News

Lorenzo Road overpass planned, and soon

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 7:04pm

Wilmington Township Road Commissioner Bill Weidling remembers former mayor Marty Orr saying, “there’s going to be a bridge there one day.” Current Mayor Roy Strong told the City Council last week that that “one day” is coming.
Strong and city administrator Joie Ziller met recently with representatives of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad concerning the railroad crossing at Lorenzo Road. The BNSF is proposing an overpass taking the road over the tracks.

Brothers face felony charges following beating

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 7:01pm

Staff report

Teens discuss vaping health issues

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 6:48pm

The members of the Board of Education were “schooled” earlier this week on the dangers of vaping, in a students-become-the-teacher presentation.
The Wilmington Coalition for a Healthy Community’s CAT Crew set a goal of educating adults, parents and peers about the health issues connected to vaping, based on what they perceive as a community need.
“The CAT Crew, we promote a healthy clean teen life ... and we do a bunch of activities and make goals so that can happen,” explained Neve Van Duyne.

Park District aims to improve Old Smokey city park

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 5:33pm

Although it may be small, the Braidwood Park District is still aiming upward in 2020. The district hopes to complete upgrades and finish ongoing projects to its existing buildings and facilities.
“A lot of what we hope to do focuses on the maintenance and making updates to the facilities we currently have. Many of the buildings on our grounds are getting up there in age so we're trying to make sure they get the attention they need,” said Josh Bolatto, secretary of the Braidwood Park District board.

Current city administration taking the blame for past mistakes

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 5:29pm

Each year, we give our local governments a blank checkbook and ask them to spend it wisely. We put our trust in them to make the right decisions.
So when it’s evident the people we elected overspent and place the city in more debt, it’s a perfectly acceptable response to be frustrated.
Just last week, The Braidwood Journal revealed that during the last fiscal year the city’s overspent by $1 million. That follows the previous year that ended with a $2 million deficit. Grand total overspent during the past two fiscal years = $3.05 million on April 30, 2019.

Vota bids farewell to the best career

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 5:28pm

Karen Vota wasn’t looking for a career when she applied for a part-time position at Coal City Elementary School, but in her words it, “has been the best career anyone could have hoped for.”
Vota started with the Unit 1 School District in 1987 as a copy clerk working from 4 to 6 p.m. making copies for elementary school teachers.
“At that time little did anyone know what she would end up contributing to this school district over the next 32.5 years,” said Dr. Kent Bugg, superintendent of the Unit 1 School District.

Braidwood woman who fell victim to scam will get money back

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 5:27pm

A 73-year-old Braidwood woman who fell victim to a scam by mail is getting a happy ending that many do not experience.
On Dec. 28, Braidwood Police Department Detective Chris Altiery said the woman — whose name is not being released by police at this time — reported to law enforcement that she believed she was scammed out of over $4,000.

Coal City postpones action on park district pledge

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 5:26pm

An effort is underway to create a Coal City park district that would include a community center offering programs from athletics to arts and crafts. But to properly inform voters of what would come with the new taxing district, proponents say they need a preliminary design.
A committee comprised of local residents interested in the formation of a park district and community center began meeting last year. Prior to the end of 2019, it held a series of focus group sessions with athletic clubs, non-profit organizations and senior citizens.

Unit 1 adopts policy revisions

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 5:25pm

Policies ranging from student records to identity protection and instructional materials were adopted by the Unit 1 Board of Education last week.
As necessary or directed by changes in state law and school code, the Board of Education takes under review changes and additions to district policies. This month, board members approved revisions to 109 written policies, several involving their work as elected officials, and others relating to purchases and contracts, security procedures, student and staff records, graduation requirements and student social and emotional development.

Post 1336 honors Patriot’s Pen winners

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 5:23pm

St. Juvin Post 1336 Veterans of Foreign Wars and the veteran organization’s 18th District Department of Illinois honored five Coal City Middle School students for their participation in the 2019 Patriot’s Pen program.
The students, along with their parents, joined VFW members for a pizza party at Stone City Post in Joliet.
Patriot’s Pen is a nationwide event for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who compose a 300 to 400 word essay on a subject chosen by the VFW's National Commander. This year's theme was “What Makes America Great.”