Will County health officials said a fourth rabid bat has been reported. The bat was found alive on July 27 near an outdoor pond at a residence in Custer Park. There was no human exposure.

      The resident noticed the bat lying on the ground near the pond and used a rake to push the bat into a bucket. A family of four with three dogs lives in the residence. The Will County Health Department and Animal Control were notified and retrieved the bat for rabies testing. The bat tested positive for rabies on July 28.

     With the first day of school just weeks away, the Will County Health Department has announced extended hours from August 1 – 12 at its Walk-In Immunization Clinic, located at 501 Ella Ave. in Joliet. These extended hours also support August as National Immunization Month to ensure opportunities for all children and adults to receive their necessary immunizations. 

     The clinic’s extended hours, for the next two weeks, will be offered on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 8 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.; Wednesdays 10 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  

Mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus have been found in a trio of Will County communities.

The National Weather Service is predicting a heat wave for the area Thursday, July 21, through Saturday, July 23.  Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid to upper 90s, with a heat index of 103 to 112. 

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