Will County Board

Will County Board members spent fewer than four minutes choosing their new leadership but close to six hours debating proposed changes to their rules and procedures.

Here are the official results for the 2024 November election for the Will County Board, judicial races and referendum questions.

Democrats plan to elect Joe Van Duyne as county board chair.

Public safety was prioritized in the Will County 2025 fiscal year budget, with public safety and judicial operations making up 62% of the county’s operating budget.

Southern Will County residents are trying to stop 3,600 acre solar energy complex.

Workshops will include family fun attractions.

Will County Board OKs appointment of Charles Pelkie to serve until new clerk elected in November takes office.

The Will County Board last week approved a special use permit for a rural event center at the Ashraf Farmhouse, 25640 W. 119th St.

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant focused on expanding government services and the strength of the local business climate in her annual State of the County address. Some budget priorities outlined.

Staley Ferry is leaving to take a job as city clerk of Joliet, a move that was announced July 31. The Will County executive has not recommended an interim clerk to the County Board.

Concerns over truck traffic rumbling through residential sections of the Joliet area was raised once again by people attending an open house unveiling various plans for the Cherry Hill-Mills road corridor.

Will County Board Republican Leader Steve Balich on Tuesday accused his Democratic counterpart of hacking into his email. Democratic Leader Jacqueline Traynere said she uncovered a vulnerability in the county board email system.

Steve Balich also is supervisor of Homer Township, where he had the American flag flown upside down for a day on May 31.

Solar industry sees setback as Channahon project 'in the middle of town' is rejected.

Will County Board Republicans wanted to hire Robert Schillerstrom, former Republican chair of DuPage County Board, to serve as consultant.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County board voted 16-2 for a bond plan with the only no votes from two commissioners who stirred an online campaign to reject the proposal.

Two Forest Preserve District of Will County commissioners who plan to vote against $50 million bond plan pay for poll that shows opposition.

Commissioners point to popularity of preserves.

Public hearing on Forest Preserve District bond plan draws more than 150 emails from concerned taxpayers.

Republicans point to Robert Schillerstrom's previous experience on DuPage County board. Democrats dissent.

Republican-Democrat standoff stops vote on raises for elected county officials.

The executive director for Sharefest Will County said 47 pallets of food weighing 42,000 pounds were given away on Saturday to help feed 1,842 people from 534 families. He said 70 volunteers assisted in the three-hour event.

County board has not voted to raise pay in nearly 20 years and sounds reluctant now.

The Will County Board in March approved their plan to build a 3,400-square-foot facility that will include a tasting room with a bar for visitors

The road expansion has been planned for years but faces opposition from Homer Township residents.

Will County opens new facility for interviews with child victims.

Proposed widening of 143rd Street in Homer Glen tied up in legal wrangling at county board.

Here are unofficial results for the 2024 March primary for the Will County Board and local judicial and legislative races, as well as referendum questions.

Two Democratic primaries the only contested county board races in Tuesday election.

What would you push for as a member of county government to boost local businesses? Vince Logan: Will County can offer financial incentives such as grants, loans, or tax breaks to small and medium-sized enterprises

What challenges is the region facing in terms of attracting business and tourism? Julie Berkowicz: One challenge is the impact that rising taxes have on businesses, tourism and agriculture.

Question: What local road and bridge projects should be a priority to get done in the county? Answer: Projects that directly affect district 7 include Interstate 80 through Joliet. It should be a priority. Read Demmond Dorris' questionnaire here.

Question: What are the top issues facing your county and what would you like to do to address those issues? Answer: Safety is a major concern. I support local law enforcement. Read Betsy Naglich's full questionnaire here.

Question: What are the top issues facing your county and what would you like to do to address those issues? Answer: The Will County Board had the monumental task of allocating $134 million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act money.

Question: What are the top issues facing your county and what would you like to do to address those issues? Answer: In addition to the need for a plan for incoming migrants, mental health, workforce and housing need attention.

Question: What are the top issues facing your county, and what would you like to do to address those issues? Answer: Infrastructure and Mental Health are our most pressing issues. Read Meta Mueller's full questionnaire here.

Will County department now will be called Animal Protection Services, offers pet adoption and microchipping.

Will County seeks public input for 25-year plan on transportation network and challenges to be addressed.

Will County official says interior demolition nearly complete and most windows are out of the courthouse that closed in 2020.

A special Will County Board meeting to discuss putting a stay on the already-started demolition of the old Will County Courthouse ultimately resulted in no action after rumors of missing bid documents were debunked Tuesday.

Will County board considers vote to stop demolition of old courthouse. Officials said building no longer 'structurally sound."

State approval for demolition of the old Will County Courthousevcould come as early as next week, which would allow demolition crews to begin working on the inside.

Former Will County Board Member Charles "Chuck" Maher will challenge Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant for county executive post.

Bertino-Tarrant points to spending plans next year

Expecting a large turnout, the county clerk hopes to recruit and train as many as 500 additional election judges from both political parties to serve in the elections.

County executive says demolition will proceed despite new attempt to create courthouse study committee.

American Demolition Corp. was third lowest bidder

Contract goes to American Demolition in Carol Stream

County executive selects contractor, bid under review by state's attorney's office.

County board committee votes 7-5 against closer look at possible reuse of building.