News

Temporary tax relief measures to begin Friday

Published by admin on Thu, 06/30/2022 - 4:00pm

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will receive some modest tax relief starting Friday when the state’s new fiscal year begins.

That includes some income tax rebates, property tax rebates, a suspension of the state’s 1 percent tax on groceries, and a six-month pause on the scheduled inflationary increase in the state’s motor fuel tax.

Gov. JB Pritzker and legislative Democrats held a news conference publicizing those tax breaks as consumers grappled with 8.6% inflation, the highest rate in nearly 40 years.

Railroad crossings to be closed for repairs

Published by admin on Thu, 06/30/2022 - 2:37pm

The Illinois Department of Transportation [IDOT] reports Route 113 [Division Street] will be closed for repairs at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe crossing [BNSF]in Coal City starting Monday, July 11. The closure will be for approximately two days. Signs announcing the closure have been posted, and a detour route has been established that will direct eastbound traffic to use Broadway, North Street and First Avenue with westbound traffic utilizing the same roadways in the opposite direction.

Plans for Braidwood Zoo property could be ready for council this summer

Published by admin on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 3:31pm

Plans to eventually develop the area that now holds the Braidwood Zoo are not yet completed. But Braidwood city administrator Tony Altiery said the city continues to work with a potential developer, hoping to bring something to the City Council regarding the site sometime this summer.

“We’re meeting with possible investors this week, and if that comes together then in the next month we’ll be looking to tie something up with that prospective purchasers,” Altiery said.

Braidwood Lions Summerfest Grand Marshals chosen

Published by admin on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 3:30pm

As July rolls in, the countdown is on for the 2022 Braidwood Lions Club Summerfest.

Organizers continue to put the final touches and details on this year’s festival, with the theme “A Tropical Extravaganza.” And, one crowd favorite now has its leaders.

On June 27, Lions Club Secretary and Summerfest Operations Coordinator Josh Bolatto announced the Grand Marshals for this year’s Hometown Proud Parade.

Commercial developments slow but steady in Braidwood

Published by admin on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 3:27pm

Development of commercial properties in the city of Braidwood have dominated much of the work of the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Board over the past year.

New developments in the works include a truck stop at I-55 and Reed Road, truck parking along Route 53, Ultimate Rides on Hickory Street, and the newly minted deal to bring D’Orazio Ford and Arnie Bauer Chevrolet to EZ Street.

On paper, the city shows a lot of new development. But, there’s little specifically to actually see just yet.

More paperwork for downtown Wilmington parking project

Published by admin on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 3:25pm

Parking in downtown Wilmington is set to become a reality thanks to grant funding from the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau.

But, ground breaking is still yet to be announced, as the city completes the necessary paperwork to get the project going.

In May, city leaders announced that Wilmington had been awarded approximately $236,000 to help pay for the planned parking space downtown along Water Street, backing up to the alley that runs along the Mill Race.

Gone fishing? Stay out of the water in Wilmington!

Published by admin on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 3:24pm

The City of Wilmington plans to raise the fines for folks who ignore the signs along the Kankakee River and enter into the water near the dam.

On June 21, Police Chief Joe Mitchell told members of the City Council assembled for their monthly Finance Committee meeting that he would bring a text amendment to the Aldermen next month for approval.

The amendment would substantially increase the penalty for those who ignore both the signage and the fencing and enter the river anyway.

Wilmington to hire Code Enforcement Officer

Published by admin on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 3:22pm

The city of Wilmington will add a new code enforcement officer to the police department.

The members of the City Council approved a request from Police Chief Joe Mitchell to seek out the new hire during the June 21 regular meeting. The issue was discussed one week prior during the June 14 Committee of the Whole meeting.

Mitchell said the code enforcement officer would be a part time position dedicated to non-criminal quality of life issues and complaints generated from residents and businesses.

Safety first with fireworks

Published by admin on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 3:09pm

With a boom, flurry of colored lights fall from the sky. Colorful and exciting, fireworks have long been a symbol of celebration.

Citizens are reminded of state and local ordinances regarding the use of fireworks. The rules in place are to protect the public from unnecessary personal injury and property damage.

Each year, the Office of the State Fire Marshall [OSFM] requests data from Illinois hospital and emergency treatment centers to determine various facts about injuries associated with fireworks.

Patrol officers settle grievances with village

Published by admin on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 3:06pm

In the past year a handful of grievances have been filed against the village of Coal City by members of its police force.

“There are two issues that have caused a series of actions and grievances due to the implementation of policy surrounding the existing language within the CBA [collective bargaining agreement],” Village Administrator Matt Fritz said

The two issues, Fritz said, involved the allotment of vacation time for initial hires after full-time officers complete their one-year probationary period, and the amount of break time for officers.