Press Releases

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that they will be deploying door-to-door teams to support residents impacted by the July 13-16, 2024 severe weather that impacted Will County. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will be visiting residential and business properties countywide, with a priority on Elwood, Joliet, Manhattan, and Shorewood.

President Joseph R. Biden has signed a federal Major Disaster Declaration authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program for areas impacted by the severe weather and flooding on July 13-16, which includes Will County. Community members can now apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, which could include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners to recover from the effects of the severe weather experienced between July 13 and July 16.

County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant has appointed Charles B. Pelkie Jr. as Will County Clerk, serving until an elected successor is sworn in on December 2, 2024. The appointment was confirmed unanimously by the Will County Board on September 19, 2024.

Recyclepalooza returns to New Lenox this Saturday, offering free recycling for electronics, household hazardous waste, metal, wood, clothing, books, toys, and more. 

As part of National Preparedness Month, the Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is hosting a series of 30-minute “Lunch and Learn” webinars focused on public preparedness in September. These sessions will provide practical information to residents aimed at enhancing safety and readiness in a variety of emergency situations.

Will County and local leaders, in coordination with Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), are proud to announce the launch of the Will County Safety Action Plan, a guide to make roads safer, reduce crash severity, and ultimately save lives throughout the county.

A “Healthy Lifestyle Event” will be hosted in University Park to provide produce, healthcare services, and community resources on Thursday, August 29 at the University Park Village Hall, 90 Towncenter Dr.

The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is advising residents to take precautions during an ongoing extreme heat period for the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on August 26 and an Excessive Heat Watch from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on August 27. The heat index is expected to reach as high as 116 degrees during this period. In these conditions, heat stroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

Will County Animal Protection Services (WCAPS) is waiving adoption fees for dogs until the end of August as part of their “Bark to School” promotion.

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant delivered her annual State of the County address at the August meeting of the County Board. In her address, Bertino-Tarrant emphasized the need for county government to prepare for continued residential and economic growth in the region.