News

Coaler Paradise

Published by admin on Tue, 09/26/2023 - 5:14pm

Homecoming is a time to commemorate the pride one has for their school community and in this community, there is a lot of Coaler Pride to celebrate.
Next week is Coal City High School’s Homecoming, a week-long celebration designed to be the best week of the year for high schoolers with lots of fun activities, traditions and plenty of celebrating.
Student Council is responsible for organizing homecoming week activities, from setting up dress up days and class competitions, to hosting the pep assembly and dance.

Revenue ahead of expenses

Published by admin on Tue, 09/26/2023 - 5:12pm

A $47 million spending plan was adopted by the Unit 1 Board of Education this month, a 24.29% increase in expenditures over the prior year’s budget.

Over 75% of the district’s expenditures are for educational expenses and capital projects—$26.6 million and $8.76 million, respectively.

Revenues are budgeted at $53.3 million, an increase of 53.17% over the prior fiscal year, and $7.3 million over planned expenses.

Vandalism to Hope Helps playground once again addressed with Coal City Village Board

Published by admin on Tue, 09/26/2023 - 5:11pm

For at least the third time Brittney Kaluzny stood before the Coal City Village Board last week to address the vandalism that keeps occurring at Hope Helps All-inclusive Playground.
On two other occasions, Kaluzny was told there would be additional police patrols in the park and town officials also discussed reviewing the surveillance system that’s in place.

Wilmington to utilize grant funding for body cams, comprehensive plan

Published by admin on Tue, 09/26/2023 - 4:50pm

The city of Wilmington will utilize grant funding from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to help secure equipment for the Wilmington Police Department, as well as to invest in the city’s economic future.

The city is the recipient of an Administrative Operations grant in the amount of $250,000, awarded by Gov. JB Prizker. The allocation of those funds was announced in August. Eligible costs include personnel, supplies, and consultant fees that are for public safety and economic development, as well as public safety equipment not exceeding $5,000 per item.

Shortest player is big on determination for Wildcats

Published by admin on Tue, 09/26/2023 - 4:47pm

She’s Wilmington High School’s first-ever female varsity football player, standing at only five feet tall and weighing just 125 pounds.

Despite her small stature, Hannah Basinger, a junior tightend, has remained fearless going up against players nearly twice her weight.

Hannah admits she probably should be. During the game against Aurora Christian, Basinger entered in the fourth quarter, took a hit that sent her somersaulting to the ground, but got right back up as even more charged up to play.

Wilmington firefighter killed in motorcycle accident in Braidwood

Published by admin on Tue, 09/26/2023 - 4:39pm

An accident claimed the life of a Wilmington Fire Protection District firefighter over the weekend.

The incident happened in Braidwood shortly before 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, when firefighter paramedic David Pollack was involved in a motor vehicle accident along Route 129 while off duty.

According to a Go Fund Me posted by friends and family, Pollack was traveling on his motorcycle in the 34000 block of Route 129/Washington Street when he struck a tire that was sitting in the roadway and was thrown from the motorcycle.

Reed-Custer to explore enrollment for children of non-resident employees

Published by admin on Tue, 09/26/2023 - 4:37pm

The Reed-Custer School District will ask the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to consider a waiver of school code, to allow educators and staff who live outside of the district to have their children attend Reed-Custer schools.

The board of education first discussed the proposal earlier this year.

Braidwood, Custer fire boards vote yes on agreement

Published by admin on Tue, 09/26/2023 - 4:34pm

A group of around 30 residents returned to the gymnasium at the school in Custer Park on Monday awaiting the final vote on an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the Braidwood Fire Protection District (BFPD) and the Custer Fire Protection District (CFPD) to hand Custer’s fire services over to Braidwood.

And, while that final vote from both boards means that Braidwood will take over fire services in Custer Township, the meeting was not without some last bursts of emotion from both sides of the issue.

Valone in the Reed-Custer Spotlight for September

Published by admin on Tue, 09/26/2023 - 4:32pm

The Reed-Custer High School Senior Spotlight winner for the month of September is Macey Valone.

Macey is the daughter of Thomas and Tonya Valone.

During her high school career, Macey was involved in Student Council, FCCLA, National Honor Society, Comet Community Leaders, and the World Language Club. She was also a Class Officer, a Student of the
Month, an ACE winner, a participant in the ICE Leadership Conference, a Comet Stop worker, and was on the High Honor Roll.

Her future plans are to attend a 4-year university (possibly Lewis) and study social work.

Braidwood Town Hall meeting set for Sept. 26

Published by admin on Tue, 09/19/2023 - 4:52pm

The city of Braidwood will host its next Town Hall meeting with city administrator Tony Altiery this month.

During the Sept. 13 regular meeting of the City Council, Commissioner Dale Walsh reminded the public that the second of three meetings is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.