Meeting Briefs

News Briefs from the Will County Board June 18 Meeting

Spread the love

Monee Church Designated Historic Landmark
The Will County Board unanimously voted to designate St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Monee as a historical landmark. Member Judy Ogalla, a Monee native, praised the decision. “If you ever have the opportunity to go out to Monee, you’ll find that if you walk in the church, it’s very welcoming,” she said, highlighting its beautiful stained-glass windows and community use.

County to Purchase Land in Monee for New Facility
On a close 11-9 vote, the board approved the purchase of property in Monee for a new county animal control facility. The resolution authorizes the acquisition of parcels along Governors Highway and the Hellman Subdivision. Member David Oxley had requested the item be sent back to committee for further review of the county’s existing property, but the motion to approve moved forward.

Two Bars Approved in Frankfort Area
The board approved two special use permits for bars in the Frankfort area. The first was for a property at 7905 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort, and the second was for Noble Ctr Lincoln IL, LLC, at 19816 S. Harlem Avenue in Frankfort Township. Both passed with broad support.

New Lenox Truck Terminal Gets Green Light
A special use permit for a truck terminal at 16720 Haven Avenue in New Lenox Township was approved by the board. The applicant, MN Invest Group LLC, received approval on an 11-9 vote.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Amended
The board approved an amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), often called “granny flats” or “in-law suites.” The changes affect sections detailing accessory uses and methods of creation.

Solar Project Extensions Granted
First extensions were granted for four previously approved commercial solar energy facilities, giving developers more time to move forward. The projects are located in Crete, Peotone, Homer, and Channahon townships.

Appointments to METRA and Cemetery Boards
The board confirmed the County Executive’s appointment of Brian Shanahan to the METRA Commuter Rail Board. It also approved two appointments to the Lockport Cemetery Association.

Board Leaders Call for Meeting Efficiency
Following several protracted debates, board leadership and members called for improved efficiency. County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant announced she would begin enforcing speaking time limits, and Speaker Joe VanDuyne urged members to come better prepared. “Our agenda does come out 48 hours before the committee,” VanDuyne said. “As board members, we’re expected to be prepared whether you’re on that committee or not.”

Beecher Weather Full forecast →
⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 11 at 10:05AM CDT until June 11 at 11:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 10
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
82° 59°

Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

💨 10 to 20 mph 💧 52%

Latest News Stories

WATCH: Bessent spars with lawmakers over tariffs, Trump lawsuits

WATCH: Bessent spars with lawmakers over tariffs, Trump lawsuits

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Lawmakers grilled Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the Trump administration’s tariff policies and high profile lawsuits in the administration. Bessent, speaking before the Senate Banking,...

WATCH: Senate Dems: ‘We in Illinois need to tax’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Senate Democrats are pushing for higher taxes on digital advertising, billionaires and corporations. At the Illinois...
Poll: Americans say cutting government spending is best way to reduce debt

Poll: Americans say cutting government spending is best way to reduce debt

By Emily RodriguezThe Center Square A majority of Americans say cutting government spending is the best way to lower debt and costs, a new poll from the National Taxpayers Union...
Illinois senator seeks immediate expulsions for student sexual assault

Illinois senator seeks immediate expulsions for student sexual assault

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state senator is renewing a push to change state law to require the immediate...
Minnesota protest investigations spark free speech debate

Minnesota protest investigations spark free speech debate

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square As the Trump administration moves forward with investigations around protests in Minneapolis, free speech groups are raising red flags. Aaron Terr, director of public advocacy...
HBO MAX

HBO Max Orders Cop Drama Pilot ‘American Blue’ to Film in Joliet

Article Summary: HBO Max has ordered a pilot for a new police drama titled "American Blue," with production scheduled to begin in Joliet and Chicago this April. Starring Milo Ventimiglia...
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-sheriff employee ordered to repay $35,000

Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-sheriff employee ordered to repay $35,000

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A judge has ordered a former Cook County Sheriff’s office employee to pay more than $35,000 in...
Routh sentenced to life in prison for assassination attempt on Trump

Routh sentenced to life in prison for assassination attempt on Trump

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Ryan Routh, the North Carolina native who lived in Hawaii, has been sentenced to life in prison on conviction of going to Florida attempting to...
INVESTIGATION: Wisconsin university closes DEI unit but keeps most staff working on equity issues

INVESTIGATION: Wisconsin university closes DEI unit but keeps most staff working on equity issues

By Jared StrongThe Center Square After concerns were raised about spending on DEI, the University of Wisconsin-Madison shuttered a department but kept most of the staff and their titles working...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Will County Public Works Advances $1.9 Million Improvement for Wilmington-Peotone Road

Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee has authorized a nearly $2 million contract for Phase I...
Chicago’s $41 billion financial hole exposes city’s pension crisis

Chicago’s $41 billion financial hole exposes city’s pension crisis

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago finished fiscal year 2024 with a $41.1 billion gap between the money it has available...
Will Dial-A-Ride Service

Will County Public Works: Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Expands to All 24 Townships, Eliminating Borders

Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary:In a major overhaul of county transit, officials presented a quarterly report confirming that the Access Will County Dial-a-Ride...
Murder Suspect

Suspect Captured in Execution-Style Murder of Momence Bar Owner

Article Summary: Authorities have arrested a 47-year-old Indiana man in connection with the fatal shooting of Courtney Drysdale, the owner of a bar in rural Momence. The suspect was apprehended...
Early voting starts Thursday in most Illinois jurisdictions

Early voting starts Thursday in most Illinois jurisdictions

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Early voting is scheduled to begin Thursday in most Illinois jurisdictions for the state’s Democratic and Republican...
Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.2

Beecher Fire District Imposes Fees for Excessive Lift Assists

Beecher Fire Protection District Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new ordinance establishing fees for "excessive" lift assists....