News

Construction on track for Hunter’s Run senior housing

Published by admin on Tue, 06/02/2026 - 3:44pm

Coal City continues to create housing opportunities for older adults with both established senior living communities and a significant new development currently under construction.
Leading the expansion is Hunter’s Run, a new $12 million senior townhouse community –– being developed by North Arrow Partners of Villa Park –– at the corner of West Maple Street and South Marguerite Street (600 Marguerite Circle). The project will add 44 single-story townhomes designed specifically for adults ages 55 and older.
Senior homelessness exploding

EPA warns you should stay indoors today

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 12:04pm

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Pollution Action Day for the Chicago Metropolitan area for Wednesday, May 27 due to elevated ozone pollution. The Action Day includes the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, Lake, McHenry and Will. Regional air quality is expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (USG)/Orange category on the national Air Quality Index (AQI) today, May 26th, and is expected to extend into tomorrow, May 27th.

IDOT keeps Mastodon in prehistoric limbo

Published by admin on Tue, 05/26/2026 - 4:02pm

By Rose Panieri
Staff Writer
Dave Smith has a mammoth-sized headache. He can’t sleep. On the very worst days, he finds himself close to tears.
Smith, CEO of Ridgeway Petroleum in Lansing, is an experienced gas station developer. The latest jewel in his crown is the Mastodon station nearing completion in Braidwood. Mastodon was scheduled to open for business on June 1, but odds are that will not happen.
The station is currently mired in the tar pits of Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT).

River kayak launch completed

Published by admin on Tue, 05/26/2026 - 3:59pm

Area residents heading into a holiday weekend got some refreshing news as Wilmington officially opened a new North Island kayak launch, a project city officials say expands recreation opportunities along the Kankakee River.
“This amazing new launch is 100% ADA accessible and also features a wheelchair transfer station for those needing assistance,” Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz said in a public update announcing the opening. “The project also includes a new parking lot and path to the launch.”

RC graduates urged to lean on mentors, cherish community

Published by admin on Tue, 05/19/2026 - 4:21pm

The Reed-Custer High School Class of 2026 crossed the graduation stage Sunday afternoon during the school’s 98th annual commencement ceremony, as 89 seniors received diplomas before a packed gymnasium of proud family members, friends and educators.
Held at 2 p.m. in the school gym, the ceremony blended celebration with reflection, as speakers encouraged graduates to embrace resilience, value relationships and carry forward the lessons learned during their years at Reed-Custer.

District stands by bus decision

Published by admin on Tue, 05/19/2026 - 4:13pm

A recent vote by the Wilmington School District 209U Board of Education to award a new student transportation contract has sparked allegations and debate on social media, prompting Superintendent Kevin Feeney to issue a detailed letter to parents defending the district’s review process and the selection of the new busing services.

Road repairs, new signs get council approval

Published by admin on Tue, 05/12/2026 - 4:39pm

Get ready for more etch-a-sketch streets as the Wilmington City Council approved a bid that will pave some streets while bringing pavement preservation strategies for others.
The council awarded a $327,146.75 contract to Austin Tyler Construction, Inc. for the city’s 2026–2027 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) maintenance program.
Austin Tyler was lower than four other bidders including Gallagher Asphalt ($344,161), D Construction ($365,857), Iroquois Paving Corp ($368,786) and PT Ferro Construction ($380.671). City engineers originally estimated the road work would cost

Acclaimed Coalers: Graduates ready for the next chapter

Published by admin on Tue, 05/12/2026 - 4:35pm

Having demonstrated what college and career- ready students must achieve to be ready for the next chapter, 31 members of the Coal City High School class of 2026 have been named Acclaimed Coalers.
Students who meet certain requirements through their senior year are celebrated as an Acclaimed Coaler and on May 8, a fifth class of honorees was recognized. Among them are State Scholars, musicians, athletes, performers and class officers.

Chief warns of mounting risks for Braidwood Fire District

Published by admin on Tue, 05/05/2026 - 4:25pm

The Braidwood Fire Protection District (BFPD) pushed deeper into its “Planning for a Safer Future” initiative this week, but the tone of the third community workshop made one thing clear: The district is confronting a convergence of challenges that can no longer be deferred.
Residents gathered April 29 for an in-depth look at the district’s operations, where Fire Chief Chris Jude laid out the realities facing local fire and emergency medical services.

Perfect in every pitch

Published by admin on Tue, 05/05/2026 - 4:16pm

Dominance in the circle is one thing. Perfection is something else entirely.
Wilmington ace Lexi Strohm delivered just that Monday, tossing a flawless perfect game as the Wildcats blanked Peotone, 4-0, in a performance that will be talked about for years to come. Strohm faced the minimum 21 batters, allowing no hits, no walks and no baserunners while striking out six in a masterclass of control.