For Eastern Will County residents, July 27, 2026, probably will be remembered for the damages left in the wake of torrential rainfall and violent wind bursts.
The afternoon saw the roofs torn off the Monee Fire Station and a Beecher church, a tree-impaled cavernous hole in a park building, and floodwater that closed a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Cleanup was nearly complete by Sunday, as streets were cleared and electric and internet services had been restored in most areas.
But the devastation very likely left behind a fresh new crop of astraphobiasists (persons who fear storms).
On the positive side, the storm brought communities and neighbors who hardly knew each other together to help pick up the pieces of what was left of their properties.
Green Garden Township, Monee, Crete and Beecher were hardest hit, but Peotone and Frankfort weren’t exactly spared.
To their credit, elected officials in every village turned out to help.
In Green Garden Township, Supervisor Dean Christofilos said he was grateful that the residents were safe.
“Thankfully, we made it through,” he said.
“We have no reports of injuries, only tree limbs down and some that fell on people’s homes. Our Road Commissioner Jim Hilliard and his team have been very responsive to the needs of our community. His team is picking up tree limbs and branches for those affected by the storm.”
Christofilos noted that Township Road District will pick up residential tree limbs and branches.
Residents must have tree limbs at the street with the cut side facing the street. Residents should call the Road District when completed, leaving their name and address. The Road District will schedule a pickup. Call 815-469-5018 to schedule.
In Crete, Village Mayor Mark Wiater and Village Administrator Michael Smith were seen clearing branches on Tuesday.
“The storm hit us hard,” Wiater said.
“Very little power in town. Phones, email servers, and internet have all been down at the village. We just got the internet restored. We have good people working hard to get us back to normal but it will be a slow process. ComEd says maybe 80% will be back online tomorrow (Wednesday) by noon.
“My fingers are crossed.”
Many residents and businesses, however, were still without power over the weekend.
Crete EMA Director Ryan Allison said that there were still several road closures in place and urged drivers not to drive around barricades, coned-off areas, or downed trees.
Police, fire, public works, and EMA were all mobilizing, and additional resources are on the way, he added.
At the same time, a weary Andy Biesterfeld, Executive Director of Crete Park District, was sawing tree trunks all day and working with volunteers to clear the damaged park sites.
Of particular concern was the Willard Wood Park Center, 515 1st Street, where two large, old trees fell, tearing a massive hole in the roof.
Official estimates of damages had not been made on Tuesday afternoon, but severe damage was evident and the building was closed until further notice.
“There is much we do not know at this time, but I am willing to share what I can,” Biesterfeld said.
“Like much of Crete, we experienced damage to all but two of our properties. The Willard Wood Park Center damage was caused by the two cottonwoods that were uprooted and fell on the north side of the structure.
“We have not been able to officially assess all the damage, however, it is obvious that there is damage to the roof and the north wall of the hall including water damage from the storm after the roof was opened by the fallen trees.”
The building is used for recreation programming, and the hall is also available as a rental facility.
“It will remain closed until we are able to assess all the damage, develop a plan to address it, and determine the amount of time it will take before we are able to open for activities again,” Biesterfeld added.
“We are committed to moving this process along as quickly as possible to regain the use of this wonderful facility for our residents.”
Over the weekend, cleanup continued at Julia Olszewski’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Monee. A fundraiser is planned to help restore its rehab space.
The respected and locally known animal rehabber said the floors of her facility were six inches deep in water, the sump pumps, dehumidifier and air cleaners were not operational, carpet and tile were destroyed, and essential supplies were lost.
“This has been one of the most exhausting days of my life,” she said.
“We will need to start all over. I am devastated.”
Olszewski is known for accepting all injured wildlife and does not charge to restore them to health.
For those interested, the fundraiser has been launched at https://gofund.me/31e19b9b4 Help Restore Safe Rehab Space for Wildlife.
Also, in Monee, Fire Protection District staff was kept busier than usual, even with part of the Station 1 roof missing, answering 44 calls for assistance during the first 16 hours of storm aftermath.
Officials said the process to secure and limit property loss at the station was taken right away, noting that there were no injuries.
Anticipating an increase in call volume, the MFPD increased staffing within the first 90 minutes of the storm.
Officials urged caution, noting that there still were very dangerous situations present, with trees blocking roads, wires down, and large branches still hanging in the treetops.
For some residents, it was a chance to help others, like Monee homeowner Renada Ross and her grandsons, Elijah and Messiah, did.
Main Street resident David Holston said they stopped to help him and his wife, Christi, with the major tree cleanup in their yard.
“We have never met them before,” Holston said.
“They were driving by our house and saw Christi and I cleaning up in the rain. She stopped her car, they got out and helped us for the next two hours in the rain. They did not know us but helped anyway.”
Later, Holston added, “The blessings continue! The last big limb has been pulled down and cut up. Thanks to my friends, Scott Youdris and Kevin Artman, for their help today, and to Bob and Gale Paterson for loaning us their generator. I love my community!”
In Beecher, Peace Lutheran Church will need some serious repairs, with damage inside and out of the building. A work crew was already there beginning the cleanup the next day. Roof debris from the north end of the church’s school area was found “all the way to Beecher Blacktop.”
No estimates on the damages were available.
In Beecher, where 104 mph winds were recorded, officials sent residents a message that included some helpful safety information.
“The storm caused widespread property damage, leaving many residents without power and causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and trees throughout our community,” the message noted.
“The Beecher Fire Protection District responded to more than 40 emergency calls during and immediately following the storm.
“Please use extreme caution. Downed power lines and fallen trees remain throughout Beecher and the surrounding unincorporated areas. ComEd, Washington Township, and the Village of Beecher are actively working to restore power and clear debris.
“For your safety:
Stay away from all downed power lines—they should always be considered energized.
Avoid damaged areas and obey all road closure signs so emergency crews can work safely.
Report emergencies by calling 911.
Generator Safety Reminder
If you are without power and using a generator, please follow these important safety guidelines:
- Never operate a generator inside your home, garage, basement, or any enclosed space—even if doors or windows are open.
- Place generators outdoors at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows, and vents.
- Never plug a generator directly into a household outlet (“backfeeding”). This can seriously injure utility workers and damage your home’s electrical system.
- Make sure your home has working battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide detectors.
The message included gratitude for “firefighters, dispatchers, law enforcement, public works crews, utility workers, and township personnel who continue working tirelessly to keep our community safe and restore normal operations.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as recovery efforts continue. Please stay safe, check on your neighbors, and continue to monitor our page for updates,” it concluded.
On Friday, the Village of Crete issued a statement about recovery efforts.
“Crete Public Works continues to make progress through town, with approximately 75% of an initial pass through the Village. We would like to extend our heartfelt thank you and gratitude to the City of Aurora, IL, Government Public Works & Plainfield Township Highway Department with coordination from IPWMAN (Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network).
Several hundred ComEd customers were reported to still be without power, and the village was coordinating with its emergency response partners at Will County Emergency Management Agency, who helped activate additional mutual aid resources throughout the county and supported the necessary documentation, response and coordination efforts.
The statement urged residents to report any suspicious activity to Crete Police, Non- Emergency Dispatch 708-672-0911.
It announced that curbside pickup of tree limbs would resume on Monday.
For those who need help with fallen trees, Christian Aid Ministries Rapid Response Services and IDES (International Disaster Emergency Service) will be in Will County to help residents cut up fallen trees and move them to the public right-of-way. To request assistance: Call 2-1-1 and ask for tree cleanup assistance. Complete the Will County Damage Survey at willcountyema.org/storm and make sure to include your name, address, email, and phone number. Watch for a text from 2-1-1 with a waiver. The waiver must be signed before assistance can be provided.
If you still need assistance following the storms call or text 2-1-1.
In Monee, residents can schedule an electronics pickup by calling Republic Services Customer Service (708) 385-8252.
Alternative Options include:
Best Buy: Some locations accept electronic waste recycling. You can visit their website or store to learn more.
Staples: Offers monitor and electronics recycling (excluding TVs). Check their website for details.
If you’re unable to find the right contact information or prefer online scheduling, you can schedule online at Republic Services’ official website.
Remember to confirm the collection schedule, costs (if any), and accepted electronic items before scheduling your pickup. Some services might have specific requirements or fees associated with electronic waste collection.
Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle praised the village’s will to “rebuild stronger” at the start of Sunday’s Concert on the Green.
“Standing here in Breidert Green today, I am reminded once again of the strength, resilience, and heart that define this community,” he said.
“The storm that struck our village on July 27 brought unexpected damage and difficult days. But it also revealed something far more powerful than wind or rain — the unwavering spirit of the people who call Frankfort home.
“To our residents who stepped outside moments after the storm passed, with gloves on, chainsaws ready, and a determination to help their neighbors before helping themselves, thank you. You cleared roads, checked on seniors, shared generators, and proved that community isn’t just a word we use — it’s a commitment we live.
“To our first responders — our police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and public works crews — your dedication was extraordinary. You worked tirelessly, navigating downed trees, and dangerous conditions to keep our residents safe. You restored order, offered reassurance, and showed once again why Frankfort is so fortunate to have you.
I also want to recognize the volunteers, local businesses, civic organizations, and our neighboring villages who provided support and supplies. Your generosity helped lighten the burden,” he continued.
“We still have more to do, but in moments like these, we see clearly that Frankfort’s greatest strength isn’t our buildings or our parks — it’s our people. When challenges arise, we rise higher. When storms hit, we rebuild stronger. And when our neighbors need us, we show up.
“On behalf of the Village of Frankfort, thank you for your courage, your compassion, and your unity. Together, we turned a moment of hardship into a powerful reminder of who we are.
“Frankfort is strong because you are strong. And I am proud to serve this incredible community.”