08-08-2025
Naperville News Digest: Forest preserve district has new kids' website, newsletter; Will County clerk says she's running for reelection in 2026
Willy Woodchuck, mascot for the Forest Preserve District of Will County, has a redesigned website to help connect kids with nature, district officials said.
It features fun activities and resources for children and their families, including nature quizzes, scavenger hunts and activities. Stories for younger readers and resources for parents seeking nature-based activities to share with their kids are available, officials said.
A new digital newsletter called Willy's Wild Files will be emailed to subscribers the first Monday of each month.
For more information and to subscribe to the newsletter, go to
The deadline to pay the second installment of property tax bills due to Will and DuPage counties is Sept. 2.
DuPage County has several ways to pay bills, including electronically by having funds withdrawn from a savings or checking account; by credit card, including Visa, MasterCard or Discover; via a wire transfer; or by having a bank write the check.
Some banks in DuPage County accept property tax payments, the county website said. Payments also can be made by mail or in person at the DuPage County Treasurer's office, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton.
In person business hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. An after-hours drop-box is located in the south parking lot of the treasurer's office.
For more information about DuPage taxes, go to
In Will County, residents can pay their property taxes online or at participating banks and credit unions.
Residents opting to pay by phone should call 815-680-2953. This is a free service to withdraw funds from a savings or checking account. Convenience fees apply for other forms of payment, such as credit cards, the county website said.
Will County residents can mail checks or pay in person at 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Tax payments will be accepted in the office from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. There is also a secure drop box at the Will County building for after-hours payments.
For more information, go to
Will County Clerk Annette Parker has announced she will seek reelection in the 2026 primary.
Parker, a Republican from Crest Hill, was elected clerk in November in an abbreviated campaign after former Clerk Lauren Staley-Ferry resigned. She is serving through 2026, which is the remainder of Staley-Ferry's term.
Parker said in a news releases that she plans to seek a 4-year-term to run through 2030.
She cites the strides she has made in terms of modernizing equipment, improving customer service and protecting voter integrity. and among her top priorities are election security, fiscal responsibility and community engagement are among her top priorities, the release said.
She'd also like to improve access to services such as marriage licenses, passports and vital records through extended hours, multilingual support and improved online systems.
Prior to taking office as clerk, Parker served on the Will County Board for 10 years and has been the president of the Forest Preserve District of Will County Board. She has served as executive director of the Lockport Chamber of Commerce and director of marketing for the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet.
