9 Local News

By: Staff

Joliet Courthouse Updates Cell Phone Policy

The Joliet Courthouse has changed its policy concerning cell phones. The Supreme Court of Illinois changed their policy in the beginning of 2022.

Although cell phones will be allowed into the Joliet facility, any portable electronic devices must be turned on silent. Photography, audio and video recording are prohibited.

A press release from the City of Joliet stated that, "Court visitors will be permitted to bring portable electronic devices (i.e, smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches and e-books) into Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court facilities (i.e, the Will County Courthouse, the Will County Court Annex, the River Valley Justice Center and all branch court facilities)..."

Will County Chief Judge, Daniel Kennedy, states, "Electronic devices have become essential tools today, and the Courts must adapt with the times."

Photo courtesy of andreanoandlyons.com

Jefferson Street Bridge Reopening

The construction of the Joliet Jefferson Street bridge is finally coming to an end. Joliet City Manager, Jim Capparelli, stated to the Joliet Patch that the bridge officially reopened for east bound traffic into the city on February 21.

Construction on the bridge addressed several mechanical issues and replacements. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) did not specify the severity of the repairs, though city officials were told that it was a great deal to get all parts to function correctly.

The bridge has been closed for nearly two years since June of 2020. As the Jefferson Street Bridge opened, the Jackson Street Bridge is now closed to traffic for construction and repairs. Detours have been posted by the City of Joliet to direct traffic on alternate routes.

October 7, 1976

Catholic Diocese of Joliet Mask Policy Change

Photo courtesy of americamagazine.org The Catholic Diocese of Joliet has officially changed its school mask policies. Students attending Catholic schools will no longer be required to wear a mask, although it is still recommended.

Parents must sign a form that indicates if their child will or will not be wearing a mask. School staff will be under the mask recommended policy in addition to students. The new policy preceded a decision by Joliet School District 86 and Joliet Township High School (JTHS) to allow public school students the same "mask optional but encouraged" policy as of February 22, 2022.

According to www. ourworldindata.org, the percentage of fully vaccinated people in Illinois is 67.4% as of the last week of February. The decision to remove masks as a requirement comes with a decrease in positivity rates.

For more information on schools and organizations included in the mask recommended policy, visit www.dioceseofjoliet.org.