JOLIET  – The Illinois State Crime Commission (ISCC) has recognized Will County Board member and Majority Leader Chuck Maher (R-Naperville) with a 2018 Award for Excellence in County Government for his work on the Will County Board.  The ISCC honors individuals each year that it deems have exhibited excellence in government, business, and community service achievements.
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“I’m incredibly honored to have received this award from such a remarkable organization,” Maher said. “Although a lot has been accomplished since I first joined the Will County Board more than a decade ago, there’s still work to be done. I look forward to continuing my efforts on the Board and serving my constituents.”

JOLIET  – The Will County Board shifted its Community Friendly Freight Mobility Plan into gear at its February Board Meeting with a vote to implement a new permitting system for oversized trucks that is designed to keep roads running smoothly for Will County residents.

“Maintaining quality of life for our residents is vital, especially as we balance it with the freight industry in Will County,” said Will County Board Speaker Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort).  “This new Oxcart program will help us achieve that balance so that residents can continue to move safely throughout the county.”
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By law, overweight and oversized trucks must obtain a permit to drive on county highways. Currently, application for these permits is still executed by fax. Oxcart Permit Systems, LLC, is a Palatine, Illinois-based company that provides an online platform to facilitate permitting and payments for oversize and overweight trucks. 

JOLIET  – Will County Board Member Suzanne Hart (R-Naperville) is calling on county residents to support animal safety bills as they make their way through Springfield.  Senate Bill 2280, dubbed the Animal Welfare - Pet Shops bill, would put restrictions on the retail sale of dogs and cats by pet shop owners in Will and DuPage counties. It is awaiting committee assignment.

“Now is the time for citizens to step up and tell their lawmakers to vote for these bills,” said Legislative & Policy Committee Chair Suzanne Hart (R-Naperville). “I'm asking residents to make their voices heard so we can eradicate puppy mills and animal cruelty here for good. We need to provide a voice for these animals because they can't speak for themselves.”
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SB2280 would require stores to only sell dogs and cats from a 501c3 organization. Consumers will also still have the option to purchase puppies from breeders; reputable, responsible breeders do not sell animals to pet stores, brokers, or online. The hope is that the legislation will curb the operation of unscrupulous breeders that often house many animals in poor conditions. The animals are often poorly bred leading to myriad health problems that can cost owners large sums of money.