Press Releases

     A seventh rabid bat was reportedly found in Will County on Sept. 16 in a New Lenox residence. Officials said a dog, living in the residence, killed the bat in the backyard. The residents used their hands to pull the bat out of the dog’s mouth and contacted the Will County Animal Control.

     The bat was picked up and tested positive for rabies on Sept. 19. The two dogs in the household are current on rabies vaccinations. The residents of the home, a husband and wife, have been advised to begin PEP treatment since both of them handled the rabid bat and had contact with the dog’s mouth to free the bat.

Will County is now equipped with a state-of-the-art AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer that will be available to respond to a disaster scene that needs assistance sheltering pets. 

AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a national program that is dedicated to keeping pets and their owners safe in the aftermath of natural or civil disasters, joined forces with local American Kennel Club dog clubs and dog lovers to present an emergency trailer to officials from Will County.

Workforce Services Division of Will County has announced the Mobile Workforce Center’s October schedule, with stops in six communities.

Workforce Services Division of Will County has announced its October workshop schedule.

     The Will County Community Health Center is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Paul Carter, psychiatrist, and Janel Draxler, psychiatric nurse practioner, to its Behavioral Health Services team. The new team members will help the department expand its service hours and access to quality mental healthcare.

     “We are growing and expanding our services to meet the needs of our community” said Mary Maragos, Chief Executive Officer of the health center. “We are excited to be able to offer these expanded services.”

     As flu season approaches, the Will County Health Department officials would like to remind residents how important flu shots can be to maintaining one’s health. The health department is now offering flu shots for all ages at its locations in Joliet, Bolingbrook and Monee.

     “The Center for Disease Control encourages everyone to get vaccinated against the flu virus,” said Sue Olenek, executive director of the Will County Health Department. “It is the single best way to protect against the flu.”

     At today’s meeting of the Will County Board, County Executive Larry Walsh presented his 2017 budget.  This new budget proposal is balanced and will see a reduction in the levy rate from the FY 2016 budget.

     Will County Executive Larry Walsh, County Board members Ragan Freitag and Herb Brooks joined Will County Chief Judge Richard Schoenstedt, Circuit Clerk Pam McGuire and Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk today to officially open the newly constructed parking lot on the site of the former Eagle Building, at 20 W. Washington in downtown Joliet. The new 21-space lot will increase parking around the county courthouse.

     Will County officials have confirmed a sixth rabid bat in the county. The bat was found in a residence on August 30 in the 700 block of Oakland Avenue.

     The Will County Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) Collaborative is proud to announce the launch of “Rethink Your Drink”, an educational campaign to encourage residents to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks.