Will County Board Graphic.03

Veterans Assistance Commission Buildout Complete, Body Scanner Installed at Juvenile Center

Spread the love

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026

Article Summary: The Will County Facilities Department announced the successful completion of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) building renovations and the installation of a new full-body scanner at the River Valley Justice Center.

Facilities Update Key Points:

  • The VAC buildout at 1300 Copperfield is officially complete, and staff have moved in.

  • A new full-body scanner was successfully installed in the visitation area of the River Valley Justice Center.

  • The Facilities Department completed over 550 work orders in March, averaging $15 per order with a 98% on-time completion rate.

  • Will County met its 100% Demand Response energy reduction goal for peak shaving.

The Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, received an extensive operations update from the Facilities Department, highlighting the completion of a major renovation and significant security upgrades.

Director of Facilities William Fern and Ken Rogalski presented the April 2026 Facilities Update, announcing that the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) buildout at 1300 Copperfield is fully complete. The project included a total roof replacement, glass replacement, and interior space renovations. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held recently, and staff have officially moved into the owned facility, successfully eliminating another county lease.

Security and safety upgrades were also a major focus for the month. Rogalski reported the successful installation of a new full-body scanner in the visitation area of the River Valley Justice Center (3200 W McDonough St).

“It was like a two-day project. It turned out really good,” Rogalski noted.

Additionally, Life Safety Specialist Aaron Kozlowski has been touring county buildings to update emergency evacuation plans and conduct CPR and AED training. The county’s Finance Department recently completed the life-saving training, and “Stop the Bleed” classes are scheduled to begin soon.

In general maintenance news, the Facilities Department completed over 550 work orders in March, representing over 300 hours of labor. The department maintained a highly efficient average cost of $15.00 per work order and achieved a 98% on-time completion rate. Rogalski also highlighted that the county successfully hit its 100% Demand Response energy reduction goal for summer peak shaving electrical curtailment.

The committee also took a moment to honor Facilities Team member Dan Shields, who recently celebrated his 35th anniversary working for Will County.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

International Monetary Fund says U.S. federal debt 'too big'

International Monetary Fund says U.S. federal debt ‘too big’

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A report from the International Monetary Fund warns that U.S. debt is likely to remain elevated in the coming years, a risk for the U.S....

WATCH: Whitmer touts progress, urges unity in last State of the State

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square In Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s final State of the State address, she touted increased wages, crime reduction and “fixing the roads” over the past seven...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago suffers credit rating downgrades

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago suffers credit rating downgrades

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two credit agencies have downgraded Chicago’s general obligations bond rating to BBB+. Fitch Ratings cited consecutive operating...
California lawmakers talk about impacts of H.R. 1 for food aid

California lawmakers talk about impacts of H.R. 1 for food aid

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square Members of a California Assembly budget subcommittee heard from state officials who are often the first point of contact for residents who rely on state-run...
Surgeon general appointee advocates for a new vision for American health care

Surgeon general appointee advocates for a new vision for American health care

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Surgeon General appointee Casey Means fielded pointed questions from both parties during her confirmation hearing Wednesday, while outlining a vision for American health that emphasizes...
FBI searches Los Angeles schools superintendent's home

FBI searches Los Angeles schools superintendent’s home

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square FBI agents on Wednesday searched the home and office of Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. The reason hasn't been revealed. An LAUSD...
Illinois quick hits: Guaranteed income for moms on Medicaid

Illinois quick hits: Guaranteed income for moms on Medicaid

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Guaranteed income for moms on Medicaid Chicago Democrats have introduced legislation that would provide guaranteed income for new and expectant mothers...
Trump administration halts $259M in Medicaid funds to Minnesota

Trump administration halts $259M in Medicaid funds to Minnesota

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration will halt approximately $259 million in federal funds from Medicaid in Minnesota, Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday. Vance, alongside Administrator for...
State of Union criticized by Southwest Dems, praised by GOP

State of Union criticized by Southwest Dems, praised by GOP

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Members of Congress from the Southwest reacted along party lines to this year’s State of the Union. President Donald Trump spent much of his Tuesday...
IL can gag charter school operators over teacher unionization, judge says

IL can gag charter school operators over teacher unionization, judge says

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois Democratic state lawmakers can constitutionally force charter school operators into silence when Democratic-allied teachers unions attempt to organize their workforces, under...
Consumer advocates, Illinois lawmakers target 'unnecessary' utility costs

Consumer advocates, Illinois lawmakers target ‘unnecessary’ utility costs

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Energy consumer advocates are urging support for legislation they say will save Illinoisans from paying for hidden...
Large taxpayer costs coming to Indiana or Illinois for new Bears stadium

Large taxpayer costs coming to Indiana or Illinois for new Bears stadium

By Jon Styf | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Lawmakers in both Indiana and Illinois continue to jockey for position as the Chicago Bears request a...
Trump's tariffs set to rise to 15% for some countries, Greer says

Trump’s tariffs set to rise to 15% for some countries, Greer says

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Trump administration signaled a possible climb in some U.S. tariffs above 10%, but provided few specifics. Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative, said Wednesday...
Clintons to face questions from lawmakers this week over Epstein ties

Clintons to face questions from lawmakers this week over Epstein ties

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square After six months of stalling, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, will appear before lawmakers for their depositions....
Auditor general nomination approved unanimously in Illinois

Auditor general nomination approved unanimously in Illinois

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers will soon have a new watchdog approved unanimously by the state Senate. Illinois Auditor General...