Census Workers will be at the Will County Office Building Oct. 2 & 5
Representatives from the U.S. Census will be in front of the Will County Office Building from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2 and Monday, Oct. 5 for anyone who has not completed the 2020 Census. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the deadline for completing the census has been extended to Oct. 31.
Help Shape Our Future -- Complete the 2020 U.S. Census today!
Will County Executive Denise Winfrey (center) encourages all people in Will County to be counted in the 2020 U.S. Census. A correct count ensures fair representation in the state and federal legislation, equitable portion of federal funding, and important data that will impact communities for the next decade.
Recovery rate at 96 percent
Across the State of Illinois, the IDPH (Illinois Department of Public Health) is reporting a recovery rate of 96 percent for individuals contracting COVID-19, even with the state also reporting a record number of tests being performed and more positive cases. Meanwhile, Will County is also seeing a higher compliance among residents for wearing masks and social distancing.
Staff at the Workforce Center of Will County are certified and ready to assist residents with job search and skills training
Since 2012, the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) has chosen September to raise awareness about the importance of workforce development to the national economy. The NADWP recognizes the critical link workforce development professionals provide between businesses, job seekers, education and training resources. Locally, the Workforce Center of Will County (WCWC) professionals have worked hard to attain credentials and certifications specific to the employment industry.
Highlights accomplishments and challenges
At the September meeting of the Will County Board, County Executive Denise Winfrey delivered the annual State of the County address. She acknowledged some key highlights and outlined plans for the county’s anticipated growth.
Will County Office of Substance Use Initiatives distributing free naloxone throughout the county.
A Rapid Response Naloxone Program Team, through the Will County Office of Substance Use Initiatives in the County Executive Office and funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, distributes naloxone to active users in high risks areas of the county.
Be Counted because Everyone Counts!!
Local leaders joined members of the Joliet and Will County U.S. Census Committee and drove through neighborhoods on the East Side of Joliet encouraging people to complete the 2020 U.S. Census.
The State of Illinois is offering a temporary Drive Through test site from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11 at St. John Lutheran Church, 2650 Plainfield Road in Joliet.
During the midst of the 2020 emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, civil disturbances, and unpredictable weather, two members of the Will County Emergency Management Agency achieved the designation of Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) from the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).
Governor Pritzker held a press conference Tues. Aug. 25 at the Will County Health Department to announce the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will be implementing new COVID-19 mitigation efforts in Region 7, the greater Will and Kankakee County areas, beginning Wednesday, August 26 after the region reached 8 percent positivity for three days.
Indoors? Outdoors? Both!
Whether you’re supporting a movement, or visiting a farmer’s market, you should be wearing your mask outdoors in public spaces. Please do your part to help slow the spread and remember to wear your mask outdoors when you are unable to keep a safe 6ft distance from others.
Small businesses impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $15,000 in grant assistance. Applications accepted Aug 24-Sep 28, 2020.
Will County officials are encouraging any small business owner impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for relief funding. Through the CARES Act recently passed by the U.S. Congress, Will County will receive more than $120 million of this federal funding, of which $24 million is earmarked for small businesses.
Budget is balanced and meets all debt obligations and reflects slight increase in revenue
At the August meeting of the Will County Board, County Executive Denise Winfrey presented the 2021 budget of $567 million. The budget is balanced and includes slight increase in the overall projected revenue, despite a challenging economic year.
To help protect citizens from possible fraud, Will County Recorder Karen A. Stukel would like to remind the community of a free service that her office provides. Property Fraud Alert is a free service that will notify citizens if documents have been recorded in their name.
County Executive Winfrey & Executive Director Sue Olenek highlight building’s features
Will County’s new Health Department building is filled with state of the art equipment and services to continue its mission to protect the public health of the county. Recently, County Executive Denise Winfrey was treated to a personal tour from Executive Director Sue Olenek.