budget with Focus on Infrastructure and Services

The Will County Board approved its fiscal year 2025 budget Thursday with bipartisan support, though some members raised concerns about continued tax increases amid economic pressures on residents. The budget includes several major capital investments, including complete replacement of beds and furniture at Sunny Hill Nursing Home, some of which was 17 years old. The…

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Will County Launches Public Meeting Transparency Initiative

In a move to improve government transparency, the Will County Board announced a new initiative to provide public access to meeting materials and recordings through its website. The program, unveiled at Thursday’s meeting, seeks to enhance civic engagement and accountability. Centralized Access Under the new system, residents can access board packets, meeting agendas, and video…

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