Braidwood Journal

Late on your water bill in Braidwood? Get ready to pay a fee

Published by admin on Tue, 07/20/2021 - 4:34pm

Residents in Braidwood have gotten a break on their late water bills over the past year. But, like all good things, it’s coming to an end.

On July 13, city administrator Tony Altiery told members of the City Council that the city would reinstate those overdue fees

“The late fees on water bills are coming back again starting the next billing cycle,” Altiery said. “Water bills are due on the 15th, after the 20th — we give you a five day grace period — we will be implementing a $20 fee again.”

Braidwood Lions Summerfest a 'roaring' success

Published by admin on Tue, 07/20/2021 - 4:32pm

The fun was back at Old Smokey City Park in Braidwood with the return of the 40th Annual Braidwood Lions Club Summerfest on July 15-18.

After a year hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival returned complete with all the fun and games, including carnival rides, live entertainment, and more. This year's theme was "The Roaring 20s."

Summerfest is the Braidwood Lion’s largest fundraiser of the year.

The club serves the Braidwood, Shadow Lakes, and Godley communities with fundraising projects and efforts.

High Speed Rail expected to zoom through Braidwood this winter

Published by admin on Tue, 07/20/2021 - 4:26pm

High speed rail is inching closer to reality in Illinois.

On July 13, Braidwood Administrator Tony Altiery told members of the City Council that the state’s High Speed Rail project (HSR) is expected to officially become available this coming winter.

“High speed rail is starting on Jan. 7,” Altiery said. “You might see trains going through town a little bit faster than they normally do. Amtraks are running between 72 and 80 mph, the high speed rails will come through about 90 mph.

Houbolt Road Extension set to ease truck congestion on I-55, Route 53

Published by admin on Tue, 07/20/2021 - 4:22pm

Construction is underway for a bridge that will extend Houbolt Road across the Des Plaines River, finally bringing an additional pathway for heavy truck traffic passing in and out of the CenterPoint intermodal park in Elwood.

On Tuesday, July 20, dozens of local dignitaries, elected officials, workers, and members of the public attended the official groundbreaking for the Houbolt Road extension project in Joliet.

Reed-Custer plans for new fiscal year

Published by admin on Tue, 07/06/2021 - 4:40pm

The new fiscal year for the Reed-Custer School District began on July 1.

Last month, the Board of Education took a look at the tentative budget for the 2022 fiscal year (FY22) during their regular meeting on June 16.

The budget, prepared for the board by Superintendent Mark Mitchell, includes projected revenue of $29.1 million.

The largest chunk of that funding — $21.7 million — will be earmarked for the education fund.

The budget also anticipates $4.8 million in revenue for operations and maintenance and $1.6 million for transportation.

Jude the new chief at Braidwood Fire Protection District

Published by admin on Tue, 07/06/2021 - 4:38pm

The Braidwood Fire Protection District has a new chief.
On June 30, the Board of Trustees held a promotional ceremony for six members of the department.
Assistant Chief Christopher Jude has been promoted to Fire Chief, replacing Chief Barry Eggers who retired on June 1.

Chief Jude began his career in 1990 after obtaining his EMT Certification and has since received numerous certifications in the Fire Service. He was hired by Braidwood Fire Department as a paid-on-call/part-time firefighter in 2012.

Smith eyes changes on Walker Street

Published by admin on Tue, 07/06/2021 - 4:36pm

Braidwood’s Streets and Alleys Commissioner said he wants to get organized for roadwork repairs utilizing the city’s Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds.

And, he said, he’d like to start with Walker Street.

Commissioner Fay Smith discussed the issue with members of the City Council on June 22.

Braidwood City Council back to full staff

Published by admin on Tue, 06/29/2021 - 4:44pm

The city of Braidwood has a full city council once again.

On June 22, Mayor Bob Jones and the city’s commissioners approved the appointment of Ronald Cockream to serve as Commissioner of Public Buildings and Property.

Last month, Finance Commissioner Wayne Saltzman tendered his resignation, effectively immediately.

Two weeks later, former Public Buildings and Property Commissioner Doug Money also resigned, and was then reappointed to fill the remainder of Saltzman’s seat, leaving his commission open.

Novy Road safety discussion returns to Braidwood City Council

Published by admin on Tue, 06/29/2021 - 4:42pm

A Shadow Lakes resident was back before the Braidwood City Council last week, determined to have a safety issue on Novy Road addressed.

Wayne Kancler is the president of the Shadow Lakes Homeowners Association. In May, Kancler approached the board asking if the city could look into possibly adding a railing along a section of Novy Road that borders one of the lakes inside the private subdivision. Kancler said the section of road poses a safety risk of someone were to accidentally leave the roadway, with a sudden drop off into the lake.

Braidwood PD finishes fiscal year under budget

Published by admin on Tue, 06/29/2021 - 4:39pm

When Braidwood Mayor Bob Jones was first elected in 2019, his first comment on what he had planned for the city was focused on one thing: The budget.

“Braidwood is gong to go on a diet, we’re going to trim some fat,” Jones said after his April 2019 win.

While the audit of the recently concluded 2021 fiscal year is not complete, city leaders said a preliminary look at the finances show that the city has been able to work toward that promise to slash spending, particularly in the police department.