Braidwood Journal

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.

Braidwood coalition earns five more years of federal dollars

Published by admin on Tue, 09/19/2023 - 4:51pm

The Braidwood Area Healthy Community Coalition (BAHCC) has earned five additional years in funding from the federal program, to help implement and maintain efforts to battle substance use and abuse in the community.

On Sept. 11, BAHCC Program Director Pete Dell’Aquila told members during the coalition’s monthly meeting that the organization was told this month that they have received years six through 10 of the federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant.

The coalition was first awarded the DFC grant in 2018.

Braidwood Mayor Hart thanks the public for showing up

Published by admin on Tue, 09/19/2023 - 4:49pm

City leaders in Braidwood said they are encouraged by public engagement in city matters.

On Sept. 13, Mayor Karen Hart took a moment during the regular meeting of the city council to address the public interest in city matters, from commenting on social media to attending council and zoning meetings.

“I am very pleased with the amount of people who have been attending lately,” Hart said. “I know [city administrator] Tony [Altiery] addressed it at the last meeting, that is very encouraging that people will come and voice their opinions. That’s what it’s all about.”

Firefighters learn skills for success in evolving situations at Chief Shabbona academy

Published by admin on Tue, 09/12/2023 - 4:56pm

Continuing education is a key factor for the success of first responders, as that education provides the means to learn and grown amongst the ever changing backdrop of threats to public safety.

To that end, the Chief Shabbona Firefighters’ Association held the “Pow Wow 2023” on Sunday, Sept. 10 at the Constellation Energy Midwest Fire Training Academy in Morris, covering new issues that affect how firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) respond to calls for help.

Custer, Braidwood fire districts to decide on agreement this month

Published by admin on Tue, 09/12/2023 - 4:53pm

The outcome of a proposed agreement between the Braidwood Fire Protection District (BFPD) and Custer Fire Protection District (CFPD) will be known by later this month.

On Sept. 5, trustees from both districts held a joint meeting to discuss the status of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the two districts that would hand Custer’s fire and ambulance operations over to Braidwood.

Permit forms available on Braidwood website

Published by admin on Tue, 09/12/2023 - 4:50pm

The city of Braidwood has been making changes to its website in an effort to put city information at the fingertips of residents.

While there are still some kinks to work out, over the past few months the city has made available council agendas and ordinances on its website.

On Aug. 22, City Clerk Sarah Weaver reminded the public that forms can also be found on the website, including building permits, which can be submitted directly to the building department.

Braidwood coalition plans for anti-vaping campaign

Published by admin on Tue, 08/22/2023 - 5:01pm

As the Braidwood Area Healthy Community Coalition (BAHCC) waits to hear if it is the recipient of years six to 10 of a Drug Free Communities grant, the organization is working on campaigns to help reduce vaping among local teens.

During this month’s meeting of the BAHCC, which was held on Aug. 14, program Director Pete Dell’Aquila said the coalition is adding an anti-vaping campaign with the assistance of state funded communication materials that the BAHCC receives though grant funds.